https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/nba-logos/was.png

Wizards

May 5, 2006. That was the last time the Sacramento Kings <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200605050SAC.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">played in a playoff game</a>. That contest took place 5,863 days ago.&nbsp; To put that into context: During that 2005-06 season, Chris Paul was a rookie and Bruce Bowen, who was born in 1971, was named to the NBA's All-Defensive First Team. Steve Nash won his second consecutive MVP award and Boris Diaw was named the league's Most Improved Player.
The Kings made history last month, the type of history that no organization wants to be known for. Sacramento, who finished the 2021-22 campaign with a 30-52 record, failed to qualify for the postseason for the 16th straight season, breaking the NBA record for the longest playoff drought. (The Kings had been tied with the Buffalo Braves and Los Angeles Clippers prior.)
So, while <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-draft-lottery-teams-who-should-trade-to-win-now-or-at-least-sooner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">many teams in this year's draft lottery</a> are rumored to be interested in potentially trading their pick, arguably no team is more motivated to add an established player (as opposed to an unproven rookie) in hopes of avoiding a return trip to the all-too-familiar lottery dais next May than the Kings.
As proof of their urgency to win now, the Kings shocked pundits back in February by trading away Tyrese Haliburton, one of the league's most promising young point guards, to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a package that included Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb and two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.&nbsp;
Thus, it isn't shocking to learn that Sacramento, who jumped up to land the No. 4 overall pick in last week's lottery, is reportedly willing to wheel and deal if presented with the right offer.&nbsp;
<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10036369-nba-draft-buzz-insiders-explain-why-chet-holmgren-makes-sense-at-no-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report</a>, "there's a strong belief among rival teams that Sacramento will explore trading the fourth selection, either out of the draft entirely for an impact veteran or down later in the lottery to net a contributing rotation player in the process."
The other issue likely factoring into the Kings' thought process is that the top tier of the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/draft" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 NBA Draft</a> consists of three players (Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero), with a bit of a dropoff after those elite prospects. Nonetheless, "the uncertainty of the fourth selection could prompt eager teams to leap up to secure their prized prospect" which puts the Kings' front office in a "<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10036369-nba-draft-buzz-insiders-explain-why-chet-holmgren-makes-sense-at-no-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strong trade position</a>," per Fischer.&nbsp;
Additionally, Mike Scotto of HoopsHype recently <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/aggregate-nba-mock-draft-lottery-jabari-smith-chet-holmgren-paolo-banchero-trade-rumors/">reported</a> that NBA executives "are monitoring the Sacramento Kings" as a team that could trade their pick "in search of player(s) that can help immediately." Scotto added that after acquiring Sabonis, the Kings have "made it clear the goal is to end the franchise's playoff drought" and that "rival teams are keeping an eye on Sacramento to trade this pick."
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
So, let's examine some deals that might make sense for both the Kings and a potential trading partner.
Detroit Pistons send Jerami Grant, Saben Lee, Isaiah Livers and a second-round pick (No. 46 overall) to the Kings in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick, Richaun Holmes, Maurice Harkless and Alex Len
Earlier this offseason, Sacramento general manager Monte McNair <a href="https://account.sacbee.com/paywall/subscriber-only?resume=260358905&amp;intcid=ab_archive">conceded</a> that the team needs to add players who can knock down shots and fit in alongside the franchise's cornerstones, Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox.
"I think shooting, we can clearly acknowledge, will be a huge priority," McNair declared. "Length, athleticism, versatility &mdash; we've talked about all that as well. Obviously, you want the whole package, but shooting will be a big priority for us."
Grant most certainly checks those boxes. During his two years in Detroit, he has averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.0 made treys and 1.1 blocks per game. He has shot over 37% from downtown on 4.5 attempts over the past four seasons and is a versatile, plus defender. As a stretch-4, Grant &mdash; who just turned 28 and is in the heart of his prime &mdash; could conceivably fit in well in the frontcourt alongside Sabonis, who likes to operate on the low block and is a good passer from the post. Moreover, Fox-Grant pick-and-rolls would be difficult to defend.&nbsp;
The issue in this potential trade is that Grant has just one season left on the three-year, $60 million deal he signed in 2020. However, as long as Grant is traded before Aug. 9, he is eligible to sign an extension with his new team for up to $112 million over four years. After previously spurning the Nuggets to sign with the Pistons, we know that Grant is not afraid to join a team that hasn't enjoyed recent success. Would he be willing to commit to Sacramento long-term? If so, a Big Three of Fox, Grant and Sabonis might be talented enough to finally push the Kings into the postseason.&nbsp;
For the Pistons, they would add Holmes (a quality center on a team-friendly contract) and enter next month's draft with 2 of the top 5 picks, which would allow them to add a pair of promising prospects to a core centered around Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes. 
Washington Wizards send Kyle Kuzma and the No. 10 overall pick to the Kings for the No. 4 pick, Justin Holiday and Terence Davis
After a disappointing end to his tenure as a Los Angeles Laker, Kuzma bounced back with a very productive season for the Wizards in 2021-22. He averaged 17.1 points and 1.9 made three-pointers while setting career-highs in rebounds (8.5), assists (3.5) and blocks (0.9) per game. He led the Wiz in double-doubles with 24 (which ranked tied for the sixth-most among all forwards in the NBA). Adding Kuzma's offensive versatility would provide Sacramento with some much-needed depth at forward. In addition, the Kings would still have a lottery pick, dropping back just six spots, which would allow them to add another young asset to the roster.&nbsp;
<iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NRlOROv23cs" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Wizards would likely entertain such a deal if they fell in love with a prospect &mdash; such as Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey or Shaedon Sharpe &mdash; whom they feel relatively sure won't still be on the board at 10.
Kuz has two years left on his current contract but can opt out in the summer of 2023. However, he will be eligible to sign a four-year extension for up to $70 million this October if his $13 million player option for 2023-24 is declined.&nbsp;
A similar package featuring one of the Wizards' other young forwards (Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija or Corey Kispert) instead of Kuzma might also be feasible, depending on the value the Kings/Wizards place on the respective players.&nbsp;
Houston Rockets send the No. 3 overall pick and Eric Gordon to the Kings for the No. 4 pick, a (protected) future first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, Richaun Holmes and Justin Holiday
Is it possible that Sacramento views Smith, Holmgren or Banchero as talented enough to make a substantial impact as a rookie? If so, would the team be willing to pony up sufficient capital to move up one spot?
The Kings would snag one of this draft's three most prized prospects in this hypothetical scenario. The 7-foot Holmgren is one of the most versatile prospects to enter the draft in recent history. Banchero possesses a freakish combination of size, strength and athleticism. Smith projects as a lethal stretch-4 who could fit in nicely alongside Sabonis.&nbsp;
Gordon is a respected, established veteran with just one year of guaranteed money left on his contract. He shot a scorching 41.2% from three-point territory this past season, the second-best mark of his career.&nbsp;
Such a deal would make sense for the Rockets if they feel whichever of the top-tier prospects that falls to them isn't significantly better than the next highest-ranked player on their board. During a post-lottery press conference last week, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said Houston is <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/1526739178557517824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1526739178557517824%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F10036145-rockets-open-to-trading-3rd-pick-in-2022-nba-draft-if-a-deal-makes-sense-gm-says" target="_blank" rel="noopener">open to trading the No. 3 pick</a>.
"I'm definitely not gonna block them out," Stone <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/1526739178557517824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1526739178557517824%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F10036145-rockets-open-to-trading-3rd-pick-in-2022-nba-draft-if-a-deal-makes-sense-gm-says">told reporters</a>. "If they wanna talk, I'm always available to talk... If it's the case that they're interested in doing something, we're always available to listen. If there's something that makes sense for both teams, something will get done."
Adding a quality young center in Holmes would give the Rockets leverage in negotiations with Christian Wood, or potentially enable them to trade him out of Houston.&nbsp;
New York Knicks trade Julius Randle and the No. 11 overall pick to the Kings for Harrison Barnes, the No. 4 pick and a second-round pick (No. 37 overall)&nbsp;
Randle playing alongside Sabonis could be viewed as a clunky fit, but Sabonis did play 80% of his minutes at center for Sacramento after arriving via the midseason trade. The pairing would undoubtedly be problematic defensively, but the duo would be dynamic on the offensive end. Over the past two seasons, Randle and Sabonis were 2 of only 4 NBA players to average double-digit boards and more than 5 assists per contest. (The other two players in this club were Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo.)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
After being named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2020-21, Randle's offensive inefficiency regressed dramatically this past season. In addition, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/julius-randle-and-the-knicks-should-part-ways-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the relationship between Randle and Knicks fans turned toxic</a> at various points during the year. Yet, even in a "down year," he averaged 20.1 points, 9.9 boards and 5.1 dimes per game. A fresh start in California might help Randle regain his All-Star form. Also, he is under team control for at least three more years (he has a player option for 2025-26), which means the Kings wouldn't have to worry about their key players entering free agency anytime soon.&nbsp;
From the Knicks' perspective, this move would allow them to jump up and snag a highly-touted prospect, possibly combo guard Jaden Ivey, who New York was rumored to be interested in. And, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/julius-randle-and-the-knicks-should-part-ways-this-summer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as I wrote last month</a>, moving Randle would enable the Knicks to insert Obi Toppin (who averaged 27.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 made three-pointers per game in April) into the starting lineup while also clearing Randle's contract off their books. Barnes will celebrate his 30th birthday next week, but is still playing at a high level and has just one year left on his current deal.&nbsp;
Atlanta Hawks trade John Collins and the No. 16 pick to the Kings for Harrison Barnes and the No. 4 pick
After signing a massive five-year contract worth $125 million last summer, Collins struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2021-22. His disappointing production was one of the reasons Atlanta failed to meet lofty expectations this season. One year after advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Hawks spent much of this past season below .500 and were easily eliminated by the Miami Heat in the first round.
Would they be willing to part way with Collins (and his contract) to jump 12 spots in the draft?&nbsp;
Much like the aforementioned Randle/Knicks deal, the Kings would have to decide if Collins could mesh with Sabonis and Fox.&nbsp;
Charlotte Hornets trade Gordon Hayward, the No. 13 pick and the No. 15 pick (via NOLA) to the Kings in exchange for Harrison Barnes, Maurice Harkless, Alex Len and the No. 4 pick
Attempting to determine Hayward's value league-wide is difficult. When healthy, he's been remarkably productive throughout his career. However, he's been plagued by injury issues and has missed 58 games since signing a four-year, $120 million pact with the Hornets in 2020. He has two years and $61.5 million left on his current contract, which also contains a 15% trade kicker.&nbsp;
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!

