Embiid and KD Take Over Late; Rockets Are A Mess! 1.12.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball and we have 6 games on the schedule today.
Game Of The Day Prediction: Pacers vs Warriors or Nuggets vs Nets
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Heat have been hit hard with Covid, as they are missing some of their better players. Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Goran Dragic are all out. This leaves the Heat roster a lot more thin than usual, but they find themselves against another short-handed team in the 76ers. Harris, Curry, and Milton remain out due to Covid. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are the only good player who remain healthy for Philadelphia, leaving him alone with the reserve players. This game would have been good when both teams are fully healthy, but I think that the 76ers have a slight edge in this game.
Miami Heat
This game was crazy, as the short-handed Heat nearly pulled off this upset. The Heat were holding their own in the first half, as they led by 8 at halftime behind a 38-point 2nd quarter outburst. The Heat shot 51% from the field and 46% from 3, as they were in control. But the 76ers went on a massive run in the 3rd led by a dominant Joel Embiid performance, and the Heat trailed by 1 entering the 4th. They allowed 41 points in the 4th, and things didn’t go their way to start the 4th. The 76ers opened up a 12-point lead early in the 4th, but Tyler Herro and the Heat battled back. Tyler Herro tied the game with 2:28 left, hitting a 3. The Heat continued to get stops, and they led by 5 with 32 seconds left. Then madness ensued.
Isaiah Joe hit a 3 for the 76ers, cutting the lead to 2. Tyler Herro lost the ball, and after a few misses, Joel Embiid was fouled with 7 seconds left. The Heat had a foul to give, so Philly called a timeout, trying to tie the game. They found Embiid, and he hit a pull-up jumper, tying the game and forcing OT. OT was back and forth, and Tyler Herro again tied the game with a 3, with just 1:05 left. Precious Achiuwa gave the Heat the lead with 44.6 seconds left, but rookie Dakota Mathias hit a 3 for Philly, putting them up by 2 with 26.6 seconds left. Herro missed, and Embiid put Philly up by 4. But the game wasn’t over. Duncan Robinson was fouled on a 3, giving them a chance to cut into the lead. Robinson made the first two, but then tried to intentionally miss the last one. But he missed the rim, and the Heat narrowly lost this game.
Tyler Herro had 34 points and 7 rebounds on 12/26 shooting.
Duncan Robinson had 26 points on 6/14 3-PT.
Gabe Vincent had 24 points on 9/20 shooting.
Got to respect the heart from this Heat team, no matter how short-handed they were. Tyler Herro went back to his bubble form, as he made some big shots in the 4th quarter and OT. Duncan Robinson was good as well, as was seldom used Gabe Vincent. Precious Achiuwa had his hands full with Joel Embiid, but he had 17 points. The Heat only had 8 players in this game, but they still fought to the end with this 76ers team. The Heat would have likely won this game if they were healthy, but they’ve been one of the unfortunate teams when it comes to dealing with Covid. The Heat are now 4-5 on the year, and they take on the 76ers again on Thursday.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers nearly lost this game, even with Joel Embiid unleashing god-mode. Although the 76ers had the talent advantage, it didn’t feel like it in this game. They allowed 38 points in the 2nd quarter, and they trailed by 8 at halftime. But Joel Embiid dominated the 3rd quarter, and he led Philly to score 42 points, leading by 1 in the 4th. The 76ers started off the 4th red-hot, and took a 12-point lead. But Tyler Herro willed Miami back into the game, and it was tied with 2:28 left. The 76ers struggled to score, and they fell behind 5 with just over 32 seconds left. But rookie Isaiah Joe hit a 3, and the 76ers forced a turnover. Amidst the chaos, they missed, and Joel Embiid drew a foul with 7 seconds left. But the Heat weren’t in the penalty, to the 76ers had one last chance to force OT or win the game. They went to Joel Embiid, and he drilled the mid-range jumper, tying the game and forcing OT.
In OT, the two teams continued to battle back and forth But with 45 seconds left, the 76ers trailed by one. Isaiah Joe missed a 3, but the 76ers got the ball and Dakota Mathias, the seldom used rookie, drilled a 3 to give Philly a two-point lead. The 76ers got a stop and Joel Embiid put them up 4. But things got dicey when Duncan Robinson was fouled on a 3. He made the first two, and he tried to intentionally miss the free throw, but he didn’t hit the rim. So the 76ers survived, as they are now 8-4 on the year.
Joel Embiid had 45 points and 16 rebounds with 5 steals on 16/23 shooting.
Danny Green had 29 points on 9/21 3-PT.
