NBA Energy Rankings: Week 9 – Rockets, Pistons, and Knicks Rise Up

Report: 24-2

OffRtg: 119.8 (5) DefRtg: 103.4 (1) NetRtg: +16.4 (1) Tempo: 101.2 (14)

We don’t have to fret about whether or not or not the Emirates NBA Cup remaining ought to depend towards a wins document or a record-long successful streak, as a result of the Thunder didn’t make it that far. Their 16-game successful streak got here to an finish with a slim loss to the Spurs in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Three takeaways

• The loss was the Thunder’s worst offensive recreation of the season (109 factors on 107 possessions), and their struggles on that finish have been principally about their 9-for-37 (24%) capturing from 3-point vary (together with 1-for-5 on clutch 3s). The Thunder are considered one of solely three groups with a number of wins (they’re 2-1) when capturing beneath 25% from past the arc, however general, groups are 12-30 (.286) when making lower than 1 / 4 of their makes an attempt from deep. It stays a make-or-miss league.

• The Thunder stay within the high 5 on each ends of the ground, however when accounting for the league-average soar in effectivity, they’ve taken a small step backward offensively this season. They’ve improved relating to capturing and free-throw fee, however solely the Kings have seen an even bigger drop in offensive rebounding share. Isaiah Hartenstein returned from a six-game absence on Saturday (it was their first recreation with all of their high seven gamers from final 12 months’s playoffs), and their offensive rebounding share has been highest with him on the ground.

• Each of the Thunder’s losses have are available video games they led by greater than 15 factors. That matches their loss whole (they have been 66-2) in video games they led by greater than 15 factors final season (together with the playoffs).

Arising: The Thunder’s schedule has begun to get more durable, with their two Cup video games final week the beginning of a stretch the place they’re taking part in seven of 9 towards groups that at present have successful information. Their go to to Minnesota on Friday can be the primary of 4 rest-disadvantage video games they’ll have over the span of 18 days.

Week 9: vs. LAC, @ MIN

Report: 18-6

OffRtg: 124.4 (1) DefRtg: 114.8 (17) NetRtg: +9.6 (3) Tempo: 100.5 (20)

The Nuggets received a straightforward win in Sacramento on Thursday, with Nikola Jokić capturing 14-for-16 on his option to 36 factors. They’ve received 4 straight video games general and 11 straight on the highway.

Three takeaways

• The Nuggets now have the league’s No. 1 offense by a reasonably wholesome margin as they’ve scored 9.5 extra factors per 100 possessions than the league common. That may be one of the best differential within the 30 seasons of play-by-play information. However they’ve performed three extra video games towards groups that at present rank within the backside 10 defensively (10) as they’ve towards groups that at present rank within the high 10 (seven), and their schedule is about to get a lot more durable in that regard, with 10 of their subsequent 11 video games coming towards top-10 defenses.

• The Nuggets’ beginning lineup – with Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson rather than Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon – has outscored opponents by 20.8 factors per 100 possessions, one of the best mark amongst 21 lineups which have performed at the least 100 minutes. Braun and Gordon have (mainly) been out for the final 11 video games, with Jones and Watson combining to shoot 33-for-74 (45%) from 3-point vary over that stretch.

• The Nuggets even have the league’s fifth-ranked bench, up from twenty second final season. They’ve outscored their opponent in Jokić’s minutes off the ground in six of their final eight video games.

Arising: The Nuggets haven’t performed the Thunder or Lakers, however they’re 5-1 inside the high seven within the West, with the spotlight being their three-point win in Houston on Nov. 21. They’ll face the Rockets two extra occasions this week, hoping to finish a four-game shedding streak at house as they start a four-game homestand on Monday.

Week 9: vs. HOU, vs. ORL, vs. HOU

Report: 16-6

OffRtg: 121.4 (4) DefRtg: 111.0 (2) NetRtg: +10.3 (2) Tempo: 98.0 (27)

The Rockets struggled to place away the Clippers on Thursday, however they escaped with a two-point win to remain even with the Nuggets within the loss column on the high of Tier 2 within the West.

Three takeaways

• The Rockets proceed to have the very best offensive rebounding share within the 30 seasons for which now we have play-by-play information (41.5%), and their 53.8% on Thursday was the very best single-game mark for any workforce this season. The go-ahead bucket, a tip-in from Amen Thompson with 17.2 seconds left, got here on their fifth shot of the possession. Their offensive rebounding share within the clutch is 50.7%.

• Josh Okogie was the fifth starter for the fourth straight recreation, however bench minutes have been essential. The Rockets regained management with a 16-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters. Reed Sheppard was on the ground as a substitute of Okogie down the stretch, and Aaron Vacation drew an offensive foul on Kawhi Leonard with a two-point lead and fewer than 15 seconds left. Tari Eason has missed the final 11 video games, however the Rockets’ bench nonetheless ranks second within the league, behind solely that of the Thunder.

• Sheppard has an efficient subject purpose share of 60.7%, up from 45.2% final season. That’s the largest soar amongst 224 gamers with at the least 200 subject purpose makes an attempt final season and at the least 100 this season.

Arising: The Rockets are in all probability going house after their recreation in Denver on Monday, however they’re taking part in their subsequent six video games on the highway, a stretch that features one other journey to Denver and concludes with their Christmas Day recreation towards the Lakers.

Week 9: @ DEN, @ NOP, @ DEN, @ SAC

Report: 20-5

OffRtg: 117.4 (9) DefRtg: 111.1 (3) NetRtg: +6.3 (5) Tempo: 101.5 (11)

The Pistons are the second workforce with 20 wins and have a two-game lead on the high of the Japanese Convention after blowing out the Hawks on Friday.

Three takeaways

• Eleven days earlier, the Hawks have been in Detroit lower than 24 hours after taking part in two overtimes in Philadelphia, and the Pistons beat them by only one. The Pistons’ level differential (plus-6.3 per recreation, second within the East) continues to be that of a workforce that’s simply 18-7, however the 27-point win on Friday was, simply, their largest margin of victory this season.

• It was a potent offensive efficiency (142 factors on 106 possessions) towards a workforce that had ranked ninth defensively over Trae Younger’s absence, and Cade Cunningham scored simply 15 factors in lower than 23 minutes. The Pistons’ three-game successful streak has been their finest stretch of the season (128.1 factors scored per 100 possessions) on that finish of the ground.

• They doubled up the Hawks (42-20) within the restricted space, taking their season-long, restricted-area differential to a league-best plus-12.5 factors per recreation. They’ve seen an enormous soar from final season within the share of their very own photographs which have come on the basket, with a lot of that coming from Jalen Duren’s soar in utilization fee.

Arising: The Pistons misplaced in Boston lower than three weeks in the past when Cunningham missed a free throw for the tie with 4.4 seconds left. They’re again at TD Backyard on Monday and can then play six straight video games towards groups with shedding information.