Tommy Beer highlights a number of possible trades that the Kings could execute to improve their roster this summer.

Breaking down 6 hypothetical trades for the Kings' fourth draft pick

WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; Obi Toppin scored a career-high 35 points, and the New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 114-92 on Friday night.
RJ Barrett scored 14 points for the Knicks before leaving the game with a sprained right knee. His early exit came on a night when a number of key players from both teams didn't play at all. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention. New York (36-45) moved a game ahead of Washington (35-46) for 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks allowed the game's first 10 points and shot just 2 of 9 from 3-point range in the first quarter, but they dominated after that. New York was 14 of 30 from long distance the rest of the way.
The Knicks took control when they outscored Washington 36-19 in the second quarter to lead 59-50 at halftime.
New York scored the final six points of the first half on a dunk and then a four-point play by Toppin. Then the Knicks scored the first 13 of the third quarter. Toppin capped the run with two more 3-pointers to make it 72-50.
Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 21 points. Immanuel Quickley had 23 points and 10 assists for New York.
DID NOT PLAY
The Wizards have been without Bradley Beal (left wrist) for more than two months, and Kyle Kuzma (right knee) was out for a 12th straight game. Kristaps Porzingis (right knee) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (rest) did not play either.
Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said Kuzma, Porzingis and Caldwell-Pope will also miss the team's finale at Charlotte.
New York was without Julius Randle (right quadriceps tendon) for a fourth straight game. The Knicks have also been without Nerlens Noel (left foot), Cam Reddish (right shoulder), Derrick Rose (right ankle) and Kemba Walker. Quentin Grimes (right knee) and Mitchell Robinson (non-COVID illness) each missed a second straight game.
TIP-INS
Knicks: Toppin's previous career high was 20 points.
Wizards: Washington was blown out despite shooting 51% from the field. The Wizards had 22 turnovers, which led to 33 New York points.
UP NEXT
Knicks: Host Toronto on Sunday night.
Wizards: At Charlotte on Sunday.

Obi Toppin poured in a career-high 35 points in Friday's win over the Washington Wizards.

Toppin scores 35, Knicks rout Wizards 114-92

WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; DeMar DeRozan scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, and the Chicago Bulls pulled away for a 107-94 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.
Nikola Vucevic scored 27 points for Chicago, which is trying to stay in the top six in the Eastern Conference and avoid the play-in round of the postseason. The Bulls (44-32) took a half-game lead over Toronto (43-32) for fifth place in the East, and they lead seventh-place Cleveland (42-33) by 1 1/2 games.
Chicago has played 12 of its last 15 on the road, but the Bulls now have only six games remaining in the regular season &mdash; and the next five are at home.
Rui Hachimura scored 21 points for the Wizards, who had their modest two-game winning streak snapped. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20.
The Bulls rebounded from a loss to the New York Knicks the previous night, and they overcame a scoreless first half from Zach LaVine, who finished with 14 points. DeRozan was just 2 of 12 from the field in the half, but he went 10 of 15 in the second.
Chicago led 75-73 after three quarters, but the Bulls made their decisive run early in the fourth. DeRozan's breakaway dunk made it 90-80 &mdash; the first double-digit lead for either team &mdash; and Chicago comfortably closed the game out from there.
Vucevic scored 20 points in the first half, and the Bulls led 51-46 after two quarters.
TIP-INS
Bulls: Javonte Green scored nine points on 4-of-4 shooting. That included a one-handed dunk in the second quarter and an alley-oop moments later.
Wizards: Washington is without star Bradley Beal (left wrist), and Kyle Kuzma (right knee) wasn't available either. ... Kristaps Porzingis and Deni Avdija scored 14 points apiece.
UP NEXT
Bulls: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Wizards: Host Orlando on Wednesday night.
&nbsp;

DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points as the Chicago Bulls earned a 107-94 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Bulls alone in 5th place after 107-94 win over Wizards

Stephen Curry dazzled for 47 points on his 34th birthday, Draymond Green returned from a 29-game absence to ignite the defense as usual, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Washington Wizards 126-112 on Monday night.
Reigning scoring champion Curry shot 16 for 25 with seven 3-pointers, dribbling past defenders and shaking coverage to make off-balanced shots. The Warriors wound up shooting 53.6% from the floor in snapping a three-game losing streak to Washington. Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole scored 20 apiece.
Green, who had been sidelined with a disk injury in his lower back and played for the first time since Jan. 9, finished with six points, seven rebounds and six assists in 20 minutes. It marked the first time he, Curry and Thompson were on the court together since Thompson went down with a left knee injury in the deciding Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, won by Toronto. Thompson had surgery then missed last season recovering from a repaired right Achilles tendon.
Green entered <a href="https://twitter.com/JanieMcCAP/status/1503558520871948289">at the 4:50 mark of the opening quarter</a> to a warm ovation, then knocked down a 3-pointer with 2:42 left in the period, yelling &ldquo;Yeah!&rdquo; in delight. Coach Steve Kerr opted to bring Green off the bench at least for a game or two &mdash; &ldquo;This is very temporary,&rdquo; Kerr said &mdash; since Green is on a minutes restriction initially.
Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points and Kenatavious Caldwell-Pope 19 in the Wizards&rsquo; fourth straight loss, fifth of six and sixth in a row on the road.
Rui Hachimura's basket with 5:25 to play got the Wizards within single digits at 110-101 before Curry connected moments later.
JAPAN TOUR
The Warriors and Wizards will play a pair of preseason games Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 in Saitama, Japan, outside Tokyo.
&ldquo;Participating in the upcoming NBA Japan Games gives us great optimism about the continued growth of basketball around the world and the opportunity to unite through a shared love of the game,&rdquo; Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider said.
The games at Saitama Super Arena will be the Wizards&rsquo; first trip to Japan and the 15th and 16th games in the country for the NBA.
FAMILIAR FACE
First-year Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. was a Warriors assistant in 2011-12 during Thompson&rsquo;s rookie season and the third year for Curry.
&ldquo;This place was a lot of fun,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Not only the city but the arena, the energy.&rdquo;
WISEMAN PLAN
Second-year center James Wiseman will play another game &mdash; his third &mdash; with the G League Santa Cruz Warriors on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, then the Warriors will decide on the next step.
He hasn't played this season while recovering from right knee surgery and not in an NBA game since April 10.
TIP-INS
Wizards: Washington shot 6 for 20 from deep in the first half to trail 73-57 at the break and committed seven turnovers that led to 15 Golden State points. ... The Wizards shot 51.2% but were outrebounded 44-35.
Warriors: Golden State missed starting forward Andrew Wiggins because of an illness. ... G Gary Payton II sat out a sixth straight game with soreness in his left knee. ... The Warriors are 12-2 at home against the Eastern Conference. ... Andre Iguodala missed a 15th straight game and 23rd in 24 with lower back tightness but Kerr said &ldquo;we want to do everything possible to have him healthy&rdquo; for the stretch run and playoffs.
UP NEXT
Wizards: Host Denver on Wednesday night, a respite in the middle of tough stretch with eight of 10 on the road.
Warriors: Host Celtics on Wednesday night, having lost the last three and five of six to Boston at home.

