We’re lower than two weeks clear of the belief of the 2023-24 NBA regular season, and a myriad of chances nonetheless stay within the West and East playoff seeding.
Within the Western Convention, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves have every locked up a postseason berth, day the Dallas Mavericks, powered by way of Luka Doncic, have surged within the standings.
With Joel Embiid again at the backyard upcoming a two-month absence because of trauma, the Philadelphia 76ers may throw a wrench into an unsettled Jap Convention. The Disagree. 3 thru Disagree. 8 groups are separated by way of fewer than two video games, and refuse group but even so the Boston Celtics has clinched a playoff berth.
A handful of contentious head-to-head video games within the upcoming generation will support decide the general playoff image. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, located for the West’s Nos. 9-10 play-in duel, will face every alternative on Tuesday, and the Indiana Pacers, Disagree. 6 within the East, will see a Disagree. 7 Miami Heat group vying for a playoff spot.
Word: All the way through the familiar season, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is score all 30 groups from summit to base, taking store of which groups are taking part in the most efficient basketball and which groups are having a look maximum like identify contenders.
Earlier scores: Post-Finals | Nov. 1 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 15 | Nov. 22 | Nov. 29 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 20 | Dec. 27 | Jan. 3 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 17 | Jan. 24 | Jan. 31 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 28 | Mar. 6 | Mar. 13 | Mar. 20 | Mar. 27
Leap to a group:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA | WAS
1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 listing: 59-16
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Earlier score: 1
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After video games: vs. OKC (Apr. 3), vs. SAC (Apr. 5), vs. POR (Apr. 7), @ MIL (Apr. 9)
Day there have been numerous causes to imagine that Boston’s new-look establishing lineup would achieve success this season, it’s been each bit as excellent — and upcoming some — because the Celtics may have realistically was hoping for. The grouping of Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis has performed the sixth-most mins of any five-man lineup within the NBA and is outscoring warring parties by way of an notable 12.6 issues in step with 100 possessions. — Bontemps
2. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 listing: 53-23
The Nuggets beat San Antonio for his or her moment win in a row upcoming losing two immediately — to Phoenix and Minnesota — extreme generation. Extra importantly, even though, is ensuring they’re wholesome going into the playoffs. The protecting champs performed their 6th consecutive duel on Tuesday with out Jamal Murray, who has been out with a sprained left ankle and swollen proper knee. Professor Michael Malone advised journalists on Friday he believes his celebrity safeguard shall be again at the ground earlier than the postseason starts. Denver finishes the familiar season with 4 of its extra six video games at the street, establishing Thursday on the Clippers. — Youngmisuk
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 listing: 52-23
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Earlier score: 4
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After video games: @ BOS (Apr. 3), @ IND (Apr. 5), @ CHA (Apr. 7), vs. SAC (Apr. 9)
Josh Giddey is in his very best groove of the season, averaging 22.8 issues, 9.0 rebounds and seven.4 assists with an efficient garden purpose proportion of 72.2 over the month 5 video games forward of Tuesday evening’s assembly with the 76ers. That span incorporated Giddey atmosphere a season-high scoring general in consecutive video games — with 25 issues in opposition to the Pelicans and 31 as opposed to the Rockets — and registering his moment triple-double of the season (16 issues, 13 rebounds, 12 assists in opposition to the Knicks). — MacMahon
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 listing: 52-23
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Earlier score: 5
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After video games: vs. TOR (Apr. 3), @ PHX (Apr. 5), @ LAL (Apr. 7), vs. WAS (Apr. 9)
The Wolves have long past 9-4 since Karl-Anthony Towns has been sidelined with a knee trauma. (He’s all set to be reevaluated upcoming generation.) Minnesota has inclined on its Disagree. 1-ranked protection and rising famous person Anthony Edwards because it appears to be like to retain month within the race for the summit seed within the convention. The Wolves at the moment are moment within the West, 1/2 a duel in the back of the Nuggets. With seven video games extra within the familiar season, Minnesota has clinched a playoff berth without delay upcoming competing within the play-in the month two seasons. — Collier
5. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 listing: 45-29