Week 9: @ BOS, @ DAL, vs. CHA

Report: 18-7

OffRtg: 122.0 (2) DefRtg: 113.3 (11) NetRtg: +8.6 (4) Tempo: 99.1 (26)

The Knicks have received 9 of their final 10 video games and are heading to the Emirates NBA Cup remaining, thanks to 2 environment friendly offensive performances towards two top-10 defenses – these of the Raptors and Magic – final week.

Three takeaways

• The Knicks now rank second offensively, having scored greater than 125 factors per 100 possessions over the 2 elimination video games. Jalen Brunson totaled 75 factors over the 2 video games, capturing 21-for-32 (66%) contained in the arc and 8-for-14 from 3-point vary. Pull-up 2-pointers are at all times going to be a big portion of his shot eating regimen and his 51.3% on pull-up 2s this season is one of the best mark of his profession.

• It wasn’t simply Brunson scoring inside on Saturday, with the Knicks’ 70 factors within the paint towards the Magic being their excessive for the season. They rank fifth in paint differential (plus-4.1 factors per recreation), though their massive soar in 3-point fee has include the league’s second greatest drop within the share of their photographs which have come within the paint, from 50% (ninth highest) final season to simply 46% (seventh lowest) this season.

• The Knicks have gone 16-4 since Nov. 1, and solely 4 of these 20 video games have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. They’re tied with the Thunder (15-0) and Nuggets (15-0) for probably the most wins (they’re 15-2) in video games that weren’t inside 5 within the final 5.

Arising: Paint factors might be tougher to return by towards the Spurs on Tuesday, however Karl-Anthony Cities (10-for-19 from 3-point vary over the Knicks’ five-game successful streak) is clearly one of the best participant to have if the Knicks need to pull Victor Wembanyama away from the basket. In case you depend the Cup remaining (which doesn’t depend within the standings), the Knicks are three video games right into a stretch the place they’re taking part in 13 of 15 towards groups with successful information.

Week 9: vs. SAS*, @ IND, vs. PHI, vs. MIA

Report: 18-7

OffRtg: 118.0 (7) DefRtg: 113.8 (14) NetRtg: +4.2 (8) Tempo: 100.9 (16)

The Spurs went 9-3 throughout Victor Wembanyama’s absence, however they’re within the Emirates NBA Cup remaining as a result of he was again in uniform on Saturday and serving to them put an finish to the Thunder’s 16-game successful streak.

Three takeaways

• The win on Saturday was the Spurs’ worst offensive recreation of the season (111 factors on 106 possessions), nevertheless it was additionally the Thunder’s worst (109 on 107). Oklahoma Metropolis scored simply 40 factors on 48 possessions (capturing 4-for-13 within the paint) in Wembanyama’s 21 minutes on the ground. The Spurs have now allowed 110.7 per 100 within the 13 video games he’s performed and simply 104.3 per 100 in his 437 minutes on the ground.

• The Lakers lead the league in free-throw differential, however the Spurs handed them their worst differential (29-17) of the season on Wednesday. San Antonio has seen the league’s third greatest soar in free throw fee from final season, with Wembanyama (from 22.1 to 41.4 makes an attempt per 100 photographs from the sector) and Stephon Fortress (from 34.8 to 52.0 per 100) having seen the third and seventh greatest jumps amongst 120 gamers with at the least 200 subject purpose makes an attempt in every of the final two seasons.

• Their three video games final week have been the primary three video games by which the Spurs had Fortress, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper all in uniform. They haven’t had all three on the ground collectively, however every participant has had their moments. Harper (on the ground as a substitute of Fortress) had the game-winning bucket in New Orleans, Fortress scored an environment friendly 30 factors (whereas additionally guarding Luka Dončić) in L.A., and Fox had the primary six factors on the essential, 13-0 run to shut the primary half towards the Thunder.

Arising: The Cup remaining will come towards an excellent higher offense than that of the Thunder, and the Knicks are extra of a jump-shooting workforce than Oklahoma Metropolis. However Wembanyama’s presence within the paint ought to assist the Spurs defend the 3-point line higher, with the corners being notably vital on Tuesday. The Knicks’ 5 nook 3s per recreation can be probably the most for any workforce within the 47-year historical past of the 3-point line, and so they have been 8-for-15 from the corners of their Christmas win over the Spurs (the final recreation Wembanyama performed vs. New York) final 12 months.

Week 9: vs. NYK*, vs. WAS, @ ATL, @ WAS

Report: 18-7

OffRtg: 118.0 (8) DefRtg: 116.5 (20) NetRtg: +1.5 (14) Tempo: 100.2 (22)

The Lakers’ protection (or lack thereof) stored them from making one other journey to Las Vegas, however they’re holding on to a top-four spot within the West after choosing up one other clutch win (with out Austin Reaves) over the weekend.

Three takeaways

• The Lakers rank twenty ninth defensively (122.4 factors allowed per 100 possessions) during the last three weeks, and solely two of their 9 video games in that stretch have come towards groups – the Celtics and Spurs – that rank within the high 10 on offense. Their paint protection hasn’t been horrible over that stretch, however they’ve seen a discount in opponent turnovers and their opponents have shot a league-high 42.8% from 3-point vary over these 9 video games. The Spurs’ 17-for-38 (45%) on Wednesday was their fourth-best 3-point capturing recreation of the season.

• Based on monitoring information, solely the Hornets and Clippers have had worse luck than the Lakers in regard to how a lot their opponents have overperformed from 3-point vary in relation to the standard of the photographs.

• The Lakers have been additionally outscored by 12 factors on the free-throw line (their worst differential of the season) on Wednesday. They nonetheless rank first in free-throw differential (plus-4.9 factors per recreation) for what can be the fourth straight season, having outscored the Suns by 12 factors on the line (regardless of Reaves’ absence) on Sunday. LeBron James received the sport by going 2-for-3 on the stripe after he was fouled on a 3-point try with 3.9 seconds left. That stored the Lakers undefeated (9-0) in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, and so they’re now 18-7 with the purpose differential of a workforce that’s 14-11.

Arising: The Lakers’ win in Phoenix on Sunday was the tip of a stretch of six straight video games towards groups with successful information. They’re 11-2 towards groups at present beneath .500, set to go to the Jazz and Clippers this week. They’re 7-2 towards the Clippers during the last three seasons after shedding 11 straight earlier than that.

Week 9: @ UTA, @ LAC

Report: 15-10

OffRtg: 121.4 (3) DefRtg: 115.0 (18) NetRtg: +6.3 (6) Tempo: 96.2 (30)

A 3-day break cooled off the Celtics’ offense and their five-game successful streak got here to an finish in Milwaukee on Thursday. They’re nonetheless in third place within the East, with some massive video games developing this week.