Stephen Curry dazzled for 47 points on his 34th birthday and Draymond Green returned from a 29-game absence to ignite the defense as usua

Curry dazzles for 47 points on 34th birthday, Warriors win

LOS ANGELES (AP) &mdash; LeBron James scored 50 points for the 15th time in his career and helped rally the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half to a 122-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
It is the second straight home game during which James has scored at least 50 and the third time he has done it with the Lakers. He had a season-high 56 in a win over Golden State last Saturday.
James was 18 of 25 from the field and made six 3-pointers in 36 minutes. He also had six rebounds and moved past Dikembe Mutombo into 12th place on the NBA's career defensive rebounds list with 8,553.
James rallied the Lakers back with 12 straight points during a 22-8 run when they took an 82-75 lead with 2:25 remaining. James' flurry included a thunderous dunk midway through the quarter to put Los Angeles up 73-70.
He then had 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Lakers steadily pulled away. Los Angeles, which had dropped six of their last seven coming into the game, led by as many as 18 midway through the fourth.
Malik Monk scored 21 points and Talen Horton-Tucker added 15 for the Lakers.
Kyle Kuzma, who played for the Lakers for four seasons, led Washington with 23 points and rookie Corey Kispert scored a career-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers.
WELCOME BACK
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kuzma, who were part of the Lakers' 2020 NBA championship team, were given a video salute during the first timeout. Both players were traded to Washington during the offseason to acquire Russell Westbrook.
Caldwell-Pope struggled in his return to LA. He was 1 of 6 from the floor and had only four points. He also received a technical foul late in the first quarter.
TIP INS
Wizards: Washington had a 62-53 lead early in the third quarter before the Lakers made their run. ... Rui Hachimura had 13 of his 15 points in the first half. ... Kristap Porzingis had a season-high 14 rebounds along with 14 points. ... Tomas Satoransky had 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.
Lakers: Westbrook had nine assists and passed Andre Miller for 11th on the career assists list. Westbrook has 8,529 in his 13-year career. ... Austin Reaves had 12 points.
UP NEXT
Wizards: Continue their four-game road trip at Portland on Sunday.
Lakers: Travel to Phoenix on Sunday.

LeBron James scored 50 points for the 15th time in his career and helped rally the Lakers to a 122-109 victory over the Wizards.

LeBron James scores 50, rallies Lakers past Wizards for 122-109 win

This week found me recalling an early-season article from <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/tom-thibodeau-isnt-the-only-reigning-coach-of-the-year-to-struggle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moke Hamilton on the Coach of the Year curse</a>. Moke wrote this when the Knicks were 12-12; they're now 11 games under .500 and the aura surrounding Thibodeau's first season in New York is all but gone.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Sixers feeling comfortable switching Maxey on Randle and not doubling feels like the Knicks season in a nutshell. <a href="https://t.co/1ws9NEhqbT">pic.twitter.com/1ws9NEhqbT</a>
&mdash; Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevejones20/status/1498010231904813059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
Julius Randle is nowhere near the All-NBA player he was last season, and the complementary players haven't challenged defenses consistently. Here we are with New York well out of the postseason race and once again figuring out a franchise direction for the season. There's a good quote from Evan Fournier hidden in this week's rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst outlooks. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going.
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;Utah has won 8 of its last 9 games, and Donovan Mitchell is on fire. With two great wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns, the Jazz break free of this list.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. New Orleans Pelicans (25-36)
The Zion Williamson saga was the dominant subject of NBA conversations last week. <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/new-orleans-pelicans-zion-williamson-lack-of-transparency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Schindler's recent piece</a> explains just how layered this situation is. Unfortunately, the off-court tension distracts and hampers the fact that this team has been really, really good out of the All-Star break. New Orleans steamrolled the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The Pelicans have the best defensive rating in this uber-small sample size, and have been much-improved on offense with CJ McCollum in the fold. I fully expect them to leave the Sour Rankings behind next week as long as there's no more Zion drama.
(Last week: 10)
9. Milwaukee Bucks (36-25)
So... the Bucks have not been very good recently? Milwaukee is 12-12 in the 2022 calendar year and has lost 4 of its last 5 games. Since Jan. 1, the team has the 18th-ranked defense in the NBA and the 27th-ranked defense over the past two weeks without missing any of their signature defensive studs for extended periods. The Bucks face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday but then have the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Suns on the schedule. They're still my pick to come out of the East, but I admittedly don't think the public sphere is showing enough concern.
(Last week: Unranked)
8. Portland Trail Blazers (25-36)
Portland opened up the post-All-Star stretch by getting its doors absolutely smashed with two 30-plus-point losses to the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. The Trail Blazers are dealing with several serious injuries and simply don't have the depth to remain competitive at this stage. As much as we love Anfernee Simons and Josh Hart, they won't be the duo to lead Portland to Play-In games. Drew Eubanks is currently the only center in the rotation.
(Last week: 8)
7. Charlotte Hornets (30-32)
Gordon Hayward remains out with an ankle injury, but hopefully Charlotte is finding some of its footing amid a tense Eastern Conference playoff race. I'd like to shout out JT Thor, who has emerged as a rotation piece. The rookie second-round pick has played at least 10 minutes in each of the last five contests after not reach double-digit minutes since Dec. 13. I don't know how long this lasts, but I'm intrigued to watch more of him and see if he's grown comfortable enough to stay this season.
(Last week: 6)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
6. Houston Rockets (15-45)
Jalen Green had put together a really strong stretch prior to his dud in Houston's 99-98 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers. The rookie has a 57.2% True Shooting percentage in February, is hitting 38.6% of his threes and averaging 16.5 points per game &mdash; all monthly bests outside of a December in which he only played three games. While the Rockets flounder on their current nine-game skid, at least Green is showing the scoring promise he's been labeled with throughout his basketball career.
(Last week: 5)
5. Washington Wizards (27-33)
Kind of a radical return for the Wizards, who lost a crazy 157-153 double-OT game to the San Antonio Spurs and fell narrowly again on the second night of a back-to-back versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. We're in the sans-Bradley Beal, pre-Kristaps Porzingis purgatory world, so Washington expectedly has some tough sledding coming out of the All-Star break.&nbsp;
One small stat of note: Rui Hachimura is canning 48.8% of his three-pointers since rejoining the team. That's a 16% spike from last season, and hopefully a positive indicator of Hachimura expanding his range since he was drafted ninth overall in 2019.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
4. Sacramento Kings (22-40)
The Kings are 3.5 games out of a Play-In spot with 20 games to go, and are currently riding a four-game losing streak. It's desperation time for De'Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and the rest of this win-now-ish group. Sacramento began the stretch run with two understandable defeats to Denver, but the schedule gets easier.
Four of the next five contests are against teams well under .500 in New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and New York. It's imperative that the Kings find a groove over the next two weeks.
(Last week: 7)
3. Brooklyn Nets (32-29)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 38 points (14/26 FG) in a win vs the Bucks! Dragic: "When you watch Kyrie, it feels like he's in the video games. It's just crazy how he moves &amp; how he's making those tough shots."<a href="https://t.co/eLfonZsyWO">pic.twitter.com/eLfonZsyWO</a>
&mdash; Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1497893361759444997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Man, was that a necessary win against the Bucks on Saturday. Brooklyn numbed the 129-106 thumping by the Boston Celtics early in the week and grabbed a win with Kyrie Irving back as Kevin Durant nears a return. Unfortunately, it appears Nic Claxton is getting the short end of the stick again with Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge taking place over him in the rotation. Sigh.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
2. New York Knicks (25-36)
&ldquo;I feel like sometimes we&rsquo;re looking at each other, second-guessing what play we&rsquo;re going to run, who we&rsquo;re going to go to... What is he going to do? We have no expectations right now from each other because we have no rhythm and no confidence in the fourth quarter. So again, as long as we don&rsquo;t fix that as players, things are not going to change.&rdquo;
That quote comes from Evan Fournier. It's not a great look at all for the Knicks, who have been outscored 252-161 in the fourth quarter and overtime over the past eight games, <a href="https://www.sny.tv/articles/evan-fournier-admits-knicks-no-confidence-late-games" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per SNY's Ian Begley.</a> Yikes.
(Last week: 2)
1. Los Angeles Lakers (27-33)
The Lakers are very much the viral laughingstock of the NBA right now after losing by 30 to the Pelicans. I'm not a fan of StatMuse and the way it uses its platform, but this was pretty funny:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
The Lakers are 6-14 since Desmond Bane said "Them footsteps ain't scaring nobody." Only the Rockets have fewer wins in that span. <a href="https://t.co/M3tQ0UbfQg">pic.twitter.com/M3tQ0UbfQg</a>
&mdash; StatMuse (@statmuse) <a href="https://twitter.com/statmuse/status/1498354136605102082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

(Last week: 1)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!

The Lakers and Knicks continue to dominate in the latest NBA Sour Rankings installment.

