Power Rankings, Week 5: Celtics regain control of No. 1 spot

Record: 11-2

OffRtg: 118.4 (4) DefRtg: 106.5 (1) NetRtg: +11.9 (1) Pace: 98.2 (26)

The Celtics had been the 1st staff to ten wins and the 1st staff with a couple of successful streaks of no less than 5 video games. Their present streak is at six, although issues were given slightly loopy down the stretch in Toronto and Memphis over the weekend.

Three takeaways

• The offense was once the larger tale early within the season, however the Celtics’ protection has climbed to No. 1 within the league. They’re the one staff that ranks within the height 5 in 3 of the 4 elements on that finish of the ground: opponent efficient box function share, opponent unfastened throw price and defensive rebounding share.

• They’ve additionally had the league’s No. 1 take hold of protection (48 issues allowed on 55 possessions), although they had been lucky that Scottie Barnes and Santi Aldama neglected open 3s within the ultimate seconds on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Their warring parties have shot 5-for-19 on take hold of 3s and simply 7-for-14 on take hold of unfastened throws.

• Though the Celtics had been wholesome, Joe Mazzulla performed simply 8 guys in two of his staff’s 4 video games final week, the use of handiest Sam Hauser, Al Horford and Payton Pritchard off the bench. But the starters weren’t over-extended, with Jayson Tatum’s 37.7 mins in line with recreation main the staff over the week.

You’d without a doubt hope for a extra decisive victory in Memphis, however the Celtics have proven they may be able to win with each offense and protection. And they started the week with double-digit wins over each New York and Philadelphia, shifting into first position within the East because of this.

Jrue Holiday faces his former staff for the 1st time on Wednesday. Two nights later, the league’s height two defenses will meet for the 1st time in an In-Season Tournament recreation in Orlando.

Week 5: @ CHA, vs. MIL, @ ORL*, vs. ATL

Record: 9-3

OffRtg: 112.4 (14) DefRtg: 107.0 (3) NetRtg: +5.3 (6) Pace: 99.3 (19)

The Wolves went 4-1 on their avenue go back and forth and stay one of 3 groups with fewer than 4 losses. Their protection has taken a small step backward, however their final two video games were their moment and 0.33 most productive offensive performances of the season.

Three takeaways

• The Wolves had performed 5 rest-advantage video games sooner than enjoying with a drawback. And of their first rest-disadvantage recreation, what was once the league’s No. 1 protection allowed the best offensive efficiency for any staff this season, with the Suns scoring 133 issues on simply 91 possessions on Wednesday.

• The Wolves have allowed 111.7 issues in line with 100 possessions in 261 mins with Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns at the ground in combination, however simply 99.5 in line with 100 in 268 overall mins with one at the ground with out the opposite. Naz Reid has been at the ground for 82% of the ones one-or-the-other mins.

Towns hasn’t gotten misplaced within the Anthony Edwards ascendance. He averaged 29 issues over 3 video games final week, he’s observed a small soar in utilization price from final season, and (with Edwards having fouled out) he was once the fellow with the ball in his palms when the Wolves mandatory a bucket with 10 seconds left in New Orleans on Saturday. He got here thru.

The Wolves will play 5 of their subsequent six video games at domestic, the place they’re lately 5-0. The first 4 of the ones domestic video games — vs. the Knicks, Sixers, Kings and Thunder — must be nice assessments, with their In-Season Tournament recreation in opposition to Sacramento on Friday being a matchup of two 2-0 groups in West Group C.

KAT FLOATER FOR THE LEAD 💪

TIMBERWOLVES TAKE THE LEAD 121-120 WITH 5.2 SECONDS LEFT‼️

Pelicans-Timberwolves | Live at the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/ddReBWYIzp pic.twitter.com/HydxxNekZ6

— NBA (@NBA) November 19, 2023

Week 5: vs. NYK, vs. PHI, vs. SAC*, @ MEM

Record: 10-3

OffRtg: 120.1 (2) DefRtg: 111.2 (11) NetRtg: +8.9 (2) Pace: 100.3 (14)

The Sixers’ eight-game successful streak got here to an finish because the Pacers and Celtics each avenged losses from the former week. Philly’s protection has taken a step backward over the past 8 days, however their offense was once ridiculous as they were given avenue wins in Atlanta and Brooklyn over the weekend.

Three takeaways

• They misplaced the league chief in assists in line with recreation and the Sixers have observed the league’s fourth greatest soar in issues scored in line with 100 possessions (+3.0) from final season. Among 270 avid gamers who performed no less than 500 mins final season and feature performed no less than 100 mins this season, Tyrese Maxey (from 3.8 to six.7) and Joel Embiid (from 4.3 to six.6) have observed the fourth and 7th greatest jumps in assists in line with 36 mins, whilst James Harden has observed the most important drop.

• In every of the ones two losses final week, the Sixers had been outscored through 21 issues from 3-point fluctuate. They’ve observed the league’s greatest drop in 3-point price (3PA/FGA), from 38.9% (twelfth easiest) final season to only 33.6% (0.33 lowest) this season.

• They’re nonetheless one of two groups — the Celtics are the opposite — that haven’t misplaced a recreation that wasn’t inside of 5 issues within the final 5 mins. In their two losses final week, they allowed Indiana and Boston to overall 24 issues on 14 take hold of possessions.

While all 3 of their losses were shut down the stretch, just one of their 10 wins (vs. Boston the former week) was once inside of 5 within the final 5, and that one had only a transient dalliance with take hold of time when the Celtics made a past due run from 15 down with 3 mins left. Their 9 non-clutch wins are 3 greater than every other staff has.

This generally is a giant week for the Sixers, particularly if Donovan Mitchell is to be had for his or her In-Season Tournament recreation on Tuesday. After that, they’ll seek advice from the first-and second-place groups within the Western Conference.

Week 5: vs. CLE*, @ MIN, @ OKC

Record: 9-4

OffRtg: 116.7 (8) DefRtg: 110.3 (7) NetRtg: +6.5 (5) Pace: 97.7 (27)

The Nuggets stay undefeated (7-0) at domestic, although they needed to make a past due run to overcome the Clippers within the In-Season Tournament on Tuesday. But they’ve now misplaced their final 4 avenue video games and feature slid into 0.33 position within the West with their first shedding streak of the season.

Three takeaways

• The larger distinction between the Home Nuggets and the Road Nuggets has been on offense. They’ve scored 122.2 issues in line with 100 possessions (moment supreme) at domestic, however simply 110.4 (seventeenth) at the avenue.

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has, through a ways, essentially the most unique home-road splits a number of the seven Nuggets with no less than 75 overall box function makes an attempt. After capturing 5-for-16 over the weekend, he has an efficient box function share of 65.1% in Denver and simply 45.0% in other places.

• Christian Braun scored a career-high 25 issues off the bench in New Orleans on Friday, however that was once the second one time in six days that the Nuggets misplaced a recreation by which Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double and registered a good plus-minus. They in reality used a five-man bench unit past due within the first quarter of that recreation.

