NBA scores,updates,news and rumors . . .

[kingjames24szupladoh]

NBA Discussed a New Court , 4 Pointer


NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn and vice president Kiki Vandeweghe acknowledged in a recent interview with ESPN.com that the league office, at least in an exploratory fashion, has weighed expanding the dimensions of the court and the introduction of a 4-point shot.

In a sitdown interview with ESPN's TrueHoop TV, conducted during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans earlier this month, Thorn and Vandeweghe spoke of both concepts mostly from a hypothetical standpoint, but did concede that the ideas have been presented for discussion at a league level.
On Tuesday, NBA spokesman Tim Frank downplayed the chances of either idea gaining traction.
"No one at the NBA, nor the competition committee, has had any serious conversations about increasing the size of the floor or adding a 4-point line," Frank said in a statement. "Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe were entertaining a line of questioning about out-of-the-box ideas and ESPN.com chose to make a story that doesn't exist."
The NBA has employed a 94-foot-by-50-foot court since the 1940s. But Vandeweghe -- who went to two All-Star Games as a player and most recently served as an executive and head coach with the Nets before joining the league office in 2013 -- confirmed that the growing size and ever-increasing athleticism of players today prompted discussion about expanding the playing surface.
"Making the court bigger -- it's an interesting idea and we've actually looked at it," Vandeweghe said. "We keep a list of ideas on what we should do and how we can make the game better, of course. But arenas are obviously built in a certain way and that would take a lot of adjusting to actually make the court bigger. But does it mean we shouldn't look at it? No, of course not. We're looking at all sorts of things."
Added Thorn: "Those seats that are very close to the court are obviously very expensive seats to start out with. And most of them come right up to the floor. So when you start extending the floor, sideways or length -- you could probably extend it lengthwise easier than you can sideways. So there are a lot of things you have to look at there."
The NBA adopted the 3-point shot from the old ABA starting in the 1979-80 season. As for the prospect of a 4-point shot, Thorn said that, too, is "something that's come up" as an informal proposal.
The mere notion of the NBA someday adopting a 4-pointer is believed to be an offshoot of a famed quote from then-Boston Celtics star Antoine Walker, who reportedly answered a question about why he took so many 3-point shots by saying: "Because there are no 4s."


From ESPN !

[Zurca]

NBA Results from All Sports thread

NBA Results February 26, 2014

George helps Pacers pull away from Lakers, 118-98

Lillard leads Portland past Denver 100-95

Love, Timberwolves beat Phoenix with late outburst

Dunleavy has 22, Bulls hold off Hawks, 107-103

Harden scores 43, Rockets rout Kings 129-103

DeRozan scores 33 in Raptors' 99-93 win over Cavs

Wizards survive without Nene, beat Magic 115-106


NBA Results February 27, 2014

Griffin, Collison help Clippers top Rockets 101-93

Nelson, Vucevic lead Magic past 76ers 101-90

Bayless, Rondo lead Celtics past Hawks 115-104

Gibson leads Bulls to 103-83 win over Warriors

Mavs top Pelicans 108-89 after Davis injury

Irving scores 31, leads Cavaliers past Thunder

Lee scores 18 as Grizzlies beat Lakers, 108-103

Belinelli, balanced Spurs beat Pistons 120-110

Hayward leads balanced Jazz past Suns, 109-86

Barton sparks Blazers to 124-80 rout of Nets


NBA Results February 28, 2014

James scores 31 in a mask, Heat roll Knicks 108-82

Pierce scores 18, Nets rebound in rout of Nuggets

Wizards beat Raptors 134-129 in triple OT

Roy Hibbert leads Pacers past Bucks, 101-96

[kingjames24szupladoh]

Saturday , March 01 Schedule: 7 games

Utah at Cleveland - 7:30 pm ET, 4:30 pm PT
Memphis at Oklahoma City - 8 pm ET, 5 pm PT
Golden State at New York - 8 pm ET, 5 pm PT on ESPN
Chicago at Dallas - 8:30 pm ET, 5:30 pm PT
Charlotte at San Antonio - 8:30 pm ET, 5:30 pm PT
Sacramento at L.A. Lakers - 10:30 pm ET, 7:30 pm PT
New Orleans at Phoenix - 10:30 pm ET, 7:30 pm PT on ESPN

[tonistork]

Dragic's career-high 40 leads Suns past Pelicans

PHOENIX (AP) -- Goran Dragic almost didn't play Friday night.

On a bad ankle, with his Phoenix team needing to end a three-game skid, he decided to give it a try.

The result was a career-high 40-point performance in 42 minutes, leading the Suns past the New Orleans Pelicans 116-104.

''I think everybody knows about Goran Dragic now,'' Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said, ''or they should.''

A game-time decision because of a sore right ankle that had kept him out of Wednesday's loss at Utah, Dragic played all but the last 10 seconds of the second half in the first 40-point game for a Phoenix player since Amare Stoudemire's 44 on March 19, 2010.

''That's what All-Stars do,'' Hornacek said, a not-so-veiled reference to Dragic being left off the All-Star team.

At the end, as Dragic sank the free throws that got him to 40, the crowd chanted ''M-V-P.''

''I never imagined they would cheer that for me,'' Dragic said. ''It is a great feeling, especially with those last four free throws when the whole crowd stood up and cheered. It is something special in my career that I will remember my whole life.''

Anthony Davis, also a game-time decision because of a sprained left shoulder, matched his career high with 32 points for the Pelicans, who lost their sixth in a row.

Markieff Morris added 18 points and twin brother Marcus 15 for Phoenix.

Eric Gordon scored 21 for New Orleans.

NOTES: Phoenix swept the season series 3-0. ... The Suns' Leandro Barbosa missed his fourth straight game with a sprained toe. ... Phoenix avoided matching its longest losing streak of the season at four games. ... Suns G Eric Bledsoe, coming back from knee surgery, participated in 3-on-3 drills and could resume full practice next week. ... The Pelicans' longest losing streak of the season is seven games.

[tonistork]

Farmar scores career-high 30 as Lakers beat Kings
AP - Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The only drama left in this miserable season for the Los Angeles Lakers involves whether Kobe Bryant will return from injury, and if they can avoid finishing last in the Western Conference.

Jordan Farmar scored a career-high 30 points off the bench, making eight of 10 shots from 3-point range, and the Lakers capitalized on the absence of suspended Sacramento star DeMarcus Cousins to beat the Kings 126-122 Friday night.

''It was just the flow of the game,'' Farmar said. ''I was aggressive, took shots when they were available, and I was fortunate to knock them down.''

The Lakers (20-39) must go 11-12 the rest of the way to avoid tying the 1974-75 squad for the worst record in a regulation season since the franchise relocated from Minneapolis to Los Angeles in 1960-61.

''When we win it's fun,'' said coach Mike D'Antoni, whose team is one of seven that has lost 20 or more games by double-digit margins. ''These guys need a little sugar once in a while, and this was sugar. We've been having problems, but tonight they came through and I'm really happy for them.''

Newly acquired reserve MarShon Brooks scored 23 points - two more than the combined total of the Sacramento bench. Pau Gasol added 22 and Jodie Meeks also had 22 after making all eight of his shots, including three of the Lakers' franchise-record 19 3-pointers on 27 attempts.

''He looked like he really hit his rhythm with his 3s,'' D'Antoni said. ''Obviously, he can't go 8 for 8 every night, but he's playing really well. And what he's doing now is adding his drive to the game. He's been strong to the basket, so they don't knock him off. And now it's hard to guard him.''

Rudy Gay scored 32 points for the Kings, who squandered a 12-point lead before halftime and then blew a 15-point lead in the second half despite converting 17 Lakers turnovers into 25 points. Derrick Williams and Isaiah Thomas each had 27 points.

Cousins, averaging a team-high 22.3 points, received a one-game ban from the NBA on Thursday for punching Houston guard Patrick Beverley in the stomach during the Kings' 129-103 home loss Tuesday night.

NOTES: The only other 30-point game for a Lakers player this season was by Nick Young, who had 31 on Jan. 20 in an overtime loss at Chicago. ... Lakers point guard Kendall Marshall played 19 scoreless minutes with 10 assists. He is averaging 1.4 points and 7.4 assists in his last five starts, after averaging 12.5 points and 12.1 assists over his 17 previous starts after joining Los Angeles as a free agent on Dec. 20.

