![]() It all starts with LeBron James, who entered that game averaging 25 points on 50% shooting from distance in his past 10 outings. Destroying the Pelicans by north of 40 points in the semifinals was an example of this. It really does seem like Los Angeles started to mesh during the NBA In-Season Tournament.Tim Hardaway’s solid play (16.8 PPG) has been huge for the Mavs, too, as they sit at 12-8 on the season. These two are averaging a combined 53.0 points, 11.9 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game. After struggling to mesh last season, the duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are doing their thing in Big D.But with Beal’s future status unknown, there are real questions here. It has obviously impacted the Suns as they’ve started a disappointing 12-9 on the season. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have played all of one game together.1 in the NBA in points allowed and defensive rating. The ‘Wolves have won 15 of their past 17 games, including victories over the Celtics, Warriors (twice), Suns, 76ers and Thunder. What can we say about the Minnesota Timberwolves that has not already been said? With Anthony Edwards (25.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.1 APG) leading the charge, this team stands at 16-4.This team is for real.Ģ024 NBA mock draft: Early look at Bronny James, Matas Buzelis and more A total of seven players are averaging north of nine points with Paolo Banchero (20.6 PPG) and Franz Wagner (20.4 PPG) leading the charge. What’s so impressive here is how well-rounded the Magic have been. It’s their best start since all the way back in 2010-11 when Dwight Howard was doing his thing. How about them Orlando Magic? The team has won 14 of 21 to open the season.That really shouldn’t be the case with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo seen as plus-level defenders. It’s been about a lack of defense with opponents having dropped at least 131 points in each of the past three games. Though, the team has also lost four of six heading into the weekend. After an ugly 1-4 start this season, Miami has won 11 of its past 16 games.Barrett (18.9 PPG, 38% 3-point shooting) and Immanuel Quickley (15.0 PPG) have stepped up, too. We continue to love what Jalen Brunson (24.9 PPG, 5.6 APG, 47% shooting) is doing in New York. That included winning 10 of 13 after a mediocre start to the season. The New York Knicks were in the midst of a stellar run before being blown out by Milwaukee in the quarterfinals of the in-season tournament.Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey need more help. This includes defeats at the hands of other playoff-caliber teams in that of the Pacers, Timberwolves and Pelicans. Since an 8-1 start to the season, Philadelphia has lost six of 11. That really is what the barometer should be for this team, even after trading away James Harden. Philadelphia has lost two of three against Boston thus far this season.This tells us what the team is capable of. The Bucks have also put up big wins against Philadelphia and Miami. The team sits at 15-6 with losses to the Hawks, Raptors, Pacers and Magic mixed in. It’s been a mixed bag for Milwaukee as Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo look to mesh.The additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday really rounded out this roster, too. Jayson Tatum (27.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.2 APG) is playing at an MVP leel. It is 7-3 against teams we predict to make the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Boston’s loss to Indiana in the In-Season NBA Tournament notwithstanding, this team is still the class of the East.Of course, OKC would also be secured a play-in spot if it goes 2-0 or if Dallas ends up dropping both of its final two games.īut if the Thunder win one of their remaining games and the Mavs take both of theirs, it won’t see Giddey and Oklahoma City advance. Josh Giddey’s Thunder hold the tie-breaker over Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s Mavericks and would clinch if it goes 1-1 and Dallas goes 1-1. The final battle is between Oklahoma City (to come: vs Grizzlies), Dallas (to come: vs Bulls, vs Spurs) for the No.10 seed. Meanwhile, having defeated the Lakers, the Clippers are now in the box seat to finish fifth and earn a date with Phoenix, though with both still to play the Suns, the No.4 seed will have plenty to say about who they face.īoth the Pelicans and Timberwolves need help to avoid the play-in but with a final-day game against each other to come, you’d suspect the winner of their clash will finish No.8 with the loser No.9 (unless one of the teams above them really falls apart this week).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |