Hawks Continue To Struggle; Lamelo Breaks Record! 1.9.21
It’s another day of NBA basketball as we have 8 games on the schedule today.
Game Of The Day Prediction: Suns vs Pacers or Blazers vs Kings
Denver Nuggets vs Philadelphia 76ers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The 76ers roster was hit with Covid, as this game could have been postponed. But enough 76er players are ready, so this should be interesting. Michael Porter Jr. remains out due to Covid protocols, but this Nuggets team is very good with Jokic and Jamal Murray. I think that guys like Monte Morris have been playing ok, but they need to score more. I think the Nuggets are in a good place to win this game. For the 76ers, you’re missing a lot of key guys. Embiid, Simmons, Harris, Curry are all out. This will likely be a massacre. The 76ers are dealing with Covid, the first team to get hit like this. The Nuggets will easily win this game.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets had the clear advantage in this game, and they took it to the 76ers in the 2nd half. The first half was surprisingly close, Denver leading by just 7. But the Nuggets showed their dominance in the 2nd half, getting back on track after a tough loss against Dallas. Barton, Jokic, Murray, and Gary Harris were all in double figures. Monte Morris had 12 off the bench. The Nuggets have started to look a lot better as of late, they just need to be more consistent. Denver is now 4-5 on the year, and they take on the New York Knicks next.
Philadelphia 76ers
Really didn’t expect much from the 76ers with them only having 7 active players. Tyrese Maxey kept them in the game in the first half with 22 points, as he looked very good in this game. No real criticism for the 76ers, as this game should have been postponed, but whatever. Philly just has to hope to avoid any more of these Covid outbreaks in the future. Philly takes on the Atlanta Hawks next.
Miami Heat vs Washington Wizards
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Heat have struggled so far this season, as they’ve had problems with their offense and defense. Their defense is still solid, but can be problematic at times as teams like Boston and Miami haven’t really had a problem scoring against them. The Heat’s offense has some weapons, but they’ve started off games slow. They have shooters like Duncan Robinson, and bruising forwards like Adebayo and Butler. They just haven’t been able to piece things together and look like they did in the bubble, for one reason or another. The Wizards have been one of the worst teams in the league this season, mainly due to their horrible defense and bad coaching. Deni Avdija is being used a spot-up shooter, instead of a play-making do it all kind of forward. Russell Westbrook hasn’t been attacking as much, and Beal has been doing it all. But the Wizards will be without Westbrook and Beal for this game, making this a very tough game. Should be an easy win for the Heat.
Miami Heat
The fact that this game was even some-what close is kind of embarrassing. The Wizards were missing their two best players, and have probably the worst defense in the league, and the Heat only won by 4. Kind of an L. The Heat shot 77% from the field in the first quarter, scoring 47 points. But Washington only trailed by 3. The Heat took a 4-point lead into halftime, as their offense was red-hot. In the 3rd, the Heat put their foot down on defense and allowed just 15 points, and led by 17 entering the 4th. The Wizards did close the deficit a few times, but the Heat hung to win, improving to 4-4 on the year.
Tyler Herro had 31 points and 9 rebounds on 12/20 shooting.
Jimmy Butler had 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists on 10/18 shooting.
Goran Dragic had 21 points and 5 assists on 7/10 shooting off the bench.
The Heat’s offense was looking really good in this game, but to be fair, it was the Wizards defense. Tyler Herro has been very good this season, and Jimmy Butler nearly had a triple-double. Kelly Olynyk has been very good in the starting lineup, as this new unit has been pretty good. Dragic was solid off the bench, but their defense wasn’t very good. I still haven’t seen very good defense from this Heat team, and their defense wasn’t good against the Wizards supporting cast. Their offense was good, but they can they keep it up? If they can, maybe they can start to get things going. The Heat are now 4-4 on the year, and they take on the Boston Celtics next time out.
Washington Wizards
Again, defense is the key. Didn’t really watch this game because Beal and Wall were out, but the Wizards weren’t even that bad. They scored 44 points in the first quarter, shooting 56% from the field. They trailed by 4 at halftime. But the talent difference caught up to them in the 3rd, as they were outscored by 13. They did manage to trim the deficit in the 4th, but they lost, dropping their record to 2-8.