NBA Sour Rankings: Too much second-guessing

Butterfly effects impact everything around them. That is as true in the NBA as it is anywhere &ndash; and it&rsquo;s especially true with administrative moves like trades. For example, would the Milwaukee Bucks have won the 2021 NBA championship without trading for Jrue Holiday? Probably not.
So, while new additions are discussed ad nauseum, trades also often result in diminished roles &ndash; or subsequent trades &ndash; for existing players who were firmly in a team's rotation. And with that in mind, I can&rsquo;t help but turn my attention to the Indiana Pacers.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Indiana was lauded for a deadline deal that swapped Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton. But lost in the shuffle of this major deadline deal is Malcolm Brogdon. It&rsquo;s understandable that Haliburton, a 21-year-old averaging 20.7 points and 10.0 assists per game in only his sophomore season, attracts serious attention. But as recently as last season, it was Brogdon who was seen as the team's future point guard.
The former Rookie of the Year is quietly averaging 18.5 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game this season. Granted, he&rsquo;s shooting poorly (31% on three-pointers), but he leads the Pacers in assists, and he&rsquo;s their third-leading scorer (prior to the trade) &ndash; not too shabby.
The Pacers have made it abundantly clear that they are rebuilding on-the-fly. They have a young core of Haliburton, Chris Duarte and Jalen Smith. Add in their 2022 first-round pick, as well as Cleveland&rsquo;s 2022 first, and they are off to a good start.
Never mind Buddy Hield &ndash; although if the Pacers are serious about a rebuild, he should expect to be traded, too &ndash; but all of a sudden, Brogdon is probably feeling unwanted and underappreciated &ndash; and rightfully so. According to HoopsHype&rsquo;s <a href="https://hoopshype.com/author/michaelascotto/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Scotto</a>, the Pacers may be open to moving Brogdon this summer.
If I&rsquo;m being honest they should, but not due to production issues. As previously mentioned, Brogdon was playing good basketball this season prior to suffering an Achilles injury in December; Brogdon returned on Friday, Feb. 25, collecting 15 points (on 3 for 8 shooting on three-pointers), 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 31 minutes.
Instead, Brogdon should be moved because he simply doesn&rsquo;t align with a rebuild. He&rsquo;ll turn 30 in December, meaning he&rsquo;ll be past his peak when the younger Pacers enter theirs. And while that may be moot given the unlikely nature of a team remaining together for five or more years in the modern era, it&rsquo;s still probably unwise to waste a talented player like Brogdon on a team that won&rsquo;t compete for a championship with him &ndash; especially when you can swap him for additional assets, allowing less valuable veterans to show Indiana&rsquo;s youngsters the ropes. &nbsp;
For better or worse, Brogdon is under the Pacers&rsquo; control. He just signed a two-year, $45 million extension last summer, which means he&rsquo;s signed to Indiana through 2025 with no player option. Given the bad press Ben Simmons received for his hold out in Philadelphia, Brogdon is unlikely to go that route &ndash; and it may be out of the plan altogether for Brogdon, anyway, who seemed excited to play alongside the younger Haliburton.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m excited to play with him. I think he&rsquo;s honestly similar to me,&rdquo; Brogdon told the media on Feb. 23. &ldquo;Just the way he plays the game, the way he thinks [of] the game. He&rsquo;s a great young player.&rdquo;
Still, what&rsquo;s good for the goose isn&rsquo;t always good for the gander. So, how can Indiana extract the most value for Brogdon while continuing to build? The Pacers will have to look to engage teams that hope to compete in the near future in trade talks &ndash; but those without well-stocked backcourts will be especially interested. So, who does that leave?&nbsp;
New York Knicks
Of course, New York will be mentioned as a destination for Brogdon, as they haven&rsquo;t had a consistent and legitimate starting point guard in decades. Further, after experiencing success in 2020-21, New York is starving for more.
The benefit of dealing with the Knicks is that they have a good deal of draft capital and lots of short-term and/or expiring deals. To achieve $22.6 million in outgoing salary, New York would probably like to include Evan Fournier &ndash; although that&rsquo;s unlikely give the length of his contract. From a salary perspective, an Alec Burks-Kemba Walker-Immanuel Quickley deal is probably more likely. Remember, Walker will be expiring next season. The Knicks will probably be hesitant to move Quickley, but they&rsquo;ll have to give up something to get Brogdon.
But those three alone won't get it done. Indiana will demand draft picks, too. Fortunately, the Knicks have all of theirs and then some. If the Knicks are willing to part with two future picks (at least one of which being a first-rounder), that probably gets it done &ndash; especially if that first-rounder is their own 2022 first-round pick.&nbsp;
Consensus &ndash; it could happen.
Los Angeles Lakers 
It&rsquo;s way harder to find a deal that works for the Lakers. Technically, though, if things fall their way, Los Angeles could offer something.
First of all, the Lakers need Kendrick Nunn to pick up his player option &ndash; although that&rsquo;s not out of the question as Nunn has yet to play this season. And remember the hype around Nunn just a year or so ago? While he&rsquo;s far from a sure thing, Indiana could view the 26-year-old as a possible rotation piece.
But Nunn&rsquo;s option is worth only $5 million. The Lakers would also have to include Talen Horton-Tucker, who will make approximately $10 million in 2022-23 &ndash; and they still need to add another $7 million. If they pick up Stanley Johnson&rsquo;s option ($2.3 million) and include him and other minimum guys, technically that gets them there.
But is that enough value to return Brogdon? I can speak for Indiana here &ndash; no, it&rsquo;s not. Making matters worse, the Lakers draft pick situation is murky. They can&rsquo;t trade a future first-rounder with certainty until 2027. That&rsquo;s probably too undefined for Indiana.
Consensus &ndash; won&rsquo;t work unless a third team is involved
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in a similar spot as the Lakers in terms of draft picks &ndash; they can really only offer the 76ers' 2022 first-rounder, and they might not have enough promising youth to get a deal done.
Brooklyn can offer Seth Curry ($8.5 million), Cam Thomas ($2.1 million) and Day&rsquo;Ron Sharpe ($2.1 million) &ndash; but they&rsquo;re still about $10 million away from matching salaries. They can potentially work in a sign-and-trade deal including Nic Claxton, too, who will be a restricted free agent &ndash; but that becomes far more complicated.
Still, would a deal involving Curry, Thomas, Sharpe, Claxton and a Philadelphia first-rounder be enough for Brogdon? It&rsquo;s not a bad haul &ndash; but Indiana would have to be confident that at least one of those players is a long-term starter, and I&rsquo;m not sure that&rsquo;s the case.
Consensus &ndash; unlikely, but it&rsquo;s possible
Washington Wizards
It might surprise folks to see Washington on this list, but remember, the Wizards are still trying to convince Bradley Beal to remain in Washington. They're hoping to compete with Beal and (probably) Kristaps Porzingis. A big three of Beal, Porzingis and Brogdon is actually a pretty good core that seemingly complements each other.
But Indiana will be doing their Eastern Conference rivals no favors. So, what&rsquo;s in it for the Pacers? Well, the Wizards have a pretty decent war chest of assets. They can send out Rui Hachimura ($6.2 million) Deni Avdija ($4.9 million) and Kyle Kuzma ($13 million). Both Hachimura and Avdija are former lottery picks, and they are only 24 and 21, respectively. Alternatively, if Washington is intent on keeping Kuzma, they can send a combination of Corey Kispert ($3.5 million), Vernon Carey Jr. ($1.7 million), Cassius Winston ($1.5 million qualifying offer) and others.
But the Wizards lack draft capital &ndash; the next first-rounder Washington can include is their 2028 pick. So, Indiana would have to be really high on Hachimura and Avdija &ndash; which is possible, but the Pacers might not view them favorably as others do.&nbsp;
Consensus &ndash; could happen
Ultimately, the Pacers must decide to move on from Brogdon before any trades can be examined, but it&rsquo;s in their best interest to do so. And while the teams that are most likely to be interested don&rsquo;t necessarily have the right assets to make Indiana jump at a deal, most of them have interesting pieces that should at least make Indiana consider a move. &nbsp;
Where Brogdon plays the 2022-23 season and beyond is still anyone&rsquo;s guess &ndash; but it shouldn&rsquo;t be with Indiana. And that&rsquo;s in the best interest of Brogdon and the Pacers.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!

The Pacers and Malcolm Brogdon are headed in different directions. Will Indiana continue to rebuild this summer by moving Brogdon?

