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Cleveland find themselves without two of their key starters in Darius Garland (jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee) likely until February and naturally, the microscope will focus on four-time All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell – whose long-term future with the franchise isn’t certain. How will they fare? Continue reading “Mitchell motivated to keep ship afloat as Cavs duo Garland, Mobley out indefinitely”
Once you strip away the off-court controversy he has needlessly courted over recent seasons, as well as the persistent questions over his health, Zion Williamson spoke intently in press this week as he knows there’s ample room for personal growth. How long this latest storyline lasts, only time will tell – but you can’t help but feel the clock is ticking for the 2019’s #1 draft pick. Continue reading “The duality of Zion Williamson continues to frustrate, but can’t last for much longer”
After standout victories for Indiana and New Orleans to punch their ticket into the Las Vegas semifinals of this inaugural In-Season Tournament earlier today, the New York Knicks hope to follow them – earning a scalp in the process – away against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks overnight. Over this coming month, can they show their early season form and buy-in is no fluke?
Continue reading “Confident but now crunch time for New York – when have we heard that before?”
All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton has begun Year 4 like a man on a mission, averaging career-highs in points, FG%, 3P% and assists per game to lead the Indiana Pacers by example. He notched a new career-high 44 against Miami on Thursday night, yet Rick Carlisle’s men conceded 142 points – including 45 in the final quarter – to lose the first of a back-to-back slate. Tyrese clearly needs help. Continue reading “Memes aside, Miami loss reinforces belief Tyrese Haliburton needs help in Indiana”
Although their core group are young and learning – headlined by rising star guard Cade Cunningham – big things were expected of Detroit under new management this season and beyond, but they’ve got off to an unsettling start. That much was emphasised by their head coach’s comments after a 14th straight regular season defeat: against a struggling Washington Wizards team. Continue reading “Pistons HC Monty Williams bemoans Detroit’s limp fight after 14th straight loss”
After his season-high 45 points wasn’t enough to see them overcome Charlotte in a 121-118 overtime defeat early on Tuesday, Jayson Tatum played through illness and produced a decisive contribution during their narrow win over Eastern Conference rivals Milwaukee – the star forward is glad to be back home. Continue reading “Tatum shakes off illness in team effort as Celtics lead from start-to-finish vs. Bucks”
Bradley Beal is having to exercise patience, easier said than done. Phoenix made a big offseason splash to acquire the three-time All-Star guard, who has only managed to suit up for three games with his new ball club this season and will be unavailable a little while longer as he recovers from a lower back strain – just one of the physical issues that he’s been dealing with since training camp. Continue reading “Bradley Beal injury update: Suns guard sidelined until December with back strain”
20 months after his most recent multiyear contract extension, the NBA champion Denver Nuggets have officially agreed a lucrative deal with title-winning head coach Mike Malone that will place him among the league’s highest-paid bosses per reports in ESPN and The Athletic which broke today. Continue reading “Denver reward title-winning head coach Michael Malone with contract extension”
If the phrase unlimited possibilities sounds familar, don’t be surprised. James Harden has forced his way out of another unsavoury situation and is now in the midst of another uncertain future with the LA Clippers – who haven’t managed to keep their two star players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George fit, while a second Russell Westbrook reunion is set too. That’s part of the fun now, right?
Continue reading “Unlimited possibilites? James Harden forced his way to another risky bet in LA”
The defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets open play in the new 2023-24 regular season overnight against LeBron James and the Lakers, in one of two intriguing Western Conference matchups primed for television viewing. Before then, I rewind back and reflect upon some fond memories for Denver as they clinched their first NBA title on home soil four months ago beyond a Miami team who fell short after exceeding expectations en route to an unlikely Finals trip. Continue reading “Rewind: As the new NBA season tips off tonight, a look back – Denver ended last term on top in five-game Finals series”
After averaging 20.3 points, 3.5 assists and 43.4% from three in 60 regular season games last term, Philadelphia 76ers’ shooting guard Tyrese Maxey has been tipped by many insiders to crack into the All-Star conversation in 2023-24. Judging by what his teammates and new head coach have been saying as the new season draws closer, him taking another leap shouldn’t be a surprise.
Continue reading “Embiid, Green and new head coach Nurse sing Tyrese Maxey’s praises before Year 4”
Houston ended the 2022-23 season as the 29th ranked defence and naturally, new head coach Ime Udoka has focused on improving that side of the Rockets’ repertoire during training camp. Offseason acquisition Dillon Brooks will go some way to fixing that, but second-year forward Tari Eason has some goals of his own which show the direction they’re collectively heading towards. Continue reading “Tari Eason’s ambitious defensive targets a good sign of where Houston want to be”
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