Three takeaways

• The Celtics had scored an incredible 131.5 factors per 100 possessions over their earlier eight video games and had 71 on 53 (with an 11-point lead) early within the third quarter on Thursday. However they then scored simply 30 factors on their remaining 43 journeys down the ground and suffered their first double-digit loss in additional than a month.

• They continue to be the one workforce that hasn’t misplaced a recreation (they’re 11-0) when capturing the league common (36%) or higher from 3-point vary. However the Celtics have been simply 14-for-49 (29%) from past the arc on Thursday, falling to 4-10 after they’ve shot beneath 36% from deep. That (11-0 vs. 4-10) is the league’s greatest such differential by a large margin.

• The Celtics have seen the league’s greatest drop in 3-point fee from final season, however nonetheless rank final, by a large margin, within the share of their photographs (38%) which have come within the paint. They rank second (behind the Kings) within the share (14%) which have come from mid-range, with Jaylen Brown (71-for-143, 49.7%) having already made extra mid-range photographs than he did all of final season (64-for-160, 40%).

Arising: The Celtics are 8-5 in video games performed between the 9 Japanese Convention groups with successful information, with three video games inside the high 9 this week. They may have a relaxation benefit for his or her first assembly with the Warmth on Friday, however might be at an obstacle the next night time in Toronto.

Week 9: vs. DET, vs. MIA, @ TOR

Report: 14-12

OffRtg: 114.2 (16) DefRtg: 114.2 (16) NetRtg: -0.0 (17) Tempo: 100.0 (23)

The Suns received clobbered by the Thunder within the NBA Cup quarterfinals, and so they’ve misplaced 5 of their final seven video games general.

Three takeaways

• Devin Booker missed three video games earlier than returning on Sunday, and this 2-5 stretch has been powerful, with all seven video games coming towards groups forward of the Suns within the Western Convention standings. They’re 5-7 inside the high seven within the West, with not one of the different six groups having performed greater than eight video games inside the group.

• Protection has sparked the Suns’ enchancment. They’ve (unsurprisingly) taken a step backward on offense, regardless of an enormous soar in offensive rebounding share. They’ve shot a lot much less successfully than they did final season, are considered one of solely 4 groups which have seen a drop in free-throw fee, and so they’ve had the league’s third-biggest soar in turnover fee.

• The Suns are the one workforce that’s crushed the Wolves since Thanksgiving, having held on for a three-point win in Minnesota final Monday. Phoenix has seen the league’s greatest drop in opponent transition factors per recreation from final season, and the Wolves had simply 11 (their second-lowest whole of the season) within the loss.

Arising: The Suns have scored simply 105.7 factors per 100 possessions over eight video games towards groups that at present rank within the high 10 defensively. They’ll play a pair of video games towards the Warriors’ fourth-ranked protection this week, having scored simply 107 on 100 in a loss in San Francisco final month.

Week 9: vs. GSW, @ GSW

Report: 17-9

OffRtg: 118.0 (6) DefRtg: 113.2 (10) NetRtg: +4.8 (7) Tempo: 100.5 (18)

The Wolves noticed their five-game successful streak come to an finish with one other clutch loss to the Suns on Monday, and so they’ve performed the final two video games with out Anthony Edwards. However they received them each and stay comfortably within the high six within the West.

Three takeaways

• After shedding their first two video games with out Edwards this season, the Wolves have received their final 4. They’ve scored 122.1 factors per 100 possessions over the 4 wins, which have all come towards groups – Charlotte, Brooklyn, Golden State and Sacramento – at present with shedding information. Julius Randle led the best way, however the scoring was fairly balanced within the two wins this weekend. This could be the second straight season the place the Wolves have been a bit of higher with Edwards off the ground (plus-6.1 per 100 possessions) than they’ve been with him on the ground (plus-4.1).

• Based on monitoring information, Randle has remoted 12.7 occasions per 100 possessions. That’s the league’s Fifteenth-highest fee (Edwards is eleventh) and up from 12 per 100 final season. The Wolves have scored 1.34 factors per possession when a Randle iso has led on to a shot, turnover, or journey to the road, one of the best mark amongst 47 gamers with at the least 75 direct isolations this season.

• Even with Edwards lacking the final two video games, the Wolves’ beginning lineup has performed 64 extra minutes than another lineup within the league, with solely the Lakers, Rockets and Knicks getting fewer minutes per recreation from reserves. The common starters have outscored opponents by 12.7 factors per 100 possessions, the eighth-best mark amongst 21 lineups which have performed at the least 100 minutes.

Arising: The Wolves’ win over Sacramento on Sunday was the beginning of their longest homestand of the season (5 video games over 10 days). They’re 4-0 in rest-advantage video games this season and their subsequent one might be Friday towards the Thunder. The Wolves’ first recreation towards the champs (Nov. 26 in Oklahoma Metropolis) was a one-possession recreation with lower than a minute to go, however they couldn’t end.

Week 9: vs. MEM, vs. OKC, vs. MIL

Report: 15-11

OffRtg: 115.7 (11) DefRtg: 112.1 (6) NetRtg: +3.6 (9) Tempo: 101.5 (12)

The Magic earned a visit to Las Vegas with a comeback victory over the Warmth on Tuesday, their third win (tied for the league lead) after trailing by at the least 15 factors. However they couldn’t sustain with the Knicks’ offense within the NBA Cup semifinals.

Three takeaways

• The Magic rank because the league’s second-most-improved offensive workforce, having scored 6.7 extra factors per 100 possessions than they did final season. However they nonetheless have to defend to win, and so they’re 1-6 when permitting greater than 115 factors per 100 possessions. They allowed the Knicks to attain a season-high 70 factors within the paint and one other 23 on the free-throw line on Saturday.

• The Magic received excellent news on Franz Wagner final week, however the ahead continues to be going to miss a number of weeks with a excessive ankle sprain. Whereas Tristan da Silva began throughout Paolo Banchero’s absence, Anthony Black has changed Wagner, and the Magic have now outscored their opponents by 30.8 factors per 100 possessions in 92 minutes with Black, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane on the ground collectively.

• Bench minutes have been an issue on Saturday, with the deciding 17-3 Knicks run spanning the third and fourth quarters. Suggs additionally needed to depart the sport with a sore left hip, so for the second straight Monday, we await information on an damage to considered one of Orlando’s finest gamers. Suggs has been considerably restricted (25.6 minutes per recreation, no back-to-backs) within the first place, however the Magic have been 10.3 factors per 100 possessions higher with him on the ground (plus-9.6) than they’ve been with him off the ground (minus-0.7).

Arising: The Magic will play 9 of their subsequent 12 video games on the highway, with a four-game journey starting in Denver on Thursday. They’ve already performed 4 video games towards the league’s second-ranked offense (that of the Knicks) and now they’ll face No. 1.

