Power Rankings, Week 22: Sizzling Thunder head back to No. 1

Record: 53-15

OffRtg: 116.9 (7) DefRtg: 106.3 (1) NetRtg: +10.7 (1) Pace: 100.4 (15)

The Thunder are trying like one of the best crew within the league once more. They’re a league-best 11-1 because the All-Star break, with six of these 11 wins having come throughout the high 10.

Three takeaways

• Jalen Williams stays out, however the Thunder acquired more healthy final week, with Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein all coming back from brief absences. Ajay Mitchell got here back from a 20-game absence final Monday, and he was within the beginning lineup for every of the final two video games, having began simply 9 of his earlier 44. Among the crew’s two-man combos which have performed a minimum of 200 minutes collectively, the combo of Mitchell and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the best on-court mark on offense, with Oklahoma City having scored 123.3 factors per 100 possessions in its 604 minutes.

• Aside from their win over the Nuggets final Monday (129 factors on 100 possessions), the Thunder’s offense has been fairly common during the last month. But they’ve allowed simply 106 factors per 100 (second) because the All-Star break, despite the fact that six of their 12 post-break video games have come in opposition to top-10 offenses. Their final 4 opponents have mixed to shoot simply 51.3% within the paint, and the Wolves had 25 turnovers (16 of them reside balls) on Sunday afternoon.

• Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t been probably the most environment friendly scorer within the clutch this season, however he leads the league with 153 factors scored with the rating inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes of the fourth quarter or additional time, and he’s definitely had some clutch highlights of late. He made four huge step-back 3s over the span of three video games, culminating together with his game-winner in opposition to the Nuggets final Monday. Then he hit two pull-up 2-pointers for the lead within the remaining 65 seconds in opposition to Boston on Thursday, earlier than Chet Holmgren gave the Thunder their remaining lead on the free-throw line. Over his profession (and together with postseason), Gilgeous-Alexander has shot 245-for-504 (48.6%) on clutch pictures, simply one of the best mark amongst guards who’ve tried a minimum of 250 within the 30 years for which we now have clutch knowledge.

Coming up: The Thunder’s sport in Orlando on Tuesday begins their longest street journey of the season (5 video games over 9 days) and begins a stretch of eight straight in opposition to the Eastern Conference. At plus-10.41 factors per sport, they’re presently a hair behind final season’s Thunder (plus-10.43) for the second-best street level differential in NBA historical past.

Week 22: @ ORL, @ BKN, @ WAS

Record: 49-18

OffRtg: 117.7 (4) DefRtg: 110.5 (3) NetRtg: +7.2 (4) Pace: 100.9 (12)

Victor Wembanyama missed a sport for the primary time since early January and the Spurs blew a 20-point lead to the Nuggets. But they’ve received 17 of the last 18 games that Wembanyama has performed in, with the final 5 having come in opposition to the Pistons, Clippers, Rockets, Celtics and Hornets.

Three takeaways

• The Spurs have outscored their opponents by a tremendous 23.6 factors per 100 possessions in Wembanyama’s 540 minutes on the ground over these 18 video games. That’s the best on-court mark amongst 339 gamers who’ve performed in a minimum of 10 video games since Feb. 1. And 13 of these 18 video games he’s performed in have come in opposition to groups presently at or above .500.

• The Celtics dared the Spurs to shoot 3-pointers, they usually did, registering their highest 3-point rate (55% of their pictures) of the season on Tuesday. They shot 20-for-46 (43%) from deep, but in addition outscored the Celtics on the free throw line, with Wembanyama going 8-for-15 from past the arc and 9-for-12 from the stripe. Stephon Castle (who had a 30-point triple-double within the loss to Denver) nonetheless isn’t capturing a variety of 3-pointers, however he’s 18-for-45 (40%) from past the arc because the All-Star break, up from 29% prior.

• The Spurs have been at their best (plus-12.3 factors per 100 possessions) within the first quarter and have led by double-digits in 13 (72%) of their 18 losses. That can be, by far, the very best charge for any crew within the 30 seasons of play-by-play knowledge, with just one different crew in that point (the 2019-20 Heat, 55%) having had double-digit leads in a minimum of half of the video games it misplaced.

Coming up: The Spurs will play eight of their subsequent 11 video games on the street, with a possible first-round preview on the Intuit Dome on Monday. They got here back from 25 factors down to win their first meeting with the Clippers 10 days in the past.

Week 22: @ LAC, @ SAC, vs. PHX, vs. IND

Record: 44-23

OffRtg: 119.6 (2) DefRtg: 111.7 (5) NetRtg: +7.9 (2) Pace: 95.4 (30)

The Celtics got here up brief of their video games in San Antonio and Oklahoma City final week, the primary time in two months that they’ve misplaced two straight. But they’re nonetheless in second place within the East and Jayson Tatum performed 32 minutes of their win over the Wizards on Saturday.

Three takeaways

• With their losses to the Spurs and Thunder final week, the Celtics are 8-12 (tied for second-worst) in video games performed between the top 10 teams in the league. That features a 3-8 mark since mid-December, with Boston having scored simply 110 factors per 100 possessions over these 11 video games. It didn’t assist that Jaylen Brown was ejected within the first half of the San Antonio sport or that Tatum and Derrick White missed the sport in Oklahoma City, which the Celtics misplaced within the remaining second.

• But these weren’t the one occasions within the final couple of weeks that the Celtics have performed beneath their customary offensively. They’ve scored simply 115.8 points per 100 possessions over their final six video games and simply 113.8 per 100 in Tatum’s 113 minutes on the ground. He’s shot simply 11-for-40 (28%) from 3-point vary, has taken solely 31% of his shots (the bottom charge of his profession) within the paint, and has simply 9 whole free throw makes an attempt in these 113 minutes.

• The Celtics stay within the high 5 on both ends of the floor for what can be the fourth straight season. No crew within the 49 seasons during which turnovers have been counted had finished it in three straight seasons earlier than final 12 months. Of the 46 groups which have ranked within the high 5 on each ends over the earlier 48 years, 31 (67%) reached the convention finals, with 17 of these making it to the Finals.

Coming up: With the Knicks having a neater remaining schedule, the Celtics nonetheless have some work to do to sew up the two seed within the East. But they’ll play their subsequent 5 video games in opposition to the West, now 15-9 (6-4 at home) in opposition to the other convention.

Week 22: vs. PHX, vs. GSW, @ MEM, vs. MIN

Record: 48-19

OffRtg: 116.8 (9) DefRtg: 109.1 (2) NetRtg: +7.7 (3) Pace: 100.0 (19)

The Pistons put an finish to their four-game dropping streak final week and took care of enterprise in opposition to the Nets, the shorthanded Sixers and the Grizzlies. But they acquired clobbered on the glass in a loss in Toronto on Sunday and nonetheless have some work to do to sew up the highest seed within the East.

