Embiid Injured; Pelicans Eliminated! Thoughts From Day 11!
After 7 games from Day 11 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team.
After 7 games from Day 11 of the NBA Restart, I’m giving my thoughts/opinions for each team.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder won their 5th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Thunder were coming off of a blowout loss to the Grizzlies, and now they had a chance at a win against the Wizards, who are not in contention for a playoff spot. Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams were out for OKC, but it did not matter. The Thunder dominated from the start and they got back in the win column.
Offensively the Thunder were great as they shot 51% from the field and 46% from 3. They were also 17/22 from the free throw line. The Thunder took good care of the ball as they had just 12 turnovers. The Thunder had a decent pain presence as they had 42 points down low.
Defensively the Thunder were solid as the Wizards shot 41% from the field and 25% from 3. The Wizards were also 18/22 from the free throw line. The Wizards had 13 offensive rebounds as the Thunder didn’t do a good job limiting them to one shot. The Thunder forced the Wizards into 15 turnovers. The Thunder had little paint defense as the Wizards had 48 points down low.
Darius Bazley had 23 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Danilo Gallinari had 20 points as well. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists as he got back on track. Mike Muscala had 14 points. CP-3 had 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists and Hamidou Diallo added 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Conclusion
After a tough loss to the Grizzlies in a game where both their offense and defense was bad, the Thunder bounced back with a good game. Without Schroder and Adams, the Thunder used a more balanced scoring attack to beat the lowly Wizards. The Thunder are now 3-2 in the bubble, and as they start to get more healthy, they will continue to get better and better.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Grizzlies got their 1st win in the bubble against the Thunder, and they looked to get a 2nd straight win against the defending champion Raptors. It would be a tough game for the young Grizzlies, but they made it tough on the defending champs. The Grizzlies were close throughout this game, but the Raptors were able to hold on and win, giving the Grizzlies their 5th loss in the bubble.
Offensively the Grizzlies were ok as Memphis shot 41% from the field and 33% from 3. The Grizzlies were also 11/16 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies had 10 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The Grizzlies had 22 turnovers as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Grizzlies scored the ball down low well as they had 42 points in the paint.
Defensively the Grizzlies were poor as the Raptors shot 48% from the field and 39% from 3. The Raptors were also 25/33 from the free throw line. The Grizzlies did an excellent job forcing turnovers as the Raptors had 25 of them. The Grizzlies did a good job defending the paint as the Raptors only had 32 points down low.
Dillon Brooks had 25 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Grayson Allen had 20 points off the bench. Ja Morant had 17 points and 10 assists as he had another double-double. Brandon Clarke had 16 points and 9 rebounds as well.
Conclusion
The Grizzlies are now 1-5 in the bubble as they continue to struggle. The Grizzlies now officially cannot clinch the 8th seed and there will be a play-in game. The Grizzlies have fallen off of a cliff in the restart, and it does not look likely that they will be retaining that 8th seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have another tough, challenging game against the Boston Celtics.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors won their 5th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The defending champs were 3-1 coming into this contest against the Grizzlies as they looked to get back to their winning ways after a loss to the Boston Celtics. And the Raptors were playing well all night long, but the Grizzlies were right there with them throughout this game. But the Raptors managed to hang on an win, and get back in the win column.
Offensively the Raptors were great as they shot 48% from the field and 39% from 3. The Raptors were also 25/33 from the free throw line. The Raptors had an unusual 25 turnovers as they didn’t take good care of the ball. The Raptors didn’t have much of a paint presence as they had just 32 points down low.
Defensively the Raptors were solid as the Grizzlies shot 41% from the field and 33% from 3. The Grizzlies had 10 offensive rebounds as the Raptors didn’t do a good job limiting them to just one shot. The Raptors did force the Grizzlies into 22 turnovers. The Raptors did an ok job defending the paint as the Grizzlies had 42 points down low.
Pascal Siakam had 26 points for the Raptors. Norman Powell had 16 points off the bench. Kyle Lowry had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Fred VanVleet had 14 points and 5 assists as well. Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 12 rebounds and Marc Gasol added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Raptors are now 4-1 in the bubble as they got back in the win column. Another balanced scoring attack from the Raptors as they looked back to normal after an embarrassing lost to the Celtics. The Raptors have now clinched the #2 in the Eastern Conference with the win, as they now look to the playoffs for another chance at a title.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs won their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Spurs got an important win over the Jazz last time out and now they faced the Pelicans. Both teams needed a win to stay in the hunt for the 8th seed in the Western Conference. And the Spurs showed they wanted it more as they were able to win the crucial game. The Spurs got their 4th win in the bubble as they continue to surprise everybody and push for the 8th seed in the West.