TS (toni storks) view:
Tagal na wala ako update sa NBA at nakakatikim naman pala panalo ang Lakers paminsan minsan.

[tonistork]

Irving has 1st triple-double, Cavs top Jazz 99-79
AP - Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kyrie Irving didn't need any reminders he was closing in on his first career triple double Friday night. He got plenty of help anyway.

''I was trying to not think about it too much, but my teammates were hollering at me to get one more rebound, Coach (Mike) Brown was telling to get one more rebound, a couple of fans were yelling at me that I need one more,'' Irving said. ''I said, 'I got you guys, don't worry.' ''

The All-Star Game MVP had 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 99-79 win over the Utah Jazz.

Two rebounds shy of the mark going into the fourth quarter, Irving grabbed his ninth rebound early in the period and pulled down his 10th with 4:12 to go to become the first Cleveland player with a triple double since LeBron James on March 16, 2010, at Detroit.

Irving gave credit for his last rebound to center Spencer Hawes, who joked he pulled back a bit on a missed shot by Marvin Williams.

''Luckily, Spence alligator-armed that one, like he said, to let me get that last one,'' Irving said.

Just when it looked like the season was a lost cause, the Cavaliers won six in a row and Irving took over the All-Star Game with 31 points and 14 assists. With 22 games remaining, Cleveland has a chance to reach the playoffs in Irving's third season in the NBA.

Luol Deng scored 16 points as the Cavaliers placed five players in double figures.

Gordon Hayward scored 18 points for Utah on the first stop of a six-game road trip.

Tristan Thompson had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland, and Hawes added 13 points and 16 rebounds.

Hawes was given a technical foul in the third quarter, his second in five games since joining the team last week.

NOTES: Bennett will be a game-time decision Saturday in Memphis. ... Jazz G John Lucas III didn't play until the final 2:46 with what the team called ''gastric distress.''

[tonistork]

Report: Fredette to sign with Bulls
By The Sports Xchange

Guard Jimmer Fredette will sign with the Chicago Bulls after he clears waivers, according to USA Today.

Fredette will be free to join any team after being waived by the Sacramento Kings this week.

According to the report, a person with knowledge of the situation spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the negotiations between Fredette and the Bulls.

Fredette, who was the No. 10 overall pick of the 2010 draft out of BYU, will likely clear waivers at 5 p.m. EST Saturday.

Because he was waived before March 1, he will be eligible for inclusion on the Bulls' playoff roster. The Bulls started Saturday fourth in the Eastern Conference at 32-26.

Fredette is averaging 5.9 points per game this season on 48 percent shooting (49 percent from 3-point range). For his career, he is averaging seven points and 1.5 assists per contest.

TS (toni storks) view:
Sana naman mabigyan playing time ito si Jimmer, sayang naman at top 10 pick sya. At may itutulong naman ito sa opensa especially outside shooting. Sa depensa naman, madami ng alas ang Bulls kaya wag mo na ito asahan. Nandyan na sina Noah, Hinrich, Butler at Gibson to play D.

[Zurca]

NBA Results from All Sports thread

NBA Results March 2, 2014

Ariza scores 40, Wizards win 6th straight

Blazers beat Nuggets 102-96, sweep season series

Martin, Love lead Wolves past Kings 108-97

Randolph leads Grizzlies past Cavaliers 110-96

George's 25 points lead Pacers over Celtics 102-97

Rockets start fast, beat Pistons 118-110

Thornton scores 25 in Nets' 107-98 win over Bucks

Granger watches as Clippers rout Pelicans 108-76

James helps Heat beat Magic 112-98


NBA Results March 3, 2014

Noah leads Bulls to easy 109-90 win against Knicks

Suns scorch Hawks in 1st half of 129-120 win

Parker returns, leads Spurs over Mavs 112-106

Pacers beat Jazz 94-91, win fifth straight

Durant, Westbrook lead Thunder past Bobcats

Harris has 31 and Magic extend 76ers' skid, 92-81

DeRozan scores 32 as Raptors beat Warriors 104-98

[Zurca]

NBA Power Rankings (Posted February 24, 2014) from NBA.com

1

Miami (40-14)
Pace: 94.5 (23), OffRtg: 109.8 (1), DefRtg: 102.7 (13), NetRtg: +7.0 (3)
LeBron James picked a good time to break his nose, with the Heat playing just one game in the six days after Thursday's win in Oklahoma City. And the Heat picked a good time to pick up their defense, which, as noted last week, was pretty awful before the break. They held both the Thunder and Bulls to under 90 points per 100 possessions. Against OKC, it was about contesting shots.
This week: vs. NYK, vs. ORL
Last week: 4

2
   
Houston (38-18)
Pace: 98.3 (7), OffRtg: 107.7 (5), DefRtg: 102.2 (10), NetRtg: +5.6 (6)
The Rockets are the only team that ranks in the top seven in both offensive and defensive efficiency since Jan. 1 and would have a 10-game winning streak if James Harden hit the game-winner at the end of regulation at Golden State on Thursday. So you can't really criticize them for (basically) standing pat at the deadline, but Wednesday's game in L.A. will be another interesting test.
This week: @ SAC, @ LAC, vs. DET
Last week: 3

3
   
Indiana (42-13)
Pace: 96.1 (16), OffRtg: 102.2 (19), DefRtg: 94.1 (1), NetRtg: +8.2 (1)
If you've seen the numbers, it wasn't a surprise to see the Pacers down 20 in the first half of the second night of a back-to-back on the road on Wednesday. They have five more back-to-backs to play, but their four games this week will allow Evan Turner to integrate himself without any pressure. It will be interesting to see how much time he and Lance Stephenson spend on the floor together.
This week: vs. LAL, vs. MIL, @ BOS, vs. UTA
Last week: 2

4
   
Oklahoma City (43-14)
Pace: 97.7 (10), OffRtg: 107.2 (6), DefRtg: 99.8 (4), NetRtg: +7.4 (2)
Not surprisingly, Russell Westbrook was rusty after almost two months off, shooting 7-for-25 in his first two games back. More disappointing was the Thunder defense, which allowed the Heat and Clippers (two top-three offenses) to shoot 53 percent and score 114 points per 100 possessions. OKC doesn't play another top-10 offensive team until they visit the Suns next Thursday.
This week: vs. CLE, vs. MEM, vs. CHA
Last week: 1

5
   
San Antonio (40-16)
Pace: 96.5 (14), OffRtg: 107.1 (7), DefRtg: 100.6 (5), NetRtg: +6.5 (4)
Patty Mills scored 54 total points (29 in the fourth quarter) and the Spurs came out of the break with two big Tony Parker-less road wins over the Clippers and Blazers. They ran out of gas in Phoenix on Friday, but went 6-3 on the rodeo trip and play eight of their next 10 games at home. Believe it or not, Mills has scored more points this season than any Spur not named Parker, Duncan or Belinelli.
This week: vs. DET, vs. CHA, vs. DAL
Last week: 6

6
   
L.A. Clippers (38-20)
Pace: 98.1 (8 ), OffRtg: 108.7 (3), DefRtg: 102.3 (11), NetRtg: +6.4 (5)
Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have been the second most-used two-man combination in the league, so Glen Davis, at least, provides a little playing-time relief. The hope is that he'll also help the defense, which has suffered whenever Griffin or Jordan has sat down. The offense looked just fine in Oklahoma City on Sunday, as the Clips got a much needed win after losing to the Spurs and Grizz.
This week: @ NOP, vs. HOU, vs. NOP
Last week: 5

7
   
Phoenix (33-22)
Pace: 98.3 (6), OffRtg: 106.5 (8 ), DefRtg: 102.8 (14), NetRtg: +3.7 (9)
It looks like there's four teams -- Dallas, Golden State, Memphis and Phoenix -- playing for the last three playoff spots in the West, and the Suns have the toughest remaining schedule of the four. So they might regret blowing a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead against Houston on Sunday. Markieff Morris is in another one of his hot streaks, averaging 20.0 points on 67 percent shooting over the last three games.
This week: vs. MIN, @ UTA, vs. NOP, vs, ATL
Last week: 8

8
   
Dallas (34-23)
Pace: 96.5 (15), OffRtg: 108.3 (4), DefRtg: 105.4 (22), NetRtg: +2.8 (11)
A soft schedule has helped the Mavs win eight of their last 10 games. They've shown improvement on the glass (a weakness all season), getting outrebounded only twice in that stretch. But they're still just a game in the loss column ahead of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West and their schedule picks up later this week, with six straight games against teams with winning records.
This week: @ NYK, vs. NOP, vs. CHI, @ SAS
Last week: 7