Three takeaways

• Two weeks in the past, the Pistons had one of the best file (23-9) in video games performed between the 17 teams which might be presently above .500. But that’s not the case, as they’ve misplaced 4 of their final 5 throughout the group, with the one win coming in opposition to the Sixers (who had been with out Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid) on Thursday. They’ve allowed 123.8 factors per 100 possessions over the 4 losses to Cleveland, San Antonio, Miami and Toronto.

• Ausar Thompson returned from a five-game absence on Sunday, however shot simply 2-for-8 from the sector and 0-for-2 from the road within the Pistons loss in Toronto. He’s their greatest perimeter defender and might be assigned to guys like Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson or Jalen Johnson within the playoffs, however offense might be a problem. Thompson has made 16 shots from outside the paint all season and the Detroit offense was fairly environment friendly (124.5 factors scored per 100 possessions) over that five-game absence. The numbers (on each offense and protection) in 128 whole minutes with the opposite 4 starters on the ground with out Thompson (123.0 scored, 110.7 allowed per 100) are about the identical as they’re in the 510 minutes that the complete lineup has performed.

• The Pistons rank second in offensive rebounding share, however they’re simply 19th in defensive rebounding share (68.8%), having seen the league’s seventh greatest drop from final season (71.4%, 11th). They’ve allowed a minimum of 18 second-chance factors in six of their last seven games, with the Raptors’ 31 on Sunday being their high for the season.

Coming up: The Pistons have six video games remaining in opposition to groups presently beneath .500, and three of these are this week. First is a two-game journey to Washington, with the Wizards having received the final assembly (Feb. 5), certainly one of their best offensive games of the season.

Week 22: @ WAS, @ WAS, vs. GSW

Record: 44-25

OffRtg: 118.2 (3) DefRtg: 111.9 (6) NetRtg: +6.3 (5) Pace: 98.5 (23)

The Knicks had a pair of shut calls over the weekend, however they’re 3-0 of their stretch of seven straight video games in opposition to groups with dropping data. They nonetheless have a shot to catch the Celtics for second place within the East.

Three takeaways

• The Knicks led the Pacers by simply two factors with lower than three minutes left on Friday, lastly pulling away with a few clutch stops. Two nights later, they trailed the shorthanded Warriors by as many as 21 earlier than escaping with a three-point win. The Knicks at the moment are 17-12 in video games that had been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes and are certainly one of two teams – the Thunder are the opposite – that rank within the high 5 in each clutch offense and clutch protection.

• Though the 2 weekend wins had been slim escapes over below-.500 groups, the Knicks are 44-25 with the purpose differential of a crew that’s 49-20. That level differential of plus-6.2 per game can be the fourth-best mark in franchise historical past, trailing solely the marks of three groups – 1969-70 (plus-9.1), 1993-94 (plus-7.0) and 1972-73 (plus-6.8) – that reached the Finals.

• Karl-Anthony Towns missed the sport in Indiana on Friday, however Mitchell Robinson acquired the beginning, performed a season-high 31 minutes and grabbed 22 rebounds (9 of them on the offensive glass). Robinson’s offensive rebounding share (20.8%) has dropped a bit within the final couple of months, however it’s nonetheless the very best for any participant who’s averaged a minimum of quarter-hour within the 30 seasons of play-by-play knowledge. We haven’t seen as a lot of Robinson and Towns on the ground collectively because the All-Star break (31 total minutes over 14 total Knicks games) as we did prior (213 over 55).

Coming up: The Knicks have 4 video games left on this tremendous comfortable stretch of schedule, although the Pacers (who they’ll play once more on Tuesday) have confirmed to be a thorn of their facet (once more). The Knicks have received their final 13 video games in opposition to the Nets and their final 11 in opposition to the Wizards, set to face each this coming weekend.

Week 22: vs. IND, @ BKN, vs. WAS

Record: 42-25

OffRtg: 116.9 (8) DefRtg: 115.9 (20) NetRtg: +1.1 (15) Pace: 99.4 (20)

The Lakers are taking part in their greatest basketball of the season and have received eight of their final 9 video games. They are alone in third place within the Western Conference.

Three takeaways

• Nine days in the past, the Lakers had misplaced 12 of their final 13 video games in opposition to the top 10 teams within the league. But they’ve now received three straight, holding the Knicks, Wolves and Nuggets (offenses that rank third, Twelfth and first, respectively) to simply 107.5 factors per 100 possessions over these three video games. That has them, lastly, out of the underside 10 on protection for the season.

• The context with the Lakers’ enchancment over the previous few weeks is that they’ve performed 15 of their final 18 video games at dwelling, they usually’ll now embark on a six-game street journey. They don’t have practically as huge a home-road differential as they did final season (the largest within the league), however they’re simply 7-10 on the road since mid-December.

Coming up: The journey begins with two enormous video games in Houston, with the Lakers having been clobbered by the Rockets within the first assembly (on Christmas). Then it’s on to Miami, the place LeBron James is simply 6-17 (2-4 with the Lakers) as a customer.

Week 22: @ HOU, @ HOU, @ MIA, @ ORL

Record: 41-27

OffRtg: 120.3 (1) DefRtg: 116.2 (21) NetRtg: +4.1 (8) Pace: 99.2 (21)

The Nuggets went 3-3 of their six straight video games in opposition to the highest 10 within the league. That’s not dangerous, but in addition not adequate to stay within the high 4 within the West.

Three takeaways

• The Nuggets blew a double-digit lead in Oklahoma City final Monday and got here back from a double-digit deficit in L.A. over the weekend. Both video games went down to the wire, they usually had been overwhelmed on step-back game-winners by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Dončić, falling to 17-18 in video games that had been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. The Nuggets have the league’s 29th-ranked clutch defense (124.7 factors allowed per 100 possessions, however Nikola Jokić can also be simply 3-for-13 (tied with Paolo Banchero for probably the most misses) on pictures to tie or take the lead within the remaining minute of the fourth quarter or additional time this season. His third make was a tough runner off the glass with 15 seconds left in additional time on Saturday, however was instantly adopted by Dončić’s game-winner (the place Spencer Jones couldn’t direct him towards the double-team).

• The Thunder had been with out Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso on Monday, and the Spurs had been with out Victor Wembanyama on Thursday. But it’s nonetheless somewhat exceptional that the Nuggets scored 128.2 points per 100 possessions as they performed three straight video games final week in opposition to groups (Houston was the opposite) that rank within the high eight defensively. For the season, they’ve scored 5.8 extra factors per 100 than the league common, which might be Denver’s greatest mark within the 30 seasons for which we now have play-by-play knowledge.