The Indiana Pacers and their Malcolm Brogdon conundrum

We had a whopping <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/grading-every-move-from-the-2022-nba-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15 NBA trades</a> go down in an eight-day span.
The league buckled down for one of the biggest fireworks shows in recent deadline memory. Front offices dealt All-NBA superstars and hammered out four-team mazes. By the time the clock struck 3 p.m. on Thursday, we saw some teams go all-in on a playoff push, others cash out and move towards rebuilding, and many surprisingly pass on the spectacle entirely. It's a perfect time to set the table ahead of the stretch run with a fresh Sour Rankings.
If you're new to the Sour Rankings, here's a refresher: Unlike the typical "power rankings" that repeat themselves throughout sports media, Sour Rankings are a bizarro-world counter. These rankings highlight the top-10 most frustrating NBA franchises throughout the season, and they will be updated every week to match the twists and turns of the league.
This is not merely a bottom-10 of your typical best-to-worst outlooks. You will see championship contenders and playoff hopefuls mixed in with struggling squads. Teams well under .500 may never touch the Sour Rankings because they are on track with their respective processes. Injuries, drama, transactions and generally underwhelming play will earn you a spot on this list.
The central question is ultimately this: How good should you feel about the direction of each franchise? Let's get going.
Escaping the Sour Rankings:&nbsp;By most accounts, the Indiana Pacers crushed it with their trade deadline moves. Tyrese Haliburton instantly becomes the bedrock of the franchise's next era, and he's looked pretty good in limited time so far. Indiana also snuck in a solid flier by acquiring Jalen Smith and didn't trade away any of its veteran players just for the sake of making a move. The Detroit Pistons were also briefly in the Sour Rankings, but escape after acquiring former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III without giving up long-term pieces.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-39)
Of all the teams to hold their chips at this year's deadline, OKC might be the most surprising. The Thunder had several players worth trading for &mdash; including Kenrich Williams and Mike Muscala &mdash; and had oodles of salary cap room to take on guys with undesirable contracts. Instead, they only clocked-in one deal, trading a second-round pick to the Miami Heat for KZ Okpala, who was subsequently waived. Though it's not a colossal general-managing blunder, the Thunder may have missed some good opportunities to add to the stockpile.
(Last week: Unranked)
9. Charlotte Hornets (29-29)
The Hornets added Montrezl Harrell to fill the backup center spot on paper, and he should help as a play-finisher. However, Harrell does little to address the returning defensive woes for a Charlotte team that is 3-7 in its last 10 games. The squad has also hit an offensive shooting slump while also ranking 22nd in turnover rate since the start of February. A seven-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday overshadowed a horrendous two-way performance in the first half that had me concerned.
(Last week: 10)
8. Utah Jazz (35-21)
The Jazz got involved in one minor three-team deal at the trade deadline, and it didn't do much to squelch the raised voices about their title pretender status. Mark Schindler <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/roundtable-who-are-your-biggest-2022-nba-trade-deadline-losers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">labeled them a loser of the week</a> despite acquiring a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/can-nickeil-alexanderwalker-fill-the-gaps-for-the-utah-jazz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prospect he liked in Nickeil Alexander-Walker</a>:
"There's an intriguing foundation with him that Utah could unearth more of and help him build upon, but the issue is where the Jazz are right now. They needed immediate help defensively at the point of attack and the wing, yet NAW is not really that guy right now."
Utah is on a five-game winning streak, however, which deserves some credit. The team stays where it is in these rankings for now.
(Last week: 8)
7. Houston Rockets (15-40)
Here's another rebuilding franchise that balked at the chance to capitalize on the rush of apparent buyers. Houston didn't need to trade Eric Gordon in my opinion, but he certainly could have returned value. I was more surprised that Christian Wood not only remains on the team, but also was barely brought up in public trade rumors. He has not been nearly the player he can or should be with the Rockets, and I don't know if anything he does in the next two months changes that outlook. Of course, John Wall is still on the roster too.
(Last week: Unranked)
6. Portland Trail Blazers (23-34)
The Blazers are a confusing team to nail down for me. They traded CJ McCollum to New Orleans in a move many expected, but didn't get a whole lot back (aside from a very solid rotation player in Josh Hart and a protected first-rounder). A couple days go by, and then, the aforementioned Alexander-Walker &mdash; the best young player in the first trade &mdash; heads to Utah for a second-round pick, an expiring and injured Joe Ingles and a more obscure flier in Elijah Hughes.
Nekias Duncan gave those two moves a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/grading-every-move-from-the-2022-nba-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">C-minus and D in his trade deadline grades</a>. I think I'd agree, because at the end of it all, I still don't know what Portland is doing other than clearing some cap room.
(Last week: 6)
5. Sacramento Kings (22-36)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Sabonis and Fox will be a natural fit 👉🏽 That P&amp;R with a guard who can slash, pass and play in between with pace paired with a highly skilled big man who is great around the rim and can shoot comfortably from 15 feet. This is the co-star both guys needed. 🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/kings?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kings</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngj5TdjPp0">pic.twitter.com/ngj5TdjPp0</a>
&mdash; Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) <a href="https://twitter.com/balldontstop/status/1491657233897119746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

I'll give the Kings a little credit for the auspicious stretch they've had with Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox together since that big blockbuster move. A lot of people, myself included, probably overreacted to the deal and didn't give enough thought to what Sabonis can unlock for the players around him in Sacramento. They also did a sneaky-great job turning Marvin Bagley III into three players who can help the team win now at various levels.
I still have a hard time getting over the Kings trading Tyrese Haliburton, their most promising young player and a public advocate for turning a losing culture around.&nbsp;
(Last week: 4)
4. Washington Wizards (25-30)
Kristaps Porzingis was perhaps the most shocking name to be dealt this season; his name hadn't really popped up at all until Thursday morning. While it's fair that the Wizards needed to end the Spencer Dinwiddie-Bradley Beal experiment and Porzingis makes them better purely on paper, I don't love the fit. Will he <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/so-how-does-this-kristaps-porzingis-spencer-dinwiddie-davis-bertans-thing-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener">make a meaningful difference for a Washington team</a> that is one of two NBA squads with bottom-five Offensive and Defensive Ratings over the past two weeks? I'm doubtful.
The Montrezl Harrell trade was also super weird because it brought back two players who probably should not be in the rotation. Washington's big mix is still backed up now with Porzingis, Daniel Gafford, Thomas Bryant and Vernon Carey Jr., plus larger forwards in Kyle Kuzma and Rui Hachimura.&nbsp;
(Last week: 2)
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
3. New York Knicks (26-31)
Whew, Saturday's blown lead to the Trail Blazers was a stinger. The Knicks led by 23 at one point before coughing up the game to a Portland team that just went through a widespread, trade-deadline fire sale. New York, meanwhile, didn't make any moves despite the glaring underperformance in recent weeks. The Knicks have two extremely winnable games against the Thunder and Brooklyn Nets before the All-Star break. If they can't find something, I'll have serious doubts about them even being close to a Play-In team.
(Last week: 5)
2. Brooklyn Nets (29-27)
In a vacuum, the Nets moved on from a disgruntled star in James Harden and returned three players who can instantly (once healthy) slot into a thin rotation. Ben Simmons makes a ton of sense as a defensive boost, Seth Curry can replace the shooting lost by Joe Harris' injury, and Andre Drummond at least gives Brooklyn a presence on the glass and center depth.
But they still gave up James Harden. Brooklyn's Big Three played 16 games together in total, and the Nets are still neck-deep in an 11-game losing streak. Things are most definitely bad.
(Last week: 1)
1. Los Angeles Lakers (26-31)
If a franchise arrives at a point in the season where <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33250361/los-angeles-lakers-feel-urgency-make-changes-trade-deadline-nears" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the locker room itself wants trades to happen</a>, then the front office should listen. But Rob Pelinka had to go all Bumi from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and embrace neutral jing &mdash; a.k.a. doing nothing. The Lakers made zero trades this season. They are the most underwhelming team in the NBA and they made zero trades.&nbsp;
(Last week: 3)
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!

Ethan Fuller lines up the league's biggest underperformers, including teams who failed to maximize the NBA trade deadline.

NBA Sour Rankings: Reshuffling the deck post-trade deadline

The Washington Wizards aren't having a good time right now.
After a 10-3 start to the season, they've gone 13-24 since. Their offense (109.5 Offensive Rating, 23rd) and defense (114.7 Defensive Rating, 27th) have been woeful during this stretch. They're currently losers of six straight, which include an epic collapse against the Los Angeles Clippers and some insert-the-this-is-fine-GIF commentary from Spencer Dinwiddie.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here's video of Dinwiddie's comments. Question from <a href="https://twitter.com/Tsaltas46?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tsaltas46</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkCSVaI1FE">https://t.co/xkCSVaI1FE</a> <a href="https://t.co/y2iRJMBsxs">pic.twitter.com/y2iRJMBsxs</a>
&mdash; Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseHughesNBCS/status/1487653921049006080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2022</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Add in the cloud of Bradley Beal's impending free agency, and you have a less-than-fun situation on your hands. Beal has been signaling his interest in re-signing for ages, but he's also been clear about his desire to win. If things don't improve, would it truly shock anyone to see him sign a long-term extension before requesting a trade early into the deal?
The Wizards want to avoid that reality, which would explain their activity in trade talks as the deadline approaches. Both Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report have reported the Wizards being in the hunt for a high level talent. Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis certainly qualifies.
<a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/bradley-beal-future-jazz-pelicans-bulls-trade-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Scotto</a>:
<blockquote>
Several people I&rsquo;ve spoken to around the league believe the Wizards will look to go big-game hunting with the trade deadline coming up to keep&nbsp;Bradley Beal&nbsp;happy, and they could look to acquire&nbsp;Domantas Sabonis&nbsp;or&nbsp;Jerami Grant.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2953006-trade-deadline-intel-wizards-among-nbas-most-active-shoppers-eyeing-sabonis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">From Fischer</a>:
<blockquote>
Just a week out from the Feb. 10 trade deadline, the Washington Wizards are being described by league personnel as one of the more active teams on the&nbsp;NBA&nbsp;trade market. As the Wizards have discussed adding key reinforcements&nbsp;such as Jerami Grant, Indiana Pacers forward&nbsp;Domantas Sabonis&nbsp;has also emerged as another significant trade target, sources told B/R.&nbsp;
</blockquote>
If the Wizards are in the market for someone to take creation pressure off of Beal, Sabonis certainly fits the bill. As mentioned <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/exploring-trade-destinations-for-domantas-sabonis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>, Sabonis is one of the best high-post hubs in the NBA. He's averaging 5.0 assists this season, a top-five mark among big men this season, but it's less about that archaic number.
Not only can Sabonis hit cutters, he has a way of prying guys open with (off-ball) screens and handoffs. He's lead the NBA in screen assists in 2 of the last 3 seasons. His off-ball partnership with Justin Holiday has been the NBA's best this year; the Pacers are generating over 1.4 points per possession on direct hookups between the two, per Second Spectrum.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s1cpp7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Veer screens. Flare screens. Pindowns. Pin-ins.
Sabonis can do it all, which could be a godsend for Beal. The star hasn't shot as well this season, but he's still masterful as an off-ball mover. Having someone like Sabonis pry him open could lead to a cleaner shot diet. Considering the passing growth he's exhibited this season, more downhill reps could improve the flow of the offense.
Per Fischer, the <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2953006-trade-deadline-intel-wizards-among-nbas-most-active-shoppers-eyeing-sabonis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pacers are looking for a package</a> "similar to or greater than the haul Nikola Vuceivic drew for the Orlando Magic last season." The Wizards have a trio of rookie-deal prospects &mdash; Deni Avdija, Rui Hachiumura, and Corey Kispert &mdash; that the Pacers could choose from, and enough mid-tier salaries to put a package together.
If they're adamant about saving face with Beal, pursuing a Sabonis trade would be a smart option.&nbsp;
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com. <a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!