9
   
Memphis (31-24)
Pace: 92.1 (30), OffRtg: 101.9 (20), DefRtg: 101.9 (8 ), NetRtg: +0.0 (15)
Tony Allen is back, and though he's coming off the bench, his presence could mean less playing time for James Johnson, which would be a shame. Johnson provides the highlights (like his off-the-backboard dunk in Friday's win over the Clippers), but the Grizz have also outscored their opponents by 6.5 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. He played just 10 minutes in Saturday's loss.
This week: vs. LAL, @ OKC, vs. CLE
Last week: 9

10
   
Golden State (34-22)
Pace: 98.7 (5), OffRtg: 104.1 (12), DefRtg: 99.1 (3), NetRtg: +5.0 (7)
Despite Andrew Bogut's absence over the last seven games, the Warriors have allowed only 95.3 points per 100 possessions over thelr last 12 and are now the best defensive team in the West. The offense hasn't been great, but they've won three straight for the first time since their 10-game streak came to an end in early January. Most of that streak took place on a trip East. Another one begins Monday.
This week: @ DET, @ CHI, @ NYK, @ TOR
Last week: 12

11
   
Portland (38-18)
Pace: 97.9 (9), OffRtg: 108.7 (2), DefRtg: 105.5 (23), NetRtg: +3.2 (x)
We saw the silver lining of LaMarcus Aldridge's injury on Sunday, as Thomas Robinson took advantage of the extra playing time (a career-high 33 minutes), tallied 14 points and 18 rebounds, and destroyed Corey Brewer in a big win over the Wolves. If Robinson can find his role and earn the trust of Terry Stotts in Aldridge's absence, it would benefit the Blazers down the line.
This week: @ DEN, vs. BKN, vs. DEN
Last week: 10

12
   
Toronto (31-25)
Pace: 94.6 (22), OffRtg: 104.6 (10), DefRtg: 100.9 (7), NetRtg: +3.7 (8 )
The Raptors have scored 108.3 points per 100 possessions over the last month (111.8 with Kyle Lowry on the floor) and are now the only Eastern Conference team that ranks in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That's the basic criteria for a title contender, but Toronto is 1-5 against the Pacers and Heat and still has some work to do just to earn home-court advantage in the first round.
This week: @ CLE, vs. WAS, vs. GSW
Last week: 11

13
   
Chicago (29-26)
Pace: 93.0 (28), OffRtg: 98.0 (28), DefRtg: 97.8 (2), NetRtg: +0.1 (14)
Tom Thibodeau has lauded D.J. Augustin for saving the Bulls' season, and the back-up point guard deserves credit for fitting in so well and helping the team recover from the Luol Deng trade. But since the deal, the Bulls have been at their best (plus-10.2 points per 100 possessions) with Kirk Hinrich on the floor and their starters have been the league's second best lineup (minimum 100 minutes).
This week: @ ATL, vs. GSW, @ DAL, vs. NYK
Last week: 13

14
   
Washington (28-28)
Pace: 95.7 (19), OffRtg: 101.8 (21), DefRtg: 102.0 (9), NetRtg: -0.2 (16)
The Wizards recovered well from Tuesday's loss to Toronto, winning three straight and holding the Pelicans, Hawks and Cavs all under a point per possession. But Sunday's win came with a knee injury to Nene, who had dropped 30 points and the game-winner on Atlanta the night before. Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin have been solid offensively, but the D would suffer without Nene.
This week: @ CLE, vs. ORL, @ TOR, @ PHI
Last week: 14

15
   
Brooklyn (26-28)
Pace: 93.9 (26), OffRtg: 103.0 (17), DefRtg: 104.6 (19), NetRtg: -1.6 (19)
As he was making history and blazing a trail, Jason Collins gave the Nets some good minutes (featuring hard screens, hard fouls and a big offensive rebound) in Sunday's win in L.A. Deron Williams, meanwhile, seems to have done well with the All-Star break again. He averaged 23.0 points on 49 percent shooting in his first three games back, getting to the basket and finishing well.
This week: @ POR, @ DEN, @ MIL
Last week: 15

16
   
Minnesota (27-29)
Pace: 99.6 (3), OffRtg: 104.8 (9), DefRtg: 102.5 (12), NetRtg: +2.2 (12)
Though the Wolves are still missing Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Love (averaging 34.6 points on 53 percent shooting over his last five games) looks determined to make one more run at the playoffs. But his team'sdefense (which allowed the Aldridge-less Blazers to score 108 points on Sunday) just isn't good enough to support him. And yes, he's partially to blame for the bad D.
This week: @ PHX, @ SAC
Last week: 17

17
   
Charlotte (27-30)
Pace: 95.3 (21), OffRtg: 99.3 (25), DefRtg: 100.8 (6), NetRtg: -1.5 (17)
You'd think that, with Al Jefferson scoring just six points against the Grizzlies on Saturday, the Bobcats would have suffered their first post-break defeat. But their defense was still terrific (it allowed just 94.8 points per 100 possessions in four games last week) and Kemba Walker handled the scoring. They have five days off, but then play the Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Pacers, the first three on the road.
This week: @ SAS, @ OKC
Last week: 18

18
   
Atlanta (26-29)
Pace: 97.1 (12), OffRtg: 103.7 (14), DefRtg: 103.4 (16), NetRtg: +0.3 (13)
As the Hawks lost eight straight and sunk from third to eighth in the East, the injuries (to Gustavo Ayon and Paul Millsap) kept piling up. A game against the defenseless Knicks offered some temporary relief, but after they host the Bulls on Tuesday, they play six straight on the road. The best team they've beat on the road this season is the 27-30 Bobcats, and that win was in early November.
This week: vs. CHI, @ BOS, @ PHX
Last week: 16

19
   
New Orleans (23-32)
Pace: 94.4 (24), OffRtg: 104.3 (11), DefRtg: 105.9 (26), NetRtg: -1.6 (18)
The Pelicans suffered some brutal losses last week. They led the Knicks by one in the final minutes on Wednesday, only to get outscored 8-0 down the stretch. They came back from 13 down in the fourth quarter in Charlotte on Friday, only to have Eric Gordon miss a free throw to tie in the final seconds. And then they got beat by a Nene dunk with less than a second to go in Washington on Saturday.
This week: vs. LAC, @ DAL, @ PHX, @ LAC
Last week: 19

20
   
Cleveland (22-35)
Pace: 95.6 (20), OffRtg: 99.4 (24), DefRtg: 104.6 (18), NetRtg: -5.2 (26)
The Cavs' schedule-aided winning streak came to an end when they faced the Raptors and Wizards. Moving Jarrett Jack to the starting lineup has seemingly been a part of their improved play and Kyrie Irving has shot slightly better with Jack on the floor, but the Cavs have been pretty bad defensively with the two point guards out there together. They've been at their best with Dion Waiters on the floor.
This week: vs. TOR, @ OKC, vs. UTA, @ MEM
Last week: 25

21
   
Detroit (23-33)
Pace: 97.6 (11), OffRtg: 102.5 (18), DefRtg: 105.3 (21), NetRtg: -2.8 (23)
After beating the Spurs in John Loyer's first game as head coach, the Pistons have lost four of five, playing some atrocious defense out of the break. It starts with the big three, who have allowed opponents to score 131 points per 100 possessions in their 67 post-break minutes together. If Detroit doesn't make the playoffs, it can at least use the next seven weeks to figure out if this frontline will ever work.
This week: vs. GSW, @ SAS, @ HOU
Last week: 20

22
   
Sacramento (20-36)
Pace: 96.8 (13), OffRtg: 103.6 (15), DefRtg: 105.7 (24), NetRtg: -2.1 (21)
This will be the Kings' eighth straight losing season, but they might have a shot at finishing .500 with both DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay in the lineup. Right now, they're 14-14 (with a positive point differential) in games both guys have played (6-6 against the West) and have outscored their opponents by 2.6 points per 100 possessions in 768 minutes with the pair on the floor together.
This week: vs. HOU, @ LAL, vs. MIN
Last week: 27