Offensively the Spurs were great as they shot 45% from the field and 39% from 3. They were also 31/32 from the free throw line. The Spurs had 15 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities for themselves. The Spurs did have 17 turnovers as they didn’t take very good care of the ball. The Spurs didn’t have much success down low as they only had 36 points in the paint.
Defensively the Spurs were solid as the Pelicans shot 44% from the field and 40% from 3. The Pelicans were also 17/22 from the free throw line. The Pelicans had 16 offensive rebounds as the Spurs did a poor job limiting to just one shot. The Spurs did force the Pelicans into 19 turnovers. The Spurs got pounded down low as the Pelicans had 54 points down low.
DeMar DeRozan had 27 points to lead the Spurs. Rudy Gay had 19 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. Dejounte Murray had 18 points and 5 rebounds as well. Derrick White added 16 points and Marco Belinelli added 14 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Spurs are now 4-2 in the bubble and they continue to contend for that 8th seed in the Western Conference. The Spurs are currently 10th in the Western Conference, just 0.5 games behind 9th seed Portland and 1 game behind 8th seeded Memphis. The Spurs do have a tough matchup ahead as they face the Houston Rockets next.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Pelicans have also had a rough time in the bubble. Between the struggled on defense and the Zion Williamson saga, the Pelicans haven’t lived up to the hype in the NBA restart. The Pelicans were now hanging on for dear life and needed a win to stay in contention for the 8th seed in the West. And the Pelicans didn’t show up when it mattered most, and the Pelicans lost again. With the loss, the Pelicans are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Offensively the Pelicans were good as they shot 44% from the field and 40% from 3. They were also 17/22 from the free throw line. The Pelicans did have 16 offensive rebounds as they did a good job getting 2nd chance opportunities. The Pels had 19 turnovers as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Pelicans pounded the ball down low as they had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the Pelicans were poor as the Spurs shot 45% from the field and 39% from 3. The Spurs were also 31/32 from the free throw line. The Spurs had 15 offensive rebounds as the Pelicans gave up too many 2nd chance opportunities. The Pelicans forced the Spurs into 17 turnovers. The Pelicans controlled the paint as the Spurs only had 36 points down low.
JJ Redick had 31 points and 5 rebounds off the bench for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson had 25 points and 7 rebounds. Brandon Ingram added 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Derrick Favors had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jrue Holiday was disappointing with 7 points and 7 assists. Lonzo Ball was also disappointing as he had 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Conclusion
The Pelicans didn’t play well enough and they are officially eliminated from playoff contention. Many people believed that the Pelicans were going to make the playoffs with their easy schedule, but that was not the case. Lonzo Ball did not have a good restart as he was not as good offensively as he was during the regular season. Zion Williamson was good, but health concerns are still circling the young star. Many questions still await the Pelicans during the off-season, and only time will tell if this team can truly be a good one in the Western Conference.
Orlando Magic
The Magic lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Magic have been on a 3-game losing streak after winning their first two games in the bubble. Now they faced the Boston Celtics without Aaron Gordon. It was going to be challenging, but the Magic were staying close throughout this game. And the Magic had the win in hand as they had a lead of 112-107 with 48.1 seconds left. But Jayson Tatum scored 5 points and the game went into overtime. In OT the Magic had a chance to tie the game, but Nikola Vucevic missed at the buzzer and the Magic lost their 4th straight game.
Offensively the Magic were ok as they shot 40% from the field and 32% from 3. The Magic were also 22/26 from the free throw line. The Magic had 12 offensive rebounds as they did a great job getting 2nd chance opportunities. The Magic had 13 turnovers as they did an ok job taking care of the ball. The Magic also had 42 points down low.
Defensively the Magic sub-par as the Celtics shot 44% from the field and 30% from 3. The Celtics were also 20/24 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 13 offensive rebounds as the Magic did a poor job limiting the Celtics to just one shot. The Magic forced 12 turnovers on Boston. The Magic got pounded down low as the Celtics had 54 points in the paint.
Nikola Vucevic had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic. Terrence Ross had 18 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Markelle Fultz had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists off the bench as well. Gary Clark had 15 points and 7 rebounds. DJ Augustin added 12 points and 5 assists and James Ennis had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Magic have lost their last 4 games and are 2-4 in the bubble. The Magic are going to the playoffs, but they are not playing well leading up to them. With Aaron Gordon not healthy and the Magic not playing well, the Magic are likely to leave the playoffs without leaving a trace. The Magic better hope to turn things around against the Nets on Tuesday.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics won their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Celtics have been very good in the bubble as they were coming off of a smack-down of the Raptors. Now they faced a short-handed Magic team, but it was not a easy win. The two teams battled throughout, but the Celtics trailed 112-107 with less than a minute to go. Then Jayson Tatum scored 5 points and forced OT in overtime. And in overtime the Celtics were able to get the final stop at the buzzer and they won.