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Earlier score: 8
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After video games: vs. ATL (Apr. 4), vs. GS (Apr. 5), vs. HOU (Apr. 7), @ CHA (Apr. 9)
Luka Doncic received the Western Convention Participant of the Hour Award for the second one year in March and the fourth year this season. Doncic averaged a 32.5-point triple-double for the moment because the Mavs went 11-4, with one of the vital losses coming when he sat out because of hamstring soreness. Doncic has led Dallas in issues, rebounds and assists 35 occasions this season, the fourth maximum by way of a participant in NBA historical past, in step with the Elias Sports activities Bureau. The 3 avid gamers who’ve crowned that quantity — Russell Westbrook in 2016-17, Nikola Jokic in 2021-22 and Wilt Chamberlain in 1965-66 — all received the NBA Maximum Significance Participant Award. — MacMahon
6. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 listing: 47-28
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Earlier score: 3
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After video games: vs. MEM (Apr. 3), vs. TOR (Apr. 5), vs. NY (Apr. 7), vs. BOS (Apr. 9)
The Greenbacks have a 1.5-game top over Cleveland within the race for the Disagree. 2 seed within the Jap Convention with seven video games to play games however are nonetheless having a look to seek out a longer groove forward of the playoffs. The Greenbacks went 8-6 in March and not received or misplaced greater than two consecutive video games all moment. Milwaukee’s ultimate 3 habitat video games upcoming generation are all in opposition to possible playoff foes — Unused York, Boston and Orlando. — Collier
7. LA Clippers
2023-24 listing: 47-28
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Earlier score: 10
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After video games: vs. DEN (Apr. 4), vs. UTA (Apr. 5), vs. CLE (Apr. 7), @ PHX (Apr. 9)
The Clippers completed a four-game travel in Sacramento with out their very best participant and misplaced to snap a three-game profitable streak. Kawhi Leonard went back to Los Angeles to treat right knee soreness, a latest trauma that popped up right through Sunday’s win in Charlotte, in step with teacher Ty Lue. The Clippers are hopeful that Leonard will go back for Thursday’s habitat matchup in opposition to Denver, however their extra time table is jam-packed. They play games their extra seven video games in 11 days with two back-to-backs. Six of the ones are at habitat, however the Clips had been a long way higher at the street over the month moment, having dropped 5 immediately at Crypto.com Area in March. — Youngmisuk
8. New Orleans Pelicans
2023-24 listing: 45-30
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Earlier score: 6
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After video games: vs. ORL (Apr. 3), vs. SA (Apr. 5), @ PHX (Apr. 7), @ POR (Apr. 9)
In the midst of an noteceable six-game homestand, the Pelicans have dropped 3 in their month 4 — to Oklahoma Town, Boston and Phoenix — and at the moment are Disagree. 6 within the Western Convention standings. Unused Orleans does have video games left in opposition to San Antonio and Portland but additionally performs all 4 groups lately within the play-in spots (Suns, Kings, Lakers and Warriors) to finish the season. — Lopez
9. New York Knicks
2023-24 listing: 44-31
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Earlier score: 7
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After video games: vs. SAC (Apr. 4), @ CHI (Apr. 5), @ MIL (Apr. 7), @ CHI (Apr. 9)
Unused York continues to look forward to each OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) to go back to the backyard. Within the interim, it has open superb luck from its tide establishing 5 of Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein. Over the month seven video games since McBride turned into a full-time starter, that crew has outscored warring parties by way of a staggering 85 issues throughout 126 mins — making it simply the most efficient acting lineup of any crew within the league this season. — Bontemps
10. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 listing: 44-31
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Earlier score: 13
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After video games: vs. CLE (Apr. 3), vs. MIN (Apr. 5), vs. NO (Apr. 7), vs. LAC (Apr. 9)
The Suns may have the league’s maximum tough time table indisposed the stretch, however Phoenix confirmed this month generation it got here to struggle. Following a disappointing street loss to the Spurs, the Suns beat the protecting champs in Denver. Then a next 25-point loss at Oklahoma Town, they bounced again to win at Unused Orleans, due to 52 issues from Devin Booker, to complete their five-game travel on a lofty be aware. The Suns’ upcoming 4 contests don’t get any more uncomplicated, as they face Cleveland, Minnesota, Unused Orleans and the Clippers at habitat. — McMenamin
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 listing: 46-30