Garrison Matthews had 22 points on 6/12 shooting off the bench.
Deni Avdija had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 7/15 shooting.
Rui Hachimura had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 8/18 shooting.
The Wizards still need to fix their defense (Haliburton was on the board). Avdija finally got to do something other than stand in the corner, as he got to play-make and rebound. I definitely think Avdija doesn’t fit on this team, and should be used for off the bench, as he can get the ball more. Thomas Bryant left early with an injury, as you hope that he’s ok. But the Wizards are a mess, and they need to rebuild, especially that defense side of the ball. Washington is now 2-8 on the year, and they take on the Phoenix Suns next.
Phoenix Suns vs Indiana Pacers
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Suns forgot how to shoot the ball in the 2nd half of their game against the Suns, as they blew a 23-point lead. An uncharacteristic loss for Phoenix, but they remain a very good team, led by CP-3 and Devin Booker. I really like the makeup of this Suns team, and they face a very good Indiana team, a good test for the blooming Suns. The Pacers have been quietly one of the best offenses in the league. Their duo of Brogdon and Sabonis have been excellent to start this season, as they have won 2 straight games. This Indiana team is well-coached, and a lot to handle, making this a very good game. I am giving the edge to the Pacers, just because of how good their offense is.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns bounced back in a big way, after a bad loss at the hands of the Pistons. Mike Bridges got things going early, scoring 15 points in the first quarter, as Phoenix trailed by 2 after 1. After a strong 2nd quarter, allowing just 21 points, the Suns led by 3 at halftime. The Suns held their lead in the 3rd, and then things got interesting in the 4th. The Pacers cut the Suns lead, but then Phoenix responded, as they went up by 15 with just under 4 minutes left in the 4th. Chris Paul’s midrange jumper sealed the win for the Suns, as they are now 7-3 on the year.
Mikal Bridges had 34 points on 12/18 shooting, 6/8 3-PT.
Devin Booker had 25 points and 7 assists on 9/19 shooting.
Chris Paul had 15 points and 10 assists on 6/10 shooting.
The Suns were able to close this game out strong in the 4th, something they couldn’t do against the Pistons. Mikal Bridges was red-hot from the field, as he had a game-high 34 points. He spaced out the floor, and became a very reliable shooter. CP-3 had another double double, and Devin Booker dropped a casual 25. I really don’t know what Deandre Ayton can do on this team. Yes he’s their best big guy, but he hasn’t done much in the scoring department. He is a good defender, but I don’t know if, when, and how they will add him to the offense. But the 7-3 Suns really haven’t found use for the former #1 overall pick. The Suns take on the dreadful Wizards next time out.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers had a chance to win this game, but they were dreadful down the stretch. The Pacers offense had no problems against a good Suns defense, shooting 52% from the field in the first quarter. But their offense slowed down in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 21 points and trailing by 3 at halftime. Entering the 4th, the Pacers were still within striking distance. But they fell behind by 7 early, but rallied back to come back within two. But then the Suns went on a 13-2 run, and they led by 13. The Pacers defense couldn’t stop the Suns, and a Chris Paul jumper sealed the deal, as Indiana falls to 6-3 on the year.
Domantas Sabonis had 28 points and 22 rebounds on 12/24 shooting.
Malcolm Brogdon had 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists on 7/20 shooting.
Justin Holiday had 17 points and 5 rebounds on 6/10 shooting off the bench.
The Pacers offense was very good in this game, but their normally good defense was getting shelled. Sabonis and Brogdon continue to play very well, as Sabonis was a monster, recording a 20-20 double-double. Turner and Oladipo each had 15+ points, and the Pacers bench was good as well. But allowing the Suns to shoot 49% from the field, and nearly 40% from 3 won’t win you games. This Pacers team is still very good on both ends, and a very good team, they just couldn’t stop the Suns at all tonight. The Pacers take on the Sacramento Kings next.
Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Hawks haven’t been as good on offense as of late, as something just hasn’t been right. Their defense hasn’t been good all year, and when their offense sputters, the Hawks struggle. They need Trae Young to be more aggressive and draw fouls, as he has been doing less of that lately. This Hawks team still isn’t 100% healthy, but they are still a very good team. The Hornets beat this Hawks team soundly a few nights ago, and just dominated the Pelicans on national TV. I really don’t like their roster, and even though I didn’t like Lamelo Ball out of the draft as much as everybody else, he has been good so far this season (still got to shoot better). Gordon Hayward has been excellent, but they need to trade either Rozier or Graham to give room for Lamelo. Their roster is decent around their core, with Miles Bridges playing like a 6th Man of the Year candidate. I favor the Hawks in this game, but they are going to have to play a lot better to win this game.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks just haven’t been able to score the ball like they did in the start of the season. And we know that their defense hasn’t been that good, so when their offense stalls, they struggle. The Hawks were outscored by 10 in the 2nd quarter, scoring just 21 points. They couldn’t even make a dent in the lead in the 2nd half, as Lamelo Ball and company were torching them. Trae Young continues to struggle, and they lost Bogdan Bogdanovic early with a knee injury. Their bench was inefficient, but Reddish and Huerter produced. The Hawks have lost their last 4 games, as they are now 4-5 on the year.
Cam Reddish had 21 points and 5 rebounds on 6/17 shooting.
De’Andre Hunter had 20 points and 8 rebounds on 6/12 shooting.
Trae Young had 15 points and 10 assists on 5/19 shooting.
The Hawks have been terrible as of late. In their first 5 games, they were averaging nearly 126 points per game, and they were 4-1. In their last 4 games, they have been averaging just under 100 points per game, and they are 0-4. The Hawks offense has to be humming, otherwise they can’t win games because their defense isn’t good (should have drafted Haliburton). This Hawks team is similar to last season, where they started hot and then faded away to mediocrity. They haven’t been fully healthy this season, but they proved that they win while not fully healthy, starting this season on a tear. Trae Young has to be better, and the Hawks have to get a grip. The Hawks take on the Philadelphia 76ers next time out.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets seem to be the weakness of the Atlanta Hawks. They’ve controlled both of their early matchups this season, dominating them. The Hornets roster isn’t one that I like, but they have been producing as of late. Lamelo Ball was excellent in the 2nd quarter, and a big reason for the Hornets 9-point lead at halftime. The Hornets offense continued to play well, and they never led the Hawks back into the game. The Hornets have been playing very good as of late, winning their last 3 games, and improving to 5-5.
Terry Rozier had 23 points on 8/15 shooting.
PJ Washington had 22 points and 7 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
Lamelo Ball had 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists on 9/13 shooting off the bench.
Lamelo Ball become the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, as he looked very good. Perhaps I was wrong about Lamelo Ball, as he has been arguably the best rookie so far this season. I definitely think he should be starting over Devonte Graham, who has been shooting 27% from the field and 31% from 3. How is Ball not starting? He’d better be starting soon, otherwise MJ and the Hornets have a problem. But the Hornets have been looking very good as of late, as they are now back to 0.500 with a 5-5 record. The Hornets take on the Knicks next time out.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Spurs thoroughly outplayed both LA teams, beating them both. LaMarcus Aldridge turned back the clock against the Lakers, as their roster finds production from guys like Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and DeMar DeRozan. This Spurs roster is by no means a contending one, but they are in contention to sneak into the playoffs, or make it into the play-in. The Timberwolves are 0-6 without Towns in the lineup, what more needs to be said. But, Towns in back in the lineup, as the T-Wolves are 2-0 with Towns on the floor. This offense gets a real boost down low with the dynamic Towns, as he can do so much on offense. I think that this game will be close, but I’m giving the edge to the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs
This was quite the game by the Spurs, and it was a battle for both teams. The Spurs had a really good 2nd quarter, and they led by 2 at halftime, shooting 47% from the field and scoring 60 points. Going into the 4th, the Spurs trailed by 2, and they fought back into it in the 4th. With 1:44 left, the Spurs found themselves down by 3. But then DeMar DeRozan scored 5 straight to put the Spurs on top by two. The two teams exchanged scores, and with 15.5 seconds left, the Spurs trailed by 2. But the crafty DeMar DeRozan drew a foul, and tied the game at the line. The Spurs got a stop, and the game was headed to OT. In OT, the Spurs offense was very good, as they led by 6 with just over 2 minutes left. But with 37 seconds left, their lead was 3. DeRozan missed and the T-Wolves had a chance to tie. But a LaMarcus Aldridge steal sealed the game, and the Spurs won in OT, improving to 5-4 on the year.