Tyrese Maxey had 16 points and 8 assists on 7/18 shooting.
Joel Embiid carried, especially late when Ben Simmons fouled out. But all credit goes to the role guys. Danny Green shot the ball a lot, but he hit some big 3’s. As did rookie Isaiah Joe off the bench, and Dakota Mathias hit a big 3 in OT. The 76ers are another team dealing with Covid, but if Joel Embiid continues to play like an MVP, the 76ers can continue to win. The 76ers are now 8-4 on the year, and they take on the Heat again on Thursday.
Denver Nuggets vs Brooklyn Nets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Nuggets started this season off very slow, but they’ve won 4 of their last 5 and seemed to have gotten their footing. Nikola Jokic has been a problem this season, and Jamal Murray has been good, but needs to he more aggressive. If Denver gets solid help from their role players, they are tough to beat. The Nets are 2-4 in their last 6 games, as they have been struggling. Kyrie Irving remains out, and will be out for the next few games. The Nets defense has been shaky at times, and if they want to win against this high-powered Nuggets offense, they have to lock down defensively. This game will be a good one, but I have the Nuggets winning this game.
Denver Nuggets
This game was a roller-coaster, but Denver should have won this game. In the first half, the Nuggets couldn’t be stopped. They shot 57% from the field and 59% from 3, scoring 70 points in the first half. They were clicking on all cylinders and rolling through the Nets. But in the 2nd half, Denver’s offense sputtered. The Nuggets scored just 20 points in the 3rd, and the Nets were back in the game. The game was tied entering the 4th, and the Nuggets couldn’t get stops when they needed to. With 2:16 left, the game was tied. But the KD turned back the clock, scoring 8 points in a row down the stretch, and handing Denver another loss as they have fallen to 5-6 on the year.
Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Will Barton had 22 points on 8/14 shooting.
Jamal Murray had 20 points on 9/20 shooting.
The Nuggets threw away this game. They had played so well in the first half, as their offense was humming. They were scoring, and the Nets couldn’t stop them. But after scoring 70 points in the first half, Denver managed just 46 points in the 2nd half. And their defense couldn’t contain KD and company, as they just fell apart. Jamal Murray continues to struggle shooting the ball, as he just hasn’t been the same player we saw in the bubble. Denver is now 5-6 on the year, and they take on the Golden State Warriors next.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets definitely earned this win, but this game didn’t start ideally. The Nets defense was horrendous in the first half, as they allowed Denver to shot 55% or better from both the field and from 3. They were turning the ball over, looking very sloppy overall. But they seemed to turn on a switch in the 2nd half, as they were dominant. The Nets defense was excellent, as they outscored the Nuggets by 16 in the 3rd, tying the game entering the 4th. Both teams went back and forth throughout the 4th, and the game was tied with 2:16 left. And then KD went to work, scoring 8 straight points including a dagger 3 to steal the win for the Nets. Brooklyn is now 6-6 on the year.
KD had 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists on 12/18 shooting.
Caris Levert had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 8/15 shooting.
Bruce Brown had 16 points and 6 rebounds on 8/11 shooting.
This was a very good 2nd half win for the Nets. They again struggled with defense and turnovers in the first half, as they just couldn’t get anything going. But KD and company locked things down in the 2nd half, and came away with an impressive win. Levert, Harris, and Bruce Brown all provided excellent help for KD in the scoring department, and KD looked really good. The Nets are still awaiting for this whole Kyrie Irving situation to end, but they can still remain competitive in games if they play some defense. Brooklyn takes on the Knicks tomorrow.
Utah Jazz vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Jazz have had good wins and bad losses this season, but they’ve won 4 of their last 6 games. The Jazz offense has been good and bad, and it depends on how well they shoot. Bojan Bogdanovic has been struggling mightily, as they need him to return to his last season form. The Jazz are the more talented team in this game, and it’s a good chance for some of their shooters like Bogdanovic to get going. The Cavaliers have struggled with injuries, as they’ve been without Garland and Collin Sexton for the past few games. They are also without Andre Drummond, who has been a rebounding machine to start this season. This will be a very tough game for the Cavs, as they have not a lot of good players suiting up today. Should be an easy win for the Jazz.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz did what they have to do. They were facing a very short-handed Cavs team with one of the worst offenses in the league. And that held true, as the Jazz led by 13 at halftime, allowing just 36 points at halftime. The Jazz dominated the 2nd half, and they cruised to their 3rd straight win.
Donovan Mitchell had 27 points on 9/15 shooting.