23
   
New York (21-35)
Pace: 92.7 (29), OffRtg: 103.9 (13), DefRtg: 106.2 (27), NetRtg: -2.3 (22)
At least the Knicks didn't make another awful trade. But things are so bad that Beno Udrih and Metta World Peace want to get the heck out of Dodge, and you have to wonder if Carmelo Anthony is thinking the same thing. They've been in every game, but they're 2-8 in February, their defense has the same holes it's had all season, and any hopes of a fourth straight playoff berth are fading fast.
This week: vs. DAL, @ MIA, vs. GSW, @ CHI
Last week: 21

24
   
Denver (25-30)
Pace: 99.6 (4), OffRtg: 103.1 (16), DefRtg: 104.7 (20), NetRtg: -1.6 (20)
It's nice that the Nuggets traded for another point guard at the deadline, but they still need Ty Lawson back. They've scored less than a point per possession with him of the floor and are 3-7 in games he's missed. Aaron Brooks was a minus-47 in his first two games. They've lost seven of their last eight games overall and look to be Lottery-bound for the first time since they drafted Carmelo Anthony.
This week: vs. POR, vs. BKN, @ POR
Last week: 22

25
   
Orlando (17-41)
Pace: 95.9 (18), OffRtg: 99.0 (26), DefRtg: 104.4 (17), NetRtg: -5.4 (27)
The Magic have won six of their last seven at home, scoring 107.1 points per 100 possessions, but have lost 15 straight on the road, scoring just 93.6. So when they play in Philadelphia on Wednesday, something has got to give. With Glen Davis gone, Tobias Harris has moved to power forward and totaled 50 points on 17-for-26 shooting (9-for-9 in the restricted area) in two games over the weekend.
This week: @ WAS, @ PHI, @ MIA, vs. PHI
Last week: 24

26
   
Utah (19-36)
Pace: 93.8 (27), OffRtg: 99.9 (23), DefRtg: 107.6 (30), NetRtg: -7.7 (28)
The Jazz were pretty awful when Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter started together early in the season, but Kanter averaged 22.7 points on 65 percent shooting in three starts with Favors on the shelf last week. Of course, the Jazz lost all three games and were pretty terrible defensively with Kanter on the floor. Gordon Hayward has shot 30 percent (4-for-18 from 3-point range) in his last six games.
This week: vs. BOS, vs. PHX, @ CLE, @ IND
Last week: 23

27
   
L.A. Lakers (19-37)
Pace: 99.7 (2), OffRtg: 100.9 (22), DefRtg: 105.8 (25), NetRtg: -4.9 (25)
What happens when you're the 13th man for a playoff team and get traded to the depleted Lakers? Well, Kent Bazemore played 33 minutes in his first game, started his second, and set career highs in scoring both nights. If you've got an open spot on your fantasy roster, you could do worse than picking up Bazemore, who is like the new Xavier Henry, for the last seven weeks of the season.
This week: @ IND, @ MEM, vs. SAC
Last week: 28

28
   
Boston (19-38)
Pace: 96.0 (17), OffRtg: 98.4 (27), DefRtg: 103.1 (15), NetRtg: -4.7 (24)
Jump-shooting Kevin Garnett is in Brooklyn and numbers guy Brad Stevens has replaced Doc Rivers, but the Celtics still take a high percentage (31.6 percent -- seventh highest rate in the league) of their shots from mid-range. Nine players who have attempted at least 300 shots have taken more than half of them from mid-range. Two of the nine -- Avery Bradley and Kris Humphries -- are Celtics.
This week: @ UTA, vs. ATL, vs. IND
Last week: 26

29
   
Milwaukee (10-45)
Pace: 94.3 (25), OffRtg: 96.9 (29), DefRtg: 106.8 (29), NetRtg: -9.9 (29)
Every couple of weeks, Brandon Knight has one of those games. On Saturday, he went for 30 points (on 12-for-23 shooting) and eight assists against the Pacers' No. 1 defense, taking the ball right at Roy Hibbert for several of his buckets. His effective field goal perentage is down from last season, but Knight has increased his efficiency by being one of the most improved free throw shooters in the league.
This week: @ PHI, @ IND, vs. BKN
Last week: 29

30
   
Philadelphia (15-41)
Pace: 102.6 (1), OffRtg: 96.3 (30), DefRtg: 106.8 (28), NetRtg: -10.5 (30)
Less than 19 months ago, the Sixers were playing in Game 7 of the conference semis. Now, only one of the nine guys who played in that game is left on the roster (three were traded on Thursday). The tear down was the easy part and Thaddeus Young is left to endure just how bad this team has become. If they don't win one of their next two games, it's hard to imagine how they'll win again this season.
This week: vs. MIL, vs. ORL, vs. WAS, @ ORL

[kingjames24szupladoh]

UPDATED ROSTERS:

ATLANTA HAWKS:
PG: Jeff Teague/Dennis Schroeder/Shelvin Mack
SG: Kyle Korver/Lou Williams/John Jenkins
SF: DeMarre Carroll/Cartier Martin
PF: Paul Millsap/Elton Brand/Mike Scott
C: Al Horford/Pero Antic/Gustavo Ayon/Mike Muscala
Coach: Mike Budenholzer

BOSTON CELTICS:
PG: Rajon Rondo/Phil Pressey/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Avery Bradley/Keith Bogans/Chris Babb
SF: Jeff Green/Gerald Wallace/Chris Johnson
PF: Brandon Bass/Kris Humphries
C: Jared Sullinger/Kelly Olynyk/Vitor Faverani/Joel Anthony
Coach: Brad Stevens

BROOKLYN NETS:
PG: Deron Williams/Shaun Livingston/Marquis Teague
SG: Joe Johnson/Alan Anderson/Marcus Thornton
SF: Paul Pierce/Andrei Kirilenko
PF: Kevin Garnett/Andray Blatche/Mirza Teletovic
C: Brook Lopez/Mason Plumlee/Jason Collins
Coach: Jason Kidd

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS:
PG: Kemba Walker/Luke Ridnour/Jannero Pargo
SG: Gerald Henderson/Gary Neal
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Jeffery Taylor/Chris Douglas-Roberts
PF: Josh McRoberts/Anthony Tolliver/Bismack Biyombo
C: Al Jefferson/Cody Zeller/Brendan Haywood
Coach: Steve Clifford

CHICAGO BULLS:
PG: Derrick Rose/Kirk Hinrich/D.J. Augustin
SG: Jimmy Butler/Tony Snell/Jimmer Fredette
SF: Mike Dunleavy/Tornike Shengelia
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson/Erik Murphy
C: Joakim Noah/Nazr Mohammed
Coach: Tom Thibodeau

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS:
PG: Kyrie Irving/Jarrett Jack/Matthew Dellavedova
SG: C.J. Miles/Dion Waiters/Carrick Felix
SF: Luol Deng/Alonzo Gee/Anthony Bennett/Sergey Karasev
PF: Tristan Thompson/Anderson Varejao/Arinze Onuaku
C: Spencer Hawes/Tyler Zeller
Coach: Mike Brown

DALLAS MAVERICKS:
PG: Jose Calderon/Devin Harris/Shane Larkin/Gal Mekel
SG: Monta Ellis/Wayne Ellington/Ricky Ledo
SF: Shawn Marion/Vince Carter/Jae Crowder
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/DeJuan Blair
C: Samuel Dalembert/Brandon Wright/Bernard James
Coach: Rick Carlisle

DENVER NUGGETS:
PG: Ty Lawson/Aaron Brooks/Nate Robinson
SG: Randy Foye/Evan Fournier
SF: Danilo Gallinari/Wilson Chandler/Quincy Miller
PF: Kenneth Faried/Darrell Arthur/Anthony Randolph/Jan Vesely
C: JaVale McGee/J.J. Hickson/Timofey Mozgov
Coach: Brian Shaw

DETROIT PISTONS:
PG: Brandon Jennings/Will Bynum/Chauncey Billups/Peyton Siva
SG: Rodney Stuckey/Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Josh Smith/Kyle Singler/Gigi Datome
PF: Greg Monroe/Jonas Jerebko/Charlie Villanueva/Tony Mitchell
C: Andre Drummond/Josh Harrellson
Coach: John Loyer

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS:
PG: Stephen Curry/Steve Blake/Nemanja Nedovic
SG: Klay Thompson/Jordan Crawford
SF: Andre Iguodala/Harrison Barnes/Draymond Green
PF: David Lee/Marreese Speights/Hilton Armstrong
C: Andrew Bogut/Jermaine O’Neal/Ognjen Kuzmic/Festus Ezeli
Coach: Mark Jackson

