There’s optimism that Kevin Durant will be able to return from his left calf strain at some point next week, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter video link), who suggests the Suns star could be back on the court as soon as Tuesday for an NBA Cup matchup with the Lakers. There’s also optimism that Bradley Beal, who is dealing with a left calf strain of his own, will be … [Read more...] about Western Notes: Durant, Beal, Rockets, Giannis, Marshall, Pelicans
Southwest Notes: Antetokounmpo, V. Williams, Bane, Edey, Doncic, Pelicans
Despite recent reporting indicating that rival scouts and executives view Houston as a favorite to make a big in-season splash, NBA insider Marc Stein writes at Substack that “consistent whispers” around the league point to the Rockets waiting until the offseason to buy more time to see if a big trade target shakes loose. Houston expressed interest in trading for Kevin Durant … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Antetokounmpo, V. Williams, Bane, Edey, Doncic, Pelicans
Texas Notes: Mavericks, Smith, Sengun, Jones
The Mavericks’ 110-93 victory over the Spurs just ended a four-game losing streak, which included an 0-3 road trip run. At 6-7, Dallas is still struggling to find consistency, just a few months removed from its run to the 2024 Finals, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “(The players) have things that go on outside of the arena, and that’s always monitored (but) those things … [Read more...] about Texas Notes: Mavericks, Smith, Sengun, Jones
Warriors, Rockets Viewed As Two Teams Most Likely To Make Big In-Season Trade
The Warriors and Rockets have been tabbed by scouts and executives as the two teams most likely to make a significant in-season trade, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps (Insider link). After big deals across the league dried up assets for most teams, not many have the combination of young players, draft picks and movable veterans that Golden State and Houston do. Golden State … [Read more...] about Warriors, Rockets Viewed As Two Teams Most Likely To Make Big In-Season Trade
Southwest Notes: Thompson, Eason, K. Johnson, Pels’ Injuries, Boston, Grizzlies
The Rockets‘ duo of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason completely took over in Houston’s Wednesday victory over the Clippers, Jonathan Feigen of Houston Chronicle observes. The two players combined for 36 points, 21 rebounds, three blocks and three steals in the win. Clippers star James Harden made his first four shots before Thompson and Eason helped limit him to just 18.2% from the … [Read more...] about Southwest Notes: Thompson, Eason, K. Johnson, Pels’ Injuries, Boston, Grizzlies