• Though they’ve performed in solely 14 video games collectively, the Nuggets’ beginning lineup has eclipsed the 200-minute mark. It’s outscored opponents by 16.3 factors per 100 possessions, the third-best mark among the many 15 lineups which have performed a minimum of 200 minutes, although Cam Johnson’s worth in that lineup (as a starter within the playoffs or down the stretch of shut video games) looks like will probably be an open query going ahead.

Coming up: They ended the Spurs’ nine-game dwelling win streak, and the Nuggets are certainly one of solely 4 groups with a greater file on the street (23-14) than they’ve at dwelling (18-13). They’ll play 10 of their remaining 14 video games at Ball Arena, although they’ve a troublesome back-to-back (travel-wise) this week, internet hosting the Sixers on Tuesday after which visiting the Grizzlies (thanks to a schedule change) the next evening.

Week 22: vs. PHI, @ MEM, vs. TOR, vs. POR

Record: 41-25

OffRtg: 116.4 (10) DefRtg: 112.2 (8) NetRtg: +4.2 (6) Pace: 96.8 (29)

The Rockets are holding onto fourth place within the West, having alternated wins and losses for their last nine games, a stretch that features their two biggest losses of the season (at San Antonio and Denver).

Three takeaways

• The much bigger difference between the wins and losses over this nine-game stretch has been on protection, the place the Rockets allowed the Nuggets to rating 76 factors on 50 second-half possessions (1.52 per) of their 36-point loss on Wednesday. That was a rest-disadvantage sport and the Rockets at the moment are 5-6 within the second video games of back-to-backs, with three remaining on their schedule.

• Overall, the Rockets haven’t been fairly pretty much as good defensively as they had been final season. Their opponents’ efficient area purpose share is nearly the identical, however they’ve seen slippage in regard to the possession sport, with the league’s sixth greatest drop in opponent turnover charge and its Tenth greatest drop in defensive rebounding share.

Coming up: The Rockets path the third-place Lakers by half a sport, they usually’ll now meet for 2 enormous video games in Houston on Monday and Wednesday. The first assembly was in L.A. on Christmas, when Thompson scored a game-high 26 factors in a 23-point win.

Week 22: vs. LAL, vs. LAL, vs. ATL, vs. MIA

Record: 41-27

OffRtg: 117.7 (5) DefRtg: 113.4 (14) NetRtg: +4.2 (7) Pace: 100.8 (13)

The Cavs have misplaced six of their last 11 games and are instantly in peril of dropping their spot within the high 4 within the East, now only a sport within the loss column forward of the fifth-place Magic, whom they misplaced to final week.

Three takeaways

• The excellent news is that Max Strus made his season debut on Sunday and scored 24 factors in lower than 23 minutes off the bench, capturing 6-for-7 from 3-point vary. But the Cavs nonetheless aren’t complete, with Jarrett Allen now having missed the final 5 video games and three guards – Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Craig Porter Jr. – additionally lacking Sunday’s loss to Dallas. James Harden has been with the Cavs for 16 video games and the Cavs have had all their core 4 guys – Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Allen – for under three of the 16.

• The protection has been higher with each Mobley and Allen on the ground collectively (109.0 factors allowed per 100 possessions) than it’s been with one on the ground with out the opposite (113.5 allowed per 100). That latter quantity continues to be higher than the league common, however the Cavs’ two losses final week had been two of their six worst defensive games of the season. They could be overwhelmed with weak-side 3-pointers, and the Magic and Mavs mixed to shoot 15-for-25 from the corners over the 2 losses.

• Mobley has seen an uptick in scoring in Allen’s absence, and he tied his season high with 29 factors (on 12-for-15 capturing) within the Cavs’ win in Dallas on Friday. But he nonetheless seems to be uncomfortable capturing from past the arc (the place he might be left alone by opposing defenses) and is simply 7-for-19 from the free throw line over the last three games, now at 61.3% (the lowest mark of his career) from the stripe for the season.

Coming up: The Cavs are the one crew with a successful file that has a number of losses (they’re 3-2) in opposition to the underside 10 within the league because the All-Star break. The first of these losses got here in Milwaukee, the place they’ll start a three-game journey (three of their seven remaining video games in opposition to the underside 10) on Tuesday.

Week 22: @ MIL, @ CHI, @ NOP

Record: 41-27

OffRtg: 116.1 (12) DefRtg: 113.1 (11) NetRtg: +3.0 (11) Pace: 101.5 (9)

The Wolves acquired some momentary reduction with a win at Golden State on Friday, however they’ve misplaced 4 of their last five games and are in peril of dropping their spot within the high six within the West.

Three takeaways

• Unsurprisingly, the Nets, Mavs and Pacers are among the many groups which have seen the largest statistical drop-offs because the All-Star break. But the largest belongs to the Wolves, who’ve been 9.0 factors per 100 possessions worse because the break (minus-4.4, 20th) than they had been prior (plus-4.6, seventh). The drop-off has been slightly bit greater on offense, the place they rank 19th because the break.

• The protection hasn’t been superb both. On Wednesday, the Wolves allowed the Clippers to rating 153 factors on 103 possessions (148.5 per 100), one of many 25 most effective video games for any crew within the 30 seasons for which we now have play-by-play knowledge. This is the primary Monday since Dec. 8 that Minnesota has ranked outdoors the highest 10 defensively..

• The Wolves themselves shot nicely (from the sector and from the road) of their win over the Warriors on Friday. But turnovers (or the dearth thereof on the opposite finish of the ground) had been a serious challenge over their four-game street journey. They dedicated 41 greater than their opponents over the 4 video games and, with some rebounding points as nicely, the Wolves have misplaced the possession sport in 10 of their final 12.

Coming up: The Wolves lead the seventh-place Suns by only one sport within the loss column and are 0-2 within the season sequence, having misplaced the two games by a complete of 4 factors. The third and remaining assembly is Tuesday, the beginning of a stretch during which the Wolves play 5 of six video games at dwelling.

Week 22: vs. PHX, vs. UTA, vs. POR, @ BOS

Record: 38-28

OffRtg: 114.4 (14) DefRtg: 112.9 (10) NetRtg: +1.5 (13) Pace: 100.2 (17)

Before March, the Magic hadn’t received greater than three straight video games. But they’ve now received seven straight, with wins over the Wolves, Cavs and Heat included. That has them 10 video games over .500 (for the primary time) and in fifth place within the East, solely a sport within the loss column behind the fourth-place Cavs.

