Are The 76ers Contenders?; Sexton Wins It For The Cavs! 1.2.21
It’s another day of NBA hoops, as we have 6 games on a Saturday. Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors take on Zion Williamson and the Pelicans.
Sacramento Kings vs Houston Rockets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Kings nearly beat this Rockets team, but they couldn’t make their shots down the stretch. Their roster is talented, but their defense just can’t stop Houston. Tyrese Haliburton is out, the rookie who had been great off their bench. Now the Kings lose some scoring, making this outing very tough. The Rockets got their first win of the year vs the Kings, as they looked good with a healthy roster. But the Rockets won’t be healthy tonight as James Harden is out. This means they need big games from John Wall, Christian Wood, and Eric Gordon. This Rockets team is decent, but nowhere near as good as when they have Harden. This game will be close, but I’m giving the edge to the Kings.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings played very well in this game, but their 4th quarter was ugly. The Kings offense played very well in the first half, scoring 64 points on 50% shooting. The game was tied, and the Kings were in a good position to win the game. The 3rd quarter was close, and the Kings trailed by 2 entering the 4th. And then things got ugly. The Kings didn’t score until the 8:23 mark in the 4th, and Houston scored 9 points in that time span. After the 8:23 mark, neither team scored until 4:54. The Kings offense stalled, as they scored just 13 points in the 4th. The Kings could have won this game, and instead they produced one of the worst quarters you will ever see.
De’Aaron Fox had 23 points on 8/19 shooting.
Harrison Barnes had 19 points and 7 rebounds on 7/13 shooting.
Buddy Hield had 17 points on 6/17 shooting.
This was a game that the Kings should have won. They were in this game, standing toe-to-toe with the Rockets. The Kings offense was good for 3 quarters, and then they just forgot how to score. They didn’t score for 4 minutes to start the 4th, and then nobody scored until there were 4 minutes left in the 4th. The Kings scored just 13 points, and they are now 3-3 on the year. The Kings face the Warriors next on Monday.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets might have gotten a little lucky in order to win this game, but they played well even without James Harden. The Rockets offense didn’t skip a beat as they scored 64 points in the first half on 51% shooting from the field. Houston was in a close game with the Kings, and they led by 2 entering the 4th. And then, things got weird. The Rockets scored 9 points to start the quarter, and they didn’t allow a Kings point until the 8:23 mark. After that Kings score, nobody scored until the 4:54 mark. It was just an ugly quarter. The Rockets scored just 19 points, but the Kings scored just 13 points, and the Rockets won their 2nd straight game.
John Wall had 28 points and 6 assists on 11/21 shooting.
Eric Gordon had 21 points on 7/18 shooting.
Christian Wood had 20 points and 15 rebounds on 7/14 shooting.
This game was ugly, but a win is a win. John Wall looked really good, as he tries to get back into game shape. Eric Gordon and Christian Wood were solid as well. When James Harden gets back, this Rockets team could be a playoff team. Assuming that they don’t trade James Harden, the Rockets might make the playoffs. They of course won’t win a title, but even with the whole James Harden saga, they might make the playoffs. The Rockets have won 2 straight games and are now 2-2 on the year. They face the Dallas Mavericks next on Monday.
OKC Thunder vs Orlando Magic
Pre-Game Thoughts: This OKC roster isn’t very good, as they try and start their rebuild. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Al Horford, and George Hill are the only decent players on this roster, the rest are a bunch of unproved, raw, young guys. Don’t expect a lot from this OKC team. The Magic have started this season off well at 4-1, but just got handed an ugly first loss from Philadelphia. Evan Fournier isn’t playing, but Terrence Ross is back in the lineup off the bench. This Magic team is a lot better than this OKC team, and I think that they will win this game.
OKC Thunder
Ok, the Thunder need to learn what rebuilding is. Let’s just put it this way, don’t win. And they are still winning. The Thunder shot 38% from the field in the first half, and still scored 52 points. And they were up by one. Entering the 4th, OKC was up by two. And then they just controlled the 4th. The Thunder allowed just 17 points, and beat (based on record), one of the best teams in the league. OKC is now 2-3 on the year.
Darius Bazley had 19 points and 12 rebounds on 7/10 shooting.
George Hill had 18 points and 5 assists on 7/12 shooting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on 5/17 shooting.
