Magic (11-9) versus Nuggets (8-13)
Hopefully Danillo Gallinari is able to play; otherwise this game loses a lot of its appeal. However, the main story-line here, at least in my humble opinion, is the return of Evan Fournier to Colorado. Fournier has cooled considerably after an outstanding start to the season, but that would probably be a welcome mulligan for Denver. Imagine how much more intriguing they’d be on a nightly basis with a well-rounded sharpshooting play-maker like Fournier, plus they boast one of the most international rosters in the NBA. Granted, the Nuggets are already a more competitive team than I imagined during preseason.
As most of you know, Afflalo was traded to Portland last season and has since moved on to the Big Apple. The one indirect remnant that exists within the lineage of the Fournier trade (besides a lottery-protected first-round pick that could become two second round picks in 2018 if the Blazers miss the playoffs the next two seasons) is Will Barton. Barton has a fun game, and plays without fear. The skinny, surprise sixth man-of-the-year candidate is scoring at will off the bench, and hustling like a madman. He will be matched up with another immeasurable motor with passion for the game in Victor Oladipo—who has been absurdly good off the bench of late in his new role as the Magic’s super-sub.
Mudiay is still struggling with turnovers, and his shot needs as much work as anybody’s, but this team grinds, and they move the ball really well all things considering. Mudiay reminds me a bit of Elfrid Payton. He came into the league with shooting as his number one blemish, and when you can’t shoot as a point guard, you are forced to take too many risks against the best defenses in the world. Mudiay is walking down a similar path as a big guard with athletic gifts, high basketball IQ, and the need for continued reps and progress as a shooter.
The Magic dipped out of the playoff picture after having its five-game winning streak snapped by the Clippers on Saturday. Still, Orlando hadn’t won five in a row since back in 2012, and it continues to look like we will be seeing one of the most exciting battles for an Eastern Conference playoff spot in recent memory.
76ers (1-20) versus Nets (5-15)
Tony Wroten returned for Saturday’s bout with Denver, and Kendall Marshall is set to come back on Thursday versus the Nets (h/t Keith Pompey). Philadelphia’s newfound depth of hungry point guards means we won’t have to witness JaKarr Sampson bringing the ball up the court ever again. Isaiah Canaan is typically good for at least one deep trey a game, and rookie T.J. McConnell has averaged 6.0 assists per game, but Wroten and Marshall have accomplished much more than those two guards.
Wroten brings a level of speed and craziness that was formerly absent in the back-court, while Marshall represents a better-rounded 24-year-old veteran version of McConnell. Both Wroten and Marshall will likely be eased into more prominent roles, and thus they may not see much time on Thursday against Brooklyn. However, having a decent two-way floor general like Marshall and a speedster like Wroten will at the very least give coach Brett Brown more options in terms of constructing cohesive lineups going forward.
Though Nerlens Noel has had trouble adjusting to life at the four alongside Jahlil Okafor, causing coach Brett Brown to stagger their minutes, wings Robert Covington and Jerami Grat have continued to make massive improvements through the first quarter of the NBA season. Covington is the more recognizable name and the much better player to date, but Grant has surprisingly strong handle for a guy his size, he possesses elite athleticism, and can play both the three and four spots. During the 76ers’ first win last week, he executed an exciting Euro-step before finishing with an effortless finger-roll at the rim.
He is also a tireless worker on defense, and he’s getting good at timing swats at the rim. The clip below was one of what should have been about five blocks on the night if not for a few foul calls on clean denials.
[embedit snippet=”grant-block”]
Grant also has an interesting back-to-the-basket game, though it’s difficult for the Sixers to surround him sufficient shooting at the moment. Hopefully the Nets’ Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) is able to give it a go, as these three guys are cut from the same blue-collar cloth, making for a must-watch match-up.
Knicks (10-11) versus Blazers (9-12)
Robin Lopez makes his much anticipated return to the Rose Garden. OK, so Lopez is not LaMarcus Aldridge, and Lopez’s departure didn’t mean quite as much to the people of Portland. In fact, it was basically welcomed following Aldridge’s decision. Still, it will be interesting to see how the crowd treats him, and if he harasses Blaze the Trail Cat, as it’s kind of his shtick to mess with mascots.
On a more serious note, these two teams are fairly even in terms of record entering the week. Another Knick making his return to Portland is Arron Afflalo, though he only suited up with the Blazers for a few short months He will likely shadow C.J. McCollum, who has dunked his name into the hat for 2015-16’s Most Improved Player. The other back-court match-up will be interesting for a much different reason. I expect Damian Lillard to force Knicks’ coach Derek Fisher’s hand in turning to Langston Galloway or Jerian Grant early, as Jose Calderon will likely be lost trying to stick the now freed sharpshooting play-maker in pick-and-rolls.
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