HOUSTON ROCKETS:
PG: Patrick Beverley/Jeremy Lin/Isaiah Canaan
SG: James Harden/Francisco Garcia/Troy Daniels
SF: Chandler Parsons/Jordan Hamilton/Omri Casspi
PF: Terrence Jones/Donatas Motiejunas/Robert Covington
C: Dwight Howard/Omer Asik/Greg Smith
Coach: Kevin McHale

INDIANA PACERS:
PG: George Hill/C.J. Watson/Donald Sloan
SG: Lance Stephenson/Evan Turner/Rasual Butler
SF: Paul George/Chris Copeland/Solomon Hill
PF: David West/ Luis Scola/Lavoy Allen
C: Roy Hibbert/Ian Mahinmi/Andrew Bynum
Coach: Frank Vogel

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS:
PG: Chris Paul/Darren Collison
SG: J.J. Redick/Jamal Crawford/Willie Green/Reggie Bullock
SF: Jared Dudley/Matt Barnes/Hedo Turkoglu/Danny Granger
PF: Blake Griffin/Glen Davis
C: DeAndre Jordan/Ryan Hollins
Coach: Doc Rivers

LOS ANGELES LAKERS:
PG: Steve Nash/Jordan Farmar/Kendall Marshall
SG: Kobe Bryant/Jodie Meeks/Xavier Henry/Kent Bazemore
SF: Wesley Johnson/Nick Young/MarShon Brooks
PF: Ryan Kelly/Jordan Hill
C: Pau Gasol/Chris Kaman/Robert Sacre
Coach: Mike D’Antoni

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES:
PG: Mike Conley/Nick Calathes/Beno Udrih
SG: Tony Allen/Quincy Pondexter/Courtney Lee/Jamaal Franklin
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Mike Miller/James Johnson
PF: Zach Randolph/Ed Davis/Jon Leuer
C: Marc Gasol/Kosta Koufos
Coach: Dave Joerger

MIAMI HEAT:
PG: Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole/Toney Douglas
SG: Dwyane Wade/Ray Allen/DeAndre Liggins
SF: LeBron James/Michael Beasley/James Jones
PF: Shane Battier/Rashard Lewis/Udonis Haslem
C: Chris Bosh/Chris Andersen/Greg Oden
Coach: Erik Spoelstra

MILWAUKEE BUCKS:
PG: Brandon Knight/Ramon Sessions/Nate Wolters
SG: OJ Mayo/Khris Middleton
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Carlos Delfino
PF: Ersan Ilyasova/John Henson/Jeff Adrien
C: Larry Sanders/Zaza Pachulia/Ekpe Udoh/Miroslav Raduljica
Coach: Larry Drew

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES:
PG: Ricky Rubio/J.J. Barea/A.J. Price
SG: Kevin Martin/Alexey Shved
SF: Corey Brewer/Chase Budinger/Luc Mbah a Moute/Shabazz Muhammad/Robbie Hummel
PF: Kevin Love/Dante Cunningham
C: Nikola Pekovic/Gorgui Dieng/Ronny Turiaf
Coach: Rick Adelman

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS:
PG: Jrue Holiday/Brian Roberts
SG: Eric Gordon/Tyreke Evans/Austin Rivers
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu/Anthony Morrow/Darius Miller/Luke Babbit
PF: Ryan Anderson/Jason Smith
C: Anthony Davis/Greg Stiemsma/Jeff Withey/Alexis Ajinca
Coach: Monty Williams

NEW YORK KNICKS:
PG: Raymond Felton/Pablo Prigioni/Tour'e Murray
SG: Iman Shumpert/J.R. Smith/Tim Hardaway Jr./Shannon Brown
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Earl Clark
PF: Andrea Bargnani/Amar'e Stoudemire/Jeremy Tyler
C: Tyson Chandler/Kenyon Martin/Cole Aldrich
Coach: Mike Woodson

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER:
PG: Russell Westbrook/Reggie Jackson/Derek Fisher
SG: Thabo Sefolosha/Jeremy Lamb/Andre Roberson
SF: Kevin Durant/Caron Butler/Perry Jones
PF: Serge Ibaka/Nick Collison
C: Kendrick Perkins/Steven Adams/Hasheem Thabeet
Coach: Scott Brooks

ORLANDO MAGIC:
PG: Jameer Nelson/E’Twaun Moore/Ronnie Price
SG: Victor Oladipo/Doron Lamb/Adonis Thomas
SF: Arron Afflalo/Moe Harkless
PF: Tobias Harris/Andrew Nicholson/Jason Maxiell
C: Nikola Vucevic/Kyle O’Quinn/Dewayne Dedmon
Coach: Jacque Vaughn

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS:
PG: Michael Carter-Williams/Tony Wroten/Eric Maynor
SG: James Anderson/Elliot Williams/Jason Richardson
SF: Hollis Thompson/Brandon Davies/Lorenzo Brown
PF: Thaddeus Young/Henry Sims/Jarvis Varnado
C: Arnett Moultrie/Byron Mullens/Nerlens Noel
Coach: Brett Brown

PHOENIX SUNS:
PG: Goran Dragic/Ishmael Smith/Leandro Barbosa
SG: Eric Bledsoe/Gerald Green/Archie Goodwin/Dionte Christmas
SF: PJ Tucker/Marcus Morris
PF: Channing Frye/Markieff Morris/Shalvik Randolph
C: Miles Plumlee/Alex Len/Emeka Okafor
Coach: Jeff Hornacek

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS:
PG: Damian Lillard/Mo Williams/Earl Watson
SG: Wesley Matthews/C.J. McCollum/Will Barton/Allen Crabbe
SF: Nicolas Batum/Dorell Wright/Victor Claver
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/Joel Freeland/Thomas Robinson
C: Robin Lopez/Meyers Leonard
Coach: Terry Stotts

SACRAMENTO KINGS:
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Ray McCallum
SG: Ben McLemore/Orlando Johnson/Jason Terry
SF: Rudy Gay/Travis Outlaw/Derrick Williams
PF: Jason Thompson/Carl Landry/Quincy Acy/Reggie Evans
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Aaron Gray
Coach: Mike Malone

SAN ANTONIO SPURS:
PG: Tony Parker/Patrick Mills/Corey Joseph
SG: Danny Green/Manu Ginobili/Marco Belinelli
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Austin Daye
PF: Tim Duncan/Boris Diaw/Jeff Ayres
C: Tiago Splitter/Matt Bonner/Aron Baynes
Coach: Gregg Popovich

TORONTO RAPTORS:
PG: Kyle Lowry/Greivis Vasquez/Dwight Buycks/Julyan Stone
SG: DeMar DeRozan/Landry Fields/Nando de Colo
SF: Terrence Ross/John Salmons/Steve Novak
PF: Amir Johnson/Tyler Hansbrough/Patrick Patterson
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Chuck Hayes
Coach: Dwane Casey

UTAH JAZZ:
PG: Trey Burke/John Lucas/Diante Garrett
SG: Gordon Hayward/Alec Burks/Brandon Rush/Ian Clark
SF: Marvin Williams/Richard Jefferson
PF: Derrick Favors/Jeremy Evans/Malcolm Thomas
C: Enes Kanter/Rudy Gobert/Andris Biedrins
Coach: Tyrone Corbin

WASHINGTON WIZARDS:
PG: John Wall/Andre Miller/Garrett Temple
SG: Bradley Beal/Martell Webster/Glen Rice Jr.
SF: Trevor Ariza/Otto Porter/Chris Singleton
PF: Nene/Trevor Booker/Al Harrington
C: Marcin Gortat/Kevin Seraphin/Drew Gooden
Coach: Randy Wittman

[Zurca]

NBA Power Rankings (Posted March 3, 2014) from NBA.com

1
   
Miami (42-14)
Pace: 94.4 (23), OffRtg: 110.1 (1), DefRtg: 102.5 (13), NetRtg: +7.6 (2)
The Heat's seven-game winning streak began with four tough road games, but they had last week off, playing only the Knicks and Magic at home. Now they'll be tested again, playing six games in 10 days against teams that are a combined 49-21 over the last month. The three road games this week should be particularly intriguing. They've lost six of their last seven regular season games in Chicago.
This week: vs. CHA, @ HOU, @ SAS, @ CHI
Last week: 1

