1
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Nuggets
|
Regardless of how good your crew is, it is nonetheless spectacular to win a highway sport with out your two greatest gamers. That is precisely what the Nuggets did with out Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in Portland on Saturday en path to an ideal 4-0 week. Jokic returned to place up an off-the-cuff 29, 11 and eight in Monday’s win over the Grizzlies. Denver is again in acquainted territory because the West’s high seed.
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1
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51-21
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2
|
Celtics
|
It simply goes to point out you ways good this league is, when the Celtics led Atlanta by 30 on Monday, nicely on their solution to a tenth straight win, however they misplaced focus and wound up taking the surprising L. We cannot learn an excessive amount of into it, for the reason that Celtics have been totally dominant, nevertheless it was sufficient to price them the No. 1 spot within the rankings this week.
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1
|
57-15
|
3
|
Timberwolves
|
The Wolves continued their admirable play with out Karl-Anthony Cities, almost pulling off a stunner in opposition to the Nuggets earlier than beating the Cavs and Warriors. This week was significantly notable as a result of they had been in a position to win regardless of a tough stretch from Anthony Edwards, who averaged 19.5 factors on 37% capturing within the two victories.
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—
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49-22
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4
|
Bucks
|
The Bucks made issues fascinating in opposition to the Celtics with out Giannis Antetokounmpo to start out the week, then completed issues with a blowout win over the Thunder on Sunday. Milwaukee has now gained 5 of its final seven video games, scoring over 121 factors per 100 possessions throughout that span. Damian Lillard was within the working for Jap Convention Participant of the Week with averages of 24 factors and eight assists on 50% 3-point capturing.
|
5
|
46-25
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5
|
Thunder
|
The Thunder had their four-game successful streak rudely dropped at a halt with a 25-point thrashing by the hands of the Bucks on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s manufacturing has dropped ever so barely during the last eight video games, averaging “simply” 26 factors on 32% 3-point capturing. Extra notably, his free throw makes an attempt have fallen from almost 9 per sport to seven. It is one thing to trace because the playoffs draw close to.
|
1
|
49-21
|
6
|
Pelicans
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The Pelicans obtained a scare with an unpleasant knee damage to Brandon Ingram, and had been relieved to listen to there was no structural harm. There wasn’t any letdown, as New Orleans gained each video games after Ingram went down — that is the luxurious of getting a scorer like CJ McCollum, who averaged 27 factors on 11-for-21 3-point capturing within the victories.
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1
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44-27
|
7
|
Knicks
|
Even the red-hot Knicks could not muster sufficient for a win in Denver, however they beat up on the Nets and Pistons to maintain the practice rolling. The Knicks now have the NBA’s third-best web score since buying OG Anunoby, as they proceed to struggle for a top-three seed — which might crucially keep away from a possible second-round matchup with the Celtics.
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1
|
43-28
|
8
|
Kings
|
The Kings have now misplaced to the Path Blazers, Hornets, Pistons and Wizards this season, and but, they nonetheless personal the sixth-best report within the West. It is a bizarre crew. Domantas Sabonis has crept below the radar for a lot of the season, however he simply set the NBA post-merger report for consecutive video games with a double-double (54). Give that man his flowers. Additionally, Sacramento may be very near being top-10 in offense and protection for the reason that All-Star break. *Eyes emoji*
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—
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42-29
|
9
|
Magic
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Orlando had a number of makes an attempt to beat the Kings within the closing seconds, however could not full an ideal week after wins over the Hornets and Pelicans. Nonetheless, the Magic are one of many league’s hottest groups, winners of 11 of their final 15 video games. Jonathan Isaac has quietly put up an incredible (wholesome!) season defensively, and he confirmed off his offensive chops with a career-high 25 factors within the loss to Sacramento.
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2
|
42-29
|
10
|
Mavericks
|
The Mavs took care of enterprise in opposition to the Spurs and twice in opposition to the Jazz this week, as they attempt to keep above that dreaded Play-In Event line within the standings. It reveals how a lot Luka Doncic has spoiled us {that a} week of averaging 27 factors, 12 assists and 10 rebounds is taken into account subpar. The addition of Daniel Gafford continues to seem like a stroke of genius, as the massive man averaged 17 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks within the three video games this week.