Jordan Clarkson had 21 points and 8 rebounds on 8/14 shooting off the bench.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 20 points on 6/10 shooting.
This game was a good tune-up for the Jazz, as Bojan Bogdanovic finally shot the ball well. Not overly impressed with anything the Jazz did, it’s the Cavs. If Bojan Bogdanovic can keep this up, it’ll make this Jazz offense a lot better. The Jazz’s game tomorrow was postponed, so the Jazz will take on the Hawks on Friday.
Cleveland Cavaliers
I’m really not going to talk about this game. It’s the same thing over and over again. They have been struggling to stay healthy, and their offense can’t produce anything. Cavs are now 5-7 on the year, and they take on the Knicks next time out.
San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Spurs have been rolling as of late, winning 3 of their last 4 games. They struggled late in their last game vs the Timberwolves, as without DeMar DeRozan, they struggled to score. DeRozan is still out, as they need to find some scoring from other places. This Spurs team has been playing good, as have the “rebuilding” OKC Thunder. The Thunder should be rebuilding and trying to plan for the future, and yet the sit with a 5-4 record. Their roster isn’t the best, but guys like Hamidou Diallo have been playing very well. These teams are both evenly matched, and this should be a competitive game, but I think the Spurs will win this game.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs played a very good all-around game. In the first half, their offense was very good, shooting just 40% from the field but scoring 51 points and leading by 8. Things remained close entering the 4th, and the Spurs played great down the stretch. The Spurs kept their lead healthy, and every time the Thunder closed the deficit, the Spurs had an answer. When the Thunder cut the lead to 4, but then the Spurs went on a 10-0 run to close the game. The Spurs scored 32 points in the 4th, as they improve to 6-5 on the year.
Lonnie Walker had 24 points on 7/15 shooting.
Keldon Johnson had 18 points and 7 rebounds on 6/11 shooting.
Patty Mills had 17 points and 5 assists on 7/15 shooting off the bench.
The Spurs offense got back on track late, as they just held onto their lead late in this game. Lonnie Walker and Keldon Johnson have been excellent this season, and Patty Mills has been red-hot off the bench. Even without leading scorer DeMar DeRozan, the Spurs had no problem scoring, as they got their 4th win in the last 5 games, improving to 6-5. The Spurs take on the Rockets next.
OKC Thunder
The Thunder played solid throughout this game, but they just couldn’t muster up enough offense late in this game to contend with the Spurs. The Thunder trailed by 8 at halftime, scoring just 43 points on 40% shooting. The lead was 8 entering the 4th, and OKC gave it their best shot. They cut the lead to 4 early on, and then the Spurs pushed it back to 9. They cut the lead to 4, and then the Spurs pushed it back to 10 late at the free throw line, and they held on to win. This loss snaps a 3-game Thunder win streak, and they are now 5-5 on the year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 20 points and 9 rebounds on 7/10 shooting.
Hamidou Diallo had 16 points on 5/9 shooting off the bench.
George Hill had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 3/4 shooting.
The Thunder continue to play well, even though it didn’t result in a win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was excellent, and Hamidou Diallo has been emerging off the bench. All 5 starters for OKC were in double figures, but they just couldn’t get enough shots to fall in the 4th to overcome the Spurs. The Thunder continue to play above my expectations, as maybe they aren’t rebuilding. OKC takes on the LA Lakers tomorrow.
LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Lakers have been winning games, but they haven’t been great on either end. But on Sunday against the Rockets, they were very good, and that same effort on both ends needs to continue. AD and Lebron have been dealing with minor injuries, but I want them to be aggressive rather than coast. If they get solid defense and scoring off the bench, the Lakers are tough to beat. The Rockets are a mess, as their team just isn’t deep enough to contend in the West. James Harden has been struggled, and just him, Christian Wood, and John Wall isn’t enough to win games. DeMarcus Cousins hasn’t done much of anything, and this team desperately needs a reset instead of trying to win.
LA Lakers
Yeah, the Lakers have looked very good as of late. Yes, Houston is a mess. But the Lakers dominated these last two games vs the Rockets. The Lakers led by 21 after the first quarter, shooting 57% from the field. And the game was over after that, as they dominated the Rockets. AD and Lebron were great in the limited minutes that they played. Schroder and KCP were also good, as were Harrell and Kuzma off the bench. The Lakers have started to play better on both ends, as they have won 7 of their last 8 games, improving to 9-3 on the year.
Lebron had 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 10/20 shooting.
Anthony Davis had 19 points and 10 rebounds on 7/8 shooting.