2
   
San Antonio (43-16)
Pace: 96.6 (14), OffRtg: 107.3 (7), DefRtg: 100.6 (5), NetRtg: +6.7 (5)
The Spurs are whole for the first time in two months and in time to face the champs on Thursday. They're also home for most of the next two weeks, so it will be interesting to see if Gregg Popovich gives his regular starting lineup a chance to find a rhythm. It was terrific last season, but has struggled this year, especially offensively. Kawhi Leonard has looked pretty good in his first three games back.
This week: @ CLE, vs. MIA, vs. ORL
Last week: 5

3
   
Indiana (46-13)
Pace: 96.1 (16), OffRtg: 102.7 (17), DefRtg: 94.4 (1), NetRtg: +8.3 (1)
The Pacers have won five straight, but haven't exactly been dominant, edging the Bucks, Celtics and Jazz by just 13 points total. And with no garbage time against bad teams, Lance Stephenson was forced to log over 41 minutes three times in four nights. Evan Turner brought his inconsistency with him from Philadelphia, but the Indiana offense has been good with him and Stephenson on the floor together.
This week: vs. GSW, @ CHA, @ HOU, @ DAL
Last week: 3

4
   
L.A. Clippers (41-20)
Pace: 98.1 (8 ), OffRtg: 109.0 (2), DefRtg: 102.0 (8 ), NetRtg: +7.0 (4)
The Clippers' improved defensive numbers since Chris Paul's return are skewed by games against the Sixers and Pelicans in which they held two bad teams under 80 points. But they held Houston under a point per possession on Wednesday, keeping James Harden from getting all the way to the basket (with Matt Barnes doing most of the work). Only three of his 16 shots came in the restricted area.
This week: @ PHX, @ LAL, vs. ATL
Last week: 6

5
   
Houston (40-19)
Pace: 98.4 (6), OffRtg: 108.0 (5), DefRtg: 102.2 (10), NetRtg: +5.8 (6)
The Jordan Hamilton trade seemed minor, but the third-year forward has already found a spot in the Rockets' rotation, averaged 13.7 points (hitting seven threes) in three games last week, and started Saturday's win over Detroit with Chandler Parsons under the weather. Can Hamilton defend? Houston plays four games against LeBron James, Paul George and Kevin Durant in the next two weeks.
This week: vs. MIA, @ ORL, vs. IND, vs. POR
Last week: 2

6
   
Oklahoma City (45-15)
Pace: 97.7 (11), OffRtg: 107.6 (6), DefRtg: 100.2 (4), NetRtg: +7.4 (3)
Russell Westbrook looked great on Sunday, scoring 26 points (in just 25 minutes) on 10-for-12 shooting against the Bobcats. But the Thunder's own defense, which looked pretty awful over the previous four games, is the concern with Kendrick Perkins and Thabo Sefolosha both out until some time in April. Scott Brooks went big, with Perry Jones replacing Sefolosha in the starting lineup, against Charlotte.
This week: vs. PHI, @ PHX, @ LAL
Last week: 4

7
   
Chicago (33-26)
Pace: 93.1 (28), OffRtg: 98.9 (27), DefRtg: 97.8 (2), NetRtg: +1.1 (13)
For the first 2 1/2 months of the season, the Bulls had better numbers with Joakim Noah off the floor. But since Jan. 17, they've outscored their opponents by 9.7 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor and been outscored by 14.7 with him on the bench. Leading the team with 6.4 assists per game over those 17 games, his presence has given them a bigger boost on offense than defense.
This week: @ BKN, @ DET, vs. MEM, vs. MIA
Last week: 13

8
   
Portland (41-18)
Pace: 97.9 (9), OffRtg: 108.9 (3), DefRtg: 104.8 (20), NetRtg: +4.1 (8 )
The Blazers played their best defense of the season in LaMarcus Aldridge's absence and held another team (Denver) under a point per possession upon his return on Saturday. Their winning streak should reach seven games with home games against the Lakers and Hawks, but their March schedule is jam packed, with 15 games (11 on the road) in 26 days, starting Friday in Dallas.
This week: vs. LAL, vs. ATL, @ DAL, @ HOU
Last week: 11

9
   
Phoenix (35-24)
Pace: 98.2 (7), OffRtg: 106.8 (8 ), DefRtg: 103.5 (14), NetRtg: +3.3 (10)
The Suns ended their three-game slide with big offensive games against the Pelicans and Hawks. Goran Dragic recovered from a sprained ankle to put up a career-high 40 points against New Orleans. Most of their March schedule is against the Eastern Conference (against which they're 13-8), but their next four games (Clippers twice, Thunder and Warriors) are a critical stretch.
This week: vs. LAC, vs. OKC, @ GSW
Last week: 7

10
   
Memphis (33-25)
Pace: 92.2 (30), OffRtg: 102.6 (18), DefRtg: 102.5 (12), NetRtg: +0.1 (15)
When Tony Allen hurt his hand in early January, he was supposed to miss 2-3 weeks. He missed more than six, but something magical happened in that time, because Allen has shot 10-for-14 from outside the restricted area since his return, after shooting 29 percent from there through his first 27 games. The Grizz are knocking on the playoff door, but play 15 of their last 24 games on the road.
This week: @ WAS, @ BKN, @ CHI, vs. CHA
Last week: 9

11
   
Golden State (36-24)
Pace: 98.7 (5), OffRtg: 104.0 (12), DefRtg: 99.3 (3), NetRtg: +4.7 (7)
In games that haven't required a passport, Jermaine O'Neal has been pretty good. The early returns on Steve Blake are more mixed. He have the Warriors good minutes in Monday's win in Detroit, but they've scored less than a point per possession with him on the floor. They're just 2-2 on their six-game trip through the East, having been unable to score in Chicago or get stops in Toronto.
This week: @ IND, @ BOS, vs. ATL, vs. PHX
Last week: 10

12
   
Washington (31-28)
Pace: 95.9 (19), OffRtg: 102.5 (20), DefRtg: 102.1 (9), NetRtg: +0.4 (14)
The Wizards lost their first six games without Nene (who's out until April), but have won their last four, including three last week. Trevor Booker has started in his place, but other guys have picked up the scoring, not that their offense was great with Nene on the floor in the first place. Their no-Nene defense and their six-game winning streak will be tested against Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on Monday.
This week: vs. MEM, vs. UTA, @ MIL
Last week: 14

13
   
Toronto (33-26)
Pace: 94.5 (22), OffRtg: 104.8 (10), DefRtg: 101.1 (7), NetRtg: +3.7 (9)
With help from the extra 15 minutes played in Thursday's loss to the Wizards and with just one 3-pointer, DeMar DeRozan has scored 30-plus in three straight games for the first time in his career. He was huge (12 points on 5-for-7 shooting and that one three) in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over Golden State and is one of seven players who is averaging at least five points in all four quarters.
This week: vs. SAC, @ MIN
Last week: 12

14
   
Dallas (36-25)
Pace: 96.3 (15), OffRtg: 108.5 (4), DefRtg: 105.6 (22), NetRtg: +2.8 (11)
Vince Carter has scored 15-plus in five straight games (shooting 18-for-35 from 3-point range) and the Mavs had a nice little run against bad teams. But their defense helped the Knicks make things interesting on Monday and couldn't stop the #fullsquad Spurs on Sunday. It's now allowed almost 113 points per 100 possessions in 19 games against the top nine teams in the West.
This week: @ DEN, vs. POR, vs. IND
Last week: 8

15
   
Minnesota (29-29)
Pace: 99.7 (3), OffRtg: 104.9 (9), DefRtg: 102.4 (11), NetRtg: +2.5 (12)
The Wolves aren't dead yet. Playing some of their best defense of the season and with Kevin Love putting up ridiculous numbers (including four games of seven or more assists), they've won five of their last six to get back to .500. Now, they play five of their next seven against teams (Denver, New York, Detroit, Milwaukee and Sacramento) who are a combined 7-27 since the All-Star break.
This week: @ DEN, vs. NYK, vs. DET, vs. TOR
Last week: 16

16
   
Brooklyn (28-29)
Pace: 94.1 (26), OffRtg: 103.0 (16), DefRtg: 104.7 (19), NetRtg: -1.7 (17)
The Marcus Thornton trade paid off on Saturday, when Thornton scored 25 points to help the Nets finish their post-break trip at 4-2 and remain within shouting distance of a top-four seed. Now they're home for seven of their next 10 games, a stretch which includes games against the three teams ahead of them in the standings. They failed to crack 80 points in their first two games against the Bulls.
This week: vs. CHI, vs. MEM, @ BOS, vs. SAC
Last week: 15