This isn’t new, of direction. The Nuggets had a shedding file (19-22) at the avenue final season, with handiest the Grizzlies having a larger home-road differential in regard to indicate differential in line with 100 possessions. Denver went directly to win six of its 9 avenue video games within the playoffs, together with all 4 within the ultimate two rounds.

The time table stays road-heavy for those final two weeks sooner than the as-yet-unscheduled Week 7. The Pistons have misplaced 11 directly general, so one thing has to offer on Monday, when each groups can be enjoying the second one recreation of a back-to-back.

Week 5: @ DET, @ ORL, @ HOU*, vs. SAS

Record: 10-4

OffRtg: 116.9 (7) DefRtg: 108.4 (6) NetRtg: +8.5 (3) Pace: 101.5 (7)

We’re nonetheless on the level of the season the place a pair of video games can skew a staff’s numbers. And the Thunder had a pair of the ones video games final week, beating the Spurs and Blazers through a complete of 79 issues. They’ve received seven of their final 8, with the league’s No. 1 protection over that reach, mountain climbing into moment position within the Western Conference.

Three takeaways

• In between the ones blowouts had been two wins over the Warriors over which the Thunder shot 21-for-36 (58%) from mid-range and 27-for-55 (49%) from 3-point fluctuate. Isaiah Joe was once 7-for-7 from past the arc within the first recreation, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander placed on an iso medical institution down the stretch of the second.

• Chet Holmgren additionally scored a career-high 36 issues on Saturday and has now shot 62% throughout the arc, 46% from 3-point fluctuate and 91% from the road. His true capturing share of 69.7% is the easiest amongst 138 avid gamers with no less than 100 box function makes an attempt.

• Kenrich Williams made his season debut final week and the Thunder have as it should be outscored their warring parties through 38.9 issues in line with 100 possessions in his 63 mins at the ground.

The Thunder didn’t get their tenth win till Game No. 23 final season. This staff is other.

Their recreation in opposition to the Bulls on Wednesday is the top of a stretch of 5 directly video games in opposition to groups which can be lately beneath .500, although the Thunder clearly escorted the Warriors into that membership. Their seek advice from from the Sixers on Saturday is the beginning of a far more difficult (and engaging) stretch: vs. Philly, at Minnesota, vs. the Lakers and at Dallas.

Week 5: vs. CHI, vs. PHI

Record: 9-4

OffRtg: 116.9 (6) DefRtg: 114.6 (21) NetRtg: +2.3 (11) Pace: 101.9 (6)

After a two-game absence, Damian Lillard has been again for 4 video games, and the Bucks have received all 4. They’ve received the final seven by which Lillard has been to be had, and their supreme win of the season can have come on Saturday, once they had been at a relaxation drawback in opposition to the Mavs.

Three takeaways

• The Bucks scored greater than 120 issues in line with 100 possessions in simply two of their first 9 video games, however have carried out so in all 4 video games of their successful streak, scoring 125.7 in line with 100 over the 4 video games mixed.

• Lillard’s capturing from the sphere has remained inconsistent, however he’s averaged 30.3 issues and 10 assists (with simply seven overall turnovers) over the past 3 video games.

• The Bucks’ offensive good fortune will frequently come right down to different guys making photographs and, over the successful streak, rotation guys no longer named Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo have shot 52-for-116 (45%) from 3-point fluctuate.

Their win in Charlotte on Friday was once the 1st time that the Bucks held their opponent beneath some degree in line with ownership, however after their 132-125 win over Dallas the next evening, that Charlotte recreation turns out extra like an anomaly than the beginning of a development for the league’s Twenty first-ranked protection.

The Bucks’ first assembly with the Celtics and their fourth-ranked offense can be Wednesday in Boston. The Celtics received two of the 3 conferences final season, with the 2 losses being two of the Bucks’ 5 worst defensive video games of the yr.

Week 5: @ WAS, @ BOS, vs. WAS*, vs. POR

Record: 8-4

OffRtg: 114.7 (11) DefRtg: 112.1 (14) NetRtg: +2.6 (9) Pace: 100.3 (12)

The Kings have received six directly video games to climb into the highest 4 within the Western Conference, and 4 of the ones six wins have come in opposition to groups — the Thunder, Cavs, Lakers and Mavs — who even have successful information.

Three takeaways

• The Kings also are now 6-1 with De’Aaron Fox, who returned from a five-game absence and averaged 32.3 issues over their 4 video games final week. They’ve scored 122.1 issues in line with 100 possessions within the seven video games he’s performed and simply 103.8 in line with 100 within the 5 video games he’s neglected.

• Domantas Sabonis has apparently loved the go back of his level guard, capturing 43-for-57 (75%) over those final 4 video games. That features a 7-for-11 mark from outdoor the paint.

• Even with Fox’s go back, Sabonis has averaged 7.5 assists over the 4 video games. It’s early, however he’s on tempo for his 0.33 season of averaging no less than 18 issues, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in line with recreation. Only one different participant — Wilt Chamberlain, two occasions — has carried out that greater than as soon as.

The offense is superb when the purpose guard’s wholesome and the protection could be legitimately advanced. The Kings could be following up final season’s good fortune with one thing higher.

Prior to Sunday, the Kings had been one of two groups (the Rockets had been the opposite) that had but to play a back-to-back. The moment recreation of their first back-to-back is the 1st of two directly video games in New Orleans. And with each groups lately 2-0 within the In-Season Tournament, the Kings’ recreation in Minnesota on Friday can be for first position in West Group C.

Week 5: @ NOP, @ NOP, @ MIN*

Record: 8-5

OffRtg: 114.9 (10) DefRtg: 108.3 (5) NetRtg: +6.6 (4) Pace: 96.7 (30)

The Knicks went 4-1 of their handiest stretch of 5 video games in seven days this season, with the one loss coming with a relaxation drawback in Boston. They’ve received six of their final seven general, with the league’s second-ranked offense over the past two weeks.

Three takeaways

• Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have mixed for an efficient box function share of 53.1% (nonetheless slightly under league common) over the past seven video games, up from a brutal 41.2% throughout the first six.

• The common beginning lineup has outscored warring parties through 20.5 issues in line with 100 possessions, the second one supreme mark amongst 14 lineups that experience performed no less than 100 mins. But it hasn’t performed in combination within the final 4 video games, with RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes each lacking time. Donte DiVincenzo began for Grimes over the weekend and totaled 39 issues, capturing 11-for-18 from 3-point fluctuate.

• The Knicks have averaged 51 issues within the paint over their final six wins. Their 18 issues within the paint of their loss in Boston on Monday (once they had extra makes an attempt from mid-range than within the paint) had been the fewest for any staff in a recreation this season.

The Knicks’ protection has remained within the height 5, whilst their offense has climbed from twenty ninth to tenth within the final two weeks. The Celtics, Nuggets and Thunder are the one different groups that lately rank within the height 10 on each ends of the ground.