Week 9: @ DEN, @ UTA

Report: 14-11

OffRtg: 115.0 (13) DefRtg: 111.9 (5) NetRtg: +3.0 (10) Tempo: 105.3 (1)

The Warmth ran out to a 15-0 lead within the NBA Cup quarterfinals in Orlando on Tuesday, however after scoring 18 factors on their first seven possessions, they scored simply 90 on their final 96 journeys down the ground, falling to 0-3 towards the Magic. It was their first loss (they’re 9-1) after main by at the least 15 factors, having had 9 such losses (tied for third most within the 30 years in play-by-play information) final season.

Three takeaways

• The Warmth are 3-3 with Tyler Herro in uniform, although their most popular beginning lineup has been good (and never simply due to that sizzling begin on Tuesday) in its 71 minutes. The Warmth bench ranks twenty eighth in December after rating sixth by Nov. 30. They’ve been outscored by virtually 28 factors per 100 possessions (with anemic offensive numbers) in Kel’el Ware’s 106 minutes on the ground this month.

• The Warmth have now scored simply 106.4 factors per 100 possessions over their four-game shedding streak. Three of the 4 video games have been on the highway towards groups (Dallas and Orlando) that at present rank within the high seven defensively (the fourth was a rest-disadvantage recreation towards the Kings). They have been additionally outperforming their shot high quality by a pretty big margin by their first 21 video games, which implies they could have been due for some regression.

• General, the Warmth have been 2.6 factors per 100 possessions higher than they have been final season. Whenever you take the league-average improve into consideration, that breaks right down to 1.3 factors per 100 possessions higher on each ends of the ground.

Arising: The Cup loss in Orlando marked the beginning of a stretch the place the Warmth are taking part in 9 of 11 video games towards groups that at present have successful information. It contains two vital house video games towards the equally reeling Raptors, with whom they’re tied within the loss column.

Week 9: vs. TOR, @ BKN, @ BOS, @ NYK

Report: 15-11

OffRtg: 115.1 (12) DefRtg: 113.2 (9) NetRtg: +1.9 (12) Tempo: 100.2 (21)

Regardless of an enormous recreation (together with 6-for-8 from mid-range) from Brandon Ingram, the Raptors weren’t very aggressive towards the Knicks within the NBA quarterfinals on Tuesday. They’ve now misplaced six of their final seven video games, sliding from second to fifth place within the East.

Three takeaways

• Previous to Thanksgiving, the Raptors have been 9-1 after they received the primary quarter. Since then, they’re 0-3, having had some critical second-quarter points. Over their four-game shedding streak, they’ve misplaced the second quarter by a complete of 52 factors (148-96). Their opponents have scored these 148 factors regardless of capturing simply 10-for-30 (33%) from 3-point vary over these 48 minutes.

• Over their first 17 video games, the Raptors made eight extra 3-pointers than their opponents. Over their final 9 video games, they’ve made 38 fewer 3-pointers than their opponents, and a deficit of 12.7 factors per recreation is hard to beat, even when Ingram’s mid-range capturing feels automated at occasions. They’ve seen a small drop in 3-point fee and shot simply 31.7% from past the arc over these final 9 video games.

• Given Barrett’s damage, their having performed a league-high 26 video games (by Tuesday) and this 1-6 stretch, the Raptors are certainly blissful to have had 5 days off and a visit to Miami as their comfort for shedding within the NBA Cup quarterfinals. They continue to be the league’s fourth most improved workforce in regard to successful share and its third most improved in regard to level differential per 100 possessions.

Arising: The Raptors have performed 9 of their final 11 video games at house, and so they’ll now play 5 of their subsequent six on the highway. They’re 1-4 within the second video games of back-to-backs (with anemic offense over these 5 video games) and so they’ll have one other one (vs. Boston, at Brooklyn) this weekend.

Week 9: @ MIA, @ MIL, vs. BOS, @ BKN

Report: 15-12

OffRtg: 114.5 (14) DefRtg: 114.0 (15) NetRtg: +0.5 (16) Tempo: 102.2 (6)

The Hawks received clobbered in Detroit on Friday, however picked up a second vital win over the Sixers two days later. They’re in ninth place, however have as many wins because the third-place Celtics.

Three takeaways

• Trae Younger would possibly return this month, however he’s now missed the final 22 video games. Kristaps Porziņģis has missed seven of the final eight and can reportedly be out at the least one other two weeks. The Hawks’ lineup with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu of their locations has now performed 179 minutes, third most within the league. It’s outscored opponents by 4.9 factors per 100 possessions, a mark which ranks Fifteenth among the many 21 lineups which have performed at the least 100 minutes.

• It’s a bit of shocking that the lineup ranks larger offensively (eleventh) than it does defensively (Twelfth) amongst these 21 lineups. The Hawks haven’t fairly leaned right into a defensive identification in Younger’s absence.

• A protracted break cooled Jalen Johnson off a bit. However whereas he shot simply 12-for-36 over the Hawks’ two video games final week, he’s recorded 4 straight triple-doubles, and Dyson Daniels (season-high 27 factors on 13-for-19 capturing) picked up the offensive slack towards Philly. Regardless of Younger’s absence, Daniels has seen a drop in utilization fee this season and a drop in effectivity. His true capturing share of 51.8% is the eighth-worst mark amongst 132 gamers with at the least 200 subject purpose makes an attempt.

Arising: The Hawks nonetheless have a shedding document (5-6) at house after the win over the Sixers on Sunday. After they go to the Hornets on Thursday, they’ll start their longest homestand to this point (5 video games over 9 days).

Week 9: @ CHA, vs. SAS, vs. CHI

Report: 14-11

OffRtg: 114.4 (15) DefRtg: 113.3 (12) NetRtg: +1.0 (15) Tempo: 100.5 (19)

Joel Embiid has performed in three straight video games for the primary time this season, taking part in greater than half-hour all three nights. However the Sixers have been with out Tyrese Maxey (for the primary time) of their two video games over the weekend and misplaced an vital matchup with the Hawks on Sunday.

Three takeaways

• Over these final three video games, Embiid has taken 34 (53%) of his 64 photographs within the paint, up from simply 33% of his photographs over his eight video games prior. As he scored a season-high 39 factors in a win over the Pacers on Friday, he was 8-for-10 within the paint and 13-for-18 on the free throw line, with an enormous, and-one put-back to place the Sixers up six with lower than three minutes left. However he wasn’t fairly as efficient towards the Hawks on Sunday.

• Paul George has performed in 4 straight video games for the primary time and scored a season-high 35 factors within the loss to Atlanta. The Sixers have allowed simply 101.7 factors per 100 possessions in 80 minutes with George and Embiid on the ground collectively. That’s clearly a small pattern dimension (80 minutes), however general, the Sixers rank because the league’s most improved defensive workforce, having allowed 4.0 fewer factors per 100 possessions than they did final season.

