1
|
Jazz
|
Utah remained the league’s hottest staff this week, with wins over the Pistons, Hawks, Hornets and Pacers. The offense has considerably come again to Earth, however the Jazz clamped down defensively with a 103.3 ranking this week. Donovan Mitchell was phenomenal this week, like he has been all season, averaging 26.8 factors and 5.5 assists on 53 p.c 3-point taking pictures. Mike Conley’s hamstring damage could possibly be the one factor that slows down the Jazz at this level, since their guard rotation has been fairly shallow, however Joe Ingles can present the lacking playmaking and taking pictures.
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— |
20-5 |
2
|
Lakers
|
The Lakers have gotten again on the successful monitor, rattling off 4 straight victories after back-to-back losses final week. After beating the Hawks, they put a second-half blitz on the Nuggets in an enormous win on Thursday, then held on to beat the pesky Pistons in double-overtime on Saturday. LeBron James averaged 27 factors, 10 assists and seven.3 rebounds for the week, whereas Dennis Schroder added practically 20 factors per sport on absurd 20-for-28 area objective taking pictures within the three wins.
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2 |
19-6 |
3
|
Bucks
|
Milwaukee discovered its defensive stride this week because the offense continues to be a juggernaut, and that components has resulted in 4 straight wins by a mean of 23 factors. Seven Bucks averaged double-figure scoring for the week, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo at 24 factors per sport. The Bucks additionally caught fireplace from deep, making over 16 3-pointers per sport at a 44.5 p.c clip within the 4 wins.
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6 |
16-8 |
4
|
76ers
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The Sixers’ loss this week was actually baffling, as they have been blown out by the Blazers with out Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum. They bounced again to beat the short-handed Nets on Saturday behind a dominant Joel Embiid, who averaged 34.7 factors and eight.3 rebounds this week as his MVP marketing campaign tour continues. Tobias Harris has quietly put collectively a implausible season, and he averaged practically 20 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists this week.
|
2 |
18-7 |
5
|
Clippers
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Three losses and a worrisome foot damage to Paul George make this a tough week for the Clippers, who take a slight tumble within the rankings. They struggled to make up for George’s manufacturing after he went out, although Lou Williams seems to lastly be discovering a rhythm. He put up a season-high 23 factors within the loss to the Kings on Sunday, and so they’ll want him to get again to his bucket-getting methods for so long as George is out. Kawhi Leonard averaged 26.3 factors for the week, however shot simply 22 p.c from 3-point vary.
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2 |
17-8 |
6
|
Nets
|
An enormous win over the Clippers to start out the week was adopted by two odd video games. First, Kevin Durant went out and in of the lineup earlier than lastly being faraway from the loss to the Raptors as a consequence of NBA well being and security protocols. Each Durant and Kyrie Irving then missed Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, so it was a tough week to gauge. Their one sport at full energy was spectacular, nevertheless, so we cannot penalize them an excessive amount of this week. James Harden averaged 22 factors, 12 assists and 9 rebounds within the three video games.
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— |
14-12 |
7
|
Suns
|
Phoenix went 3-1 in every week that noticed Devin Booker return to the courtroom after a four-game absence. Booker averaged 22.5 factors and three.8 assists on 35 p.c 3-point taking pictures, whereas Chris Paul continued his regular manufacturing with 19.8 factors and 6 assists per sport. It is clear the offense nonetheless is not absolutely clicking, however the Suns protection has been tenacious sufficient to maintain them within the win column. Frank Kaminsky has been a pleasant offensive prompt the bench, averaging 10.3 factors in 18 minutes per sport this week, whereas taking pictures 61.5 p.c from the sector.
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3 |
14-9 |
8
|
Spurs
|
The Spurs shook off their second straight loss to the Grizzlies to select up back-to-back wins over the Wolves and Rockets to shut out the week. LaMarcus Aldridge missed the 2 wins and could possibly be out for prolonged time with a hip damage, which makes the Spurs look loads just like the staff that impressed within the bubble final summer season. Derrick White continued to ramp up his minutes this week, drawing the beginning and scoring 14 factors in 29 minutes in Saturday’s win. DeMar DeRozan led the best way with averages of 24.7 factors, seven rebounds and 6.3 assists for the week.