That advanced offense will face the league’s third-ranked protection on Monday when the Knicks conclude their five-game go back and forth in Minnesota. Then they’ve 3 days off sooner than dealing with the Heat for the 1st time since Game 6 of the convention semis.

Week 5: @ MIN, vs. MIA*, vs. PHX

Record: 9-5

OffRtg: 120.0 (3) DefRtg: 118.2 (26) NetRtg: +1.8 (x) Pace: 102.0 (5)

Defense stays a topic for the Mavs, who allowed 124.8 issues in line with 100 possessions as they misplaced 3 of their 4 video games final week. The final two had been in opposition to making improvements to offenses in Milwaukee and Sacramento, however the first two had been in opposition to the Pelicans and Wizards.

Three takeaways

• The Mavs’ protection problems get started within. Their warring parties have shot 64% within the paint, the league’s easiest opponent mark through an enormous margin. (The Blazers have the second one easiest at 60.6%.) Playing some zone past due in the second one quarter in New Orleans on Tuesday helped them trim a 19-point deficit down to ten, however issues were given out of hand in the second one 1/2.

• An 11-point, fourth-quarter lead in Milwaukee on Saturday became the Mavs’ first take hold of loss of the season once they allowed the Bucks to attain 17 issues on 10 take hold of possessions. They had been prior to now 6-0 (the one undefeated staff) in video games that had been inside of 5 issues within the final 5 mins.

• The Mavs have averaged 102.0 possessions in line with 48 mins, 5th within the league and up from 97.2 (Twenty eighth) final season. That’s been the league’s greatest soar in tempo.

The Mavs and Pacers each rank within the height 5 on offense, within the backside 5 on protection, and within the height 5 in tempo. Unfortunately, they’re no longer scheduled to play every different till after the All-Star destroy, and the Pacers’ In-Season Tournament good fortune makes it not going that Dallas-Indy can be one of the 2 inter-conference video games scheduled for Week 7.

Their loss to the Kings on Sunday in reality started a stretch the place the Mavs are enjoying 17 directly video games inside the West (so long as they get two convention video games in Week 7). They can get in some apply time over the following two weeks, as they’ll have two days off sooner than every of their subsequent 4 video games, with a longer keep in L.A. this week.

Week 5: @ LAL, @ LAC

Record: 8-5

OffRtg: 110.9 (20) DefRtg: 110.8 (9) NetRtg: +0.1 (18) Pace: 98.9 (22)

The Heat’s seven-game successful streak got here to a stunning result in Chicago on Saturday, when the Heat had a relaxation virtue and led 22-1 after the 1st seven mins. They had received their earlier 68 video games (together with playoffs) that they led through no less than 20 issues, with the final loss having come (to Oklahoma City) within the bubble in August of 2020.

Three takeaways

• The Heat’s win over Brooklyn on Thursday was once simply their supreme offensive recreation of the season, with Jimmy Butler scoring a season-high 36 issues. Butler hasn’t became Duncan Robinson, however he’s taken 18% of his photographs from 3-point fluctuate, up from 14% over his first 4 seasons with the Heat (and in step with his postseason price over the ones 4 seasons). He’s made no less than one 3 in seven directly video games after making one overall thru his first 4.

• Butler is one of 4 Heat avid gamers who’ve shot 40% or higher on no less than 25 3-point makes an attempt. The Bucks (4) and Jazz (4) are the one different groups with as many (3 groups have 0).

• The Heat had been outscored, 24-10, within the limited space in Chicago on Saturday, taking handiest 24 (31%) of their 77 photographs within the paint. Only the Blazers (-10.8) and Suns (-8.0) were outscored through extra issues in line with recreation within the limited space than the Heat (-6.6), although Miami ranks 0.33 in unfastened throw differential (+4.8 issues in line with recreation).

Tyler Herro stays out, however Eastern Conference finals hero Caleb Martin returned from a 10-game absence final week. That method the Heat are slightly extra entire as they proceed a five-game go back and forth that started with the loss in Chicago on Saturday.

East Group B is the one one the place we may be able to have two 3-0 groups — Miami and Milwaukee — dealing with every different at the ultimate day of the In-Season Tournament (subsequent Tuesday). The Heat may have a more difficult time final undefeated, visiting New York for his or her 0.33 event recreation on Friday.

Week 5: @ CHI, @ CLE, @ NYK*, @ BKN

Record: 7-5

OffRtg: 120.7 (1) DefRtg: 118.4 (27) NetRtg: +2.3 (10) Pace: 104.3 (1)

The Pacers took control of East Group A with an excellent In-Season Tournament win in Philadelphia on Tuesday when Tyrese Haliburton (7-for-12) made extra 3-pointers than the Sixers (6-for-22). Obi Toppin additionally had a large recreation (27 issues on 12-for-15 capturing) and Myles Turner had a couple of giant buckets down the stretch.

Three takeaways

• In (no less than) the final 40 years, no different participant had had multiple recreation of no less than 25 issues, no less than 15 assists and 0 turnovers. Haliburton had two within the span of 3 days in Philly. He had 4 turnovers and simply 3 assists within the Pacers’ loss to Orlando on Sunday, however would nonetheless have the easiest lend a hand/turnover ratio (5.12) for a participant who averaged no less than 8 assists in line with recreation within the final 16 seasons.

• The beginning lineup wasn’t all the downside because the Pacers fell in a 40-point hollow on Sunday, however they had been down 14-5 sooner than the 1st sub and their common lineup has been outscored through 2.8 issues in line with 100 possessions in its 132 mins. (Only Detroit, Utah and Washington lineups were worse in no less than 100 mins.)

• Though they shot simply 8-for-31 from 3-point fluctuate on Sunday, the Pacers nonetheless outscored the Magic from past the arc. But they had been a minus-11 on the unfastened throw line, shedding their season-long unfastened throw discrepancy to minus-6.8 issues in line with recreation.

The Philly victory was once spectacular, however the loss to Orlando might in the end be extra necessary. The Pacers will play two extra probably necessary video games this week, visiting the Hawks (who rank fourth in unfastened throw differential) on Tuesday and web hosting the Raptors the next evening.

TOUGH Obi Toppin opposite slam! 💥 pic.twitter.com/JjjXkdHhFb

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 13, 2023

Week 5: @ ATL*, vs. TOR, vs. DET*

Record: 8-6

OffRtg: 110.4 (23) DefRtg: 112.1 (15) NetRtg: -1.8 (21) Pace: 99.8 (17)

The Lakers have received 5 of their final six video games to climb again over .500 and into the highest six within the Western Conference. Three of the 5 wins have come in opposition to the Blazers (x 2) and Grizzlies, however they’ve additionally overwhelmed the Suns and Rockets, with LeBron James hitting the game-winning unfastened throw in opposition to Houston on Sunday.

Three takeaways

• Their contemporary good fortune has most commonly been about protection. They’ve climbed out of the ground 10 on that finish of the ground through permitting simply 107.8 issues in line with 100 possessions over their final 5 video games.

• The Lakers are as soon as once more successful video games on the unfastened throw line, actually (like on Sunday) and statistically. They rank moment in unfastened throw price, first (through a large margin) in opponent unfastened throw price, and primary in unfastened throw differential, having outscored their warring parties through 6.4 issues in line with recreation on the stripe.

• While the whole offense hasn’t been just right, James has been reasonably exceptional, registering career-best marks for efficient box function share (65.2%) and true capturing share (67.1%). And whilst he’s 29-for-73 (40% – the second one supreme mark of his profession) from 3-point fluctuate, this isn’t as regards to a scorching streak from the fringe. At the age of 38, he’s additionally shot 88-for-117 (75%) within the paint. That’s the most efficient mark of his profession (topping his 73% in 2013-14) and the second one supreme mark amongst 128 avid gamers with no less than 50 paint makes an attempt thru Sunday.

James’ price to the Lakers hasn’t ever been better. They performed the Kings even in his 35 mins on Wednesday, however had been outscored through 15 in his 12:42 at the bench. For the season, they’ve 23.8 issues in line with 100 possessions higher with him at the ground (plus-7.1) than they’ve been with him off the ground (minus-16.7).

The Lakers can clinch a spot within the In-Season Tournament quarterfinals with a win over the Jazz on Tuesday.

Week 5: vs. UTA*, vs. DAL, @ CLE

Record: 7-6

OffRtg: 115.9 (9) DefRtg: 114.2 (20) NetRtg: +1.7 (14) Pace: 98.7 (24)

Wednesday was once intended to be the debut of Phoenix’s new giant 3. But with Bradley Beal out for no less than every other 3 weeks with a again factor, the 1st time that the Suns have him, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant all in uniform can be no faster than Game 22.

Three takeaways

• The Suns’ win over the Wolves (who had the league’s No. 1 protection) on Wednesday was once nonetheless the best offensive efficiency (133 issues on simply 91 possessions) for any staff this season. It’s great when Jusuf Nurkic, Drew Eubanks and Josh Okogie mix to shoot 5-for-5 from 3-point fluctuate.

• Durant shot 26-for-37 (together with 17-for-25 from outdoor the paint) over the Suns’ first two video games final week. He cooled off a little bit on Sunday, however nonetheless scored 39 issues (to move at the side of 10 assists) on 14-for-27 capturing as they finished a two-game sweep in Utah. Ochai Agbaji and Keyonte George are just right younger defenders. But they’re 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-4, respectively, and although they made just right contests, Durant was once unbothered as he tired large 3s (from just about the very same spot) on Friday (over Agbaji) and Sunday (over George).

A 3-game successful streak has the Suns again at the proper aspect of .500, however the win over Minnesota was once a rest-advantage recreation, and the Jazz are 4-9 with the league’s Twenty eighth-ranked protection. Tougher assessments will come this week when the Suns play the Warriors and Knicks.

But their In-Season Tournament video games in opposition to Portland and Memphis are alternatives for the Suns (1-1) to pad their level differential and make a play for the Western Conference wildcard.

Week 5: vs. POR*, vs. GSW, @ MEM*, @ NYK

Record: 7-6

OffRtg: 111.8 (18) DefRtg: 111.5 (12) NetRtg: +0.3 (16) Pace: 99.5 (18)

The Cavs have had their beginning backcourt in combination for simply six of their 13 video games, and both Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell (final two) has neglected every of the final 3. But they’ve their first successful streak of the season, which incorporates a victory over the Nuggets on Sunday.

Three takeaways

• Rebounding stays a topic, and the Cavs have nonetheless been a worse-than-average defensive rebounding staff within the 139 mins when Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were at the ground in combination. But they’ve outscored their warring parties through 12.4 issues in line with 100 possessions in the ones 139 mins.

• Denver had 9 offensive rebounds on Sunday, however transformed the ones into simply 4 moment likelihood issues, each their low for the season and the fewest the Cavs have allowed. Denver shot under 50% within the paint (23-for-49) for the 1st time this season and the Cavs at the moment are No. 1 in opponent box function share within the paint (52.7%).

• Opponents have shot 26-for-58 (44.8%) on the rim when Allen has been there to give protection to it. That’s the second one supreme mark amongst 47 avid gamers who’ve defended no less than 50 photographs on the rim, and Mobley has the 9th supreme mark (51.8%).

The Cavs were given to play the Blazers and Pistons final week, however 8 of their 13 video games have come in opposition to different groups which can be lately over .500. Their subsequent 3 also are inside of that staff, and so they’ll be at a relaxation drawback once they host the Heat on Wednesday, the beginning of their longest homestand of the season (5 video games over 9 days).

Week 5: @ PHI*, vs. MIA, vs. LAL, vs. TOR

Record: 6-5

OffRtg: 111.3 (19) DefRtg: 107.8 (4) NetRtg: +3.5 (7) Pace: 97.3 (29)

The Rockets’ performed a pair of unpleasant video games in L.A. over the weekend, combining with their warring parties to attain simply 104.8 issues in line with 100 possessions. Both video games went right down to the cord and the Rockets misplaced them each, getting beat through a step-back 3 from James Harden and a unfastened throw from LeBron James. So their season has been a six-game successful streak sandwiched through 5 losses.

Three takeaways

• The Rockets’ go-to motion down the stretch of the 2 L.A. video games? Alperen Sengun within the post in opposition to each Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James. The 21-year-old has shot 11-for-16 on post-ups, in line with Second Spectrum monitoring.

• While Sengun has observed a large soar in utilization price (from 21.1% to 26.1%), he’s additionally observed giant jumps in efficient box function share and lend a hand/turnover ratio. He’s been dealing with the larger load simply superb.

While all of the above is in regards to the offense, the place the Rockets have made huge strides is on protection, permitting 10.8 fewer issues in line with 100 possessions than they did final season, through a ways the league’s greatest drop.

Of direction, just one of their 11 video games has come in opposition to a staff that lately ranks within the height 10 offensively. They’ll face that very same top-10 offense on Friday, once they host the Nuggets of their 0.33 In-Season Tournament recreation. Houston received the 1st assembly 8 days in the past, one of 5 video games by which their opponent has shot lower than 30% from 3-point fluctuate.

Week 5: @ GSW, vs. MEM, vs. DEN*

Record: 6-7

OffRtg: 110.6 (21) DefRtg: 113.8 (19) NetRtg: -3.1 (22) Pace: 101.5 (8)

Entering final week, the 3 supreme groups within the West had been the Mavs, Nuggets and Wolves. The Pelicans got here inside of 10 seconds of beating all 3, however couldn’t get a last-second prevent after blowing a 14-point, fourth-quarter result in Minnesota on Saturday.

Three takeaways

• The loss to the Wolves was once the Pelicans’ first rest-disadvantage recreation of the season and got here with out Zion Williamson, who has sat out the second one recreation of each of their back-to-backs (plus one different recreation). He had one of his supreme offensive video games of the season the evening sooner than, scoring 26 issues and allotting six assists in opposition to the Nuggets, capping the efficiency with an enormous and-one bucket down the stretch.