The Wizards have expressed trade interest in Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis. How would that look?

Wizards pursuing Domantas Sabonis could save face with Bradley Beal

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season as the Milwaukee Bucks beat Washington 112-98 on Tuesday night to hand the Wizards their sixth straight loss.
The Wizards were playing without star guard Bradley Beal due to a sprained left wrist. The Wizards had announced Monday that Beal would miss at least the rest of this trip, which ends Wednesday at Philadelphia.
Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said before the game that Beal had left the team to visit a specialist earlier in the day. 
“There was a level of discomfort,” Unseld said. “I think he had some swelling in there. There was some pain. Obviously that’s always a concern. They tried to treat it in-house and it didn’t respond as well as they’d like, so we’re just making sure. We’re checking all the boxes and doing the best we can for him to make sure there’s nothing further to worry about. Get it checked out, have him see a specialist… and hopefully we’ll get some good news.”
Jrue Holiday scored 22 points, Bobby Portis 17, Khris Middleton 13 and Grayson Allen 10 for the Bucks. Kyle Kuzma scored 25, Montrezl Harrell had 20 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 12 for the Wizards.
The Bucks squandered a 17-point lead before rallying in the fourth quarter as they bounced back from a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-nuggets-milwaukee-bucks-nba-sports-milwaukee-918d76f69fb02ace7c62c9d2067156cc">136-100 home loss </a> to the Denver Nuggets, their second-most lopsided defeat of the season.
Washington trailed 20-5 with the game barely five minutes old but clawed its way back into the game and finally took its first lead on Rui Hachimura’s tiebreaking 3-pointer with 8:35 left.
Antetokounmpo scored the game’s next five points and put the Bucks back ahead by converting a three-point play with 7:50 left, driving to the basket, scoring off the glass and drawing a foul on Hachimura.
Harrell made a 12-footer to tie the game with 7:25 remaining, but Holiday sank a 3-pointer 11 seconds later to start a 7-0 Bucks run.
Washington got within 95-94 on consecutive 3-pointers by Spencer Dinwiddie and Caldwell-Pope, but Kuzma missed a 3-point attempt that would have put the Wizards ahead with 4:33 left. Milwaukee answered as Antetokounmpo clinched his triple-double by recording his 10th assist on Portis' layup.
The Wizards wouldn't threaten again.
FLAGRANT FOUL
Antetokounmpo took a hard foul from Harrell while driving to the basket with 6:10 left. The nature of the foul angered Portis, who expressed his displeasure to the Wizards.
Harrell originally was called for a common foul, but it was upgraded to a flagrant-1 foul upon review. Antetokounmpo made both free throws to extend the Bucks’ lead to 95-88, then Harrell and Antetokounmpo slapped hands in an apparent peace offering before Milwaukee’s ensuing inbounds pass.
TIP-INS
Wizards: Thomas Bryant left the game in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle. ... Aaron Holiday, the younger brother of Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, started in Beal’s place and had three points in 19 minutes.
Bucks: Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in each of his last three triple-doubles. ... George Hill missed a second straight game due to neck soreness. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said he doesn’t expect Hill to play Saturday at Portland, the opener of a four-game trip. “I think he’s going to miss a few games here,” Budenholzer said. “We’re going to have to give him a little bit of time and see how he responds to some treatment, to some time off.” 
UP NEXT
Wizards: At Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Wizards have split two home games with the 76ers this season, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-entertainment-sports-joel-embiid-philadelphia-76ers-09d250ce635e460f3e0663df41e329ef">losing 117-96</a> on Dec. 26 and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-sports-business-washington-wizards-bradley-beal-c02565ce7ebe41c1ead8bd4ac0717945">winning 117-98 </a> on Jan. 17.
Bucks: At Portland on Saturday.
___
More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple-double, and the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Washington Wizards.

Antetokounmpo's triple-double helps Bucks top Wizards 112-98

There's a lot going on with the Los Angeles Clippers right now. Zoom out, and you see a team one game under .500 due to its (super)stars being out of the lineup.
Zoom in, and you're likely riding a wave of euphoria or confusion based on what happened on Tuesday night. The Clippers were down as many as 35 points in the first half&nbsp;of their matchup against the Washington Wizards. It was a 30-point deficit by halftime.&nbsp;
Not only did the Clippers come back and win off the back of a four-point play from Luke Kennard, they very well may have broken the Wizards' fan base in the process. If you're religious, say a brief prayer for eardrums and vocal cords all across the interwebs.
Also: <a href="https://twitter.com/RealQuintonMayo/status/1486189245974953992?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quinn Cook</a>? Quinn Cook!
Anyway...
What's going a bit under the radar this season is the play of Amir Coffey, an undrafted third-year wing from Minnesota.
(As a brief aside, I had a punny title for this piece playing off of his name before I remembered the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas controversy. You're welcome, unless this note made you look up what that controversy was. In which case, I'm sorry.)
Coffey's per-game numbers may not stand out to you. He's averaging 7.6 points on solid-but-not-spectacular shooting splits. This recent stretch is more in line with "Hmm, what's going on here?" intrigue.
Over his last 10 games, all starts, he's averaging 13.8 points while converting 63.4% of his twos and 41.1% of his threes on nearly six triple tries per contest. Add in 4.0 boards and 3.1 assists, and you have a guy doing a little bit of everything in a secondary role for the Clips.
Coffey's been tasked with more responsibility than he's had in his NBA career recently, and he's thriving. Lost in the mayhem of Tuesday night's game &mdash; and the ranting afterwards &mdash; was Coffey having a career night: 29 points (7 of 12 from two, 3 of 9 from three), 5 boards, 2 steals and a block. He finished with one assist, though that isn't indicative of his passing chops or overall willingness to find guys.
You don't want to project forward based on the best game of someone's career, but last night was a snapshot of what Coffey's been doing under the radar this year &mdash; and especially this month.
We'll get the passing out of the way first. Coffey's a snappy ball mover with some craft. He's able to keep the chains moving when the defense is already bent. When tasked with creating something himself, he can make some better-than-you-think reads.
The lone assist he logged was an absolute dart. Sign me up for non-point guards that can fire skips to the corner with no hesitation.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/b2i7u5" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
Justise Winslow (#JustiseBetter) deserves a quick shoutout for flipping the angle of his screen to combat the Wizards trying to ICE this action. Coffey strings out the play a bit, reads the positioning and weight of Rui Hachimura, then slings a laser to Terance Mann while Hachimura is leaning towards the paint. The closeout is futile from that point.
As a scorer, Coffey can flow between on-ball and off-ball production. He had an off shooting night, converting just 2 of his 6 spot-up triples, but he's been reliable (38.3%) on those shots this season. His footwork is generally sound, allowing him to get shots off without much issue.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/niu4so" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
On the ball, Coffey pairs selective aggression with mid-range feel. His drive volume has been low this season, but he isn't afraid of contact. He's able to mix in power drives and more elusive finishes, depending on the context.
He often decides to cut his adventures short, flowing into pull-ups or floaters over the outstretched arms of big men. It's a nice counter to have against drop coverage; the Clippers are generating north of 1.06 PPP on direct plays against drop with Coffey as the ball-handler, per Second Spectrum.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/edvne1" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
That selective aggression also plays dividends on the non-glamour end of the floor. Coffey mixes in extreme ball pressure with a more lax style, allowing him to disrupt ball-handlers while also being in position to execute switches &mdash; important for a team that switches at a top-five rate this year. And when he does switch, his physicality allows him to punch above his weight.
Off the ball, Coffey is a mostly-sound rotator who can ramp up the activity if he senses panic. Steals aren't the only part of defense, but his pilferages from Tuesday night offer a nice window of the types of reads he can make.
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/qcm6g5" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
In all, the Clippers have themselves another intriguing guy on the wing. Last year, it was Mann that kind of came out of nowhere. Coffey seems to have that same potential with a little more in the tank offensively.
He's a fun dude, y'all. Tune in when you can.
Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater &amp; family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than 125,000 live events from TicketSmarter, the official ticket marketplace of BasketballNews.com. <a href="https://www.ticketsmarter.com/?utm_source=basketballnewscom&amp;utm_medium=tsaff&amp;utm_campaign=referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Order online now</a>!&nbsp;

Nekias Duncan breaks down the under-the-radar play of Clippers swingman Amir Coffey.