• Maxey, George and Embiid have nonetheless performed in simply two video games collectively. The Sixers’ two most-used lineups nonetheless embody Kelly Oubre Jr, who hasn’t performed in a month. Their most-used group has performed simply 39 minutes, the fewest of any workforce’s most-used lineup.

Arising: After one other four-day break, the Sixers may have a relaxation benefit (and perhaps all three of Maxey, George and Embiid) after they go to the Knicks on Friday. They’ll be at an obstacle towards Dallas the next night time, however that’s the beginning of a stretch the place they’re taking part in 5 of six video games towards groups with shedding information.

Week 9: @ NYK, vs. DAL

Report: 15-12

OffRtg: 115.8 (10) DefRtg: 113.2 (8) NetRtg: +2.7 (11) Tempo: 101.7 (9)

The Cavs received one of many league’s best pair of NBA Cup fill-in video games, however they trailed each the Wizards and Hornets by 17 factors final week. They erased each deficits and received in Washington, however one way or the other went scoreless in additional time towards Charlotte.

Three takeaways

• Jarrett Allen returned from a six-game absence on Sunday, however Evan Mobley was misplaced to a calf pressure two nights earlier. Meaning the Cavs’ core 4 gamers have nonetheless performed simply 57 minutes (over 4 video games) collectively, and Darius Garland was hobbling down the stretch of the loss to the Hornets. Max Strus nonetheless hasn’t performed, and Larry Nance Jr. has missed the final seven video games. Thomas Bryant has been out there as a backup massive, however (with Allen’s minutes restricted) the Cavs selected to play small (4 guards and Dean Wade) down the stretch on Sunday.

• Garland shot 0-for-11 from 3-point vary on Friday, when De’Andre Hunter additionally missed a number of 3-point makes an attempt by a number of toes. Garland was higher on Sunday, however Allen shot simply 3-for-8 in his return to the lineup. Amongst 224 gamers with at the least 200 subject purpose makes an attempt final season and at the least 100 this season, Allen (from 70.6% to 56.3%), Garland (from 56.2% to 42.8%) and Lonzo Ball (from 50.4% to 39.8%) have seen the third, fourth and seventh greatest drops, respectively, in efficient subject purpose share.

• The Cavs are nonetheless 9-2 (third finest within the East) in video games that weren’t inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes, however with the scoreless additional time on Sunday, they’re 6-10 within the clutch. That’s simply two fewer clutch losses than that they had all of final season (26-12).

Arising: The Cavs have a league-high 5 home-and-home units this season, with the primary coming towards the Bulls on Wednesday and Friday. They’ve received 12 of their final 13 video games towards Chicago.

Week 9: @ CHI, vs. CHI

Report: 13-14

OffRtg: 113.4 (20) DefRtg: 111.8 (4) NetRtg: +1.6 (13) Tempo: 100.7 (17)

Stephen Curry returned from a five-game absence on Friday and totaled 87 factors over the Warriors’ two weekend video games. However they misplaced them each to drop again beneath .500.

Three takeaways

• Earlier than Sunday, the Warriors have been 7-0 all-time when considered one of their gamers (Curry or Klay Thompson) made at the least 12 3-pointers. Now, they’re 7-1, having wasted Curry’s 48-point efficiency (12-for-19 from deep) in Portland. After all, Curry made some errors himself down the stretch, lacking a layup for the lead within the remaining minute after which turning the ball over when his workforce nonetheless had an opportunity to tie.

• The Warriors nonetheless have a top-five protection, however they allowed the Wolves (who have been with out Anthony Edwards) and the Blazers (who’ve a below-average offense) to attain greater than 125 factors per 100 possessions over the 2 video games. Draymond Inexperienced missed the Minnesota recreation, however was again on Sunday, when the participant he was guarding (Jerami Grant) scored 35 factors in lower than 35 minutes.

• The Warriors are simply 8-8 in video games by which they’ve had Curry, Inexperienced and Jimmy Butler within the lineup, although they’ve outscored their opponents by 12 factors per 100 possessions of their 254 minutes on the ground collectively. The seek for the fitting mixtures off the bench continues, with Jonathan Kuminga (who’s not trade-eligible till Jan. 15) having been DNP’d in three straight video games.

Arising: The Warriors are 5-5 towards the seven groups forward of them within the Western Convention standings, a mark that features a cushty win over the Suns in early November. They’ll play a home-and-home set with Phoenix this week.

Week 9: @ PHX, vs. PHX

Report: 11-14

OffRtg: 111.8 (25) DefRtg: 113.8 (13) NetRtg: -2.0 (18) Tempo: 101.5 (10)

Ja Morant returned from a 10-game absence on Friday, however had a turnover and two misses on possessions for the tie or the lead within the remaining two minutes of the Grizzlies’ loss to the Jazz. It was their first loss to one of many 12 groups that at present have a worse document than they do.

Three takeaways

• Now that he’s again, the query is whether or not Morant can discover his shot. Not solely is his 3-point share (12-for-65, 18%) ugly, however his capturing within the paint can be at a career-low 45% after he made simply 5 of his 15 photographs within the paint on Friday.

• His return ought to assist the Grizzlies’ early offense. Based on Synergy monitoring, they’ve seen the league’s greatest drop in transition factors per recreation, from 32.8 (first) final season to simply 22.9 (seventeenth) this season. However their 37 transition factors on Friday have been their most within the final 13 video games.

• Whereas Morant is again, Zach Edey has a stress response within the ankle that he had surgical procedure on within the Summer season and might be re-evaluated in 4 weeks. The Grizzlies have been an incredible 26.2 factors per 100 possessions higher with Edey on the ground (plus-18.3) than they’ve with him off the ground (minus-7.9). That’s, by far, the largest on-off differential amongst gamers who’ve performed at the least 200 minutes, and it’s principally about protection (94.5 vs. 118.5 allowed per 100).

Arising: The Grizzlies nonetheless have seven video games left on a stretch the place they’re taking part in 13 of 17 towards groups at present beneath .500. They’re 2-0 towards the Clippers (who they’ll go to on Monday), having held them to simply 104.6 factors per 100 possessions over the 2 video games (each with Edey).

Week 9: @ LAC, @ MIN, vs. WAS

Report: 10-16

OffRtg: 108.8 (28) DefRtg: 112.2 (7) NetRtg: -3.4 (20) Tempo: 102.0 (7)

After a 5-15 begin, the Mavs are 5-1 during the last 16 days, with the one loss having are available Oklahoma Metropolis.