How is this Thunder team winning? This is beyond possible at this point. Their roster is just so weird, and I want to say bad but they’re 2-3, which is a better record than the Denver Nuggets. I swear if this OKC team makes the playoffs, I’m going to freak out. I know that’s not going to happen, but they’ve won 2/5 game so far, meaning that they’re decent. OKC takes on the Miami Heat next.
Orlando Magic
Yeah, this is more like it. This is what I expected from this Orlando team. Their roster was more talented than this OKC team, and yet they still lost. The Magic scored 51 points in the first half, shooting 40% from the field, and they were still trailing. And when they needed a final push to win the game in the 4th, they scored just 17 points. The Magic started off this season a red hot 4-0, and now they seemed to have come back to Earth.
Nikola Vucevic had 30 points and 13 rebounds on 13/21 shooting.
Terrence Ross had 26 points and 6 rebounds on 9/21 shooting off the bench.
Aaron Gordon had 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/15 shooting.
This Magic team looked so good to start the year. 4-0, one of the best offenses in the league. Vucevic, Fournier, Fultz, and Terrence Ross were all playing great. And then as of the last two games, they’ve looked so bad. The loss against Philly was to be expected, but this one wasn’t. They were playing the rebuilding Thunder, with about 5 guys you can name on roster that you know. And they lost. Welcome back to Earth, Orlando Magic. The Magic face the Cavs next.
New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Knicks have been decent this year, sitting at 2-3. Their roster has some nice parts with the likes of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett with lots of role players. The Knicks have looked a lot better this season, but they are overmatched when facing this Pacers team. Indiana is 4-1 to start the year, their offense being one of the best in the league. Led by All-Star Domantas Sabonis, along with a supporting cast of Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, and Myles Turner. A big blow with that TJ Warren foot injury, as he will miss a lot of time. But this Indiana team is still decent, and they should win this game.
New York Knicks
I’m telling you, this Knicks team isn’t half bad. I predicted them to be around 11-9 in the East, and people called me crazy. And here they are, beating a very good Indiana team. RJ Barrett and Elfrid Payton were unstoppable in the backcourt, as they fueled the Knicks to the win. Julius Randle didn’t play that great, but he still nearly had a triple-double. Austin Rivers was excellent off the bench, and the Knicks are 3-3 on the year.
RJ Barrett had 25 points and 5 rebounds on 8/15 shooting.
Elfrid Payton had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 8/17 shooting.
Mitchell Robinson had 16 points and 9 rebounds on 8/10 shooting.
This Knicks team beat the Pacers, without two of their better players. Obi Toppin hasn’t played much, but he is expected to come back in a few games. Alec Burks has been dealing with an ankle injury, so it’s been the Austin Rivers show off the bench. RJ Barrett seems to be a Pacer killer, as he’s had his two best games vs the Pacers. Elfrid Payton has been looking good, same goes for Mitchell Robinson. This Knicks team is decent, and they are definitely trending in the right direction. The Knicks play the Atlanta Hawks next.
Indiana Pacers
Yeah. The Pacers came into this game 4-1, having one of the best offenses in the league. Not having TJ Warren doesn’t help their offense, but they are still good with Turner, Sabonis, Brogdon, and Oladipo. But all of this wasn’t enough to beat the Knicks. With 4:29 left in the 4th, the Pacers led by 3. They scored just 6 points the rest of the way. A steep fall-off from what we’ve seen so far this season. Disappointing loss for the Pacers, as they are now 4-2.
Malcolm Brogdon had 33 points and 7 assists on 12/18 shooting (17 points in 1st quarter).
Myles Turner had 17 points on 7/15 shooting.
Victor Oladipo had 16 points and 7 rebounds on 3/16 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis shot the ball just 8 times, something that can’t happen to your All-Star and best player. Victor Oladipo started this season off very well and looked like All-Star Victor Oladipo again. But he can’t shoot 3/16, and he is now their 2nd or 3rd option. Aaron Holiday went 0/6 from the field, as he has looked good and bad in his two starts for TJ Warren. This Pacers team will have to adjust to life without TJ Warren for a while, and I definitely think they can do it. Just give the ball to Sabonis more, and they will be fine.