• Williamson made a 3-pointer on Saturday, however continues to be registering the worst efficient box function share and true capturing share marks of his profession through large margins. It hasn’t helped that he’s 12-for-26 from the free-throw line over the past 3 video games.

• Despite a slew of accidents, the New Orleans bench has been strong, score thirteenth thru Week 4. Matt Ryan has shot 12-for-20 from 3-point fluctuate over the 1st 4 video games of a six-game homestand and the Pelicans were at their supreme (plus-4.8 issues in line with 100 possessions) with him at the ground.

The Pelicans were on a curler coaster, beginning 4-1, shedding 5 directly, after which having a robust week in opposition to the most efficient groups within the West. CJ McCollum has now neglected the final seven video games.

They’ve additionally performed a difficult time table and also have two video games left on a stretch of 9 directly in opposition to groups that lately have successful information. Both video games are in opposition to the Kings (who’ve received six directly), and the Pelicans may have a relaxation virtue on Monday.

Week 5: vs. SAC, vs. SAC, @ LAC*, @ UTA

Record: 8-5

OffRtg: 109.6 (25) DefRtg: 106.5 (2) NetRtg: +3.0 (8) Pace: 100.0 (16)

The Magic’s first In-Season Tournament recreation got here with their worst defensive efficiency of the season, 124 issues allowed on simply 95 defensive possessions in Brooklyn on Tuesday. But they’ve since received 3 directly video games, maintaining their warring parties (together with the staff with the league’s No. 1 offense) to only 101.3 in line with 100.

Three takeaways

• The Magic’s half-to-half differential stays wonderful. They’ve misplaced their final 4 moment halves through a complete of 69 issues. But they’d halftime leads of 17, 15 and 34 over the past 3 video games. For the season, they’ve been an implausible 39.2 issues in line with 100 possessions higher within the first halves of video games (plus-22.0 in line with 100, supreme through a large margin) than they’ve been in moment halves (minus-17.2 in line with 100, moment worst).

• The Magic have outscored their warring parties through 8.9 issues in line with recreation within the limited space, the league’s greatest differential.

• Wendell Carter Jr. has neglected the final 8 video games, however the Magic haven’t experimented with Paolo Banchero on the 5. He’s principally performed all his mins along Carter, Goga Bitadze or Jonathan Isaac. Isaac’s mins were restricted, however he did play in each video games of the Magic’s back-to-back final week.

The Orlando protection is authentic. The Magic’s win in Indiana on Sunday was once simply the second one time (first time at domestic) that the Pacers have scored lower than 118 issues in line with 100 possessions.

Only 4 of the Magic’s 13 video games were at domestic. They now start a six-game homestand that includes two video games this week in opposition to offenses — the ones of the Nuggets and Celtics — that rank within the height 8.

PAOLO BANCHERO GAME-WINNER 🥶

MAGIC WIN IN CHICAGO. pic.twitter.com/s3zZzSQ2xL

— NBA (@NBA) November 16, 2023

Week 5: vs. TOR*, vs. DEN, vs. BOS*, vs. CHA

Record: 6-6

OffRtg: 117.0 (5) DefRtg: 115.2 (22) NetRtg: +1.8 (13) Pace: 102.4 (3)

After an excellent four-game successful streak, the Hawks have misplaced 4 of their final six to go back to acquainted territory (.500). The handiest wins in that reach have come through a complete of seven issues over the Magic (in Mexico City) and Pistons (in Detroit).

Three takeaways

• The Hawks were given a win with out Trae Young, happening a past due run to overcome Detroit on Tuesday. But Young continues to fight together with his shot, going 9-for-26 (together with 2-for-10 from 3-point fluctuate) within the loss to New York and Philly. He is 50-for-54 (93%) from the road over his final 5 video games.

• Jalen Johnson isn’t suffering together with his shot. He has an efficient box function share of 75.5% over the past 5 video games, and went 6-for-6 from 3-point fluctuate in video games in opposition to Detroit and New York final week. For the season, he’s 15-for-34 (44.1%) from deep, up from 28.8% final season. That’s the 5th greatest soar amongst 188 avid gamers with no less than 100 3-point makes an attempt final season and no less than 25 this season.

Four of the Hawks’ six losses had been inside of 5 issues within the final 5 mins, 8 of their 12 video games have come in opposition to groups that lately have successful information, and they’ve a good level differential for the season.

This week brings the Hawks’ first conferences with the 7-5 Pacers and the 11-2 Celtics, in addition to their 0.33 and fourth back-to-backs of the season. But it additionally brings their first of 8 rest-advantage video games (down from a league-high 15 final season). That’ll be on Saturday, once they start a five-game go back and forth in Washington.

Week 5: vs. IND*, vs. BKN, @ WAS, @ BOS

Record: 6-8

OffRtg: 112.2 (16) DefRtg: 112.2 (16) NetRtg: -0.1 (19) Pace: 100.3 (13)

The Warriors are the one staff with each a five-game successful streak and a five-game shedding streak, and the latter hit six video games once they blew an 18-point, second-half lead in opposition to the Thunder on Saturday.

Three takeaways

• Andrew Wiggins made as many 3s on Saturday (5-for-8) as he’d made within the first 13 video games mixed (5-for-37), with 3 of the ones 5 coming in take hold of time. Unfortunately, what appeared like the game-winner was once adopted through an implausible shot through Chet Holmgren at the different finish of the ground and the Warriors’ offense got here up empty (six issues on 10 possessions) in extra time.

• With Wiggins discovering his shot on Saturday, Jonathan Kuminga (from 37.0% to 17.2%) has observed the most important drop in 3-point share amongst 188 avid gamers with no less than 100 makes an attempt final season and no less than 25 final season. Wiggins (from 39.6% to 22.2%), Klay Thompson (from 41.2% to 32.9%) and Chris Paul (from 37.5% to 30.2%) have observed the second one, twentieth and twenty sixth greatest drops, respectively.

• The just right news is that Stephen Curry handiest neglected two video games with a knee factor. But Draymond Green nonetheless has 3 video games left on his five-game suspension for placing the Asuka lock on Rudy Gobert, and the Warriors’ problems transcend the absences. They’ve been outscored through 4.9 issues in line with 100 possessions in 195 mins with each Curry and Green at the ground.

The defensive numbers are worse in the ones Curry-Green mins, however the Dubs have scored simply 107.7 issues in line with 100 possessions over the shedding streak, down from 115.5 thru their first 8 video games.

The Warriors get to play the similarly-streaking Spurs on Friday, and video games in opposition to Houston and Phoenix previous within the week can be their first two rest-advantage video games of the season.