Three takeaways

• After scoring simply 105.9 factors per 100 possessions (final within the league) by their first 20 video games, the Mavs have scored 119.0 (eighth) during the last six. The turnaround virtually coincides with Ryan Nembhard’s transfer into the beginning lineup (Recreation 20), however the offense has been significantly better with Brandon Williams on the ground. Williams was additionally on the ground (as a substitute of Nembhard) down the stretch of the Mavs’ win over Brooklyn on Friday, giving them the lead for good with a second-chance 3-pointer with 2:48 left.

• The Mavs have climbed out of the basement in general effectivity, however they nonetheless have the league’s worst first-quarter offense (103.4 factors scored per 100 possessions). They’ve received the primary quarter simply as soon as of their final eight video games, however at the moment are 7-8 (with 4 straight wins) after they’ve misplaced the primary quarter and solely 2-7 after they’ve led after the primary 12 minutes.

• The Mavs introduced on Wednesday that Dereck Vigorous II may have surgical procedure on his proper foot and miss the remainder of the season. He’ll nonetheless be simply 22 years previous at first of subsequent season, and this needs to be a long-term mission constructed round Cooper Flagg, who turns 19 on Sunday. However by his first three NBA seasons, Vigorous may have performed in solely 98 regular-season video games.

Arising: The Mavs are 3-4 towards the opposite seven Western Convention groups with shedding information and can face the Twelfth-place Jazz for the primary time on Monday. It’s the primary of two journeys to Utah within the subsequent 4 weeks as their schedule stays road-heavy by the primary 10 days of January.

Week 9: @ UTA, vs. DET, @ PHI

Report: 10-16

OffRtg: 113.8 (18) DefRtg: 117.2 (22) NetRtg: -3.3 (19) Tempo: 103.5 (3)

The Blazers went 1-4 on their prolonged highway journey, permitting the Pelicans to attain 143 factors and finish a seven-game shedding streak on Thursday. However they returned house and received a clutch win over the Warriors on Sunday night time.

Three takeaways

• The Warriors outscored the Blazers by 12 factors from 3-point vary on Sunday, nevertheless it was the primary recreation within the 47-year historical past of the 3-point line the place each groups shot higher than 50% on greater than 35 makes an attempt from past the arc. Portland has seen the league’s second-biggest soar in 3-point fee, from 41.8% of its photographs (seventeenth highest) final season to 45.6% (fifth highest) this season. Amongst 224 gamers with at the least 100 subject purpose makes an attempt final season and 200 this season, Donovan Clingan (from 14.7% to 34.5%) and Toumani Camara (from 50.3% to 65.3%) have seen the second and sixth greatest jumps.

• Shaedon Sharpe was again within the beginning lineup (after six video games off the bench) for the Blazers’ two video games final week, and he scored 35 factors in a single 12-for-18 capturing within the win over Golden State. Sharpe ranks Twelfth in utilization fee at 30.4%, an enormous soar from final season (25.0%). However he may nonetheless be extra environment friendly and among the many 47 gamers with a utilization fee of 25% or larger, solely Dillon Brooks has a decrease help/turnover ratio than the fourth-year wing (0.84).

• The Blazers have nonetheless performed the league’s most road-heavy schedule, with solely 10 of their 26 video games having come on the Moda Middle. However the win over the Warriors started a stretch the place they’re taking part in six of seven (and 20 of 29) at house.

Arising: With their loss in New Orleans final week, the Blazers are 2-2 inside the backside 5 within the Western Convention, set to play their first two video games (a home-and-home set) towards the Kings on Thursday and Saturday. The house workforce has received the final seven conferences between Portland and Sacramento.

Week 9: vs. SAC, @ SAC

Report: 11-16

OffRtg: 113.4 (21) DefRtg: 117.0 (21) NetRtg: -3.6 (22) Tempo: 99.7 (24)

Giannis Antetokounmpo stays on the shelf, however the Bucks had one of the shocking wins of Week 8, ending the Celtics’ five-game successful streak on Thursday. Three nights later, they misplaced by 45 factors in Brooklyn.

Three takeaways

• Earlier than the sport in Brooklyn, the larger distinction between the Bucks’ video games with Antetokounmpo and their video games with out him was on offense. And the loss in Brooklyn was the worst offensive efficiency (82 factors on 100 possessions) for any workforce this season. Kevin Porter Jr. (2-for-13 and 6 turnovers) might need been due for an off night time, having shot 58% within the paint, 56% from 3-point vary and 96% from the free throw line over his seven video games earlier than Sunday.

• With or with out Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have been getting killed within the possession recreation. They’ve had fewer capturing alternatives than their opponents in 18 of their 27 video games, together with every of their final six. They’ve averaged 4.7 fewer per recreation, with solely the Wizards having a worse discrepancy.

• A forty five-point loss will do some injury to your numbers, and the Bucks at the moment are considered one of seven groups that rank within the backside 10 on each ends of the ground. They’re considered one of three groups – the Celtics and Warriors are the others – that haven’t ranked within the backside 10 on both finish of the ground in any of the final 9 seasons.

Arising: The Bucks have misplaced their seven highway video games and, after internet hosting the Raptors on Thursday, they’ll play 11 of their subsequent 14 video games on the highway.

Week 9: vs. TOR, @ MIN

Report: 8-18

OffRtg: 113.8 (17) DefRtg: 117.3 (23) NetRtg: -3.5 (21) Tempo: 99.7 (25)

The Hornets unusually cut up their two fill-in video games, shedding at house to the Bulls after which beating the Cavs on the highway.

Three takeaways

• The Hornets rank because the league’s most improved offensive workforce, having scored 7.2 extra factors per 100 possessions than they did final season. A lot of that’s higher ending within the paint (56.4% vs. 52% final season). Ryan Kalkbrenner’s 81.3% within the paint is one of the best mark (by a large margin) amongst 126 gamers with at the least 100 makes an attempt, whereas Kon Knueppel’s 59.8% can be above the league common (57.5%).

• The larger distinction between their wins and losses has been on protection. The Hornets held the Cavs to simply 25-for-52 (48%) within the paint on Sunday and at the moment are 8-1 after they’ve allowed fewer than 111 factors per 100 possessions. They’re 0-17 after they’ve allowed extra.

• Knueppel totaled 62 factors on 23-for-40 (58%) capturing over the Hornets’ two video games final week. He now has a real capturing share of 62.4%, which might be one of the best mark in NBA historical past for a rookie who averaged at the least 18 factors.

Arising: The Hornets at the moment are 3-8 towards the 9 East groups which have successful information, and so they’ll face the first-place Pistons for the primary time on Saturday.

Week 9: vs. ATL, @ DET

Report: 9-15

OffRtg: 113.3 (22) DefRtg: 120.7 (29) NetRtg: -7.4 (26) Tempo: 102.9 (4)

The Jazz went into their four-day break with two losses by a complete of 64 factors, however got here out of it with a highway win in Memphis, that includes a career-high 39 factors from Keyonte George.