A lot of Lakers played well in this game. Lebron and AD did their usual things, as AD continues to be high proficient from the field. Schroder and KCP each had 14 points, shooting a combined 11/18. Harrell and Kuzma combined for 25 points off the bench, as the Lakers defense and offense was very good. Now the Lakers have been playing really good basketball. Before it was just good, average by their standards. But now they are really starting to mesh. LA takes on the OKC Thunder tomorrow night.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are a mess, and James Harden let it be known after the game. He said that the Rockets “weren’t good enough,” and that “he’s done everything he can, but it’s a situation you can’t fix.” Really seem like Harden and this franchise will be splitting ways, and it’s a good thing for both sides. The Rockets have talent, but they are nowhere near contending. Their roster can’t contend with the best teams in the league, and that became clear after these past two games vs the Lakers. Harden wants to play for a contender, and I think that places like Philly or Toronto would be good for him. Harden hasn’t looked like he’s been trying all that much, and they should look to trade the former MVP asap.
Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Pacers have lost their last two games, as their defense has struggled to hold teams down. They are still good, but they haven’t been as sharp lately. Their offense remains one of the best in the league, led by Domantas Sabonis, who is playing at a very high level right now. Indiana is without Victor Oladipo, meaning they will have a tougher time guarding Steph Curry on the perimeter. If the Pacers can play some defense, they can win this game. Most Warrior wins have happened when Curry goes ballistic, but if Golden State can win when he’s not as effective, they will be tough to stop. Wiggins, Curry, and Paschall have led the way offensively, while Kelly Oubre still cannot shoot the ball. But with Paschall out tonight, they need Oubre to step up. The Warriors have been really good as of late, and they are a tough team to stop when they get going. This will be a good game, but I’m giving the edge to the Warriors.
Indiana Pacers
This game was an ugly slug-fest throughout, but the Pacers executed late in the 4th, and walked away with a win. Indiana’s offense started off slow, and they trailed for most of the first half. But they were only down by 7 despite Golden State shooting 48% from the field. James Wiseman got into foul trouble in the 2nd half, and Indiana took advantage. They trailed by 2 entering the 4th. Things were going back and forth, and the game was tied at 90 with 3:37 left. But then Myles Turner hit a 3, as did Justin Holiday, and the Pacers scored 10 straight points. That run ended the game, as their execution late won them this game.
Myles Turner had 22 points and 11 rebounds on 7/10 shooting.
Domantas Sabonis had 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists on 7/15 shooting.
Aaron Holiday had 16 points and 12 assists on 6/16 shooting off the bench
The Pacers defense was solid throughout this game, and their late-game offense was on point. Myles Turner did his usual things on defense, but made some big 3’s in the 4th. Sabonis continues to be amazing, but Aaron Holiday was excellent. He continually drove to the rim, and made some tough shots. He also had 12 assists off the bench, giving him a double-double, and he was the reason they won. The Pacers defense had been poor in their last two losses, but it was great tonight and they won. Indiana improves to 7-4 on the year, and they take on the Blazers on Thursday next.
Golden State Warriors
This game was there for the Warriors, they just couldn’t execute late. Without Eric Paschall, the Warriors needed some scoring, and they got that from Kelly Oubre. Oubre had 15 in the first half, fueling the Warriors to 57 points on 48% shooting. But James Wiseman struggled with foul trouble, and Sabonis and Myles Turner took advantage. In the 4th quarter, the Warriors were matching the Pacers, and with 3:37 left, the game was tied. But the Warriors offense couldn’t score, and Indiana reeled off 10 quick points. The Warriors scored just 5 points down the stretch, and their two-game win-streak was snapped, and they are 6-5 on the year.
Andrew Wiggins had 22 points and 7 rebounds on 7/17 shooting.
Steph Curry had 20 points on 7/17 shooting.
Kelly Oubre had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/11 shooting.
The Warriors played pretty well in this game. This game was defensive, so only scoring 95 points is fine. They had a great chance to win this game, but they just couldn’t execute. Kelly Oubre finally broke out of his shooting slump, and it greatly helped Golden State. Draymond Green gave his daily dose of excellent defense and hustle. But if James Wiseman didn’t have foul trouble, the Warriors could have won. He’s a rookie, and he was just making rookie mistakes with those fouls. It happens. They need Eric Paschall for that scoring off the bench, as their bench couldn’t produce that much outside of Damion Lee. The Warriors are still getting adjusted to each other, and it’s encouraging when their defense can keep them in games, not just Steph Curry scoring 30+. Golden State takes on the Nuggets next on Thursday.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 6 Games Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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