Filling the gaps: Amir Coffey taking Clippers' trust a long way

The NBA trade deadline is just 17 days away. Around the league, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/after-a-slow-december-trade-talks-are-heating-up-around-the-nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trade talks are heating up</a> and some of the same names continue to surface.
One such name is Jerami Grant of the Detroit Pistons.
As Feb. 10 rapidly approaches, plenty of teams have <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/lakers-knicks-wizards-blazers-interested-in-jerami-grant-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> been linked to the 27-year-old, including the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks among others.
Washington definitely seems like a team to watch in the Grant sweepstakes. Bleacher Report&rsquo;s Eric Pincus <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952711-latest-nba-trade-intel-would-a-john-wall-westbrook-trade-really-help-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a> that rival executives &ldquo;believe the Wizards are leading the chase&rdquo; for Grant.
&ldquo;Some also say the Wizards are open to dealing veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who hasn't quite meshed with [Bradley] Beal,&rdquo; Pincus <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952711-latest-nba-trade-intel-would-a-john-wall-westbrook-trade-really-help-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writes</a>.
Deni Avdija, Montrezl Harrell and Rui Hachimura were mentioned by Pincus as pieces that might interest Detroit. Also, he notes that the Pistons may be looking to move Kelly Olynyk (either as part of a Grant trade or in a separate deal).
Pincus also <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952711-latest-nba-trade-intel-would-a-john-wall-westbrook-trade-really-help-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">names</a> the Mavericks as a &ldquo;dark-horse team&rdquo; for Grant. Jalen Brunson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell have been mentioned as Dallas&rsquo; best trade chips (although it would likely take quite a bit for them to move Brunson, who&rsquo;s in the midst of a career-year).
The Mavs have been very active in recent weeks, as they have now been linked to Grant, Atlanta&rsquo;s John Collins, Indiana&rsquo;s Myles Turner and Boston&rsquo;s Marcus Smart among others.
Interestingly, "the offers aren't pouring in right now" for Grant, according to <a href="https://theathletic.com/3087762/2022/01/24/pistons-mailbag-what-im-hearing-about-detroit-as-nba-trade-deadline-nears/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Athletic's James Edwards III</a>. There have been plenty of conversations and talks will likely pick up steam over the next two weeks, but "not many formal offers have been placed in front of Detroit" as of yet, per Edwards.
Edwards listed Chicago's Patrick Williams and Atlanta's John Collins as potential returns that would intrigue the Pistons, but he also stressed that Detroit could very well keep Grant past the deadline.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
Remember, Grant was also popping up in trade rumors around this time last year, but the Pistons ultimately decided to hold onto him. If Detroit isn't thrilled with the offers it ultimately receives, the team could do the same thing this time around.
"Furthermore, don&rsquo;t be surprised if Grant doesn&rsquo;t get traded by the Feb. 10 deadline," Edwards <a href="https://theathletic.com/3087762/2022/01/24/pistons-mailbag-what-im-hearing-about-detroit-as-nba-trade-deadline-nears/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writes</a>. "The Pistons don&rsquo;t have to trade Grant right now, especially if a deal that doesn&rsquo;t clearly benefit their future doesn&rsquo;t come along. Detroit could just elect to wait until the offseason to make a move, which I think is a real possibility."
It remains to be seen what the Pistons will do with Grant, who has been sidelined due to a thumb injury that required surgery in late December. He just spent a week practicing with Detroit's G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, which suggests he may be able to return prior to the trade deadline.
What makes Grant such an interesting trade candidate is the fact that he can fit with a variety of teams &mdash; from contenders to up-and-coming squads. After emerging as a key contributor on the third-seeded Denver Nuggets in 2019-20, he proved that he can take on increased responsibilities in Detroit. Over the last year-and-a-half with the Pistons, Grant has averaged 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.0 threes and 1.1 blocks on .425/.344/847 shooting splits.
Grant is earning $20,002,500 this season, and then he&rsquo;ll make $20,955,000 next season in the final year of his contract. The Pistons are currently 11-35, which is the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.&nbsp;

Rival executives believe that the Washington Wizards are "leading the chase" for Jerami Grant ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline.

Report: Wizards are front-runner for Jerami Grant, may deal Dinwiddie

Kyle Kuzma had 15 points and 16 rebounds, and Bradley Beal added 13 points in his return from a three-game absence to lift the Washington Wizards to a 117-98 victory over Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. missed a second straight game after entering health and safety protocols. Assistant Pat Delany, who coached the team Saturday, also entered the protocols, forcing assistant Joseph Blair to take over for this game.
Beal had been out since entering the protocols himself, but he returned and scored 11 points in the first quarter. Washington went on an early 11-0 run and never looked back.
Embiid scored 32 points for the 76ers, but he was on the receiving end of the game's biggest highlight when Kuzma dunked over him in the second quarter. Philadelphia lost for only the second time in its last 11 games.
After the Wizards led 61-55 at halftime, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored seven quick points in the third quarter, including a 3-pointer that put Washington up 72-59.
It was a six-point lead early in the fourth before the Wizards went on a 22-5 run to put the game away.
Washington had seven players in double figures. Montrezl Harrel led the way with 18 points, and Thomas Bryant had 15.
CROWD PLEASER
Kuzma dunked over Embiid <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/1483169194493554688">with one hand</a> to give the Wizards a 58-47 lead. Moments later, he blocked a shot attempt by Embiid at the other end.
TIP-INS
76ers: Andre Drummond and coach Doc Rivers were both called for technical fouls. ... Philadelphia was without Danny Green (right hip) for a third straight game, and Matisse Thybulle (right shoulder) was out for a second in a row. ... Tyrese Maxey (18 points) was the only player besides Embiid in double figures for the 76ers.
Wizards: Bryant and Harrell were called for technicals. ... Caldwell-Pope scored 14 points, and Corey Kispert and Rui Hachimura contributed 11 each.
UP NEXT
76ers: Host Orlando on Wednesday night.
Wizards: Host Brooklyn on Wednesday night.

Kyle Kuzma had 15 points and 16 rebounds, and Bradley Beal added 13 points in his return from a three-game absence to lift the Wizards.

Kuzma, Beal lead Wizards to 117-98 rout of 76ers

Wizards forward Rui Hachimura will make his season debut tonight against the Orlando Magic, sources tell Quinton Mayo. He&rsquo;ll be coming off the bench.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/RealQuintonMayo/status/1480269023581552641" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quinton Mayo/Substack</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Hachimura has not played all season after being mysteriously absent from the Wizards before returning to the team. The third-year forward was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Last season, Hachimura averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in Washington.

The third-year forward was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Rui Hachimura to make season debut for Wizards today vs. Magic

The Wizards are listing Davis Bertans (foot sprain), Rui Hachimura (return to competition conditioning) and Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) as questionable to play Sunday in Orlando. Thomas Bryant (knee recovery) and Anthony Gill (protocols) are listed as out.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshuaBRobbins/status/1479951725922508800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Josh Robbins/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Hachimura could be getting closer to a season debut based on this designation. The third-year forward has not played all season after a somewhat mysterious absence. Hachimura averaged 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for Washington last season and was the No. 9 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The third-year forward has not played all season after a somewhat mysterious absence.

Wizards list Rui Hachimura as questionable for Sunday vs. Magic

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kevin Porter Jr. hit a 3-pointer from the right wing with 0.4 seconds left to give the Houston Rockets a 114-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
Porter and Christian Wood returned from one-game suspensions for conduct detrimental to the team. Wood added 22 points and 11 rebounds to help the Rockets snap an eight-game losing streak.
Jalen Green also scored 22 points and Eric Gordon had 19 for Houston.
Bradley Beal led Washington with 27 points. He fouled out with 9:10 to play on his second offensive foul. It was the three-time All Star's first disqualification since Nov. 29, 2017, and the first of his career before the final two minutes of regulation.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 26 points, and Kyle Kuzma had 24 for the Wizards. They failed in their bid for their second pair of consecutive wins since the start of December.
The Rockets started the fourth on a 7-0 spurt to push their lead to 10, and were still up seven when Beal fouled out. The rest of the Wizards responded, first tying it at 102 on Raul Neto's contested layup.
They then battled from five down inside the final minute, when Caldwell-Pope's 3-pointer closed it to two before Neto's drive resulted in a tying goaltending call.
Porter had the decisive say on the next possession when he sank a 24-footer over Neto's outstretched arm. 
A video review restored 0.4 seconds to the clock, and Kuzma's catch-and-shoot attempt was off target after Washington's timeout.
TIP-INS
Rockets: Opened the game on a 12-2 run. ... G Garrison Matthews drew a charge from Kuzma with 2:13 left in the first quarter, Corey Kispert with 11 to play in the second, and Beal with 4:50 left in the half.
Wizards: Neto played for the first time since Dec. 23 in his return from health and safety protocols. ... Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said C Thomas Bryant (left knee) is getting closer to his return. “He should be available the next week or two, that would be ideal,” he said. ... G Spencer Dinwiddie, G Aaron Holiday and F Rui Hachimura have cleared health and safety protocols, but remained out as they regain their conditioning.
CULTURE CHECK?
Silas disputed the idea that Saturday's incidents in a home game against Denver, resulting in suspensions for Wood and Porter, were indicative of poor team culture.
“Nobody ever said anything about our culture until two games ago,” Silas said. “And I think sometimes people overreact when stuff happens.”
UP NEXT
Rockets: Host Dallas on Friday night.
Wizards: At Chicago on Friday night.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. hit a three pointer with .4 seconds left to lead Houston over Washington.