Three takeaways

• George went scoreless in a loss to Houston simply 15 days in the past, however he’s additionally scored at the least 27 factors in eight of his final 12 video games. He’s considered one of many gamers who’ve seen an enormous soar in free-throw fee from final season (31 makes an attempt per 100 photographs from the sector) to this season (43 per 100), and his 91.1% on the line is one of the best mark amongst 41 gamers with at the least 100 whole makes an attempt. Lauri Markkanen is second at 89.8%.

• George now has 58 assists to Markkanen, tied for second most from any participant to a single teammate and 7 greater than he needed to Markkanen all of final season (51). That’s a fee of 1 help per each 10 minutes on the ground collectively, down from one each quarter-hour final 12 months.

• The Jazz allowed an incredible 136.3 factors per 100 possessions in Kevin Love’s 225 minutes on the ground, however the 37-year-old had his finest offensive recreation of the season on Friday, scoring 20 factors (on 8-for-13 capturing) in a bit of greater than 20 minutes off the bench. He logged his first clutch time of the 12 months and adopted a key deflection with a 3-pointer that put them up seven with lower than 4 minutes left.

Arising: With the win over the Grizzlies, the Jazz are 6-3 towards the opposite 12 groups which can be at the least two video games beneath .500. They’ll face the Mavs for the primary time on Monday after which play six of their subsequent seven video games towards groups with successful information.

Week 9: vs. DAL, vs. LAL, vs. ORL

Report: 6-19

OffRtg: 113.6 (19) DefRtg: 118.7 (26) NetRtg: -5.1 (23) Tempo: 97.5 (29)

The Clippers performed a good recreation in Houston on Thursday, however got here up quick when no one got here to assist Nicolas Batum inbound the ball with the workforce down three within the closing seconds.

Three takeaways

• With the loss in Houston, the Clippers are 2-10 (worst within the league) in video games that have been inside 5 factors within the final 5 minutes. They’ve misplaced their final seven clutch video games, permitting 82 factors on 57 clutch defensive possessions (1.44 per) over that stretch.

• The Clippers’ beginning lineup (with Kris Dunn and John Collins) has been outscored by 3.7 factors per 100 possessions, the third-worst mark amongst 21 lineups which have performed at the least 100 minutes collectively. It had a optimistic outing (plus-3 in 18.4 minutes) on Thursday, however the recreation turned when the Rockets went on a 16-2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters.

• Ivica Zubac tied his season-high with 33 factors within the loss, capturing 13-for-14. His 59.9% capturing and his free-throw fee of simply 24.7 makes an attempt per 100 photographs from the sector would nonetheless be his worst marks within the final seven seasons. James Harden’s 58 assists to Zubac are tied for the second most from a participant to a single teammate, although their fee of three.2 assists per 36 minutes on the ground collectively is down a bit of from final season (3.4 per 36), when Harden’s 209 assists to Zubac led the league.

Arising: The Clippers will face the groups with the 2 finest clutch information – the Lakers and Thunder – this week. They’ve misplaced 4 straight to the Lakers, with their Nov. 25 loss having been the Clippers’ worst defensive recreation (135 factors allowed on 97 possessions) this season.

Week 9: vs. MEM, @ OKC, vs. LAL

Report: 7-18

OffRtg: 112.8 (23) DefRtg: 118.1 (25) NetRtg: -5.3 (24) Tempo: 97.9 (28)

The Nets have received 4 of their final six video games, and their 45-point win over the Bucks on Sunday tied the biggest margin of victory in franchise historical past.

Three takeaways

• The 4-2 stretch has actually been aided by the schedule, which was fairly brutal for the primary six weeks of the season. Solely three of the Nets’ first 18 video games have been towards the opposite 13 groups which can be at present beneath .500, however the final seven have all been towards that group. With their cut up towards the Mavs and Bucks final week, they’re 6-4 (tied for second finest) in video games performed between the 14 groups at present beneath .500.

• They’ve allowed 109.1 factors per 100 possessions in these 10 video games and 124.2 per 100 in any other case. Solely the Thunder have allowed fewer per 100 in December. The weaker opponents have clearly shot worse than the stronger ones, however the Nets have additionally been forcing extra turnovers, fouling much less and rebounding significantly better over these final six video games.

• The Nets have now outscored their opponents by 5.9 factors per 100 possessions in 350 whole minutes with their beginning frontline of Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton on the ground collectively. Day’Ron Sharpe has offered some good minutes off the bench, with some loopy, per-36 numbers (20.1 factors, 12.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, three steals and 1.9 blocks) this month.

Arising: That gentle stretch of schedule is now over. The Nets will play seven of their subsequent 9 video games towards successful groups, although they’ll have their first rest-advantage recreation (they’re the one workforce that hasn’t performed one) after they host the Raptors on Sunday.

Week 9: vs. MIA, vs. TOR

Report: 5-22

OffRtg: 111.5 (26) DefRtg: 119.7 (28) NetRtg: -8.2 (28) Tempo: 101.3 (13)

The Pelicans are comparatively wholesome, and so they have extra wins within the final 4 days (2-0) than that they had within the earlier 35 (1-16).

Three takeaways

• In successive video games final week, the Pelicans received Herb Jones again from an eight-game absence, Jordan Poole again from an 18-game absence, and Zion Williamson again from a six-game absence. Their win in Chicago on Sunday marked the primary time since Nov. 2 that that they had everyone (besides Dejounte Murray) out there. And Derik Queen wasn’t getting a lot taking part in time again in these first a number of video games of the season.

• Williamson got here off the bench for the primary time in his profession on Sunday, with Saddiq Bey remaining within the Pelicans’ beginning lineup. That lineup had some success earlier within the week, however received off to a tough begin in Chicago. It was a hybrid lineup – Bryce McGowens, Karlo Matković and three starters – that turned the sport round for good early within the fourth quarter towards the Bulls. Queen goes to get the majority of the middle minutes, however the protection has been respectable with Matković or Yves Missi on the ground.

• The Pelicans have been outscored from 3-point vary in 14 of their final 15 video games and by a median of 18.6 factors per recreation over that stretch. Their 84 factors within the paint towards the Spurs final Monday have been tied for the third most for a shedding workforce within the 30 years of shot-location information. However that they had one other 88 factors within the paint towards the Blazers on Thursday and dominated the Bulls contained in the arc and on the free-throw line over the weekend.

Arising: The Pelicans nonetheless have seven video games left on a stretch the place they’re taking part in 18 of 24 at house. Three of their 5 wins have come towards the Japanese Convention and so they’ll host the 14th-place Pacers on Saturday.