DeMar DeRozan had 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 13/23 shooting.
Dejounte Murray had 22 points and 14 rebounds on 7/18 shooting.
Patty Mills had 21 points on 5/8 3-PT off the bench.
The Spurs have won their last 3, as their offense has been rolling. DeMar DeRozan turned the clock back to Toronto, as he had 38 points, including big shots in the 4th and OT. Dejounte Murray had a double-double, and Patty Mills continues to be on absolute fire from 3 off the bench. The Spurs have been playing very good as of late, as they are back over 0.500 with a 5-4 record. The Spurs take on the Minnesota Timberwolves again tomorrow.
Minnesota Timberwolves
This was one that the T-Wolves should have won, but a costly mistake, cost them the game. The T-Wolves looked very good in the first half with Towns on the floor, scoring 58 points on 60% shooting. Karl Anthony Towns did wonders for their offense. Entering the 4th, the T-Wolves led by 2, and they had a chance to close this game late, but they couldn’t. With 1:44 left, the T-Wolves led by 3. But they allowed 5 straight points to DeMar DeRozan, and they now trailed. Towns and Russell responded, and they led by 2 with 15 seconds left. But again, they couldn’t stop DeRozan, and he tied the game at the line, forcing OT. In OT, the T-Wolves got off to a slow start, trailing by 6 with 2:19 left. But they had the ball late, with a chance to win. Anthony Edwards had the ball with 10 seconds left, and instead of taking the easy layup to cut the lead to one, he tried to kick it out, and the pass was stolen, a rookie mistake to end the game. Minnesota is now 2-7 on the year.
Malik Beasley had 29 points on 11/20 shooting, 7/11 3-PT.
Karl Anthony Towns had 25 and 13 rebounds on 9/17 shooting.
D’Angelo Russell had 16 points and 6 assists on 7/22 shooting.
The Timberwolves looked miles better on offense with Towns, who had a double-double in his return. Malik Beasley shot well, and Russell was alright. That Anthony Edwards turnover was a rookie mistake, and he’ll learn from it. But with Towns back, I give the Timberwolves a fighting chance most nights, as their offense goes through him a lot, and he does so much. Minnesota is now 2-7 on the year, and they face the Spurs again tomorrow.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Milwaukee Bucks
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Cavs have been up and down so far this season as they have dealt with heavy injuries to their roster, they are still above 0.500. Their offense is in the bottom ranks of the league, and yet they’ve been able to win games. They are still without Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, but they have guys like Nance, Osman, Drummond, and exciting rookie Isaac Okoro. But these short-handed Cavs face the might of the Bucks. The Bucks haven’t looked right so far this season (#firemikebudenholzer), as their defense hasn’t been as good as it has been. The Jazz torched, making 25 3-pointers. Jrue Holiday, the guy they traded 5 picks and an All-Defensive Guard for, hasn’t been involved in the offense, due to a lack of touches. They need to get him the ball more. He will hopefully get more touches as the MVP, Giannis sits out of this game. The Bucks still have the talent advantage vs the Cavs, and they should be winning this game.
Cleveland Cavaliers
This Cavs gave the Bucks a tough fight, but they were without their starting backcourt in Sexton and Garland, so there’s really not that much they they can do. The Cavs scored just 14 points in the first quarter, and they trailed by 13. And they just could never get back in the game, as their offense couldn’t produce much. The Cavs offense has been one of the worst in the league, and they produced just 90 points in this game. The Cavs are now back at 0.500 with a 5-5 record.