Three takeaways

• The Magic have had the league’s third-ranked offense (122.4 factors scored per 100 possessions) over the successful streak, despite the fact that they’ve shot proper on the league common (35.8%) from 3-point vary. Their top four scorers in the course of the streak – Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva – have mixed to shoot 65% within the paint and 21-for-39 (54%) from mid-range over the seven video games.

• Though Bane’s 3-point share (38.7%) is down from his first 5 seasons (41%), he has a real capturing share of 60.9%, the very best mark of his profession and fifteenth amongst 38 gamers who’ve averaged a minimum of 20 factors in 40 video games or extra. He’s taken greater than 50% of his pictures within the paint for the primary time in his profession, additionally registering a career-high free-throw charge of 27.4 makes an attempt per 100 pictures from the sector. His area purpose share within the paint isn’t the very best mark of his profession, however he’s had some deft finishes amongst his highlights.

• The Magic wanted additional time to beat the Wizards on Thursday, however they’ve received their final 4 video games that had been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, scoring 52 factors on 40 clutch possessions (1.30 per) over that stretch. They have a dropping file (15-17) in video games that weren’t inside 5 within the final 5, however are 23-11 (third best) within the clutch.

Coming up: The Magic have two video games left on a stretch of 5 in seven days, they usually’ll be at a relaxation drawback after they host the Thunder on Tuesday. Their go to to Oklahoma City final month was their biggest loss of the season (36 factors).

Week 22: @ ATL, vs. OKC, @ CHA, vs. LAL

Record: 38-29

OffRtg: 113.9 (19) DefRtg: 112.1 (7) NetRtg: +1.8 (12) Pace: 99.1 (22)

A 2-6 stretch had taken the Raptors out of the highest six within the East, however they’re back in sixth place after beating the Suns and Pistons over the weekend.

Three takeaways

• The Raptors lastly beat one of many three greatest groups within the East. They scored simply 105.7 factors per 100 possessions as they misplaced their first eight video games in opposition to the Pistons, Celtics and Knicks. But they broke out offensively (119 factors on simply 95 possessions) of their win over Detroit on Sunday. Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl (!) mixed for 82 of the 119, with many of the injury coming contained in the arc. Only the Pistons (14) and Rockets (12) have extra wins than the Raptors (11-11 after going 8-for-28 from deep Sunday) when making fewer than 10 3-pointers.

• Scottie Barnes added 14 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists, registering a plus-22 in what was an 11-point win. He additionally blocked three pictures two nights after recording one of the best blocks of the season within the remaining minute in opposition to Phoenix. The Raptors lead the league in clutch protection (95.9 factors allowed per 100 possessions) and Barnes leads the league with 9 clutch blocks (two greater than anyone else).

• The finish of that 2-6 stretch was a rest-disadvantage loss in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Raptors have the league’s second-biggest differential between their file with relaxation (34-21) and their file within the second video games of back-to-backs (4-8).

Coming up: With their win over Phoenix final week, the Raptors are 2-11 (1-4 on the street) in opposition to the highest eight groups within the Western Conference, set to go to the Nuggets, Suns and Clippers on the five-game journey that begins in Chicago on Wednesday.

Week 22: @ CHI, @ DEN, @ PHX

Record: 39-28

OffRtg: 114.0 (18) DefRtg: 112.8 (9) NetRtg: +1.3 (14) Pace: 98.2 (25)

The Suns received four straight games and had a 10-point lead with slightly greater than eight minutes left in Toronto on Friday. But the streak got here to an finish, as a result of (taking part in with a relaxation drawback) they couldn’t get the stops they wanted over these remaining eight minutes.

Three takeaways

• The Suns scored 126.2 points per 100 possessions over the four-game successful streak, their greatest stretch of offense this season. Devin Booker and Jalen Green mixed to common 60.5 factors over the 4 video games, with 79 within the Suns’ win in Indiana on Thursday. Royce O’Neale additionally shot 16-for-33 (48%) from 3-point vary over the streak.

• Booker and Green totaled one other 65 factors in Toronto on Friday, however it was the Suns’ worst defensive sport because the All-Star break. They allowed the Raptors’ worse-than-average offense to rating 122 factors on simply 96 possessions, together with 36 on 24 (1.5 per) within the fourth quarter. The Suns have nonetheless allowed the identical quantity of factors per 100 possessions throughout Dillon Brooks’ 10-game absence (112.8, 11th) as they did before it.

• The Suns are simply 1 1/2 video games out of a top-six spot within the West, however they’ve acquired a harder remaining schedule than any of the groups in entrance of them, with 9 of their remaining 15 video games coming in opposition to different groups that presently have successful data. They’re simply 2-6 inside that group since Feb. 1.

Coming up: The Suns nonetheless have three video games left on their six-game journey, and their go to to Boston on Monday is the beginning of their second (and remaining) stretch of 5 video games in seven days. They’ll be at a relaxation drawback the next evening in Minnesota and in opposition to the Raptors (for the second time in 10 days) over the weekend.

Week 22: @ BOS, @ MIN, @ SAS, vs. MIL, vs. TOR

Record: 38-30

OffRtg: 114.8 (13) DefRtg: 111.3 (4) NetRtg: +3.5 (9) Pace: 104.7 (1)

Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in opposition to the Wizards because the Heat ran their win streak to seven video games earlier than dropping to the Magic for the fifth time. That has them back in seventh place within the East.

Three takeaways

• Though his teammates had been making an attempt to get him the ball on each possession down the stretch, Adebayo’s utilization charge in opposition to the Wizards was highest (63.6%) within the first quarter, when he scored 31 factors on the Heat’s 27 possessions, capturing 5-for-8 on 2-pointers, 5-for-8 on 3s and 6-for-7 from the road. Though he set an NBA file with 43 free throw makes an attempt on Tuesday, Adebayo’s season-long free throw charge (36.1 makes an attempt per 100 pictures from the sector) continues to be the third lowest of his 9 seasons. His 3-point charge (34% of his pictures) is the highest of his career by a large margin.

• Though they’d a sub-par offensive sport in opposition to the Magic (once more), the Heat have scored 119.8 factors per 100 possessions (fourth best) because the All-Star break, up from 113.7 per 100 (17th) earlier than the break. That’s been the league’s greatest post-break leap on offense, they usually simply acquired Norman Powell back from a seven-game absence (he missed the complete successful streak) on Saturday.

