Washington finally broke their nine-game losing run on Wednesday with a 115-111 victory over Portland. It was a welcome, but perhaps unexpected sight for the home fans at Capital One Arena, as Washington headed into the game as seven-point underdogs but emerged on top thanks to a 12-2 run late in the game. Kyshawn George was pivotal in this stretch, scoring seven of the 12 points, while Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly had some nice defensive possessions to help the hosts walk away with the win. Sarr was the star of the show, finishing the game with 29 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and six blocks in a dominant defensive display, but his offensive efficiency left a lot to be desired, taking 29 FGAs for a TS% of 46.5%. George recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks in an impressive showing and Kris Middleton did his job well with 19/6/5.
Milwaukee’s season was thrown further into despair on Thursday, with further reports indicating that Giannis Antetokounmpo has all but demanded a trade. It seems inevitable that the Greek Freak will be gone in the off season, if not by the trade deadline in just over a week. With a 1-6 record in their last seven games, Milwaukee are hardly on a playoff or play-in trajectory and things got ugly in Wednesday’s 122-139 loss to Philadelphia. Milwaukee never led in this game and it was largely thanks to another terrible defensive showing, with a 142.6 defensive rating. Myles Turner had another big offensive game with 31 points, three assists and two blocks, and Ryan Rollins had 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Bobby Portis finished just two assists shy of a triple-double and Kyle Kuzma had 17/8/8, but as good as those box score numbers were for Milwaukee’s starters, their defence was awful, leading to another loss.
Sarr is questionable with illness but I expect him to play in this clash, and with no Giannis on the other side of the court, Washington are a real chance of winning this game. Without their superstar, Milwaukee have a miserable -10.0 net rating this season and that will make this game a close one, but with home court advantage, Washington are the bet.
Phoenix got back to winning ways with a 106-102 victory over Brooklyn on Wednesday. It was far from their most convincing performance, especially off the back of a couple of losses, as Brooklyn made a fourth quarter rally to take a 100-96 lead with 3:30 to play. That seemed to kick Phoenix into gear though, as the hosts crashed the glass and forced multiple turnovers in the final moments to retake the lead, with Grayson Allen’s layup with 13 seconds to play icing the game. With Devin Booker out with a hand injury, Mark Williams went to town with 27 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block, missing just three shots all night. Dillon Brooks was also efficient with his 26 points, one steal and one block and Allen took more of a playmaker role with 18 points and six assists.
Detroit held on for a 109-107 win against Denver on Wednesday, keeping the spirited visitors at arm’s length to pick up an important win. It was a shaky ending to the game, conceding 12 points in the final 2:40 of play to keep the door open for Denver, but some slick offensive execution in the clutch got the hosts the dub. Cade Cunninghamd was outstanding again, with 22 points and 11 assists and Tobias Harris showed his class with 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Ausar Thompson added 15 points and five steals and Jalen Duren had 14 points and eight boards.
Booker remains out for Phoenix, while Collin Gillespie and Jalen Green are questionable, meaning their guard stocks could again be very low. That is going to be a crucial factor against this intense Detroit defence, and it’s hard to see how Phoenix’s offence will really get going sans Booker, and that will lead to a somewhat comfortable win for the visitors.
Minnesota took care of business on Thursday, beating Dallas 118-105. Comfortably in front for the entire second half, Minnesota went into cruise control in the fourth quarter, as Julius Randle wrapped up the night with 31 points and four assists to lead his team. Naz Reid got in on the fun with 23 points, eight rebounds and three steals and Anthony Edwards found ways to impact the game even as he struggled with his shot, going just 6/17 from the floor for 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Oklahoma City came out on top in a tense clash against New Orleans on Wednesday, prevailing 104-95. Things got ugly in the final possession of the game as Lu Dort and Jeremiah Fears got into a scuffle, capping off a scrappy contest, but all that really matters is that OKC banked another win on the back of another stellar defensive night. Their 99.0 defensive rating was needed to get this dub, as their offence again looked vulnerable, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a shaky shooting night, going 8/22 from the floor for 29 points, six rebounds and four assists. Chet Holmgren was great, particularly on defence, as he notched up 20 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks, and Isaiah Joe and Dort combined for nine threes to give OKC enough juice for the win.
OKC’s injury report remains lengthy, but one key name who has made his into the active lineup is Isaiah Hartenstein, who looks set to make his long-awaited return on Friday. That’s a big in for OKC, especially defensively, and that is going to help them keep a lid on Minnesota’s scoring. Games between these two teams have been low-scoring of late, with their last three matchups — including two this season — having hit the under. Minnesota’s last four games have also gone under the total and that’s the bet for Friday.