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—
|
42-29
|
11
|
Pacers
|
The Pacers gained three of 4 video games this week (and the loss to the Lakers might be attributed to the officiating crew, in accordance with Rick Carlisle). The offense was in excessive gear, averaging 132 factors of their 4 video games this week, as Tyrese Haliburton seems to lastly be breaking out of his extended hunch. Indiana is clinging to the No. 6 seed, making an attempt to keep away from the Play-In Event.
|
3
|
41-32
|
12
|
Suns
|
Simply after we thought the Suns are beginning to put it collectively, they lose to the Spurs with out Victor Wembanyama — not very best once you’re preventing for a Western Convention playoff place. Even with the loss, Phoenix has gained seven of its final 11, and might realistically transfer anyplace from the No. 4 seed to No. 9 over the house stretch. Up subsequent: video games in opposition to the Nuggets, Thunder and Pelicans on the highway. Buckle up.
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1
|
42-30
|
13
|
Warmth
|
If Miami finally ends up dealing with the Cavs within the first spherical, this week ought to give the crew some confidence — in case it wanted any extra. Miami beat the Cavs twice in 5 days, the second by almost 40 factors. Terry Rozier hit what turned out to be the game-winning step-back 3-pointer with 15 seconds left within the first win over Cleveland, and averaged 17 factors for the week on 44% 3-point capturing.
|
3
|
39-32
|
14
|
Cavaliers
|
Three losses this week — two to the Warmth — noticed the Cavs drop essential floor to the Bucks within the race for the No. 2 seed within the East. The excellent news is that Evan Mobley returned on Sunday after a nine-game absence, averaging 16 factors, six rebounds and 5 assists in two video games.
|
9
|
44-28
|
15
|
Clippers
|
Sunday’s 14-point dwelling loss to the 76ers prompted Ty Lue to say that his crew wanted to “wake the hell up.” They responded by … dropping by 17 at dwelling to the Pacers almost 24 hours later. I assume they hit the snooze button just a few too many instances. The protection continues to be the most important concern, which reeks of a scarcity of effort and cohesion. Russell Westbrook’s return on Monday no less than introduced some power, as he put up 14 factors, seven assists and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes.
|
3
|
44-27
|
16
|
Lakers
|
Solely two video games this week for the Lakers, they usually gained each in fairly contrasting style. They scored 101 factors in a defensive-minded win over the 76ers, then put up 150 in Sunday’s five-point victory over the Pacers. Anthony Davis was named Western Convention Participant of the Week, averaging 30 factors, 18 rebounds and three blocks within the wins. The Lakers are beginning to develop a death-grip on the No. 9 spot.
|
2
|
39-32
|
17
|
Rockets
|
Properly, nicely, nicely, look who’s again over .500 for the primary time since January and only a half-game out of the ultimate Play-In Event spot. It has been an incredible run from the Rockets, who’ve gained 9 straight video games and put copious quantities of strain on the Warriors, present holders of the No. 10 spot. Through the streak, Houston has scored 123 factors per 100 possessions with a plus-14 web score. Jalen Inexperienced has continued his offensive assault since Alperen Sengun’s damage, averaging 34 factors this week on 51/46/82 capturing splits. That is enjoyable.
|
2
|
36-35
|
18
|
76ers
|
Exterior of a powerful win over the Clippers on Sunday, the West Coast swing did not go nicely for the 76ers, who’ve fallen all the way in which to the No. 8 spot within the East. Offense has been the principle concern, because the Sixers have put up simply 108 factors per 100 possessions for the reason that All-Star break. Examine that to the 121 they had been averaging with Joel Embiid on the ground. Any hope of the massive man returning through the postseason might disappear if the 76ers get bounced within the Play-In Event.
|
3
|
39-33
|
19
|
Warriors
|
A month in the past, when the Warriors had been enjoying a few of the league’s greatest basketball, who would have thought that they’d be preventing to the demise for the ultimate Play-In spot down the stretch? That is what occurs once you go 4-7 over your final 11 video games, and the crew beneath you — the Houston Rockets — actually by no means loses. Each Draymond Inexperienced and Steve Kerr talked about “dangerous habits,” however all anybody within the Bay desires to speak about is Kerr’s unwillingness to play Steph Curry greater than 35 minutes to get some wins.