Offensively the Celtics were ok as they shot 44% from the field and 30% from 3. They were also 20/24 from the free throw line. The Celtics had 13 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities for themselves. The Celtics took good care of the ball s they had 12 turnovers. The Celtics pounded the ball down low as they had 54 points in the paint.
Defensively the Celtics were solid as the Magic shot 40% from the field and 32% from 3. They were also 22/26 from the free throw line. The Magic had 12 offensive rebounds as the Celtics didn’t do a good job limiting them to one shot. The Celtics forced 13 turnovers. The Celtics controlled the paint as the Magic only had 42 points down low.
Gordon Hayward had 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists to lead the Celtics. Jayson Tatum added 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jaylen Brown had 19 points and 12 rebounds. Brad Wanamaker had 10 points off the bench as well. Marcus Smart and Kemba were quiet as they combined for 12 points.
Conclusion
The Celtics are now 4-2 in the bubble as they look to be hitting their stride. With the big 4 of Tatum, Brown, Walker, and Hayward all being dangerous scorers, it is very tough to guard the Celtics. While Kemba Walker is still getting back to 100%, the Celtics still have lots of guys that can get it done. The Celtics face the Grizzlies next time out.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers lost their 5th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The 76ers were already short-handed after learning that Ben Simmons was out for the year with a knee injury. But the 76ers were a very talented team that possessed fire power that could still win games. But early in the game against the Blazers, Joel Embiid injured his ankle and did not return. So another injury for Philadelphia. While the 76ers fell behind early, they fought back and took the lead in the 4th quarter. But they had no answer for Dame Lillard and the 76ers lost.
Offensively the 76ers were good as they shot 49% from the field and 47% from 3. They were also 13/17 from the free throw line. The 76ers had 14 offensive rebounds as they did a great job creating 2nd chance opportunities. The 76ers had 15 turnovers as they didn’t do a good job taking care of the ball. The 76ers pounded the ball down low as they had 50 points in the paint.
Defensively the 76ers were solid as Portland shot 47% from the field and 31% from 3. The 76ers fouled Portland 23 times and the Blazers were 27/29 from the free throw line. The 76ers didn’t force many turnovers as the Blazers only had 10. The 76ers got pounded down low as the Blazers had 56 points in the paint.
Josh Richardson had 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists for Philly. Alec Burks had 20 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. Tobias Harris had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Al Horford had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists and Shake Milton added 11 points.
Conclusion
The 76ers should really be careful in their last few games before the playoffs. They are already without 1 All-Star in Ben Simmons for the rest of the year, and if they are without Joel Embiid, the season will end prematurely for the 76ers. The 76ers do have some positive things going for them as Josh Richardson was incredible without either Simmons or Embiid on the floor. The 76ers play the 5-0 Phoenix Suns next.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers won their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
After two missed free throws and a lot of trash talk online, the Blazers needed a win vs the 76ers to stay in the playoff hunt. A win would put the Blazers 0.5 games from 8th place and eliminate Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans from playoff contention. And Dame Lillard, he wasn’t playing around. Behind 24 points from Lillard in the 1st half and 18 more in the 4th quarter, the Blazers were able to comeback and win, keeping them in the 9th seed.
Offensively the Blazers were ok as they shot 47% from the field and 31% from 3. They took advantage of the 76ers fouling them and went 27/29 from the free throw line. The Blazers took good care of the ball as they had 10 turnovers. The Blazers pounded the ball down low as they had 56 points in the paint.
Defensively the Blazers were sub-par as the 76ers shot 49% from the field and 47% from 3. They were also 13/17 from the free throw line. The 76ers had 14 offensive rebounds as the Blazers did a poor job limiting them to just one shot. The Blazers forced 15 turnovers on the 76ers. The Blazers had little paint defense as the 76ers had 50 points down low.
Damian Lillard responded with 51 points and 7 assists for Portland. Carmelo Anthony had 20 points and 7 rebounds. Anthony passes Paul Pierce and John Havlicek for 15th on the All-Tim Scoring List. CJ McCollum had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic had 15 points and 6 rebounds and Mario Hezonja had 12 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
Conclusion
The Blazers are now 4-2 in the bubble and are just 0.5 games from over-taking the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Damian Lillard responded with a 51-point explosion as the 76ers could not stop him all night long. Gary Trent Jr. showed the first signs of him being human, but the Blazers continue to look like a very scary potential matchup for the LA Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. The Blazers face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets won their 5th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Rockets came into this contest 3-1 with their small ball lineup still causing teams headaches. The Rockets would be without Russell Westbrook again, but it did not matter. The Rockets were still the superior team to the lowly Kings and powered by Austin Rivers and James Harden, cruised to their 4th win in the bubble.
