It’s time to set your All-Star Weekend hangover aside and make way for another week of basketball. Perhaps the biggest thing to watch out for is the possible sluggish re-start that everyone will be going through. The majority of the players and team personnel just had a seven-day break from the NBA grind and will have to get back into the groove of things. Here are some of the big games in the week ahead.
February 24: Rookie Showdown
Evan Mobley versus Cade Cunningham. Players you’ll find in those rookie rankings are facing each other and that in itself is a treat. Cunningham had a triple-double last time he faced Mobley’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Mobley on the other hand has shot well, rebounded better, and was a shot-blocking machine in two games against Cunningham’s Detroit Pistons. The season series is tied at 1-1 with two more meetings to go.
February 25: Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers Part 3
The player to watch out for in this game is Marcus Morris of the Clippers. In the first game, he made a three-pointer that banked in during crunch time. It looked like a lucky shot if you watch the replays. In the second game, Morris hit another clutch three-pointer before Reggie Jackson’s game-winning lay-up. That second game will always be known for Anthony Davis and his buzzer-beating shot that almost went in. A collective groan from the Lakers and their fans could be heard when the ball rimmed out. Maybe luck will favor the Lakers this time.
February 26: Bounce-back Game?
The Boston Celtics are looking forward to this game because the memories of their last match-up with the Pistons will still be fresh in their minds. Last week, the Celtics were aiming for their tenth win in a row but the Pistons spoiled that run by winning a one-point game. Jaylen Brown had a chance to take the lead but his shot got blocked. Jayson Tatum also had a chance to win it but missed the game-winning jumper.
February 26: Scoring Guards
Memphis Grizzlies and the Chicago Bulls will allow us to see a great scoring battle. What can we expect when both Ja Morant and DeMar DeRozan are on the court at the same time? Both players can score using acrobatic moves. Both players can score while floating in the air. Both players can catch the lob pass and throw it down for explosive dunks. Compiling the highlights of this game should be easy.
The Show Goes On
The All-Star Weekend and the mid-season break may have drawn to a close but a true All-Star’s work is never done. Every team has an All-Star or a leader that everyone looks up to. If that leader sets the tone right, then the rest of his teammates can follow that lead and the team will be in a better position to win. Teams have around 22 games to go in the regular season and it’s time to see who’ll lead their team to the postseason run in the next several weeks.
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