Week 5: vs. HOU, @ PHX, vs. SAS*

Record: 6-7

OffRtg: 110.5 (22) DefRtg: 110.3 (8) NetRtg: +0.2 (17) Pace: 98.8 (23)

The Raptors’ first In-Season Tournament recreation (they had been the final staff to play one) was once, in all probability, an ethical victory. They got here again from a 16-point deficit in opposition to the most efficient staff within the league, however couldn’t shut the deal and at the moment are 1-5 in opposition to the 3 groups — Milwaukee, Boston and Philadelphia — that completed on the height of the Eastern Conference final season.

Three takeaways

• The Raptors had misplaced six directly first quarters sooner than getting off to a significantly better get started in opposition to the Celtics on Friday. They nonetheless fell right into a 16-point hollow and with that, had trailed six of their final seven video games through no less than that a lot. Then they were given to play the Pistons on Sunday and were given their moment wire-to-wire victory of the season.

• They nonetheless received two of the ones six video games they trailed through 16-plus. In reality, the Raptors’ win over the Wizards on Monday made them the one staff with a couple of wins in video games they trailed through no less than 20 issues. They had been down 23 within the 0.33 quarter and through 16 with slightly greater than seven mins left, then completing the sport on a 21-1 run. They had been 1-37 after trailing through 20-plus over the past 3 seasons and are 2-2 this season

• The offense has modified moderately a little bit, however the Raptors nonetheless rely closely on transition and offensive rebounds. The share of their issues that experience come on speedy breaks or moment possibilities (28.9%) is down from a league-high 30.3% final season, however nonetheless ranks moment (at the back of Portland). Their 27 speedy destroy issues in opposition to Detroit on Sunday had been their maximum since opening evening.

Playing the Pistons helped an offense that’s observed the league’s fourth-biggest drop in issues scored in line with 100 possessions from final season. The protection has been advanced, and it were given OG Anunoby again from a three-game absence on Sunday.

The Raptors are nonetheless the one staff that’s performed only one In-Season Tournament recreation, in order that they’ll have 3 within the subsequent 9 days. Losing to the Celtics through simply 3 will lend a hand the ‘ol level differential and lead them to a wildcard contender if they may be able to beat the Magic, Bulls and Nets.

Week 5: @ ORL*, @ IND, vs. CHI*, @ CLE

Record: 6-7

OffRtg: 114.0 (12) DefRtg: 115.3 (23) NetRtg: -1.3 (20) Pace: 99.0 (21)

The Nets were given a just right, In-Season Tournament win in opposition to the Magic on Tuesday, with Mikal Bridges boosting their level differential with a scouse borrow and layup within the ultimate seconds. But their protection, in spite of a plethora of just right defenders, stays a topic. Brooklyn allowed Miami and Philadelphia to mix for 129.3 issues in line with 100 possessions because it fell again under .500.

Three takeaways

• The Brooklyn protection has been solid-ish in regard to opponent capturing, rebounding and unfastened throws. But they’ve the league’s lowest opponent turnover price (11.2 in line with 100 possessions) through a wholesome margin. Miami and Philly had simply 14 overall turnovers of their final two video games.

• Those losses had been additionally simply the 0.33 and fourth occasions this season that the Nets were outscored from 3-point fluctuate. They rank 6th in 3-point price (43.8% of their photographs have come from past the arc), but additionally have the league’s 0.33 easiest opponent 3-point price (43.7%), having had the second one lowest price (36.4%) final season.

• So much of 3-pointers and few turnovers level to an absence of perimeter force. The Nets have carried out neatly to give protection to the paint with out fouling so much, however they now have a bottom-10 protection general.

Maybe the Nets are the brand new Hawks, as they’ve been inside of one recreation of .500 after every of their final 11 video games. In order to stay that streak alive, they’ll have to overcome the true Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday. They’ll have a relaxation virtue for that recreation and once they meet the Heat for the 0.33 time on Saturday evening.

Week 5: @ ATL, vs. MIA, vs. CHI

Record: 4-7

OffRtg: 112.3 (15) DefRtg: 110.8 (10) NetRtg: +1.5 (15) Pace: 99.1 (20)

After an 0-5 get started, the Clippers in the end were given their first with James Harden, and Harden tired the game-winner in opposition to the Rockets on Friday. It was once an unpleasant recreation general, however the Clippers’ new beginning lineup had some much-needed offensive good fortune.

Three takeaways

• Terance Mann handiest scored a unmarried level, however the Clippers’ new lineup (with Mann in Russell Westbrook’s position) outscored the Rockets through 20 issues (scoring 43 issues on 33 offensive possessions) in its 15.7 mins on Friday. The Westbrook lineup had scored simply 90 issues in line with 100 possessions over the former 5 video games.

• That was once additionally the Clippers’ first take hold of win, as they had been 0-5 in video games that had been inside of 5 issues within the final 5 mins. Kawhi Leonard (who handed the ball to Harden after being not able to shake Jabari Smith Jr.) is 5-for-21 (24%) on take hold of photographs, the second-worst mark amongst 22 avid gamers who’ve tried no less than 15.

• Harden leads the staff in time of ownership over his six video games, however his 4.9 mins of ownership in line with recreation rank simply thirtieth over the past two weeks and are down from his 8.6 mins (moment within the league) final season.

Friday was once slightly bit of a leap forward, however the Clippers nonetheless rank Twenty eighth offensively (handiest the Blazers and Spurs were worse) over the 2 weeks that they’ve had Harden to be had. Two of their six video games in that reach were in opposition to groups that lately rank within the backside 10 defensively, and so they’ll have 3 extra video games in opposition to bottom-10 defenses — the ones of the Spurs and Mavs — this week.

The Clippers are one of 3 groups — Boston and Utah are the others — with 3 units of 5 video games in seven nights this season. Their first starts with a house back-to-back (vs. New Orleans and Dallas) on Friday and Saturday.

JAMES HARDEN 4-POINT PLAY 😱

CASHES THE STEPBACK FOR THE LEAD WITH SECONDS REMAINING.

🏆 NBA In-Season Tournament
🏀 West Group B motion at the NBA App
📱 https://t.co/A3xDbl1bUf pic.twitter.com/kFWsM82wFd

— NBA (@NBA) November 18, 2023

Week 5: @ SAS, @ SAS, vs. NOP*, vs. DAL

Record: 5-9

OffRtg: 108.5 (27) DefRtg: 111.9 (13) NetRtg: -3.5 (23) Pace: 97.3 (28)

The Bulls are reportedly open for industry in regard to buying and selling Zach LaVine and pivoting from a scenario the place they remain outscored with their 3 supreme avid gamers at the ground. They were given a just right win on Saturday, finishing the Heat’s seven-game successful streak, however that was once preceded through a three-game shedding streak over which they scored simply 102.4 issues in line with 100 possessions.

Three takeaways

• The Bulls were outscored through 13.9 issues in line with 100 possessions (scoring an anemic 102.3 in line with 100) in 296 mins with LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic at the ground in combination. That breaks right down to minus-0.3 in line with 100 in 117 mins with Alex Caruso additionally at the ground and minus-22.6 in line with 100 in 179 mins with Caruso off the ground.