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1 |
14-11 |
9
|
Kings
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Simply try to cease the Kings. Sacramento received all 4 video games this week, making it six of seven total, and the loss was by a single level to the Warmth. This week’s wins have been spectacular — over the surging Pelicans, Celtics, Nuggets and Clippers (regardless of the latter three lacking key gamers) — offering the sense that the turnaround could possibly be for actual. The largest distinction, in fact, is getting the protection to a satisfactory stage after a traditionally unhealthy efficiency to start out the season. De’Aaron Fox has been unimaginable, averaging 31 factors and eight.8 assists for the week, whereas rookie Tyrese Haliburton put up career-high level totals in back-to-back video games this week, and has turn into one of many staff’s finest clutch gamers. We do not understand how lengthy this can final, however the Kings positive are enjoyable to observe proper now.
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12 |
12-12 |
10
|
Nuggets
|
The Nuggets solely performed two video games this week after Monday’s matchup with the Pistons was postponed. A disappointing second-half effort resulted in a loss to the Lakers, then Nikola Jokic’s career-high 50 factors weren’t sufficient to get Denver previous Sacramento on Saturday with out Jamal Murray. Mike Malone wasn’t pleased with the turnovers within the collapse in opposition to the Lakers, and the protection that had gotten the Nuggets heading in the right direction took a step again this week.
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5 |
12-11 |
11
|
Celtics
|
It is exhausting to even bear in mind a time when the Celtics had all their key gamers absolutely wholesome on the identical time, and that pattern continued this week with Jaylen Brown lacking two video games. Jayson Tatum averaged 27.8 factors and seven.3 rebounds per sport, however Kemba Walker has but to seek out his offensive stride. He hit a clutch go-ahead jumper to beat the Clippers, however has made simply 32 p.c of his area objectives over his final 4 video games, together with a dreadful 4-for-20 efficiency in Sunday’s loss to the Suns.
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3 |
12-11 |
12
|
Pelicans
|
The Pelicans have responded after coach Stan Van Gundy questioned their effort a few weeks in the past, going 3-1 this week to make it 5 wins of their final seven video games. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson led the best way offensively this week, averaging 25 and 23 factors per sport, respectively. Lonzo Ball discovered his 3-point stroke, making 15 of 27 from deep within the 4 video games. New Orleans continues to be most likely enjoying a bit too slowly given its personnel, but it surely seems prefer it has figured some issues out offensively.
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7 |
11-12 |
13
|
Trail Blazers
|
Portland’s most spectacular win of the week unexpectedly got here with out Damian Lillard, a drubbing of the 76ers in Philadelphia. Lillard averaged 26 factors and eight assists within the three video games he performed, and the Blazers have pieced collectively the scoring effort round him with CJ McCollum nonetheless out of the lineup. Gary Trent has stepped up as a constant contributor, averaging 19.3 factors on 43 p.c 3-point taking pictures this week. Protection continues to be an issue.
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4 |
13-10 |
14
|
Warriors
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Steph Curry, goodness gracious. The Warriors adopted up a loss to the Celtics with two unimaginable offensive efforts in opposition to the Mavericks. They scored 147 factors in Thursday’s win, then Curry went off for 57 factors, together with 11 3-pointers, in a dropping effort in Saturday’s rematch. Kelly Oubre Jr. broke out of his season-long taking pictures stoop by dropping a career-high 40 factors on Thursday, whereas Draymond Inexperienced relished his function as small-ball heart (he is the one possibility left as a consequence of accidents), doling out 15 assists in back-to-back video games in opposition to the Mavericks. However nonetheless, Golden State solely has one win to indicate for it.
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1 |
13-12 |
15
|
Raptors
|
It was a wierd sport in opposition to the Nets with Kevin Durant out and in of the lineup, however give the Raptors credit score for hanging on for an enormous win. The offense exploded for Toronto in a 2-1 week, as Fred VanVleet scored 54 factors in Tuesday’s win over the Magic, probably the most ever for an undrafted NBA participant. Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell every averaged 20 factors for the week, whereas Kyle Lowry added 17.7 factors, 7.3 assists and 6.0 rebounds on 42 p.c 3-point taking pictures. Nick Nurse stated OG Anunoby may return quickly, which ought to solely assist Toronto on each ends.