• With their win over the Bucks on Thursday, the Heat had been the ninth crew to surpass their win whole from final season. They rank because the league’s seventh-most improved crew from final season (by way of successful share) and its eighth -most improved (concerning level differential per 100 possessions — +3.1). Statistically, this has been their second-best common season (plus-3.5 per 100) within the 12 years since LeBron James returned to Cleveland. When you’re taking the league-average leap under consideration, the advance has been about even on each ends of the ground.

Coming up: The Heat’s fourth-ranked protection will now face its hardest stretch of video games because the first month of the season. Each of their subsequent six is in opposition to teams that rank within the high 10 offensively.

Week 22: @ CHA, vs. LAL, @ HOU

Record: 34-33

OffRtg: 116.2 (11) DefRtg: 115.3 (19) NetRtg: +0.8 (17) Pace: 97.2 (28)

A four-game successful streak (together with victories over the Knicks and Wolves) had the Clippers two video games over .500 for the primary time this season, however it ended with a shocking loss to the Kings on Saturday. To make issues worse, Kawhi Leonard (who had performed in 22 of the earlier 23 video games) was misplaced to a sprained ankle early within the fourth quarter.

Three takeaways

• The Clippers have nearly climbed into the highest 10 on offense, having scored 126.3 points per 100 possessions over the 7-1 stretch that preceded the loss to Sacramento. Their 153 factors on 103 possessions in opposition to the Wolves on Wednesday (with Leonard scoring 45 factors on 15-for-20 capturing) is amongst high 25 most effective video games for any crew within the 30 seasons for which we now have play-by-play knowledge.

• The loss to the Kings was the Clippers’ first (they were previously 5-0) with Darius Garland in uniform. They’ve outscored their opponents by 21.6 points per 100 possessions in 91 minutes with Garland and Leonard on the ground collectively and the purpose guard was a plus-17 on Saturday. Somehow, the Clippers had been outscored by 26 factors in his 17:50 on the bench.

• Leonard is listed as uncertain for the Clippers’ sport in opposition to the Spurs on Monday, and his absence would put a heavier offensive burden on Bennedict Mathurin. The Clippers have outscored their opponents in Mathurin’s 253 minutes on the ground with out Leonard, however the offense hasn’t been nice (112.9 factors scored per 100 possessions) in that point.

Coming up: After internet hosting the Spurs, the Clippers will play 11 of their remaining 14 video games in opposition to groups with dropping data, with eight of these 11 coming in opposition to the underside 10 groups within the league. They had received 12 of their final 13 in opposition to the underside 10 earlier than the loss to the Kings on Saturday.

Week 22: vs. SAS, @ NOP, @ NOP, @ DAL

Record: 34-34

OffRtg: 117.4 (6) DefRtg: 114.2 (15) NetRtg: +3.3 (10) Pace: 97.9 (26)

The Hornets are back at .500, having gone 2-2 on a four-game journey. They took care of enterprise in opposition to the Blazers and Kings, however got here up brief in Phoenix and San Antonio.

Three takeaways

• The Hornets acquired an enormous win in Boston 12 days in the past, holding the league’s second-ranked offense beneath some extent per possession. But they’ve misplaced their final three video games in opposition to groups with successful data, permitting 125.1 per 100 over these three losses. They’re a much-improved defensive crew, but rank 27th in opponent turnover charge and compelled just 27 total in these losses to the Heat, Suns and Spurs.

• Turnovers have been a problem on offense as nicely, and the Hornets rank final in turnover differential for the season, having dedicated 2.9 per sport greater than their opponents.

• The Hornets’ win in Sacramento on Wednesday was simply the third time this season {that a} crew (the Hornets on this case) didn’t try a single mid-range shot. (The Kings tried 19.) Kon Knueppel has been stable (49%) on pull-up 2-pointers, however the Hornets rank twenty ninth in each mid-range field goal percentage (35.4%) and the share of their pictures which have come from mid-range (6%).

Coming up: The Hornets are certainly one of 5 groups with a homestand of a minimum of seven video games this season. Their (seven video games over 13 days) begins Tuesday with a go to from the seventh-place Heat, who they path by 4 video games. They’ve allowed 126.8 points per 100 possessions as they’ve misplaced the first three meetings.

Week 22: vs. MIA, vs. ORL, vs. MEM

Record: 36-31

OffRtg: 114.2 (15) DefRtg: 113.2 (12) NetRtg: +1.0 (16) Pace: 102.8 (2)

The Hawks’ successful streak has reached nine games, taking them to 5 video games over .500 and to inside two video games of a top-six spot within the East. But it’s come in opposition to an extremely comfortable stretch of schedule. Things will get harder going ahead.

Three takeaways

• Seven of the 9 wins have come in opposition to 4 of the underside 10 groups within the league, and the opposite two have come in opposition to the beneath .500 Blazers (with out Deni Avdija) and the Sixers with out Joel Embiid. But that doesn’t imply that the Hawks aren’t taking part in higher. They had been simply 9-6 in opposition to the underside 10 groups within the league by way of January, however are 8-0 since Feb. 1, with the final seven of these wins having come by double-digits.

• The Hawks have dominated the possession sport, averaging 10.2 extra shot alternatives than their opponents in the course of the successful streak. That contains 42 extra shot alternatives than the Nets (+23) and Bucks (+19) on Thursday and Saturday. They had been within the purple on shot alternatives (0.2 fewer per sport) by way of their first 58 video games, however have seen enormous jumps in each offensive and defensive rebounding share, and have additionally pressured more turnovers.

• Jalen Johnson recorded his Twelfth triple-double of the season on Saturday (the Hawks are 8-4 in those games) and is now averaging a hair greater than eight assists per sport (fifth in the league). If he can preserve his present numbers, he can be simply the fifth completely different participant in NBA historical past to common a minimum of 20 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists, becoming a member of Nikola Jokić (5 seasons, together with this one), Russell Westbrook (4), Oscar Robertson (three) and Wilt Chamberlain (one).

Coming up: The Hawks’ schedule now will get slightly harder, however their sport in opposition to Orlando on Monday additionally represents a possibility. They path the fifth-place Magic by simply 2 1/2 video games, with one other head-to-head assembly coming in April. The Hawks received the first two meetings (each early within the season), although they’re simply 8-9 throughout the 5-10 tier within the East general

Week 22: vs. ORL, @ DAL, @ HOU, vs. GSW

Record: 37-31

OffRtg: 114.1 (17) DefRtg: 114.6 (17) NetRtg: -0.5 (19) Pace: 100.1 (18)

The Sixers are 3-2 throughout Tyrese Maxey’s absence, beating the Grizzlies, Nets and Blazers to keep a half sport forward of the streaking Hawks for eighth place within the East.

