Who Needs James Harden?; Jokic Dominates Golden State! 1.14.21
It’s another day of NBA hoops, as we have 5 games on the schedule today.
Game Of The Day Prediction: Warriors vs Nuggets or Blazers vs Pacers
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Heat battled with the 76ers hard last time these two played on Tuesday, but they were very short-handed, without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, and others. Unfortunately, the same thing will happen in this game, as the Heat are very short-handed. The 76ers were also short-handed in their last win vs the Heat, but now they are getting some of their guys back. Tobias Harris and Shake Milton will both be returning to the lineup, in addition to Embiid, Simmons, and Maxey. The 76ers have the talent advantage in this game, and they should win.
Miami Heat
The Heat were again short-handed in this game, as they were run out of the gym. This game was never really close, as the Heat only had 8 guys that they can play. Miami just needs to recover from this Covid, and they can start to win. Miami is 4-6 on the year, and they take on the Detroit Pistons next.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers got healthy (relatively), and they dominated this game. They got back Tobias Harris and Shake Milton, and they made an immediate impact. Now when Seth Curry gets back, they will be back at full strength. The 76ers were able to get a few wins while they were dealing with Covid, as they are now 9-4 on the year.
Shake Milton had 31 points and 7 assists on 11/15 shooting off the bench.
Tobias Harris had 18 points on 7/13 shooting.
Tyrese Maxey had 15 points on 6/10 shooting.
While Embiid and Simmons were struggling to score, the 76ers supporting cast played very well. Shake Milton has red-hot in his first game in a week, scoring 31 points off the bench. Maxey and Harris were also solid, while Embiid and Simmons combined for just 19 points. Seth Curry will be coming back soon, and when he does, the 76ers will be able to be back at full strength. The 76ers are now 9-4 on the year, and they take on the Memphis Grizzlies next.
Charlotte Hornets vs Toronto Raptors
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Hornets had been one of the hottest teams in the league, but they didn’t look good against the Raptors. The Hornets roster can be very good and bad, but they can be explosive offensively. Gordon Hayward is out, so the Hornets will need some scoring from their backcourt and bench. The Raptors record suggests they are bad, but they’ve lost their last two games by one, with Pascal Siakam missing both potential game-winning shots. The Raptors can be good if their defense can hold down opponents, and if their offense decides to show up. I definitely think the Raptors are capable off reeling off a lot of wins in a row if they’re playing well, and they have an opportunity again the Hornets, a game that I definitely think they can win.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets trailed in this game throughout, but they managed to comeback and nearly win, but they couldn’t knock of the Raptors. In the first half the Hornets shot 56% from the field and scored 62 points. But their defense was awful, allowing 71 Raptors points on 58% shooting. The Hornets kept fighting in the 3rd, and they trailed by 13 entering the 4th. But the Hornets really stepped it up down the stretch. They got back into the game because of their excellent defense, trailing by 3 with 44 seconds left. With under 10 seconds left, the Hornets had a chance to tie the game. PJ Washington got a great look, but he missed and the Hornets came up just short in this game, as they’ve lost their last two games.
Terry Rozier had 22 points and 5 assists on 10/16 shooting.
PJ Washington had 20 points and 11 rebounds on 7/14 shooting.
Devonte Graham had 15 points on 5/12 3-PT.
The Hornets fought hard in this game, especially in the 4th. They made some big plays, and held the Raptors to just 12 points in the 4th. But PJ Washington missed a very good 3-point attempt and they fell just short. But there wasn’t a lot of drop-off on offense with Hayward out. The Hornets bench was very good led by Lamelo Ball who had another double-double. The Hornets have lost their last two, as they are now 6-7 on the year. They take on the Toronto Raptors again on Saturday.
Toronto Raptors
It wasn’t pretty, but the Raptors need all the wins they can get as they try and come out of this ugly 2-8 record. The Raptors offense was excellent in this game, especially in the first half where they shot 58% from the field, scoring 71 points. The Raptors led by 13 entering the 4th, and it seemed like it would be an easy win. That was not the case. The Raptors offense stalled out, and the Hornets had a chance to tie the game with under 10 seconds left. The Raptors allowed PJ Washington it get open, but he just missed and Toronto survived, improving to 3-8 on the year.
Chris Boucher had 25 points and 10 rebounds on 8/12 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had 17 points and 8 assists on 6/20 shooting.
Kyle Lowry had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 12 assists on 6/10 shooting.