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7 |
11-13 |
16
|
Rockets
|
The Rockets ran their win streak to 5 video games earlier than dropping to the Thunder on Wednesday, and wound up with a 2-2 week. The protection continues to be excellent, and the query is whether or not they’ll get sufficient offense on any given evening, notably with their finest scorers out and in of the lineup with accidents. Eric Gordon has been probably the most constant of the bunch, averaging 23.3 factors on 44 p.c 3-point taking pictures this week. Christian Wooden’s ankle damage ought to present additional alternative for DeMarcus Cousins, who put up a double-double because the starter in Saturday’s loss to the Spurs.
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5 |
11-13 |
17
|
Pacers
|
It was a tough week for the Pacers, who’ve now misplaced 5 of their final six video games. A number of the staff’s finest minutes truly got here when coach Nate Bjorkgren allowed the bench unit to shut out the sport in opposition to the Pelicans, erasing an 18-point deficit earlier than ultimately struggling a one-point loss. Malcolm Brogdon has cooled off from his scorching begin to the season, and the Pacers merely cannot afford that with TJ Warren and Caris LeVert sidelined. Domantas Sabonis averaged 23.3 factors, 10.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per sport this week, and went 7 for 12 from 3-point vary.
|
5 |
12-12 |
18
|
Mavericks
|
The Mavericks went 2-2 this week, and the vitality seems to be returning because the staff will get wholesome. They allowed 147 factors to the Warriors on Thursday, however obtained revenge on Saturday in one of the vital entertaining video games of the season. Luka Doncic has been on one other planet not too long ago, averaging 30.3 factors and 9.8 assists on 43 p.c 3-point taking pictures for the week. Kristaps Porzingis has struggled at instances, however he is beginning to get extra constant minutes, which ought to ultimately assist him discover a rhythm.
|
5 |
11-14 |
19
|
Hawks
|
Atlanta went 1-3 this week with losses to the Lakers, Jazz and a hungry Mavericks staff. Trae Younger missed the Utah sport, however ended the week with a 28-point, 13-assist efficiency within the Hawks’ win over the Raptors. John Collins had a powerful week, averaging 23.3 factors and eight.3 rebounds on 43 p.c 3-point taking pictures.
|
5 |
11-12 |
20
|
Hornets
|
Accidents to Terry Rozier, and later Devonte’ Graham, allowed LaMelo Ball to enter the beginning lineup this week for the primary time in his NBA profession. The 19-year-old didn’t disappoint, averaging 22.3 factors, 5.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds on 48 p.c 3-point taking pictures in 4 begins. The Hornets went 2-2 in these video games, together with an time beyond regulation win in opposition to the Warmth and a blowout of the Wizards. It definitely feels as if Ball has performed sufficient to stay within the beginning lineup even when Graham returns, however we’ll have to observe James Borrego’s plan unfold.
|
2 |
12-13 |
21
|
Grizzlies
|
The Grizz beat the Spurs handily to start out the week earlier than embarking on a three-game skid as they proceed to get again into rhythm after an prolonged layoff. Ja Morant had a tough week offensively, averaging 13.5 factors on 37.5 p.c taking pictures, however Memphis obtained a lift with the return of Jonas Valanciunas, who put up 23 factors and 7 rebounds in 24 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Pelicans.
|
6 |
9-10 |
22
|
Thunder
|
A number of the lineups may need been unrecognizable to informal followers, however the Thunder went 2-2 this week, splitting collection with the Rockets and Timberwolves. Al Horford was good within the three video games he performed, averaging 18.3 factors, 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 54 p.c 3-point taking pictures, whereas Hamidou Diallo averaged 15.5 factors, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists as he is been given additional alternative with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lacking two video games.