Andre Drummond had 26 points and 24 rebounds on 11/23 shooting.
Damyean Dotson had 21 points and 8 assists on 8/17 shooting.
Larry Nance Jr. had 17 points on 6/11 shooting.
The Cavs offense has been pretty bad this season, and they were without their best guards. They were also playing one of the best defenses in the league, and for them to only lose by 10, it’s not the worst outcome. The Cavs are still at 0.500 believe or not, as they have started this season pretty well. They just have to try and get their guards healthy, to try and give themselves the best chances to win every night. The Cavs take on the Grizzlies next.
Milwaukee Bucks
Without Giannis, the Bucks offense took a bit of a hit, but their defense didn’t. The Bucks allowed just 37 points in the first half, allowing the Cavs to shoot just 41% from the field. The Bucks offense wasn’t anything crazy without Giannis, but their defense was excellent. Bucks improve to 6-4 on the year.
Khris Middleton had 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists on 10/16 shooting.
Bobby Portis had 17 points and 11 rebounds on 7/11 shooting.
Jrue Holiday had 15 points and 6 rebounds on 5/12 shooting.
Khris Middleton is usually good when Giannis isn’t playing, and the same was true about today, as he was excellent. Bobby Portis was very good as he started in place of Giannis. I still want to see Jrue Holiday get the ball more, as his usage percentage is far below what Eric Bledsoe was doing last year. Holiday USG% 2020: 18.7
Bledsoe USG% 2019: 23.7
Remember, the Bucks gave up 5 first round picks for this guy, and Eric Bledsoe who an All-Defensive Member that season. Might want to give him the ball more. Just a thought. The Bucks are now 6-4 on the year, and they face the Orlando Magic next.
Orlando Magic vs Dallas Mavericks
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Magic have been hit with the injury bug as of late, as they were smoked by the Houston Rockets last time out. The Magic are still a decent team when fully healthy, but they haven’t healthy these last couple of days. The loss of Markelle Fultz for the season cannot be understated, but the Magic can still win this game. This is because the Mavs are missing a lot of guys due to Covid. Josh Richardson, Jalen Brunson, and Dorian Finney-Smith are all out for this game. All 3 of those guys are either starters or key bench players. Now obviously the Mavs still have a top-10 player in the world in Luka Doncic, and that can win you a game. This game is very interesting, but I do have the Magic winning this game.
Orlando Magic
Without Fultz, this Magic offense has to change a lot. Evan Fournier was out, but their offense couldn’t get anything going. The Magic trailed by 9 after the first quarter, shooting 46% from the field, but 0% from 3. The Mavs trailed by 6 at halftime, but couldn’t lower the deficit in the 3rd, and they trailed by 10 entering the 4th. And then the Magic just kind of bowed down in the 4th, losing by 14. The Magic scored just 98 points in this game, as they have lost their last 2 games, falling to 6-4 on the year.
Nikola Vucevic had 30 points and 15 rebounds on 14/24 shooting.
Aaron Gordon had 16 points and 5 assists on 6/16 shooting.
The offense was basically get Vucevic the ball, as he accounted for about 30% of their points. Terrence Ross struggled off the bench, and the affects to not having Markelle Fultz showed in this game. They were also without Evan Fournier, and they couldn’t find much scoring. Cole Anthony went 2/8 starting today, as he still has a long ways to go in terms of developing. The Magic are similar to the T-Wolves, in that they lost a major part of their offense, and now they have to adapt. Will they do it? To be seen. The Magic take on the Milwaukee Bucks next.
Dallas Mavericks
Even without 3 key players, the Mavs still dominated this game. The Mavs offense fueled by Luka and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 36 points in the first quarter, shooting 67% from the field. The Mavs led by 6 at halftime, but they dominated the 2nd half. They scored 29 points in the 3rd, and led by 10 entering the 4th. The Mavs never let the Magic get close in the 4th, and they cruised to their 3rd straight win, improving to 5-4 on the year.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had 36 points and 5 rebounds on 12/20 shooting.