Offensively the Rockets were good as they shot 47% from the field and 32% from 3. They were also 25/30 from the free throw line. The Rockets did had 15 turnovers. The Rockets pounded the ball down low as they had 50 points in the paint.
Defensively the Rockets were solid as well as the Kings shot 47% from the field and 27% from 3. The Kings were also 20/23 from the free throw line. The Rockets did a good job forcing turnovers as the Kings had 17. The Rockets didn’t have much paint defense as the Kings had 58 points down low.
Austin Rivers had a career-high 41 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Rockets. James Harden had 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists as well. Ben McLemore had 20 points. Robert Covington had 12 points and 13 rebound and Jeff Green had 12 points off the bench.
Conclusion
The Rockets are now 4-1 in the bubble and 2-0 without Russell Westbrook. The Rockets sure look like a dangerous matchup in the first round for anybody as they seem to have answered all of our questions with their small ball lineup. With James Harden leading the way, and when Russell Westbrook returns the Rockets will be back at full strength. The Rockets face the Spurs next.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Kings have been very bad in the restart as they came into this game 1-4. Their chances to make the playoffs were nearly at 0 when we started the restart, and those odds have not gotten any better since. Even without Russell Westbrook, the Kings were still at a disadvantage. And the Kings never stood a chance as they lost again, and they are officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Offensively the Kings were ok as they shot 47% from the field and 27% from 3. They were also 20/23 from the free throw line. The Kings did have 17 turnovers as they did not do a good job taking care of the ball. The Kings pounded the ball down low as they had 58 points in the paint.
Defensively the Kings were sub-par as the Rockets shot 47% from the field and 32% from 3. The Rockets were also 25/30 from the line. The Kings did force 15 turnovers on the Rockets. The Kings had little paint defense as the Rockets had 50 points down low.
De’Aaron Fox had 26 points and 9 assists to lead the Kings. Buddy Hield had 16 points off the bench. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists and DaQuan Jeffries had 13 points off the bench. Jabari Parker had 12 points as well. Harrison Barnes had 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Conclusion
The Kings had a pretty bad restart as they never really got it going. De’Aaron Fox was amazing throughout these games, but he rarely had help. The Kings have another unsuccessful season, and you have to wonder why on Earth they fired Dave Joerger, who was a very good coach for the Kings. Anyway, the Kings are living up to their usual low standards.
LA Clippers
The Clippers lost their 6th game in the bubble. Here is what I thought about their performance.
The Clippers have been good and bad in the bubble. They have lost close games to the Suns and Lakers, and have won games against the Mavs and Blazers. Tonight they faced the Nets, who have been bad, but good enough to make the playoffs in the East. The Clippers would have no PG-13, Patrick Beverley, and Montrezl Harrell in this game, but you figured that they would win this game. No, they didn’t win. In fact this game wasn’t particularity close as the Clippers are now 3-3 in the bubble.
Offensively the Clippers were good as they shot 48% from the field and 36% from 3. They were also 17/20 from the free throw line. The Clippers had 10 offensive rebounds as they did a good job creating 2nd chance opportunities for themselves. The Clippers took good care of the ball as they had just 10 turnovers. The Clippers had a good paint presence as they had 48 points down low.
Defensively the Clippers were bad as the Nets shot 55% from the field and 47% from 3. The Nets were also 15/19 from the free throw line. The Clippers forced the Nets into 16 turnovers. The Clippers didn’t have much paint defense as the Nets had 48 points down low.
Kawhi Leonard had 39 points and 6 rebounds to lead the Clippers. Lou Williams had 18 points off the bench. Marcus Morris added 15 points and Terrence Mann had 14 points off the bench as well.
Conclusion
The Clippers have not been at tip-top form all throughout the NBA restart. People have been in and out of the roster, and they can’t seem to win the easy wins. And with PG-13 and Patrick Beverley talking trash on social media, it becomes increasingly important that the Clips win a title, especially to prove Damian Lillard wrong (which is very important to them for some reason). Anyway, the Clippers better get healthy and get their act together before the playoffs start.
What Are Your Thoughts/Opinions From Day 11 of the NBA Restart? Leave a comment down below.
Tomorrow at 2:30 PM PT, I will be posting my thoughts/opinions from Day 12, so stay tuned!
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