|
6 |
10-13 |
23
|
Heat
|
The Warmth misplaced shut video games to the Hornets and Wizards to start out the week, however beat Washington handily within the rematch earlier than taking down the Knicks on Sunday. Miami’s protection is beginning to get to the extent we have come to anticipate because the bubble, and the offensive circulation ought to solely enhance as gamers who missed massive chunks of time get extra video games underneath their belt. Jimmy Butler has been doing just a little little bit of every part, averaging 18.8 factors, 8.8 rebounds and eight.0 assists for the week, whereas Bam Adebayo led the staff with 21.3 factors per sport.
|
3 |
10-14 |
24
|
Knicks
|
The Knicks made a transfer that implies the playoffs are a precedence, giving up a few property to get Derrick Rose again within the combine with former coach Tom Thibodeau. It’s kind of curious given the current emergence of rookie Immanuel Quickley, however we’ll see how the rotation shakes out. As for this week, the Knicks went 2-2, led by 24.5 factors, 10.3 rebounds and 6 assists per sport from Julius Randle, who made 48 p.c of his practically six 3-point makes an attempt per sport. Alec Burks is rounding into kind as a bench scorer, placing up 12.5 factors per sport on 48 p.c 3-point taking pictures this week.
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— |
11-15 |
25
|
Bulls
|
The Bulls break up a pair of collection with the Knicks and Magic, and ended the week with a powerful win over Orlando with out Lauri Markkanen within the lineup. Coach Billy Donovan felt Zach LaVine wasn’t aggressive sufficient within the first sport in opposition to the Magic, and that is all LaVine wanted to listen to. He made 16-of-25 pictures, together with 5 of 6 from deep, en path to 39 factors in Saturday’s win.
|
2 |
9-14 |
26
|
Cavaliers
|
The Cavs beat the Wolves to start out off the week earlier than being blown out thrice, first by the Clippers after which twice by the Bucks. The offense continues to be a slog, and that is simply not going to chop it in opposition to prolific offenses like those they confronted this week. So as to add damage to insult, Larry Nance Jr. returned to the lineup on Saturday, solely to undergo a damaged finger that’s anticipated to sideline him for 4-to-6 weeks. Collin Sexton saved up his robust play, averaging 22.3 factors on 42.9 3-point taking pictures for the week.
|
1 |
10-15 |
27
|
Wizards
|
The Wizards received the one shut sport they performed this week, beating the Warmth in Miami, however they dropped the opposite three by a substantial margin. Ho-hum, Bradley Beal averaged 26.8 factors per sport this week, however he obtained nearly no assist from his supporting forged. Russell Westbrook averaged 14 factors within the three video games he performed, taking pictures 14 p.c from 3-point vary.
|
1 |
6-15 |
28
|
Magic
|
The Magic misplaced two video games this week that weren’t notably shut, however between them got here a masterful efficiency from Nikola Vucevic, who put up a career-high 43 factors to associate with 19 rebounds in Friday’s win over the Bulls. That was the lone vibrant spot for Orlando, nevertheless, which had a league-worst 122.4 defensive ranking this week. With Aaron Gordon out for the subsequent month or so along with Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz being performed for the 12 months, will probably be powerful for the Magic to string collectively wins.
|
1 |
9-16 |
29
|
Pistons
|
The Pistons actually like enjoying in opposition to the Lakers, apparently. After dropping their first two video games of the week to the Jazz and Suns, Detroit took the Lakers to double-overtime however could not fairly end issues off. Josh Jackson capped off a powerful week with 28 factors and eight rebounds within the loss to the Lakers, whereas Jerami Grant averaged 26.7 factors within the three video games. Dennis Smith Jr. is coming over from the Knicks within the Derrick Rose deal, so we’ll see if he will get the chance to earn rotation minutes.
|
3 |
6-18 |
30
|
Timberwolves
|
The Wolves performed 4 shut video games this week, however solely got here away with a win on Friday in opposition to the Thunder. Naz Reid scored a career-high 29 factors within the rematch on Saturday, however missed a late hook shot that would have despatched the sport to time beyond regulation. The excellent news is that Karl-Anthony Cities is ramping up his exercise, based on coach Ryan Saunders, and will get again on the courtroom within the close to future.
|
— |
6-18 |