The Cavaliers have been up and indisposed extreme generation, dropping to the cellar-dwelling Hornets, getting blown out by way of the Nuggets upcoming stabilizing with wins in opposition to Philly and Utah. However the greatest information used to be the debate of Donovan Mitchell’s week with the franchise. “We think he will extend,” Cavs proprietor Dan Gilbert advised The Related Press when requested about Mitchell’s pledge status. Mitchell didn’t dedicate when requested by way of journalists about Gilbert’s observation: “I’ll handle that when it comes,” he mentioned. — McMenamin
12. Orlando Magic
2023-24 listing: 44-31
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Earlier score: 11
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After video games: @ NO (Apr. 3), @ CHA (Apr. 5), vs. CHI (Apr. 7), @ HOU (Apr. 9)
Now not simplest does Orlando stay within the race for home-court merit within the playoffs, it will climb as lofty as Disagree. 3 within the East because it fights for positioning with the Cavaliers and Knicks. ESPN Analytics provides the Enchanment an 8% probability to get to the 1/3 spot, a 20% probability to get to Disagree. 4, a 33% probability to stick at Disagree. 5 and a 22% probability to fall one place to Disagree. 6. However they’ll have to complete sturdy in opposition to a tricky stretch of warring parties within the Pelicans, Rockets, Greenbacks and 76ers. — Lopez
13. Sacramento Kings
2023-24 listing: 43-31
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Earlier score: 9
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After video games: @ NY (Apr. 4), @ BOS (Apr. 5), @ BKN (Apr. 7), @ OKC (Apr. 9)
The Kings have discovered themselves fluctuating any place from the Disagree. 6 spot to Disagree. 8 within the West. And their already tough street to securing a playoff spot simply were given more difficult with accidents to Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes should support fill the ones holes in conjunction with Trey Lyles and Sasha Vezenkov, who simply returned from their very own accidents. However will that be enough quantity to build up for Sacramento dropping Monk, who used to be a 6th Guy of the Week contender? — Andrews
14. Los Angeles Lakers
2023-24 listing: 43-33
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Earlier score: 16
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After video games: @ WAS (Apr. 3), vs. CLE (Apr. 6), vs. MIN (Apr. 7), vs. GS (Apr. 9)
L.A. beat the Raptors on Tuesday for a 7th win within the month 8 video games, and it’s 10 video games above .500 for the primary year since Would possibly 2021. “Our team spirit is at a very high level,” Lakers teacher Darvin Ham mentioned. “The highest it has been, in my opinion, all year.” The unstated caveat, in fact: The franchise’s disposition will in the long run be made up our minds by way of what occurs within the extreme six video games of the familiar season and past. — McMenamin
15. Indiana Pacers
2023-24 listing: 43-33
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Earlier score: 14
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After video games: @ BKN (Apr. 3), vs. OKC (Apr. 5), vs. MIA (Apr. 7), @ TOR (Apr. 9)
The Pacers received back-to-back video games following a loss to Chicago to guard a half-game merit for the Disagree. 6 seed within the Jap Convention, staying forward of Miami and Philadelphia. With six video games extra within the familiar season, the Pacers have a fair crack of habitat and street contests and can host Disagree. 7 Miami on Sunday in a a very powerful matchup to aim to solidify their spot. — Collier
16. Miami Heat
2023-24 listing: 42-33
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Earlier score: 15
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After video games: vs. PHI (Apr. 4), @ HOU (Apr. 5), @ IND (Apr. 7), @ ATL (Apr. 9)
The Warmth in reality were given going Friday in opposition to Portland, posting 142 issues in a franchise-record 60-point victory. It used to be simplest the fourth year in group historical past they’ve scored a minimum of 140 issues in a legislation duel and the second one year this season upcoming beating the Pacers 142-132 on Nov. 30. The Warmth have a key matchup in opposition to those self same Pacers on Sunday, as Miami sits 1/2 a duel in the back of Indiana for 6th park within the East standings. — Lopez
17. Golden State Warriors
2023-24 listing: 41-34
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Earlier score: 19
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After video games: @ HOU (Apr. 4), @ DAL (Apr. 5), vs. UTA (Apr. 7), @ LAL (Apr. 9)
The Warriors’ extreme seven video games of the season are all must-win matchups, with 4 coming in opposition to Western Convention warring parties preventing for playoff positioning. They’ll need to cross throughout the Rockets, Mavericks, Lakers and Pelicans to store a minimum of a place within the play-in. It’s a ways of claiming it’s now not getting to be simple. Blonde Order won some momentum upcoming completing a five-game travel 4-1, however the upcoming two weeks will decide if the Warriors are postseason-ready. — Andrews
