Tempo will be a key in the Bulls’ play-in game against the Heat tonight, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune writes. Chicago will want to speed up the game, while the Heat would prefer a half-court battle. “Our identity is up and down — and it’s not a secret,” guard Josh Giddey said. “Everyone knows the way we play.” Coby White says the Bulls need to match the Heat’s physicality. … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Bulls Play-In, Vucevic, Pistons, Haliburton
Poll: Who Will Win Wednesday’s Play-In Games?
When the 2024/25 season began, the Mavericks were coming off a 50-win year and an appearance in the NBA Finals. The Kings were coming off a 46-win campaign and had added DeMar DeRozan in free agency. Dallas had championship aspirations, while Sacramento felt good about its chances of making it back to the playoffs after being eliminated in the play-in tournament last … [Read more...] about Poll: Who Will Win Wednesday’s Play-In Games?
And-Ones: Clutch Player Award, NBA Europe, Award Picks, Oweh
The official candidates for Clutch Player of the Year have been revealed, NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor tweets. Here’s the list of candidates, as selected by the league’s 30 head coaches: Anfernee Simons, Trail Blazers Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Darius Garland, Cavaliers De’Aaron Fox, Spurs DeMar DeRozan, Kings Derrick White, Celtics Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Jaylen Brown, … [Read more...] about And-Ones: Clutch Player Award, NBA Europe, Award Picks, Oweh
Suns Rumors: Budenholzer, Beal, Booker, Durant, Coaching Candidates
Detailing some of the issues that led to Mike Budenholzer‘s ouster in Phoenix, NBA insider Chris Haynes (YouTube link) reports that Budenholzer told Bradley Beal earlier in the season that he wanted him to play more like Jrue Holiday. That was “not well-received” by the three-time All-Star, Haynes says, and Phoenix-based insider John Gambadoro confirms as much. According to … [Read more...] about Suns Rumors: Budenholzer, Beal, Booker, Durant, Coaching Candidates
Southeast Notes: Heat Needs, Dawkins, Play-In Tourney, Nance Jr.
There’s lots of moves the Heat, who face the Bulls in the play-in tournament on Wednesday, need to make to become true contenders again, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Not only do they need to add an elite scorer, they also need an elite shot creator and a better floor leader to prevent the late-game slides that plagued the team this season. However, the pairing of … [Read more...] about Southeast Notes: Heat Needs, Dawkins, Play-In Tourney, Nance Jr.