Best lottery game to play

"I think the game is slowing down on both ends, but especially defensively," Malone said before the Nuggets' 134-131 overtime win over the Warriors last week. "Offensively he's gifted, he can score in so many ways, and he's been doing so in such an efficient manner. You know he's gonna rebound for you. But defensively, I think, is the greatest area where he's really focused, committed to and is getting better. You see the improvement, understanding what our game plan is -- what our rules are. It's not perfect, but he's not the only one. Michael's definitely shown tremendous growth on that end of the floor." … [Read more...] about Rising Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. may be the playoff weapon everyone thinks Denver needs to trade for

The Devils just let go of GM Ray Shero, so they are the biggest black box of all drafting teams, as we have no priors to look at for draft trends, not even knowing who their GM will be come draft day. That said, we do know that they have drafted heavily from the OHL in recent years, and we believe that the best player available in this scenario would be Sarnia’s man child Quinton Byfield, who won’t turn 18 until mid-August. Some people might be down on Byfield due to an underwhelming performance as a young 17 year old at the WJC (one solitary assist in seven games). Then again, he barely played on the Gold Medal winning squad. He has an elite hockey brain, while his skating, puck skills and shot all rate as well above average. He could be an ideal foil for last year’s first overall pick Jack Hughes. He would also have a chance to play right away, if only because he has nothing left to prove in the OHL, which he has been torching for the last year and a half. … [Read more...] about NHL Mock Draft: Lafreniere head of the 2020 prospect class

The Golden State Warriors have been floundering this season without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. They have the worst record in the league (10-34), and just won their first game of 2020: a 109-95 win over the Orlando Magic Saturday night. Thompson isn't expected to return this year after tearing his ACL in last year's Finals, despite the sharpshooting guard wanting to get back out on the floor. Curry, though, was always expected to play again this season even though Golden State is far out of the playoff picture. … [Read more...] about Warriors star Stephen Curry targeting return from broken hand in March, report says

Meyers Leonard: The Heat plan to be competitive next season, but they created a hard cap by acquiring Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade. They are pressed right up against that hard cap as is, and if they needed to create some extra money to maneuver with during the season, a buyout would be a creative way to do it. The Heat have plenty of centers as is, and Leonard is redundant with Kelly Olynyk in place.  … [Read more...] about DeMarcus Cousins injury fallout: Lakers have limited options in free agency, trade market to replace fallen center

Highlight of the week: Two solid performances mixed with a dud two-point game against the Boston Celtics, and Morant got a taste of elite NBA defense. The Grizzlies have been winning against some inferior competition lately, but that Boston loss was a reminder that this team is still in the early stages of becoming a real contender, even if they are ahead of schedule.    … [Read more...] about NBA Rookie Rankings: Zion Williamson’s long-awaited Pelicans debut is exactly what this NBA season needed