18. Philadelphia 76ers
2023-24 listing: 41-35
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Earlier score: 18
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After video games: @ MIA (Apr. 4), @ MEM (Apr. 6), @ SA (Apr. 7), vs. DET (Apr. 9)
Tyrese Maxey has had a stellar season, together with making his first All-Famous person look and main the 76ers with out reigning MVP Joel Embiid. However the being lacking Embiid — who returned Tuesday evening upcoming being sidelined the month two months because of trauma — made generation tough for the Sixers simply the similar. Thru January, Philadelphia used to be scoring 122.3 issues in step with 100 possessions when Maxey used to be at the backyard. However for the reason that get started of February, the 76ers with out Embiid are scoring simply 110.9 issues in step with 100 possessions with Maxey at the backyard — an indication of now not simplest the fat guy’s lacking presence but additionally the greater consideration on Maxey from defenses. — Bontemps
19. Houston Rockets
2023-24 listing: 38-37
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Earlier score: 17
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After video games: vs. GS (Apr. 4), vs. MIA (Apr. 5), @ DAL (Apr. 7), vs. ORL (Apr. 9)
Jalen Green, 22, turned into the NBA’s youngest participant to moderate a minimum of 30 issues over an 11-game win streak, surpassing Corridor of Famers Bob McAdoo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in step with ESPN Stats & Knowledge analysis. Inexperienced averaged 30.2 issues day taking pictures 50.4% from the ground and 45.0% from 3-point length right through the Rockets’ contemporary 11-game profitable streak. Houston averaged 123.7 issues in step with 100 possessions with Inexperienced at the ground in March, right through which the Rockets posted a 13-2 listing. — MacMahon
20. Atlanta Hawks
2023-24 listing: 35-40
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Earlier score: 20
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After video games: vs. DET (Apr. 3), @ DAL (Apr. 4), @ DEN (Apr. 6), vs. MIA (Apr. 9)
Atlanta has received 5 of its month six video games — together with a couple of thrillers in opposition to the league-leading Celtics extreme generation — and proceed to fight the Bulls for the proper to host the East’s Nos. 9-10 play-in duel. Atlanta won a duel at the Bulls on Monday with a win at Chicago’s United Middle. Two-way safeguard Vit Krejci had a profession lofty 18 issues for Atlanta on 6-for-6 taking pictures from 3. The Hawks will once more be examined this generation as they crash the street in opposition to the Mavericks and Nuggets. — Lopez
21. Chicago Bulls
2023-24 listing: 36-40
The Bulls formally locked their spot within the play-in match on Tuesday evening in ironic type upcoming a loss to the Hawks, as that pairing virtually undoubtedly will represent the East’s Nos. 9-10 play-in matchup. Chicago lately holds the Disagree. 9 seed and the tiebreaker, which might give it home-court merit in that single-elimination postseason tournament. Then again, the Bulls’ top over Atlanta has dwindled to only 1/2 a duel, and so they face the Knicks 3 times and the Enchanment as soon as of their extreme six video games of the familiar season. — Collier
22. Brooklyn Nets
2023-24 listing: 29-47
It’s been a season to overlook for Brooklyn, however one dazzling spot has been the play games of third-year safeguard Cam Thomas. The 6-foot-3 taking pictures safeguard has posted profession highs around the board, averaging 22 issues in step with duel and turning into one of the vital group’s go-to scoring choices along ahead Mikal Bridges. The query shall be whether or not Brooklyn can get an extension accomplished with Thomas heading into the general 12 months of his rookie trade in upcoming season. — Bontemps
23. Memphis Grizzlies
2023-24 listing: 25-50
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Earlier score: 24
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After video games: @ MIL (Apr. 3), vs. DET (Apr. 5), vs. PHI (Apr. 6), vs. SA (Apr. 9)
The Grizzlies penniless an NBA listing that refuse group needs when safeguard Zavier Simpson checked into Saturday’s loss to the Enchanment. He used to be the thirty first participant to peer duel motion for Memphis this season, probably the most by way of any group in league historical past. Simpson is certainly one of 10 avid gamers to signal a 10-day trade in because the group has handled a myriad of accidents all through the marketing campaign. Memphis has had 21 other avid gamers grant as starters. Of their ultimate seven video games, the Grizz should face the Greenbacks, Cavs and Nuggets. — MacMahon
24. Utah Jazz
2023-24 listing: 29-47
Screening shall be a point of interest for second-year heart Walker Kessler‘s summer season building. The Jazz have averaged simplest 0.93 issues off of Kessler monitors this season, in step with 2d Spectrum monitoring, which ranks within the thirty third percentile. For Kessler, who has proved he can affect video games as a rim-protector, screening is an extremely noteceable ability for a fat guy who doesn’t have the taking pictures length to stretch the ground — MacMahon