Charlotte Hornets vs Philadelphia 76ers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Hornets are currently 2-3, and they have looked good and bad at times this season. They were just thrashed by the under-manned Grizzlies, but have beaten the Nets and Mavs this season. They need more from Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham in order to succeed, as they both struggled mightily last game. Lamelo Ball seems to be finding his way, as he is a big x-factor off the Charlotte bench. The 76ers have started the year off strong with a 4-1 record, fueled by Joel Embiid. Embiid has looked very good, as have Tobias Harris and Seth Curry. Ben Simmons has been ok, and Danny Green hasn’t done much. The 76ers bench could use some work, but this is still a very good team. I think that Philly will win this game easily.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are looking like what I thought they would look like. Their roster is so weird and poorly put together, and it seems like those two wins were flukes more than anything. Devonte Graham again played horrible, shooting 1/10 from the field. Lamelo Ball struggled for the first time in the last few games, and they just can’t contend with the good Eastern Conference teams. Charlotte is now 2-4 on the year.
Terry Rozier had 35 points on 12/18 shooting.
Gordon Hayward had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/15 shooting.
Lamelo Ball had 13 points and 5 assists on 4/12 shooting off the bench.
The Hornets have to make some moves. Their guard rotation of Rozier, Graham, and Ball is so weird. One of them has to go, because Lamelo shouldn’t be coming off the bench. We have to see what he does in a starting role. He’s your franchise player, so play him like one. Their bench needs a lot of work, as this team and franchise is still a mess. The Hornets are now 2-4 on the year, and they face the 76ers again on Monday.
Philadelphia 76ers
We’ve seen this story before. The 76ers have rolled through everybody to start this season, and it’s been impressive and all that good stuff. But, it’s the Hornets. I need to see if Philly can do this against the best teams in the East and in the West to make me believe that they can win a title. The 76ers have looked good, starting the year 5-1, but can they do this against very good teams? We’ll have to wait and see.
Tobias Harris had 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists with 4 steals and 3 blocks on 9/14 shooting.
Seth Curry had 21 points and 6 assists on 8/11 shooting.
Joel Embiid had 19 points and 14 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
Tobias Harris and Seth Curry have looked so good to start this season, especially Harris who looks a lot more comfortable. Joel Embiid had another double-double, and Ben Simmons had a triple-double. Danny Green was 3/6 from 3, and Shake Milton had 18 points off the bench. I want to see more Tyrese Maxey off the bench, as he has been playing very good basketball. But Philly has gotten off to a fast 5-1 start, I just need to see if they can do this against the best teams in the league, and then I will be convinced that they are legit.
Toronto Raptors vs New Orleans Pelicans
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Raptors have struggled mightily this season, but they got their first win without Pascal Siakam, who has been terrible to start this season. Siakam is back in action, not necessarily a good thing. The Raptors need a lot of production from their big 3 if they want to win game and stay competitive in the East. The Pelicans are 3-2 on the year, but I’m not fully sold on them being in the playoffs. Their offense still doesn’t have the best spacing, as they need more shooting from Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe, primarily Bledsoe. If they get that spacing (start JJ Redick), it gives Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram more room to operate. The Pelicans already beat the Raptors once this season, and they will do it again here.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors continue to struggle. Pascal Siakam was back, but he hasn’t done much of anything this season. Toronto had a strong 2nd quarter, and they took a 5 point lead entering the 2nd half. The Raptors shot 46% from the field in the first half. But the Raptors played terrible in the 3rd quarter, as they were outscored by 10. Now trailing by 5 entering the 4th, the Raptors needed a spark to get going. But the Raptors went backwards to start the quarter, as they trailed by 11 early on. Then they started to get things going. With 3:16 left, the Raptors took the lead by one. But Brandon Ingram hit 6 free throws down the stretch, and the Raptors lost again, making them 1-4 on the year.
Fred VanVleet had 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9/23 shooting.
Chris Boucher had 24 points and 5 rebounds on 7/13 shooting off the bench.
OG Anunoby had 17 points and 7 rebounds on 5/11 shooting.
The Raptors have been horrible to start this season. Pascal Siakam is looking like a fraud, as he has been terrible to start this season. The Raptors team lost all of their interior defense, and they are looking worse and worse by the day. Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry are playing 40 minutes, and this team can’t win. The Raptors might not even make the playoffs, just two years removed from winning a title. It might be time for the Raptors to start from scratch.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have been great against Toronto, 2-0 against them so far this season. Ever since that loss to the Suns, the Pelicans have looked very good. The Pelicans trailed by 5 at halftime, after a terrible 2nd quarter in which they were outscored by 11. But New Orleans bounced back in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Raptors by 10. And in the 4th, the Pelicans made some big shots. They extended their lead, but lost it with about 3 minutes to go. But Brandon Ingram and Eric Bledsoe hit some big shots down the stretch and the Pelicans survived, improving to 4-2 on the year.