|
2
|
36-34
|
20
|
Hawks
|
Do you imagine in miracles? The Hawks pulled one off on Monday, erasing a 30-point deficit to beat one of many all-time nice NBA regular-season groups within the Celtics. De’Andre Hunter hit the dagger (though he most likely should not have even shot it), as he averaged 19 factors in a 2-1 week for Atlanta. Does the wild comeback give the Hawks hope for an upset in a possible playoff matchup with Boston? So much has to occur earlier than we get there, however maybe that may be the case.
|
2
|
32-39
|
21
|
Bulls
|
It was three straight losses this week for the Bulls, the final of which was an embarrassing one to the Wizards with out two of their three main scorers. Attending to No. 8 seems to be out of the query for Chicago, and the Bulls will preserve their deal with ensuring they host the 9-10 sport in opposition to the Hawks.
|
1
|
34-38
|
22
|
Jazz
|
4 losses this week make it six in a row general for the Jazz, who’re basically enjoying with a special lineup each evening. Lauri Markkanen continues to be superb when he is allowed to play, averaging 28 factors and 5 rebounds on 7-for-18 3-point capturing in his two video games this week.
|
1
|
29-43
|
23
|
Nets
|
Mikal Bridges was in comparison with an envious Squidward by former Villanova teammate Josh Hart after a loss to the crosstown rival Knicks, as Brooklyn’s dropping streak reached six video games. The Nets turned issues round, nevertheless, by holding the depleted Raptors to 88 factors in Monday’s win. Yay?
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2
|
27-45
|
24
|
Grizzlies
|
The Grizz had been blown out by the Warriors and Nuggets this week, however they squeezed in a win over the Spurs in between. Desmond Bane has been unable to search out the vary since getting back from damage, averaging simply 10.5 factors within the two losses this week on 30% subject targets. Rookie GG Jackson — the youngest participant within the NBA — continues to make his presence felt with the additional alternative, averaging 21 factors this week on 37% 3-point capturing.
|
3
|
24-48
|
25
|
Wizards
|
I am performed attempting to grasp issues. The Wizards went from giving up no less than 127 factors in every of their final 4 losses to rattling off three straight wins whereas permitting a median of 105 factors per 100 possessions. To not point out Monday’s win over the Bulls got here with out two of their three main scorers, Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija. Chaos is a ladder.
|
5
|
14-58
|
26
|
Spurs
|
Getting into Monday evening, the Spurs had one win this season with out Victor Wembanyama. Now they’ve two — and the second got here in opposition to the Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-Bradley Beal led Suns *shrug*. Jeremy Sochan hit the game-winning 3-pointer whereas San Antonio held the prolific Phoenix offense to only 102 factors.
|
2
|
16-56
|
27
|
Path Blazers
|
The Blazers had been comparatively aggressive this week, however nonetheless misplaced all 4 video games as a number of key gamers missed video games (cease me when you’ve heard this one earlier than). Scoot Henderson has absolutely grabbed the reins amidst all of the absences, averaging 20 factors and 6 assists this week on 40% 3-point capturing.
|
4
|
19-53
|
28
|
Hornets
|
Three extra losses this week for the Hornets with a median margin of 28 factors, together with a 41-point drubbing by the hands of the Hawks. Rookie Brandon Miller was one of many lone vivid spots, averaging 19 factors and 6 rebounds for the week on 39% 3-point capturing.
|
2
|
17-54
|
29
|
Pistons
|
The Pistons reached 60 losses with a bang, falling to the Knicks by 25 factors on Monday evening. Former No. 2 general choose James Wiseman (bear in mind him?) was pressed into motion as a consequence of accidents, and the massive man responded by averaging 15 factors and 10 rebounds for the week on 67% capturing.
|
1
|
12-60
|
30
|
Raptors
|
Issues are dangerous throughout in Toronto proper now, with the dropping streak as much as 11 video games and considered one of their gamers — Jontay Porter — the topic of a playing investigation. Some optimistic information is that RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have each returned to the crew after being out for private causes.
|
1
|
23-49
|