25. San Antonio Spurs
2023-24 listing: 18-58
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Earlier score: 25
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After video games: @ NO (Apr. 5), vs. PHI (Apr. 7), @ MEM (Apr. 9), @ OKC (Apr. 10)
Because the Spurs input the general stretch in Victor Wembanyama‘s rookie season, they’ll accomplish that with out injured starters Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan. Vassell used to be averaging a career-best 19.5 issues and had 87 assists to Wembanyama, day Sochan had settled right into a defensive position upcoming establishing the marketing campaign because the group’s level safeguard. Tre Jones, first at the group in assists in step with duel (6.1), will play games a key position in serving to Wembanyama and the group of their efforts to complete the season sturdy. — Lopez
26. Toronto Raptors
2023-24 listing: 23-52
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Earlier score: 26
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After video games: @ MIN (Apr. 3), @ MIL (Apr. 5), vs. WAS (Apr. 7), vs. IND (Apr. 9)
Toronto loved having each RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley again within the lineup on Tuesday in opposition to the Lakers because it performs out the fable. Extra importantly, Toronto has slipped into 6th park in NBA draft lottery positioning. If the Raptors are ready to guard that spot, it might give them a excellent probability of retaining their top-six-protected first-round pick out that they despatched to the Spurs at extreme season’s business cut-off date for Jakob Poeltl. — Bontemps
27. Charlotte Hornets
2023-24 listing: 18-57
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Earlier score: 28
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After video games: vs. POR (Apr. 3), vs. ORL (Apr. 5), vs. OKC (Apr. 7), vs. DAL (Apr. 9)
Brandon Miller has made it refuse undercover that Paul George is his GOAT, and Miller is certainly one of a growing number of tall wings who emulate George. On Sunday, Miller were given a probability to cross up in opposition to George in what changed into a memorable contest, as George exploded for a season-high 41 issues in a Clippers win day Miller inspired with 22 issues, six rebounds and 4 assists. “He’s going to be really good, ton of talent. Can’t wait to see him fully blossomed and be one of those guys that carry the league for a long time,” George mentioned of Miller upcoming the sport. “He can play make, score, shoot it from deep, put the ball on the ground — and he’s still figuring it out.” — Youngmisuk
28. Portland Trail Blazers
2023-24 listing: 19-56
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Earlier score: 27
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After video games: @ CHA (Apr. 3), @ WAS (Apr. 5), @ BOS (Apr. 7), vs. NO (Apr. 9)
A ten-game dropping streak has the Blazers having a look towards upcoming season and what they may be able to do with Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simmons and DeAndre Ayton. There were glimpses in their possible, however accidents have hindered Portland’s efforts. The group should perform a little offseason paintings to assemble round their younger core — particularly Henderson, whose minus-58 level differential in a loss to Miami extreme generation used to be the bottom in NBA historical past for a unmarried duel. — Andrews
29. Washington Wizards
2023-24 listing: 15-61
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Earlier score: 29
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After video games: vs. LAL (Apr. 3), vs. POR (Apr. 5), @ TOR (Apr. 7), @ MIN (Apr. 9)
Day rookie Bilal Coulibaly‘s season ended because of a proper wrist break a few weeks in the past, the promising 6-foot-8 safeguard is perceptible what he can glean from those ultimate matchups. “I’m learning just by watching the game,” he advised Enormous Sports activities Community. “I’m seeing things I wasn’t when I was playing. It’s an opportunity to get better.” Coulibaly averaged 8.4 issues and four.1 rebounds in 63 video games this season. “I’m proud of myself because I’ve proved that I belong in the NBA,” he mentioned. “I proved that I can guard the best players on each team. Just proving that I can be a good player offensively too.”— Youngmisuk
30. Detroit Pistons
2023-24 listing: 13-62
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Earlier score: 30
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After video games: @ ATL (Apr. 3), @ MEM (Apr. 5), @ BKN (Apr. 6), @ PHI (Apr. 9)
The Pistons beat the Wizards extreme generation to snap an eight-game dropping streak due to former Disagree. 1 draft pick out Cade Cunningham, who has submit 30 issues in 3 immediately outings. Cunningham has scored a minimum of 30 in 18 video games this season, probably the most by way of any Pistons participant since Blake Griffin (2018-19) and a silver lining for a group looking to keep away from completing with the worst listing within the league in back-to-back seasons. — Collier