Three takeaways

• The Sixers have made not more than 11 3-pointers in every of their last eight games, even the one (Tuesday vs. Memphis) the place Cam Payne made eight 3s by himself. Their 3-for-25 (12%) from past the arc in opposition to Brooklyn on Saturday was the worst 3-point shooting game for any crew this season … they usually received, outscoring Brooklyn by 20 factors within the paint and by seven on the free throw line.

• Quentin Grimes has been the leading scorer (22.6 factors per sport) throughout Maxey’s absence. He’s been right here earlier than, having registered a utilization charge of 26.1% over his 28 video games with the Sixers on the finish of final season. He was at 17.3% (seventh on the team) earlier than final week, however had a charge of 25.2% over these final 5 video games.

• It definitely helped that the Sixers have performed some weaker offenses final week. Their weekend wins over Brooklyn and Portland had been simply the fourth and fifth times that their opponent has scored some extent per possession or much less.

Coming up: The Sixers simply performed 5 video games in seven days, however they’ve simply sooner or later off earlier than starting a three-game journey in Denver on Tuesday. They’re taking part in 9 of their remaining 14 video games on the street.

Week 22: @ DEN, @ SAC, @ UTA

Record: 32-36

OffRtg: 112.4 (24) DefRtg: 114.9 (18) NetRtg: -2.6 (20) Pace: 102.0 (7)

Though the Warriors have misplaced 5 straight video games, the Blazers (5-7 because the All-Star break) haven’t been in a position to catch them, and stay in Tenth place within the West.

Three takeaways

• The Blazers have received their final seven video games in opposition to groups with a worse file than them, scoring 122.1 factors per 100 possessions over these seven video games. Jrue Holiday, Donovan Clingan and Scoot Henderson all scored greater than 20 factors of their 10-point win over the Jazz on Friday. Henderson has made as many 3-pointers in the last four games (15-for-27, 56%) as he made in his 12 video games earlier than that (15-for-64, 23%).

• But the Blazers have misplaced their six video games in opposition to groups with a higher file than them, scoring simply 102.1 factors per 100 over these six video games. They shot simply 18-for-37 (49%) within the paint and dedicated three turnovers within the remaining minute of their two-point loss to the Hornets on Tuesday. And they had been someway even much less environment friendly in a rest-advantage sport in Philadelphia over the weekend.

• Deni Avdija has been back for 4 video games and the Blazers’ present beginning lineup – Jrue Holiday, Avdija, Toumani Camara, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan – ought to seemingly be fairly robust defensively. But it’s allowed 132.7 points per 100 possessions in its 93 minutes collectively. The Blazers acquired off to a brutal begin (they trailed 33-15) in that sport in opposition to the Jazz on Friday, however took the lead with a 20-0 run spanning the primary and second quarters.

Coming up: Eight of the Blazers’ remaining 14 video games are in opposition to these 10 groups which have worse data than they do. That contains two conferences with the Nets, whom they’ll go to on Monday, Game 2 of their five-game journey.

Week 22: @ BKN, @ IND, @ MIN, @ DEN

Record: 32-35

OffRtg: 114.2 (16) DefRtg: 113.4 (13) NetRtg: +0.8 (18) Pace: 100.2 (16)

Stephen Curry stays out and a five-game losing streak has taken the Warriors three video games beneath .500 for the primary time.

Three takeaways

• The 5 losses have come by a complete of simply 29 factors. Four of the 5 had been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes and the Warriors have scored simply 47 factors on 50 clutch possessions over that stretch, capturing simply 3-for-20 on clutch 3-pointers. They didn’t get to try one within the closing seconds of their three-point loss in New York on Sunday, as a result of Quinten Post fumbled a pass from Gui Santos.

• Warriors coach Steve Kerr appeared to yell, “The ball is everything!” at Will Richard after the rookie guard dedicated his second straight turnover late within the second quarter on Sunday. The loss to the Knicks ended a streak of 4 straight video games the place the Warriors had fewer turnovers than their opponent. Their turnover differential this season (0.5 fewer per sport) is their second-best of the final six years, however down considerably from 1.7 fewer per sport final season. Before Curry’s absence, the Warriors had been 17-5 after they dedicated fewer turnovers than their opponent.

• The Warriors are nonetheless a half-game forward of Tenth-place Portland, however the Blazers have the simpler remaining schedule and have finished a greater job of beating the groups beneath them within the standings. With their losses to the Jazz and Bulls final week, the Warriors account for 3 of the 11 occasions because the All-Star break {that a} crew in a playoff or Play-In place has misplaced to a crew within the backside 10.

Coming up: The Warriors’ loss at Madison Square Garden on Sunday was the beginning of a six-game journey and their second (and remaining) stretch of 5 video games in seven days. They’ll be at a relaxation drawback in Washington on Monday, the primary of six remaining video games in opposition to the underside 10 groups within the league.

Week 22: @ WAS, @ BOS, @ DET, @ ATL

Record: 22-46

OffRtg: 113.2 (21) DefRtg: 117.5 (26) NetRtg: -4.3 (22) Pace: 101.2 (11)

The Pelicans are wholesome and taking part in to win. They’re 7-5 because the All-Star break, with three spoiler wins – over the Sixers, Warriors and Raptors – included.

Two takeaways

• The Pelicans have scored 122.3 points per 100 possessions over their final 5 video games, their greatest stretch of offense this season. Dejounte Murray missed a kind of 5 video games, however he’s averaged 24 points on 62% capturing (together with 20-for-28 on 2-point pictures outdoors the restricted space) over the opposite 4. That contains 27 factors within the Pels’ win over the Raptors on Wednesday and 35 (on 14-for-18 capturing) two nights later in Houston.

• The Pelicans are 4-3 with each Murray and Zion Williamson within the lineup and have outscored their opponents by 13.4 points per 100 possessions of their 165 minutes on the ground collectively. The numbers have been higher on protection (101.7 allowed per 100) than offense, partly as a result of the opponents have shot simply 29% from 3-point range in these 165 minutes.

Coming up: The Pelicans have a lot extra spoiler alternatives forward. After internet hosting the Mavs on Monday, they’ll play their subsequent seven video games in opposition to groups with successful data. They’ve allowed 130.8 points per 100 possessions as they’ve misplaced their first two meetings with the Clippers, who might be in New Orleans for a two-game sequence this week.

Week 22: vs. DAL, vs. LAC, vs. LAC, vs CLE

Record: 27-40

OffRtg: 112.3 (25) DefRtg: 116.9 (23) NetRtg: -4.6 (23) Pace: 102.4 (4)

The Bulls performed spoiler twice on their five-game trip out West, beating the Suns and Warriors, with Matas Buzelis scoring a career-high 41 factors at Golden State on Tuesday.