Week 9: vs. HOU, vs. IND

Report: 10-15

OffRtg: 112.1 (24) DefRtg: 117.4 (24) NetRtg: -5.3 (25) Tempo: 103.5 (2)

The Bulls have performed 9 of their final 10 video games towards groups which can be (at present) at the least 10 video games beneath .500, and so they’ve one way or the other gone 2-8 in that stretch.

Three takeaways

• The Bulls did finish their seven-game shedding streak with a win in Charlotte on Friday, getting back from a 13-point, third-quarter deficit. It was the Bulls’ finest offensive recreation (129 factors on 102 possessions) since October, though they made simply 10 3-pointers. They permit probably the most restricted-area factors per recreation by a large margin, however had 70 themselves within the win.

• Zach Collins was taking part in in simply his third recreation of the season, however he had 16 factors, eight rebounds and a block in lower than 20 minutes. He was on the ground as a substitute of Nikola Vučević down the stretch. He grabbed a reasonably outstanding offensive rebound excessive of Brandon Miller with precisely one minute left, then fed Tre Jones for a layup that put the Bulls up 5. The Spurs have been fairly horrible with Collins on the ground over his final season and a half in San Antonio, however since he arrived in February, the Bulls have been 8.4 factors per 100 possessions higher with him on the ground (plus-5.0) than they’ve been with him off (minus-3.5).

• The schedule lastly will get more durable, with 10 of the Bulls’ subsequent 13 video games towards groups that at present have successful information. They’re 6-6 towards that group, however 5 of these six wins got here within the first 14 days of the season.

Arising: One of many six losses to good groups got here in Cleveland, the place the Bulls have misplaced seven straight video games. They’ll play a home-and-home set with the Cavs, after which end their pre-Christmas schedule with two video games in Atlanta.

Week 9: vs. CLE, @ CLE, @ ATL

Report: 4-20

OffRtg: 109.2 (27) DefRtg: 123.0 (30) NetRtg: -13.8 (30) Tempo: 102.3 (5)

The Wizards received their first victory (they have been beforehand 1-3) inside the backside 4 within the East on Sunday, successful simply in Indiana behind an enormous recreation (23 factors and 14 rebounds) from Marvin Bagley III.

Three takeaways

• Alex Sarr has now missed the final six video games, and the earlier 5 have been the worst stretch of protection (129.2 factors allowed per 100 possessions) for what has been the worst protection within the league this season. However the Wizards confronted the league’s worst offense on Sunday and held the Pacers below a degree per possession, with Indiana capturing simply 10-for-39 (26%) from 3-point vary.

• The Wizards rank final in opponent turnover fee, having compelled simply 11.4 per 100 possessions over their six video games this month. The win on Sunday was simply the fourth time all season that they received the possession battle, and so they’re 3-1 in these video games.

• Bub Carrington has began the final three video games rather than Bilal Coulibaly, and he scored a season-high 27 factors within the Wizards’ loss to the Cavs on Friday. The capturing hasn’t been good both manner, however over his two seasons, Carrington has shot extra successfully and had a a lot larger help/turnover ratio in 65 video games as a starter (50.9%, 3.13) than he has in 41 video games as a reserve (45.0%, 1.55).

Arising: The Wizards are simply 10-55 (.154) towards the Western Convention during the last three seasons, together with 1-4 this 12 months. They’ll play 16 of their subsequent 24 video games towards the West, with their two conferences with the Spurs coming within the span of 4 days.

Week 9: @ SAS, @ MEM, vs. SAS

Report: 6-20

OffRtg: 108.2 (30) DefRtg: 116.1 (19) NetRtg: -7.9 (27) Tempo: 101.0 (15)

The Pacers received 4 of their first six video games after Thanksgiving, however went 0-2 over the weekend, shedding to the Wizards (at house) by 19 factors on Sunday afternoon.

Three takeaways

• Rookie two-way wing Ethan Thompson has began the final three video games, and he had three big offensive rebounds down the stretch of the Pacers’ win over the Kings final Monday. However the Pacers’ newest lineup was outscored by 20 factors in its 23 minutes over the 2 weekend losses, capturing simply 12-for-41 (29%).

• The Pacers did have a lead with lower than 5 minutes left in Philadelphia, however scored simply three factors on their final seven possessions because the Sixers closed the sport on a 12-3 run. They then scored lower than a degree per possession towards the Wizards’ Thirtieth-ranked protection.

• The Pacers rank within the high seven in turnover fee (13.6 per 100 possessions) for the third straight season, and so they had simply 15 whole over the 2 video games this weekend. However as issues stand, they’d be the one workforce within the final 4 seasons with an efficient subject purpose share beneath 50%. The 2 losses gave the Pacers extra video games with a mark beneath 50% (12) than that they had all of final season (11).

Arising: Aaron Nesmith has now missed the final 14 video games, and by the point the Pacers host the Knicks on Thursday, it’s going to have been 4 1/2 weeks since he was projected to overlook 4. Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam have performed simply seven minutes collectively this season.

Week 9: vs. NYK, @ NOP

Report: 6-20

OffRtg: 108.5 (29) DefRtg: 119.6 (27) NetRtg: -11.1 (29) Tempo: 101.8 (8)

The Kings have misplaced seven of their final eight video games, stay within the backside 5 on each ends of the ground, and are closing in on rating final offensively. However there’s some schedule reduction coming finally.

Three takeaways

• The Kings’ recreation in Indiana final Monday was a matchup of the 2 groups which have seen the largest drops in factors scored per 100 possessions. The Kings at the moment are on the high (or backside) of that listing, having scored 7.4 fewer than they did in 2024-25. It’s arduous to consider that this workforce had the league’s seventh-ranked offense (115.9 scored per 100) final season. It’s seen the league’s fifth greatest drop in efficient subject purpose share (with each Domantas Sabonis and Keon Ellis having seen big drops) and its greatest drop (by a wholesome margin) in offensive rebounding share.

• The Kings have scored lower than 110 factors per 100 possessions in 12 of their final 15 video games. They’ve been with out Sabonis for the final 12, however the offensive numbers have nonetheless been higher with him off the ground (109.3 scored per 100) than with him on (106.1 scored per 100).

• The Kings have nonetheless performed the league’s hardest schedule (cumulative opponent successful share of .610) by a wholesome margin. Eighteen of their 26 video games have come towards groups at present over .500, 14 have come towards groups at present within the high 10 offensively, and 10 have come towards groups at present within the high 10 on protection. They’ve already performed all 11 of their video games towards the Thunder, Nuggets and Wolves.

Arising: They’ve nonetheless received three extra video games towards the Rockets, and a kind of is Sunday. However that’s preceded by their first two video games towards the Blazers, with the second being the beginning of a stretch the place the Kings are taking part in 14 of 18 at house.

Week 9: @ POR, vs. POR, vs. HOU