The Raptors played very well for 3 quarters, but that 4th quarter was ugly. Toronto scored just 12 points in the 4th, as they nearly gave away this game. But they got the win, a win they desperately needed since their last two losses came by a combined 2 points. Chris Boucher continues to be excellent off the bench, as he lad Toronto in scoring today. The Raptors were solid all-around, as maybe this can start to get them going. Toronto is now 3-8 on the year, and they take on the Hornets again next time out.
Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs
Pre-Game Thoughts: After that monumental James Harden trade yesterday, the Rockets look a lot different. They added Victor Oladipo, Dante Exum, and Rodions Kurucs. I still don’t view this Rockets team as a playoff team, but they are decent. The Rockets might finally get to be a team with all the Harden drama behind them. But they are very short-handed, without Gordon and John Wall. The Spurs have been one of the more surprising teams this season, as they currently sit a 6-5. DeMar DeRozan is back, giving the Spurs some reliable scoring. Johnson, Walker, and Murray form a very talented and young backcourt. I think that the Spurs can make the playoffs, their offense just has to play well, and I definitely think they can do that. I think that the Spurs will win this game.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets played their best basketball of the season, when Harden left. Even though they were missing a lot of guys, they were still very good. Christian Wood led the charge in the first half, scoring 15 points, and the Rockets led by 3 at halftime. In the 3rd, the Spurs kept getting out in transition, and they scored 34 points. How Houston trailed by 4 entering the 4th, but they didn’t give up. With 5:09 left, Houston trailed by 8. But 3 straight 3-pointer got Houston back into it, and they took the lead with 2:09 left. With 9 seconds left, Houston led by 2 and San Antonio had one last chance to win the game. DeMar DeRozan got open in the mid-range, but his shot spun out and Houston wins their first game in the post-Harden era, as they are now 4-6 on the year.
Christian Wood had 27 points and 15 rebounds on 10/18 shooting.
Sterling Brown had 23 points and 7 rebounds on 9/17 shooting.
Christian Wood was dominant in this game, hitting 5 3’s and really controlling things down low. Sterling Brown was very good on the perimeter, and Jae’Sean Tate was excellent down the stretch, getting a big defensive stop. The Rockets looked a lot more free in this game, free from the burden of the James Harden fiasco. They will be getting Oladipo soon, as well as Eric Gordon and John Wall back from injury. This Rockets team will be a tough team, playing with a lot of heart each night. Houston takes on the Spurs again on Saturday.
San Antonio Spurs
This was a game the Spurs should have won, but Houston just out-worked them down the stretch. Christian Wood was a problem for LaMarcus Aldridge in the first half, and the Spurs trailed by 3, as they were shooting just 39% from the field. But in the 3rd quarter, the Spurs got back to what was working for them. They got in transition led by Keldon Johnson, and they took the lead entering the 4th behind 34 points in the 3rd. In the 4th, both teams continued to go back and forth. With 2 minutes left, the game was tied. The Spurs offense started to sputter, but they kept themselves within 4. With 8.5 seconds left, the Spurs had the ball, down by two. DeMar DeRozan made a great spin move to get open, but he just missed the mid-range jumper, and the Spurs came up just short, falling to 6-6 on the year.
Keldon Johnson had 29 points and 6 rebounds on 12/16 shooting.
Lonnie Walker had 16 points on 6/14 shooting.
The Spurs should have won this game. They had the momentum entering the 4th, but they were just outworked and outhustled by this Rockets team. Keldon Johnson was excellent in this game, and he was really the guy who got things going for the Spurs. DeRozan and Aldridge struggled mightily from the field, and these are the games that the Spurs have to win. Every game matters, especially in the West. The Spurs take on the Rockets again in Saturday.
Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Warriors have been good this season, still trying to adjust to playing with Steph Curry. But the Warriors have been much more consistent, and much less reliant on Curry to score. Andrew Wiggins has been excellent as of late, and Kelly Oubre finally had a good game. James Wiseman is very raw, but a good defender. Draymond Green anchors things on both ends. If they can just get their offense again an ok Denver defense, they can win. Denver has been up and down this season, and they have a lot of things that need to be fixed. Their defense is mediocre, as they fell the affects of not having Jerami Grant. Jamal Murray hasn’t been as aggressive as he was in the bubble, and hasn’t been the same. If Murray and Jokic can start to click, this team can get going. The Nuggets supporting cast is fine, defense is their problem. If they can contain Steph Curry, they have a decent chance of winning this game. And I think they’ll be able to do that and win this game.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors just couldn’t handle Nikola Jokic down low. Not that most teams can, but rookie James Wiseman didn’t really stand a chance. In the first half, Steph was keeping the Warriors in the game, but they still trailed by 11. Golden State allowed 65 points on 52% shooting, as their defense couldn’t keep up with the high-powered Denver offense. The Warriors fought valiantly in the 2nd half, but they just could never slow down Denver, and they fall to 6-6 on the year.