Two takeaways

• Josh Giddey has 4 triple-doubles in his last six games, with 15 or extra assists in two straight video games final week. The Bulls have a variety of guards (even with Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons out), however because the All-Star break, they’ve scored 112.7 factors per 100 possessions with Giddey on the ground and an anemic 97.1 per 100 with him off the ground.

• Giddey additionally had 11 turnovers over these two video games during which he totaled 32 assists, and the Bulls have dedicated 27 extra turnovers than their opponents over their final 4 video games whole. They have the league’s second-worst turnover differential (2.6 extra per sport than their opponents) and its third-biggest shot-opportunity discrepancy (4 fewer per sport) for the season.

Coming up: The Bulls nonetheless have extra street video games (eight) than dwelling video games (seven) remaining, however they’ll start a four-game homestand on Monday with their first of their two conferences with the Grizzlies. Chicago is simply 7-13 (solely the Pacers have been worse) in video games performed between the bottom 10 teams in the league.

Week 22: vs. MEM, vs. TOR, vs. CLE

Record: 28-39

OffRtg: 112.5 (23) DefRtg: 117.3 (25) NetRtg: -4.8 (25) Pace: 98.4 (24)

Barring a collapse from the Tenth-place Hornets, the league’s second-longest energetic playoff streak (9 years) will finish as a result of the Bucks aren’t making any type of postseason push. They’re 2-8 over their last 10 games, with the wins coming in opposition to the Jazz and Pacers.

Two takeaways

• The Bucks lastly tried for some offensive rebounds on Sunday, turning 13 offensive boards (six from Giannis Antetokounmpo) into 16 second-chance factors of their win over the Pacers. They totaled simply 19 second-chance factors over their previous three games and proceed to rank last in offensive rebounding share (25.7%) for what can be the second straight season.

• Ryan Rollins doesn’t appear to have a everlasting spot within the beginning lineup, however he’s been fairly constant offensively and has shot 65% (together with 11-for-22 from 3-point vary) during the last 4 video games. On the opposite finish of the ground, his 4.7 deflections per 36 minutes rank 12th amongst 236 gamers who’ve performed a minimum of 1,000 minutes.

Coming up: The Bucks have misplaced their final seven video games in opposition to groups presently with successful data, and their final win in opposition to that group got here in opposition to the Cavs final month. Cleveland is back at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday, and the Bucks will then head West.

Week 22: vs. CLE, @ UTA, @ PHX

Record: 23-45

OffRtg: 109.8 (27) DefRtg: 114.5 (16) NetRtg: -4.7 (24) Pace: 102.3 (5)

The Mavs picked up a few street wins final week, going wire to wire in Memphis to finish an eight-game dropping streak after which gorgeous the Cavs with an enormous second half on Sunday afternoon.

Two takeaways

• Cooper Flagg’s first 5 video games back from an eight-game absence had been comparatively quiet: 15.6 factors per sport on simply 35% capturing. But he totaled 52 points on 18-for-33 (55%) from the sector within the Mavs’ home-and-home set with the Cavs, including 10 assists within the win in Cleveland on Sunday. He continues to be an inside scorer with 42 of these 52 factors coming within the paint (28) or on the free throw line.

• The Mavs scored an anemic 101.7 points per 100 possessions over the eight-game dropping streak, however acquired 35 factors from Khris Middleton within the win in Memphis and had some small-ball success in Cleveland on Sunday. Daniel Gafford was out and their different wholesome facilities – Marvin Bagley and Dwight Powell – performed simply 18 whole minutes. P.J. Washington began on the 5 and it was the Mavs’ best offensive game (130 factors on 102 possessions) in practically two months.

Coming up: The Twelfth-place Mavs are one sport forward of the Pelicans and might be at a relaxation drawback in New Orleans on Monday, the tip of their stretch of 4 video games in 5 days. They’re 5-7 (with 4 straight losses) within the second video games of back-to-backs, having misplaced the final three by a mean of 24 factors.

Week 22: @ NOP, vs. ATL, vs. LAC

Record: 18-51

OffRtg: 109.9 (26) DefRtg: 119.4 (28) NetRtg: -9.4 (29) Pace: 100.5 (14)

The Kings had been eradicated from Play-In competition with their loss to the Hornets on Wednesday. But they’ve received the 4 different video games they’ve performed within the final eight days, together with taking part in spoiler vs. the Clippers on Friday.

Two takeaways

• The Kings have allowed simply 108.8 factors per 100 possessions over the 4-1 stretch, their greatest stretch of protection this season. Three of the wins got here in opposition to groups – Chicago, Indiana and Utah – that rank within the backside 10 offensively, however the Clippers’ 109 factors on 102 possessions on Saturday had been additionally their least efficient performance in March (9 video games). With the Kings having allowed 4.9 extra factors per 100 possessions, this stays their worst defensive season within the final 13 years.

• DeMar DeRozan hasn’t been capturing a lot from past the arc, however he’s been on a 2-point heater during the last three video games, capturing 20-for-22 (91%) within the paint and 18-for-30 (60%) from mid-range over that stretch. He’s now tried 61 more mid-range shots than some other participant and his mid-range area purpose share is now at 48.0%, the very best mark of his profession.

Coming up: The Kings have three video games left on a stretch the place they may have performed 9 of 10 at dwelling, and their go to from the Sixers on Thursday would be the first of seven straight video games in opposition to the Eastern Conference. They now have yet another win than the Nets, with the 2 head-to-head conferences approaching the subsequent two Sundays.

Week 22: vs. SAS, vs. PHI, vs. BKN

Record: 20-48

OffRtg: 113.2 (22) DefRtg: 120.6 (30) NetRtg: -7.4 (26) Pace: 102.7 (3)

The Jazz beat the Warriors final Monday and nonetheless rank because the league’s eighth most improved crew concerning successful share. But they’ve since misplaced three straight video games, with some unfamiliar faces within the rotation.

Two takeaways

• Lauri Markkanen has now missed the final 10 video games, and Keyonte George has missed 12 of the final 19, leaving the Jazz’s loss to the Knicks on Wednesday with a hamstring pressure. Those are the crew’s two main scorers by a wholesome margin, however the offense hasn’t fallen off a lot (112.5 factors scored per 100 possessions) within the 956 minutes that the Jazz have performed with neither George nor Markkanen on the ground.

• Six of Utah’s eight March video games have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, and (regardless of all their accidents) they’ve used 13 different guys in clutch time over that stretch. That contains Blake Hinson, who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in opposition to Golden State final week. Hinson is slightly like Taylor Hendricks (who the Jazz traded to Memphis) in that he’s constructed like an old-school energy ahead, however has taken most of his pictures (45/60) from past the arc. He’s made 21 (47%) of these 45 3-point makes an attempt.

