No matter whom you like in the race for NBA Rookie of the Year, one thing is certain: Both Karl-Anthony Towns and Kristaps Porzingis will be watching the playoffs on TV. That’s no dig at either player. It is usually what happens to high draft picks during their first couple of seasons. You have to go back to Derrick Rose in 2008 to find a top overall pick who reached the playoffs in his rookie season. In fact, among the last 40
There are only five games in the NBA today, two of them matinees. DraftKings offers Early-Only and All-Day contests that close at 3:30 Eastern. [Read more…]
If you’ve noticed that this year’s rookie class is being talked about and praised around the league and in the media, there’s good reason for that. This year’s top five picks— Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell, Philadelphia’s Jahlil Okafor, New York’s Kristaps Porzingis and Orlando’s Mario Hezonja— are making a larger early impact than any top-five group in at least a half decade. A detailed statistical analysis of top five picks over the last five years shows that over the first two
Last night Klay Thompson (39 points, 10 threes) kept the Warriors unbeaten but suffered an ankle injury late. If he can’t play on Friday in Boston, a 24th straight win will be difficult. [Read more…]
It’s an early 5:00 Eastern start for the Kings and Magic. DeMarcus Cousins $10300 is back from a one-game suspension, rested and dangerous. Nikola Vucevic $7300 will have easier assignments. [Read more…]
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Washington Wizards are entering their second consecutive season with high expectations. Following another exit in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Wizards believe that they are capable of competing against any team in the NBA. With a superstar point guard, a rising star at shooting guard and a veteran supporting cast, the Wizards have all the makings of a team that will compete for a top seed in the East. Believe it or
Identifying breakouts in the NBA is actually easier than it may seem. Just look at the playoffs. Young players who played more (and better) than expected in the playoffs are your prime breakouts. This was how we knew prior to last season that Draymond Green was going to be a stud. [Read more…]
Over the weekend, we saw a trio of buzzer-beaters from Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce and LeBron James win NBA playoff games. All three were certainly fantastic moments that ended intense, exciting postseason games. But before we get too excited about them, let’s consider these two factors. 1. The shots by Rose and Pierce were lucky. Yes, lucky. The next NBA player who actually tries to bank in a straightaway shot will be the first. Was some experience and skill involved in finding