17
   
Charlotte (27-32)
Pace: 95.4 (21), OffRtg: 99.0 (26), DefRtg: 101.0 (6), NetRtg: -2.0 (18)
The Bobcats are 0-2 in this six-day stretch against the four best teams in the league, but Sunday's loss in Oklahoma City was another example of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist holding his own against of the league's best scorers. He was the primary defender on Kevin Durant as KD shot 8-for-24, with 17 of the 24 shots being contested. Next up for MKG: LeBron James and Paul George.
This week: @ MIA, vs. IND, vs. CLE, @ MEM
Last week: 17

18
   
Cleveland (24-37)
Pace: 95.4 (20), OffRtg: 99.8 (24), DefRtg: 104.6 (18), NetRtg: -4.8 (25)
The Cavs had some interesting swings from half to half and quarter to quarter last week. On Tuesday, they took the lead against Toronto with a plus-7 third, but got outscored 31-24 in the fourth. On Wednesday, they dropped 42 points in the fourth to win in Oklahoma City. After a tight first half on Friday, they blew out the Jazz. And they turned an 11-point halftime lead into a 14-point loss in Memphis on Saturday.
This week: vs. SAS, @ CHA, vs. NYK
Last week: 20

19
   
Atlanta (26-32)
Pace: 97.2 (12), OffRtg: 104.0 (11), DefRtg: 104.1 (16), NetRtg: -0.1 (16)
They're not getting blown out on a regular basis like the Sixers, haven't obviously let go of the rope like the Knicks, and could get Paul Millsap back soon. But the Hawks have lost 11 of their last 12 games and continue a tough road trip this week. Amazingly, they still have a 3 1/2 game lead for the final playoff spot in the East, with only Cleveland looking like it has any shot to challenge them.
This week: @ POR, @ GSW, @ LAC
Last week: 18

20
   
Utah (21-38)
Pace: 93.7 (27), OffRtg: 100.3 (23), DefRtg: 107.2 (30), NetRtg: -6.9 (28)
After playing an awful game in Cleveland on Friday, the Jazz came a few inches from taking the Pacers to overtime two nights later. Their young five played another eight minutes together on Sunday, but gave up 26 points in those eight minutes. Gordon Hayward seems to have broken out of his slump, though, averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists over the last three games.
This week: @ MIL, @ WAS, @ NYK, @ PHI
Last week: 26

21
   
Orlando (19-43)
Pace: 96.0 (18), OffRtg: 99.2 (25), DefRtg: 104.3 (17), NetRtg: -5.1 (27)
Two games against the Sixers helped the Magic get within one of last season's win total. They outscored Philly 60-35 in the two fourth quarters and are a plus-50 in the fourth over their last 11 games. For the season, only the Pacers have improved more from the first half to the second half of games than the Magic, who have been outscored 9.4 points in the first half and just 0.6 in the second half.
This week: vs. HOU, @ SAS
Last week: 25

22
   
Detroit (23-36)
Pace: 97.7 (10), OffRtg: 102.6 (19), DefRtg: 105.9 (23), NetRtg: -3.3 (22)
Brandon Jennings has shot 30 percent over the last eight games, but that's the least of the Pistons' problems, because their defense is getting scorched every night. They've allowed over 110 points per 100 possessions in each of their seven games since the All-Star break. If there's any good news in Detroit it's that Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey have given the bench some life.
This week: vs. NYK, vs. CHI, @ MIN, @ BOS
Last week: 21

23
   
L.A. Lakers (20-39)
Pace: 99.9 (2), OffRtg: 101.3 (22), DefRtg: 106.1 (24), NetRtg: -4.8 (26)
If there's one Laker who's happy to be playing five games this week, it's Jordan Farmar, who shot 12-for-16 from 3-point range in the last two (and 24-for-40 in February) and scored a career-high 30 points against the Kings on Friday. The Lakers rank third in 3-point percentage (MarShon Brooks is 8-for-9 in his first five games), which makes them a dangerous spoiler on their good nights.
This week: @ POR, vs. NOP, vs. LAC, @ DEN, vs. OKC
Last week: 27

24
   
Sacramento (20-39)
Pace: 97.0 (13), OffRtg: 103.7 (14), DefRtg: 106.5 (25), NetRtg: -2.7 (20)
Well, DeMarcus Cousins got himself suspended again. It wasn't for the tantrum he threw (which he did get fined for and which put him one technical foul away from another suspension), but for the gut-punch to Patrick Beverley that went mostly unnoticed until the NBA handed down its ruling. As our Scott Howard-Cooper pointed out, Cousins' USA Basketball stock certainly took a hit as well.
This week: vs. NOP, @ MIL, @ TOR, @ BKN
Last week: 22

25
   
Denver (25-33)
Pace: 99.6 (4), OffRtg: 102.5 (21), DefRtg: 104.8 (20), NetRtg: -2.3 (19)
The Nuggets' only two wins in their last 12 games were against the Bucks. Since they're not allowed to play Milwaukee again, they'll have to figure out how to beat somebody else. They've been awful both offensively and defensively with the league's second worst point differential over the last month. With Ty Lawson out, Kenneth Faried has been only guy doing much of anything on a consistent basis.
This week: vs. MIN, vs. DAL, vs. LAL, @ NOP
Last week: 24

26
   
Boston (20-40)
Pace: 96.0 (17), OffRtg: 98.8 (28), DefRtg: 103.5 (15), NetRtg: -4.8 (24)
Rajon Rondo has recorded double-digit assists in every Celtics post-break game that wasn't played on his birthday. Despite his AWOL controversy, the Cs showed signs of life -- almost knocking off the Pacers -- upon returning home from another winless trip out West. They're playing a stretch with seven of eight games at home, where Rondo has shot 51 percent (15-for-33 from 3-point range).
This week: vs. GSW, vs. BKN, vs. DET
Last week: 28

27
   
New Orleans (23-36)
Pace: 94.4 (24), OffRtg: 104.0 (13), DefRtg: 106.9 (26), NetRtg: -2.9 (21)
Remember when the Pelicans were the team you gravitated to in the middle of a heavy League Pass night early in the season? With all their injuries and an awful defense, not even Anthony Davis makes them all that appealing these days. They're the only team other than the Sixers without a win since the All-Star break, but do play the Kings and Lakers this week, followed by six straight home games.
This week: @ SAC, @ LAL, vs. MIL, vs. DEN
Last week: 19

28
   
New York (21-39)
Pace: 92.9 (29), OffRtg: 103.6 (15), DefRtg: 107.0 (29), NetRtg: -3.4 (23)
The Knicks have actually been decent offensively over the last month, but their defense has been so, so bad. It was never any good and they obviously have a bunch of bad defenders on the roster, but they just don't care anymore. Their opponents have shot a mightily efficient 42 percent from 3-point range since Feb. 1. The first team to get a stop will likely win Monday's showdown in Detroit.
This week: @ DET, @ MIN, vs. UTA, @ CLE
Last week: 23

29
   
Milwaukee (11-47)
Pace: 94.3 (25), OffRtg: 97.7 (29), DefRtg: 107.0 (28), NetRtg: -9.3 (29)
What a week for the Bucks! They won a game by double-figures for just the third time on Monday (they led the Sixers by as many as 35) and scored 30 points in two different quarters against the league's best defense on Thursday. This week could be even better, as the next three games provide them with a real opportunity to go on a winning streak for the first time since last March.
This week: vs. UTA, vs. SAC, @ NOP, vs. WAS
Last week: 29

30
   
Philadelphia (15-45)
Pace: 102.6 (1), OffRtg: 96.0 (30), DefRtg: 106.9 (27), NetRtg: -10.9 (30)
The possibility of the Sixers ending the season on a 36-game losing streak became a lot more realistic last week when they couldn't beat the Bucks at home or the Magic (who were missing their best player) in two tries. Saturday's game against the Jazz might be a winnable game if Philly had more than two legit NBA rotation-caliber players on its roster. Henry Sims played 31 minutes on Sunday.
This week: @ OKC, vs. UTA

[Zurca]

NBA Results from All Sports thread

NBA Results March 4, 2014

Nets rout Bulls as Collins makes home debut

Lakers hold off Blazers 107-106

Cousins, Thomas lead Kings past slumping Pelicans

Timberwolves outlast Nuggets for 132-128 win

Grizzlies end Wizards' streak with 110-104 victory

Struggling Pistons beat slumping Knicks 96-85

History! LeBron nets 61, Heat top Bobcats 124-107

Ilyasova scores 31, Bucks beat Jazz 114-88


NBA Results March 5, 2014

Westbrook, Durant lead Thunder past 76ers 125-92

Pelicans beat Lakers 132-125 to end 8-game skid

Barnes, Griffin lead Clippers to 5th straight win

Howard, Harden lead Rockets over Heat 106-103

Warriors hand Pacers rare home loss, 98-96

Green scores 24, Spurs beat Cavaliers 122-101

[kingjames24szupladoh]

March 5, Final Scores/Leaders:

Spurs - 122 Cavaliers - 101
Green: 24 Pts. Ginobili: 6 Asts. Duncan: 8 Rebs./Irving: 24 Pts. Dellavedova: 7 Asts. Hawes: 13 Rebs.