• Caruso was once moved into the beginning lineup over the weekend, however the Bulls were given off to a brutal get started in opposition to the Heat on Saturday, trailing 22-1 after seven mins. All 5 starters completed in double-figures and Patrick Williams continues to fight offensively, nevertheless it was once the bench that led the comeback.

• Their loss to the Magic on Wednesday (the 1st recreation of a two-game collection) was once the 1st (and handiest) time this season that the Bulls dedicated extra turnovers than their opponent. It was once additionally one of handiest 3 times that they outscored their opponent from 3-point fluctuate.

That first Orlando recreation was once unpleasant (each groups scored lower than some degree in line with ownership), and the Bulls’ protection is trending in the appropriate route, having allowed simply 103.5 in line with 100 over their final 3 video games. But it’s beautiful wonderful how dangerous their offense has been given the abilities of LaVine, DeRozan and Vucevic.

The Bulls’ win over the Heat on Saturday was once the 1st of (no less than) 4 video games in opposition to Miami over the direction of 29 days, with the 2 groups set to fulfill once more on the United Center on Monday.

DeMar DeRozan lasers an ACROBATIC dime to Coby White for the triple 🔥

Bucks-Bulls | Live at the NBA App 📲https://t.co/8aCWXCW6ld pic.twitter.com/qjmwdsy4rJ

— NBA (@NBA) November 14, 2023

Week 5: vs. MIA, @ OKC, @ TOR*, @ BKN

Record: 4-9

OffRtg: 113.9 (13) DefRtg: 118.7 (28) NetRtg: -4.8 (24) Pace: 101.9 (9)

The Jazz’s first Sunday domestic recreation in nearly 23 years was once a mystery, the 1st double-overtime recreation this season. But it was once additionally their moment directly three-point loss to the Suns.

Three takeaways

• The Jazz had a backside 10 protection final season and handiest 3 groups — the Hornets, Bucks and Wizards — have observed a larger soar in issues allowed in line with 100 possessions. While the Rockets have apparently solved their transition protection problems, the Jazz have no longer, and so they rank twenty ninth in transition issues allowed (24 in line with recreation) for the second one directly season.

• The Jazz’s new beginning lineup (with Keyonte George and Ochai Agbaji) has been outscored through 5.3 issues in line with 100 possessions, the second-worst mark amongst 14 lineups that experience performed no less than 100 mins.

Three of the Jazz’s 4 wins are in opposition to the Grizzlies and Blazers. They’ll play 3 extra video games in opposition to the ones groups (each lately 3-10) within the subsequent two weeks.

But first (and since two of the ones 3 wins had been In-Season Tournament video games), they’ve an opportunity to take over first position in West Group A once they seek advice from the Lakers on Tuesday.

Week 5: @ LAL*, @ POR, vs. NOP

Record: 3-10

OffRtg: 107.8 (28) DefRtg: 113.2 (18) NetRtg: -5.4 (25) Pace: 100.1 (15)

The Grizzlies are 0-6 at FedExForum, giving them as many domestic losses as they’d all of final season (35-6). But that 6th one was once through two issues in a rest-disadvantage recreation in opposition to the most efficient staff within the league. They’re nonetheless placing in there, in spite of struggling every other essential harm (sprained ankle for Marcus Smart) final week.

Three takeaways

• The Grizzlies have observed the league’s greatest soar within the share of their photographs that experience come from 3-point fluctuate, from 37.2% (sixteenth) final season to 44.6% (5th) this season. That’s most commonly about group of workers (no Steven Adams or Ja Morant), nevertheless it additionally provides their Twenty eighth-ranked offense better variance and an opportunity to overcome extra gifted groups every so often. The Celtics rank 0.33 in 3-point differential, however the Grizzlies outscored them through 15 issues from past the arc on Sunday.

• Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 issues in a win in San Antonio on Saturday, in spite of committing 3 fouls in slightly greater than seven first-half mins. He didn’t dedicate any in the second one 1/2 and his 3.9 fouls in line with 36 mins this season could be a profession low. (The Grizzlies nonetheless rank twenty seventh in opponent unfastened throw price.)

• That recreation became with an awesome, 44-14 run spanning the 0.33 and fourth quarters by which Desmond Bane scored handiest two of the 44 issues. In Derrick Rose’s first recreation again from a seven-game absence, the bench supplied the spark.

Santi Aldama was once a component of that bench unit, after which was once within the beginning lineup on Sunday, when he scored a career-high 28 issues, however neglected the game-winning 3 after a blunder at the different finish through Jrue Holiday.

The Grizzlies are the one staff that doesn’t have a homestand of no less than 4 video games this season. Their first of seven three-game stands starts Friday with their final In-Season Tournament recreation, a seek advice from from the Suns.

Week 5: @ HOU, vs. PHX*, vs. MIN

Record: 3-10

OffRtg: 106.9 (29) DefRtg: 119.8 (29) NetRtg: -12.9 (30) Pace: 102.2 (4)

It’s no longer in regards to the leads to San Antonio, however it could be great if the consequences had been higher. The Spurs have misplaced 9 directly video games and also have 3 of the 5 worst losses (36 issues or extra) for any staff this season.

Three takeaways

• The different 29 groups are 163-45 (.784) in video games they’ve led through double-digits, however the Spurs are 1-6 after blowing leads of 18 and 19 issues in opposition to the Kings and Grizzlies final week. The final staff to have a shedding file over a complete season in video games they led through double-digits was once the 2018-19 Knicks (12-16).

• The Memphis bigs went at Victor Wembanyama on Saturday (the 20 photographs he defended had been a season-high) and did rating thru him on a pair of events. But he additionally blocked 8 photographs, tied for essentially the most for any participant in a recreation this season.

• Wembanyama scored 27 issues in opposition to the Kings on Friday, however offensive consistency has been a topic. He shot simply 4-for-15 (1-for-11 outdoor the limited space) in his much-hyped matchup with Chet Holmgren previous within the week. For the season, the No. 1 pick out has shot 75% within the limited space and simply 31% outdoor it. Those are Antetokounmpo-esque numbers, however with upper quantity from the fringe.

Last season, once they ranked twenty ninth offensively and thirtieth defensively, was once the 1st since they drafted Tim Duncan in 1997 by which the Spurs ranked within the backside 5 on both finish of the ground. Right now, they’re within the backside two on each ends for the second one directly season.

Having misplaced to the Grizzlies on Saturday, the Spurs will play 3 extra video games in opposition to groups with shedding information. But the ones groups – the Clippers and Warriors – have much more (wholesome) skill.

Week 5: vs. LAC, vs. LAC, @ GSW*, @ DEN

Record: 3-10

OffRtg: 103.2 (30) DefRtg: 113.0 (17) NetRtg: -9.8 (29) Pace: 98.4 (25)

The Blazers are chasing the Pistons (11 directly) and Spurs (8 directly), having misplaced seven directly video games themselves. There were some flashes of competence, however the final 4 losses have all come through double-digits, and their recreation in opposition to the Thunder on Sunday supplied the second one greatest margin of defeat for any staff this season.