Trey Burke had 29 points on 11/13 shooting, 7/8 3-PT off the bench.
Luka Doncic had 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists on 7/20 shooting.
The Mavericks were very good, even without 3 of their better players. Tim Hardaway Jr. was excellent, as he has playing very well as of late. Trey Burke was a surprise off the bench, as he was on absolute fire. Luka did Luka things, another triple-double for him. The Mavs defense was very good in this game, as they have been rapidly improving as of late. They have found a way to win, and they have been executing. The Mavs have won 3 straight games, and they are back over 0.500 with a 5-4 record. The Mavs take on the Pelicans next time out.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Sacramento Kings
Pre-Game Thoughts: The Blazers have been very up and down this season, but they remain at 0.500 after a dominant win vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Blazers offense is very good, with Dame and CJ both being top 10 scorers early on this year. Jusuf Nurkic has started this season off slow, but played very well against the T-Wolves, and they look for more production from the big fella. The Blazers bench has been good, as Gary Trent Jr. and Enes Kanter have been very good to start this season. An all-around solid Blazers team, one that has to play defense to be good. The same goes for the Kings. Sacramento scored 123 points against the Raptors, as their offense was very good. The only problem is they allowed 144 points. Their defense is also amongst the worst in the league. Tyrese Haliburton has been far and away the steal of the draft, and the best rookie off the bench for Sacramento. De’Aaron Fox has been good, and his help with guys like Bagley, Barnes, Holmes, and Hield have been solid. This game is going to be pretty good as these two teams are evenly matched, but the Blazers have the superstars in this game, as well as the slight advantage on defense, and that’s why I think they will win this game.
Portland Trail Blazers
Very good game for Portland, as they took advantage of one of the worst defenses in the league. The Blazers shot 48% from the field and scored 66 points in the first half, behind 28 points from Dame and CJ combined. The Blazers defense was also very good throughout the night. The Blazers lead went up to as much as 30 in the 2nd half, and they cruised to another win. Portland’s defense was much improved, allowing under 100 points for the first time this season. Portland has won their last two games, and they are 5-4 on the year.
CJ McCollum had 37 points on 13/22 shooting, 6/11 3-PT.
Damian Lillard had 17 points and 6 assists on 5/16 shooting.
Dame and CJ led the way for Portland, as CJ continues to shine on offense. Jusuf Nurkic played good again, as he seems to have found a rhythm. Trent, Kanter, and Anthony off the bench were all in double-figures, as that Blazers bench is much improved. But what impressed me the most was the defense. The Kings are a team that chucks a lot of shots and plays fast, but Portland’s defense was excellent. They allowed the Kings just 99 points, as the Kings shot just 41% from the field and 27% from 3. Excellent performance from Portland, as they have gotten things together a bit. They are now 5-4 on the year, and they take on the Toronto Raptors next.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings defense will be a problem all night long, as Portland was getting what they wanted for most of the night. And their offense has to be red-hot for them to break even with their poor defense, and that didn’t happen tonight. The Kings allowed 66 points in the first half to Portland, as they shot 48% from the field. The Kings only shot 43% from the field, and found themselves down by 17. The lead blew into 30 points in the 3rd, and the Kings just haven’t been able to re-create what they did early on in the season, as they are 4-6 on the year.
Marvin Bagley had 15 points and 8 rebounds on 5/14 shooting.
Tyrese Haliburton had 12 points and 8 assists on 5/8 shooting.
The Kings are a mess. Their defense is one of the worst in the league, as CJ McCollum lit them up, getting to where he wanted all night long. The Kings offense just has to be very good for them to win, and they couldn’t get a run going or anything. Tyrese Haliburton continues to be a diamond in the rough, as the rookie played very well in his first start. The Kings are going back to regular Kings basketball, as they have lost 5 of their last 6 games, and they are 4-6. The Kings face another tough team next, the Indiana Pacers.
What Are Your Thoughts From The 8-Game Slate Today? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