Coming up: The Jazz have 4 video games remaining in opposition to different groups with dropping data and the primary might be a rest-disadvantage sport in opposition to the Bucks on Thursday. Utah really has a successful file (7-6) within the second video games of back-to-backs up to now.

Week 22: @ MIN, vs. MIL, vs. PHI

Record: 17-50

OffRtg: 109.4 (29) DefRtg: 118.2 (27) NetRtg: -8.8 (28) Pace: 97.2 (27)

The Nets dropped to fourth in the upside-down standings final week, choosing up a win over Memphis with an unusually environment friendly offensive efficiency. They additionally introduced that Egor Dëmin (plantar fasciitis) and Day’Ron Sharpe (thumb sprain) are done for the season.

Two takeaways

• The Nets didn’t play Terance Mann or Michael Porter Jr. in opposition to the Grizzlies final Monday, however nonetheless got here back from an early, double-digit deficit and scored greater than 125 factors per 100 possessions for simply the seventh time this season. Sharpe was the main scorer with 19 factors, however that was his remaining sport of the season. The Nets have been at their greatest (minus-4.3 points per 100 possessions) with him on the ground, and truly outscored their opponents by 3.9 points per 100 possessions in his 373 minutes alongside Porter. They have a (very affordable) crew possibility on Sharpe’s contract for subsequent 12 months.

• The Nets had been nicely on their approach to their league-leading eleventh wire-to-wire loss on Saturday, however got here back from 28 factors down to take the lead in Philadelphia … solely to miss some key free throws and permit the Sixers to rating 16 factors on 10 clutch possessions. Brooklyn has now misplaced 18 of its final 21 video games that had been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes and is 6-23 in clutch games general. The 128.6 factors per 100 clutch possessions that it has allowed can be the worst defensive mark within the 30 seasons for which we now have clutch knowledge.

Coming up: The Nets have simply 5 video games remaining in opposition to groups that presently have successful data, and two of the 5 are this week in Brooklyn. They’ve misplaced 13 straight video games to the Knicks, with their three losses this season having come by a mean of 34.3 points. That can be the second greatest single-season, head-to-head level differential in NBA historical past for groups in the identical convention. The greatest – 35.3 per game, Detroit vs. Chicago in 1998-99 – is definitely inside attain.

Week 22: vs. POR, vs. OKC, vs. NYK, @ SAC

Record: 23-43

OffRtg: 113.7 (20) DefRtg: 116.5 (22) NetRtg: -2.8 (21) Pace: 101.4 (10)

The Grizzlies went 0-4 of their stretch of 4 video games in 5 days final week, with losses to the Nets and Mavs included. They’ve dropped seven straight general, however stay in eleventh place within the Western Conference.

Two takeaways

• The Grizzlies had a 14-point lead late within the third quarter in Philadelphia on Tuesday, solely to permit the Sixers to rating 56 factors on their remaining 34 possessions (1.65 per). That gave Memphis 21 losses (it’s 16-21) in video games it led by double-digits, 5 greater than some other crew this season and simply one shy of the most for any team within the 30 seasons for which we now have play-by-play knowledge.

• Olivier-Maxence Prosper was on a two-way contract till 12 days in the past, however is the one man who’s performed in all 13 of the Grizzlies’ video games because the All-Star break and has been requested to begin most of these at heart. The Grizzlies have been completely clobbered on the glass (rating last in rebounding share because the break), however Prosper has been stable offensively, certainly one of solely 5 gamers this season who’ve shot 60% or higher on a minimum of 100 2-point makes an attempt and 39% or higher on a minimum of 100 3-point makes an attempt. That’s up from 46.7% on 2s and 26.0% on 3s by way of his first two seasons.

Coming up: The Grizzlies have simply 4 video games remaining in opposition to different groups with dropping data, and two of these 4 are in opposition to the Bulls. After visiting Chicago on Monday, they’ll play six straight video games in opposition to groups which might be presently at or above .500.

Week 22: @ CHI, vs. DEN, vs. BOS, @ CHA

Record: 16-50

OffRtg: 109.5 (28) DefRtg: 120.4 (29) NetRtg: -10.9 (30) Pace: 102.3 (6)

Less than a month in the past, there have been four teams with fewer wins than the Wizards (16). Now there’s only one, with Washington having misplaced its last 11 games.

Two takeaways

• The sport during which Bam Adebayo scored 83 factors was solely the Wizards’ fifth-worst defensive sport over this dropping streak. But appropriately, it (briefly) dropped them to 30th in defensive effectivity earlier than the Jazz took back the crown the next evening. Washington has allowed 124 points per 100 possessions over the streak, rating last in opponent free throw charge (duh) and 29th in defensive rebounding share over the 11 video games.

Coming up: The Wizards had two stretches of 5 video games in seven days on their schedule, they usually haven’t gone by way of both of them but. The first begins with a go to from the Warriors on Monday, they usually’ll then play 4 straight in opposition to groups which might be a minimum of 19 video games over .500. They’re 1-19 in opposition to the highest 10 groups within the league, with the one win coming in Detroit.

Week 22: vs. GSW, vs. DET, vs. DET, vs. OKC, @ NYK

Record: 15-53

OffRtg: 108.8 (30) DefRtg: 117.3 (24) NetRtg: -8.5 (27) Pace: 101.8 (8)

The Pacers had double-digit leads in two of their 4 video games final week, main Sacramento by as many as 20 factors within the third quarter on Tuesday. But they continue to be winless (0-13) because the All-Star break, with six of those 13 losses having come in opposition to different groups within the backside 10 of the league.

Two takeaways

• Ivica Zubac made his Pacers debut final week and even performed in each video games of their Thursday-Friday back-to-back. The offense was nearly common (114 points scored per 100 possessions), however the protection was brutal (127.1 allowed per 100) in Zubac’s 69 minutes on the ground over three video games. Indiana ranks last defensively, by a wholesome margin, because the All-Star break, and it’s performed much more post-break video games in opposition to groups within the backside half of the league offensively (9) than it’s performed in opposition to groups within the high half (4).

• Zubac will finally be an anchor on the inside, however the Pacers had been outscored in the paint in his 69 minutes. For the season, they’ve been outscored by 9.6 factors within the paint per sport, which might be the worst differential for any crew within the final seven seasons.

Coming up: Pascal Siakam has missed the final 4 video games, so we’ve but to see the Pacers’ new frontline collectively. Maybe that occurs this week.

Week 22: @ NYK, vs. POR, @ SAS