Three takeaways

• It was once transparent from the soar that this wasn’t going to be a just right staff, nevertheless it’s laborious to completely pass judgement on the Blazers with Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons having neglected 5, 8 and 12 video games, respectively.

• Even having one of the ones guys to be had (at the side of present start line guard Skyler Mays) would most certainly lend a hand Shaedon Sharpe, who has an efficient box function share of 47.4%, down from 55.1% final season. He in reality has a better efficient box function share on photographs from outdoor the paint (52.0%) than he did final season (51.1%), however his box function share within the paint has dropped from 60.9% to only 42.9%, the 0.33 worst mark amongst 128 avid gamers with no less than 100 paint makes an attempt.

• The Blazers have scored 9.8 fewer issues in line with 100 possessions than the league common. That will be the 0.33 worst differential within the 28 seasons for which we’ve play-by-play knowledge.

The protection (the one who’s ranked within the backside 5 in every of the final 4 seasons) was once within the height 10 … till the Thunder registered the easiest efficient box function share (74.1%) for any staff this season on Sunday.

The Blazers nonetheless have 5 video games left on a stretch the place they’re enjoying 9 of 11 in opposition to groups that lately have successful information, with the lone exceptions being two video games in opposition to the Jazz. The first (final Tuesday) was once shut till early within the fourth quarter and the second one was once Wednesday in Portland.

Week 5: @ PHX*, vs. UTA, @ MIL

Record: 3-9

OffRtg: 111.9 (17) DefRtg: 121.4 (30) NetRtg: -9.5 (28) Pace: 101.0 (10)

The Hornets led the Bucks through 13 issues in the second one quarter on Friday, however had been then outscored through 58 (137-79) over their subsequent 48 mins of basketball, shedding through 31 to Milwaukee and falling right into a hollow that they couldn’t climb out of in opposition to New York.

Three takeaways

• According to Synergy monitoring, the Hornets have performed 40 possessions of zone protection (most commonly after unfastened throws at the different finish) over their final 4 video games, having no longer performed any zone thru their first 8 (and handiest 65 possessions all of final season). It hasn’t in point of fact helped, as they’ve misplaced all 4, permitting 126.8 issues in line with 100 possessions general.

• The Hornets rank within the backside 3 in 3-point share for the second one directly season. Their loss to the Bucks on Friday was once the 6th time that they’ve shot lower than 30% on no less than 25 3-point makes an attempt. That’s essentially the most such video games for any staff.

• LaMelo Ball has shot 50% within the paint, no longer nice, however up from 45% final season. He had some nifty drives and finishes in opposition to Brook Lopez’s drop protection on Friday.

The Hornets had been outscored through 48 issues from 3-point fluctuate in that Milwaukee recreation, the worst differential for any staff this season. They had certain differentials for simply the second one and 0.33 occasions this season in opposition to Miami and New York, however nonetheless misplaced each video games.

The Hornets and Wizards break up a home-and-home collection previous this month, with the street staff successful each video games and Charlotte taking the In-Season Tournament recreation. They’ll play once more on Wednesday, when thirteenth position within the East can be at the line.

Week 5: vs. BOS, vs. WAS, @ ORL

Record: 2-10

OffRtg: 109.8 (24) DefRtg: 118.2 (25) NetRtg: -8.4 (27) Pace: 104.0 (2)

The Wizards don’t have the worst file within the league, since the Pistons have performed extra video games. Washington has misplaced 9 of its final 10 and, unsurprisingly, protection stays an issue.

Three takeaways

• Last season, the Wizards had been 25-1 once they held a double-digit lead within the fourth quarter. This season: 2-2. They had been up 16 with 7:15 to move in Toronto on Monday, and going 0-for-10 from the sphere wasn’t the one downside because the Raptors completed the sport on a 21-1 run. The Wizards additionally dedicated 5 turnovers and had Kyle Kuzma within the backcourt requesting a replay as Toronto were given a 5-on-4 layup. They’re the one staff that hasn’t received a take hold of recreation.

• They’ve been outscored through an awesome 25.6 issues in line with 100 possessions in 272 overall mins with Kuzma and Jordan Poole at the ground in combination, however were outscored through simply 5.0 in line with 100 in 168 overall mins with one at the ground with out the opposite. The larger distinction has in reality been on offense.

Is it already time to begin that specialize in the younger guys at the roster? Johnny Davis has performed simply 65 overall mins, however rookie Bilal Coulibaly has been a pleasing wonder, with extra offensive polish than anticipated. He’s shot 20-for-26 (77%) within the limited space and 9-for-17 (53%) on nook 3s.

That cave in in Toronto was once on the finish of the Wizards’ first back-to-back. Their moment back-to-back is Friday and Saturday, once they host the Hawks an evening after finishing In-Season Tournament play in Milwaukee.

Week 5: vs. MIL, @ CHA, @ MIL*, vs. ATL

Record: 2-12

OffRtg: 109.3 (26) DefRtg: 115.7 (24) NetRtg: -6.4 (26) Pace: 100.7 (11)

The Pistons’ shedding streak has reached 11 video games, tied with their longest streak(s) from final season. Six of the 11 losses were through unmarried digits, however they proceed to fight within the take hold of and within the margins.

Three takeaways

• The Pistons led Atlanta through one with two mins left on Tuesday, however then gave up an 8-0 run. Six of their video games (one win and 5 losses) were inside of 5 issues within the final 5 mins, and so they’ve scored lower than some degree in line with take hold of ownership in all six, totaling simply 27 issues on 45 take hold of possessions, with Cade Cunningham having shot 3-for-17.

• The Pistons’ protection ranks tenth in opponent efficient box function share and 5th in opponent box function share within the paint (53.2%). But they’re thirtieth in opponent unfastened throw price and twenty ninth in opponent turnover price. They’ve dedicated extra turnovers than their warring parties in 13 of their 14 video games.

• Jalen Duren has neglected the final 4 video games and, after beginning Marvin Bagley in his position for the 1st two of the ones, the Pistons went to a smaller lineup over the weekend, with Isaiah Stewart on the 5 and Kevin Knox on the 4. They’ve handiest been outscored through 1.6 issues in line with 100 possessions in 348 overall mins with Stewart on the 4 (along Duren, Bagley or James Wiseman), however are a minus-12.0 in line with 100 in 99 mins with Stewart at the ground with none of the opposite bigs.

With Killian Hayes out, Jaden Ivey additionally were given his first get started of the season on Sunday. It’s type of wonderful that Ivey, Cunningham and Ausar Thompson have performed simply 39 overall mins in combination.

The Pistons had two 11-game shedding streaks final season and each got here to an finish with wins over the Pacers. They’ll be in Indiana on Friday, however first face the Nuggets, who they beat in Denver a couple of days sooner than Thanksgiving final yr.

Week 5: vs. DEN, @ IND*