The Thunder already secured the top seed in the Western Conference and seem on their way to clinching the top overall seed entering the 2025 playoffs. However, the five remaining guaranteed playoff spots in the West are still up for grabs. The Rockets have been playing excellent basketball over the past few weeks and have surged up to No. 2 in the West with a 48-26 record. Only … [Read more...] about Community Shootaround: Western Conference Playoff Race
Nuggets Notes: Jokic, Watson, MPJ
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was “nervous” ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with Milwaukee due to the absences of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, as Bennett Durando of The Denver Post relays. Malone explained that teams have a tendency to “relax” when facing shorthanded rosters — just a couple weeks ago, Denver pulled off a major upset in Golden State without Jamal … [Read more...] about Nuggets Notes: Jokic, Watson, MPJ
Western Notes: Bogdanovic, Durant, Rockets, Mavs, Nuggets
Veteran guard Bogdan Bogdanovic was having the worst year of his NBA career in Atlanta this season, averaging 10.0 points per game on 37.1% shooting (30.1% on three-pointers). He has looked more like his usual self since being traded to Los Angeles, bumping his scoring average to 12.6 PPG while making 48.5% of his shots from the floor (and 40.0% of his threes). Bogdanovic has … [Read more...] about Western Notes: Bogdanovic, Durant, Rockets, Mavs, Nuggets
Nikola Jokic Returning For Nuggets Wednesday
Three-time MVP Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is returning to the hardwood for Denver’s Wednesday clash with the Bucks, the team has announced (via Twitter). The 6’11” superstar had been on the shelf for Denver since the club’s 126-123 loss against Washington on March 15 due to a left ankle impingement. Milwaukee, conversely, will be missing both of its nine-time All-Stars — plus … [Read more...] about Nikola Jokic Returning For Nuggets Wednesday
Injury/Health Notes: Lillard, Tatum, Jokic, Sheppard
After initially being listed as out last week due to calf soreness, Damian Lillard was experiencing discomfort and pain inconsistent with a typical calf strain, according to Eric Nehm and Sam Amick of The Athletic, who hear from a source that the Bucks guard sought clarity on the cause. That prompted a “rigorous discovery process” that ultimately involved Lillard meeting with … [Read more...] about Injury/Health Notes: Lillard, Tatum, Jokic, Sheppard