Warriors - 98 Pacers - 96
Thompson: 25 Pts. Curry: 6 Asts. Curry: 8 Rebs./West: 27 Pts. George: 4 Asts. George: 12 Rebs.

Heat - 103 Rockets - 106
Wade: 24 Pts. James: 6 Asts. Andersen: 7 Rebs./Howard: 22 Pts. Harden: 11 Asts. Howard: 16 Rebs.

Sixers - 92 Thunder - 125
Anderson: 20 Pts. Carter-Williams: 5 Asts. Varnado: 6 Rebs./Durant: 42 Pts. Westbrook: 14 Asts. Westbrook: 10 Rebs.

Clippers - 104 Suns - 96
Barnes: 28 Pts. Paul: 9 Asts. Jordan: 17 Rebs./Tucker: 18 Pts. Dragic: 9 Asts. Tucker: 10 Rebs.

Pelicans - 132 Lakers - 125
Davis: 28 Pts. Evans: 11 Asts. Davis: 15 Rebs./Gasol: 29 Pts. Marshall: 10 Asts. Gasol: 12 Rebs.




STANDINGS:
West:
1. THUNDER 46-15
2. SPURS 44-16
3. Rockets 41-19
4. CLIPPERS 42-20
5. Blazers 41-19
6. Warriors 37-24
7. Mavericks 36-25
8. Suns 35-25
9. Grizzlies 34-25
10. Timberwolves 30-29
11. Nuggets 25-34
12. Pelicans 24-37
13. Jazz 21-39
14. Kings 21-39
15. Lakers 21-40

East:
1. PACERS 46-14
2. HEAT 43-15
3. RAPTORS 33-26
4. Bulls 33-27
5. Wizards 31-29
6. Nets 29-29
7. Bobcats 27-33
8. Hawks 26-32
9. Pistons 24-36
10. Cavaliers 24-38
11. Knicks 21-40
12. Celtics 20-40
13. Magic 19-43
14. Sixers 15-46
15. Bucks 12-47

*Note: Division leaders are capitalized. Division leaders are guaranteed at least the 4th seed.

[kingjames24szupladoh]

March 6, Final Scores/Leaders:

Pacers - 87 Bobcats - 109
Turner: 22 Pts. Turner: 5 Asts. Stephenson: 8 Rebs./Jefferson: 34 Pts. Walker: 9 Asts. Jefferson: 8 Rebs.

Rockets - 101 Magic - 89
Harden: 31 Pts. Parsons: 7 Asts. Howard: 13 Rebs./Afflalo: 18 Pts. Price: 5 Asts. Vucevic: 10 Rebs.

Jazz - 91 Wizards - 104
Burks: 19 Pts. Hayward: 6 Asts. Williams: 9 Rebs./Ariza: 26 Pts. Wall: 10 Asts. Gortat: 9 Rebs.

Warriors - 108 Celtics - 88
Lee: 18 Pts. Blake: 6 Asts. Lee: 10 Rebs./Olynyk: 19 Pts. Rondo: 7 Asts. Bass: 8 Rebs.

Grizzlies - 94 Nets - 103
Leuer: 19 Pts. Calathes: 5 Asts. Koufos: 8 Rebs./Johnson: 21 Pts. Williams: 7 Asts. Pierce: 8 Rebs.

Bulls - 105 Pistons - 94
Augustin: 26 Pts. Noah: 11 Asts. Butler: 12 Rebs./Monroe: 27 Pts. Jennings: 9 Asts. Smith: 9 Rebs.

Kings - 116 Bucks - 102
Thomas: 25 Pts. Gay: 6 Asts. Thompson: 13 Rebs./Knight: 25 Pts. Knight: 6 Asts. Henson: 7 Rebs.

Knicks - 118 Timberwolves - 106
Anthony: 33 Pts. Felton: 8 Asts. Chandler: 14 Rebs./Love: 19 Pts. Rubio: 8 Asts. Love: 8 Rebs.

Mavericks - 110 Nuggets - 115
Nowitzki: 27 Pts. Harris: 11 Asts. Nowitzki: 7 Rebs./Chandler: 21 Pts. Lawson: 7 Asts. Mozgov: 10 Rebs.

Hawks - 78 Blazers - 102
Martin: 16 Pts. Mack: 7 Asts. Carroll: 6 Rebs./Williams: 15 Pts. Lillard: 6 Asts. Batum: 18 Rebs.




STANDINGS:
West:
1. THUNDER 46-15
2. SPURS 44-16
3. Rockets 42-19
4. CLIPPERS 42-20
5. Blazers 42-19
6. Warriors 38-24
7. Suns 35-25
8. Mavericks 36-26
9. Grizzlies 34-26
10. Timberwolves 30-30
11. Nuggets 26-34
12. Pelicans 24-37
13. Kings 22-39
14. Jazz 21-40
15. Lakers 21-40

East:
1. PACERS* 46-15
2. HEAT 43-15
3. RAPTORS 33-26
4. Bulls 34-27
5. Wizards 32-29
6. Nets 30-29
7. Bobcats 28-33
8. Hawks 26-33
9. Pistons 24-37
10. Cavaliers 24-38
11. Knicks 22-40
12. Celtics 20-41
13. Magic 19-44
14. Sixers 15-46
15. Bucks 12-48

* - Clinched Playoff Berth
Note: Division leaders are capitalized. Division leaders are guaranteed at least the 4th seed.




Friday , March 7 Schedule: 3 games

Miami at San Antonio - 8 pm ET, 5 pm PT on TNT
Oklahoma City at Phoenix - 9 pm ET, 6 pm PT
L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers - 10:30 pm ET, 7:30 pm PT on TNT

[tonistork]

Gerald Green's career-best 41 helps Suns race by Thunder
Associated Press

PHOENIX -- Gerald Green scored 25 of his career-high 41 points in the third quarter and the Phoenix Suns erased a 16-point deficit to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-122 on Thursday night.

Markieff Morris added 24 points, including two free throws with 24.4 seconds to play. Goran Dragic scored 22, including six of the Suns' final 12 points after Oklahoma City led 118-116.

Russell Westbrook scored a season-high 36 for the Thunder, who would have pulled a half-game ahead of Indiana for the NBA's best record with a victory. Kevin Durant added 34.

Green's outburst fell one point shy of a Suns record for most points in a quarter set by Stephon Marbury in 2002. His career-best eight 3-pointers also was one shy of the franchise mark.

It was Phoenix's second 40-point performance in four games. Dragic had 40 against New Orleans on Friday.

In the third quarter, Green was 7 of 11, including 6 of 6 on 3s. Fouled on a 3-pointer with 6.9 seconds left, Green missed one of the three free throws or he would have tied Marbury's franchise record.

After trailing by as many as 16 in the quarter, the Suns scored the final 14 points of the third to lead 101-98 entering the fourth. The run reached 21-3 when Marcus Morris' 3 put Phoenix up 108-101 with 9:34 to play.

Game notes

The Suns were without center Miles Plumlee for the second game in a row with a sprained shoulder. ... Phoenix G Eric Bledsoe is close to playing and could be back in any of the coming three games. ... The Thunder had won three in a row in Phoenix. ... Durant didn't make a jumper in the first half and still had 15 points.

TS (toni_storks) view:
Talagang di bumibitaw ang Phoenix, parang di na talaga sila matitinag as a play-off bound team. Talagang sila ang surprise team of the season so far, bumaba na kasi ang game ng Portland (another surprising team).