Brandon Ingram had 31 points and 6 rebounds on 8/17 shooting.
Zion Williamson had 21 points and 7 rebounds on 7/12 shooting.
Eric Bledsoe had 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists on 5/12 shooting.
If Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball play like this, the Pelicans will be good. The two of them shot a combined 7/14 from 3, actually providing some spacing for Ingram and Zion. And those two combined for 52 points. Now if Bledsoe and Ball, in particular Bledsoe can keep this up, good things will happen to this team. I don’t like this Pelicans bench, as they don’t have guys who can create their own shots. But if their starting lineup all scores in double-figures, their bench just has to be average. The Pelicans are now 4-2 on the year, and they face the Indiana Pacers next.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Cavs started off the year 3-0, but have lost 2 straight in ugly fashion and they are now 3-2. Their offense has slowed down a bit without Kevin Love and Isaac Okoro in the lineup, as they need to find a way to kickstart the offense. Darius Garland and Collin Sexton have been excellent to start this season, but they’re going to need even more from those two. The Hawks have one of the most talented rosters in the league, and one of the best offenses. Their starting lineup featuring Trae Young can score in a heart-beat. The Hawks still haven’t been fully healthy to start this season, as they are again missing Danilo Gallinari. But this Hawks team has started off the year 4-1, and I think that they’ll be getting another win.
Cleveland Cavaliers
An impressive come from behind win for the Cavs. The Cavs started this game off horribly, as they trailed by 12 at halftime. They were shooting just 41% from the field and 18% from 3. But then, they turned things around in the 2nd half. The held the Hawks to 18 points in the 3rd, and cut the deficit to 4 entering the 4th. And in the 4th, it was back and forth. With 2:00 left, the Cavs led by 5, but the Hawks tied it up immediately. But with 28 seconds left, Collin Sexton drilled a 3 to put the Cavs back up by 3. The Cavs made their free throws down the stretch and they escaped with the win. The Cavs outscored Atlanta by 9 more points in the 4th, and held Atlanta to just 35 2nd half points, and outscored them by 17 points in the 2nd half. The Cavs are now 4-2 on the year.
Collin Sexton had 27 points on 10/18 shooting.
Collin Sexton was the only Cavs who played well, and he carried this Cavs team to a win. Darius Garland went 3/14 from the field, as he struggled. The Cavs played two completely different halves. In the first half, they scored 44 points, but couldn’t stop the high-powered Atlanta offense. But in the 2nd half, they allowed just 35 points to one of the best offenses in the league. The Cavs scored 52 points, and Collin Sexton’s 3 at the end sealed the win for the Cavs. The Cavs struggled in their previous two games, and this was a good win. Cleveland faced the Orlando Magic next on Monday.
Atlanta Hawks
This Hawks offense looked the worst it had been all season in the 2nd half of this season. The first half was more of what we’d been seeing to start this season. The Hawks led by 12 after scoring 56 points on 43% shooting from the field. But in the 2nd half, the Hawks offense came to a standstill. Atlanta scored just 35 points in the 2nd half, and the Cavs offense got going. The Hawks made the game close at the end, but a Collin Sexton 3 sealed the game. Disappointing way to lose this game, as the Hawks played so well in the first half. Atlanta is now 4-2 on the year.
De’Andre Hunter had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 5/11 shooting.
Clint Capela had 16 points and 16 rebounds on 8/12 shooting.
Trae Young had 16 points and 10 assists on 6/16 shooting.
If the Hawks want to be a playoff team, they can’t have halves like they did. They played so well in the first half, and yet they just threw it all away with a terrible 2nd half. The Hawks are very talented, and scoring just 35 points in a half is unacceptable. Trae Young struggled from the field, as he has to take over games late. Obviously having guys like Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, Tony Snell, Onyeka Okungwu, and Kris Dunn would help, but the Hawks started this season off 3-0 without those guys. And the Cavs aren’t exactly contenders. Atlanta is now 4-2 on the year, and they face the Knicks next on Monday.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 6-Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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