Steph Curry had 35 points and 11 assists on 14/23 shooting.
James Wiseman had 18 points and 5 rebounds on 8/13 shooting.
Andrew Wiggins had 16 points on 7/16 shooting.
Steph Curry was on fire, as he did his usual things. James Wiseman had his best offensive game of his career, shooting 61% from the field and scoring 18 points. Wiseman did struggle on defense against Nikola Jokic, but he’s 19 years old. He’ll be fine. Wiggins was ok, but Oubre continues to struggle, as he went just 3/10. The Warriors defense has to be better, as their offense wasn’t half bad. Golden State is now 6-6 on the year, and they take on the LA Lakers next.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets have been getting better, but defense was still a problem of theirs. And in this game, their defense was solid. Or their offense overshadowed the defense, which is likely true. Denver’s offense was rolling in the first half, as they scored 65 points on 52% shooting. They couldn’t seem to slow down Steph Curry, but they still had a healthy lead. In the 2nd half, the offense didn’t slow down, and the Nuggets just held their lead, never letting the Warriors get close. Denver improves to 6-6 on the year.
Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists on 8/16 shooting.
Will Barton had 17 points on 6/15 shooting.
Jamal Murray had 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6/18 shooting.
Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, showing us who’s really the best center in the league. He was schooling Wiseman and the Warriors down low, getting another triple-double. Will Barton was solid, but Jamal Murray continues to struggle shooting the ball. He hasn’t been close to as efficient as he was in the bubble. The Nuggets bench continues to be very good, with Morris, JaMychal Green, and PJ Dozier all being in double-figures. Since starting the year 1-4, Denver is 5-2 and back at 0.500. Denver takes on the Utah Jazz next.
Indiana Pacers vs Portland Trail Blazers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Pacers were involved in the block-buster James Harden deal, and they received Caris Levert in the deal. The Pacers have been very good this season, as they won their last game against the Warriors. The Pacers defense just has to show up for them to win games, as their offense is one of the best teams in the league. Portland has won their last 4 games, as their defense has been getting better. Dame and CJ are by far the best back-court in the NBA right now, and they have been torching people. The defense has been getting better, but still inconsistent at times. The Blazers will have their hands full with Indiana, but the same is true vice versa. This game will be very good, but I’m giving the slight edge to Portland.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers took it to Portland, as they dominated this game. In the 2nd quarter, the Pacers defense was swarming. Myles Turner and TJ McConnell were wreaking havoc all over the place, and Indiana allowed just 10 points in the 2nd quarter. They led by 23 at halftime. The lead was just 13 entering the 4th as Indiana took their foot off the gas a bit. But they again locked down Portland, allowing just 16 points in the 4th. Indiana controlled this game, as they improve to 8-4 on the year.
Malcolm Brogdon had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis had 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Doug McDermott had 16 points on 6/14 shooting off the bench.
Indiana’s defense which had been up and down over the past couple of games, was dominant in the 2nd and 4th quarters of this game. Myles Turner is one of the best interior defenders in the league, and Indiana is not going to regret keeping him. TJ McConnell is a pest off the bench, as he gives Indiana so much energy. Brogdon and Sabonis were again good, as Indiana rolled a hot Portland team. Indiana takes on the Clippers next on Sunday.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland was on the 2nd night of a back-to-back, and they got worked by Indiana. In the 2nd quarter, Portland just kind of bowed down to the Indiana pressure defense, and they scored just 10 points. They couldn’t get anything going. In the 3rd Portland’s offense was good, and their defense much better. But in the 4th, similar things happened to what happened in the 2nd. Portland’s offense just kind of halted, and they made no dent in the lead. Portland loses this game, but they got some even worse news. Jusuf Nurkic fractured his right wrist, meaning he will miss even more time. Nurkic was still getting back into game form, as this is a big setback for him and Portland.
Damian Lillard had 22 points and 6 rebounds on 7/16 shooting.
CJ McCollum had 22 points on 8/18 shooting.
The loss is bad for Portland, but there’s no shame to losing to a good team like Indiana. The way they lost is bad, as they couldn’t handle the pressure, but the bigger problem is the Nurkic injury. I’m guessing he’ll be out 4-6 weeks, maybe a bit longer, we’ll have to see. That means that Portland will need more production from Enes Kanter and Harry Giles. They will also need to run some smaller lineups. This will be a tough stretch for Portland without Nurkic, however, they are at home for the next 6 games. Portland takes on the Atlanta Hawks next.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 5-Game Schedule Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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