Trae Young is currently on the shelf with a strained MCL, while Kristaps Porzingis isn’t yet producing at his usual level, but the Hawks have picked up back-to-back wins due in large part to big games from unlikely sources. As Lauren Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes, third-year forward Mouhamed Gueye came up big in Saturday’s victory over the Lakers, scoring … [Read more...] about Eastern Notes: Hawks, Embiid, McConnell, Robinson, Ball
Nikola Jokic, Jalen Johnson Named Players Of The Week
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been named the Western Conference Player of the Week, while Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has won the award in the East, the NBA announced on Monday (via Twitter). Jokic, who won the weekly honor in the West for the second straight time (19th overall), had another phenomenal week, even by his lofty standards. He led Denver to three road victories, … [Read more...] about Nikola Jokic, Jalen Johnson Named Players Of The Week
Eastern Notes: Mathurin, Embiid, George, Ivey, Risacher
The Pacers’ losing streak stretched to eight games on Monday but there was a silver lining in their loss to the red-hot Pistons, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star points out. Bennedict Mathurin, who had missed 11 games due to a toe sprain, scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half. Mathurin asserts that the team has the ability to turn things around. “We’re 1-13 right … [Read more...] about Eastern Notes: Mathurin, Embiid, George, Ivey, Risacher
Southeast Notes: Adebayo, Banchero, Mann, Wizards, Alexander-Walker
Heat center Bam Adebayo hasn’t played since November 5 due to a toe injury, but he could be back in action Wednesday. He’s listed as questionable to play against Golden State, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel tweets. Miami has posted a 4-2 record in his absence. Here’s more from the Southeast Division: Paolo Banchero will miss his third consecutive game on Tuesday due to a … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Adebayo, Banchero, Mann, Wizards, Alexander-Walker
And-Ones: First-Time All-Stars, Adubato, BAL, Wood, More
As ESPN’s Kevin Pelton writes, there has been an average of between five and six first-time All-Stars over the past five years, including six first-time honorees last season. Pelton lists 10 players who have a shot at making their first mid-season exhibition game in 2025/26 based on their strong starts. The All-Star format will be different again this year, Pelton notes, with … [Read more...] about And-Ones: First-Time All-Stars, Adubato, BAL, Wood, More