Porter hits 3 with 0.4 left, Rockets beat Wizards 114-111

WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; DeMar DeRozan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight game to give the Chicago Bulls a 120-119 win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Kyle Kuzma&rsquo;s 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds to play gave Washington a 119-117 lead, until DeRozan beat the Wizards in the same way he beat Indiana on Friday night.
DeRozan finished with 28 points and Zach LaVine had 35 points to help the Bulls to their seventh straight win, which is their longest streak since Dec. 18-29, 2014.
According to BasketballReference.com, DeRozan became the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s amazing, especially doing it on the road,&rdquo; DeRozan said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know if I&rsquo;m dreaming or if it&rsquo;s real right now.
&ldquo;You work your butt off and you understand that if you&rsquo;re in those positions, try to capitalize on them the best way you can because you&rsquo;re going to have games where you miss some.&rdquo;
The Wizards led nearly the whole game, outscoring Chicago 72-30 in points in the paint.
&ldquo;He just made a heck of a play. He was defended pretty well,&rdquo; Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s just tough. It&rsquo;s tough to lose a game like that.&rdquo;
Kuzma scored 29 points and had 12 rebounds, while Bradley Beal had 27 points and a career-high 16 assists in his first start at point guard. Beal also passed the 14,000 point mark.
Midway through the second quarter, the Wizards were called for a technical foul for too many players. Alize Johnson, one of five players on 10-day contracts, was the sixth player on the court.
TIP-INS
Bulls: F Tyler Cook suffered a sprained left ankle early in the second quarter and did not return. &hellip; F Javonte Green was out with a right adductor strain. &hellip; Interim coach Chris Fleming said that he hopes G Lonzo Ball and F Alonzo McKinnie, who were in health and safety protocols, could return to action early next week. &hellip; Coach Billy Donovan addressed the team over Zoom on Saturday and told them how proud he was with Friday night&rsquo;s win. Donovan could return from health and safety protocols on Monday.
Wizards: Signed G Tremont Waters to a 10-day contract. &hellip; G Brad Wanamaker, who started on Thursday, entered the health and safety protocols. &hellip; Rotation players G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Rui Hachimura, F Montrezl Harrell, G Aaron Holiday and G Raul Neto are still in COVID-19 protocols
DEROZAN&rsquo;S BIG SHOT: DeRozan said he concentrated on the fundamentals before he shot the game-winner.
&ldquo;I wanted to make sure my feet were behind the line,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I wanted to give it a chance to go in.
&ldquo;My shots all night were short. It&rsquo;s tough to play on back-to-backs. I kind of felt it throughout the game.&rdquo;
LaVine shook his head when asked to describe DeRozan.
&ldquo;The dude&rsquo;s incredible,&rdquo; LaVine said. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t say much more than that&hellip;Thank God we&rsquo;ve got DeMar DeRozan on our team.&rdquo;
BEAL IMPRESSED WITH DEROZAN: Throughout Beal&rsquo;s NBA career, he has marveled at DeRozan.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what he does,&rdquo; Beal said. &ldquo;He takes tough shots and he makes tough shots.&rdquo;
Beal believes the short-handed Wizards simply came up short against a marvelous opponent.
&ldquo;We did everything we possibly could to win, but DeRo just made a crazy shot at the end of the game,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In a way, the shot is demoralizing and takes the energy out of you, but to know that we competed and played hard, we set ourselves up to win, and you feel great about that.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
Bulls: Host Orlando on Monday.
Wizards: Host Charlotte on Monday.
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

DeMar DeRozan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight game to give the Bulls a 120-119 win over the Wizards on Saturday.

DeRozan beats the buzzer again, giving Bulls 7 straight wins

Joel Embiid had 36 points and 13 rebounds and a spat with Montrezl Harrell, Tobias Harris added 23 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Washington Wizards 117-96 on Sunday night.
Philadelphia improved to 17-16 after dropping four of its last five.
Spencer Dinwiddie led Washington with 17 points. The Wizards also are 17-16.
Consecutive 3-pointers by Tyrese Maxey, Seth Curry and Embiid keyed a 15-0 run that put the 76ers ahead 80-59 with 5:22 to play in the third quarter.
With 3:04 left in the third, Harrell fouled Embiid, and the two exchanged words. Both were assessed technical fouls, and Embiid made the two free throws.
&ldquo;He flopped,&rdquo; Embiid said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he made a play on the ball, and we got tangled.&rdquo;
Thirty seconds later, Harrell pushed Embiid, yelled at him, and was given his second technical and ejected. Harrell, who didn&rsquo;t immediately leave the court was finally escorted the floor, and left shaking his head while Embiid waved him goodbye.
&ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t say I baited him into that,&rdquo; Embiid said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to think I&rsquo;m a troll.&rdquo;
Harrell was visibly annoyed after the game.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, you&rsquo;ve got to ask the ref, man,&rdquo; Harrell said. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t feel I did anything wrong. It&rsquo;s as simple as that.&rdquo;
Washington scoring leader Bradley Beal sat out his second game while in the NBA&rsquo;s health and safety protocols.
TIP-INS
76ers: Maxey and F Georges Niang returned after clearing health and safety protocol. ... C Andre Drummond, G Danny Green and G/F Shake Milton remain in health and safety protocol. &hellip; Embiid scored his 7,000th point. He and Allen Iverson are the only players to score 7,000 points in their first 300 games for Philadelphia. &hellip; G Myles Powell and G Jaden Springer scored their first NBA points.
Wizards: G Raul Neto joined Beal and F Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are in health and safety protocols. &hellip; F Rui Hachimura, who has yet to play this season, dressed for the second straight game, but didn&rsquo;t play. &hellip; G Jordan Schakel, signed to a 10-day contract on Tuesday, made his NBA debut. ... G Joel Ayayi scored his first NBA points.
SORRY, NOT SORRY:
Harrell won&rsquo;t apologize for his actions on the court.
&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t regret one minute,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I wish I wasn&rsquo;t in the situation I was in, but I don&rsquo;t regret it. I don&rsquo;t want to take it back. It is what it is. I&rsquo;m not going to change how I play. &hellip; I&rsquo;m not going to back down.&rdquo;
Embiid wasn&rsquo;t apologizing, either.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad I got to him,&rdquo; Embiid said.
REALISTIC DOC
Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said that players who join teams and can acclimate quickly are invaluable.
&ldquo;That&rsquo;s sports right now,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Be prepared. Be ready.
&ldquo;I always think it&rsquo;s the other guys, the guys who are there who aren&rsquo;t sick, who can play, the more prepared they are, the easier they make it for the newcomers.&rdquo;
UP NEXT
76ers: At Toronto on Tuesday night.
Wizards: At Miami on Wednesday night.

Philadelphia improved to 17-16 after dropping four of its last five.

Embiid has 36 points and 13 rebounds, 76ers beat Wizards

Tommy Beer is back with his latest version of BasketballNews.com's NBA Power Rankings. To read last week's version, <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-power-rankings-suns-shining-during-winning-streak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a>. 
The Warriors are still sitting atop our updated power rankings, but the red-hot Suns are coming for the No. 1 spot!
1. Golden State Warriors (15-2) &harr;️ Last Week: 1
How special has Steph Curry's start to this season been, you ask? Consider this: During the 1985-86 season, Larry Bird led the NBA in made three-pointers, knocking down 82 triples that year. Curry made 85 three-pointers over the first 15 games of this 2021-22 campaign. And, even when he has an off night (as he did Sunday, scoring just 12 points), the Warriors still spanked the Raptors behind 33 points from Jordan Poole and 32 points from Andrew Wiggins. Oh, and if that already wasn't enough offensive firepower, we learned last week that Klay Thompson has been cleared for full practices and is "<a href="https://theathletic.com/news/warriors-klay-thompson-cleared-to-practice-fully-could-return-within-week-of-christmas-sources/iEKeYCOtl4px/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trending toward</a>" a return the week before Christmas.
2. Phoenix Suns (14-3) 🔼 Last Week: 3 
The Suns knocked off the Spurs on Monday night to notch their 13th consecutive victory. That's tied for the third-longest winning streak in Suns history. The all-time franchise record for Phoenix is 17 straight victories, which they accomplished during the 2006-07 season.&nbsp;
3. Brooklyn Nets (13-5) 🔽 Last Week: 2
Kevin Durant returned to action Monday night after missing one game with a sprained right shoulder, and he scored 27 points to help lead the Nets to a victory over Cleveland. Brooklyn also got an excellent lift from LaMarcus Aldridge (21 points and 11 rebounds off the bench) and first-round pick Cam Thomas, who scored a career-high 11 points vs. the Cavs.&nbsp;
4. Miami Heat (11-6) 🔼 Last Week: 6
The Heat have won 4 of their last 5 games, and have been efficient all season on both ends of the floor. They rank in the top-five in both Offensive Rating (scoring 111.7 points per 100 possessions) and Defensive Rating (allowing less than 105 points per 100 possessions).
5. Milwaukee Bucks (10-8)&nbsp;🔼 Last Week: 13 
The Bucks whooped the Orlando Magic on Monday night, entering halftime with a monstrous 77-36 advantage, the largest halftime lead in franchise history. The Bucks have won four in a row and remain undefeated this season (6-0) when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are all healthy and active.&nbsp;
6. Chicago Bulls (12-6) 🔽&nbsp;Last Week: 4
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have carried the Bulls offensively this season. They both scored at least 25 points 11 times over the first 15 games of 2021-22. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, DeRozan and LaVine are the fastest pair of teammates to record 10 or more 25-point games since Elgin Baylor and Jerry West did so in 11 games for the LA Lakers back in 1962-63.
7. Washington Wizards (11-6) 🔽 Last Week: 5
Washington is struggling of late, having lost 3 of its last 4 games. However, the Wizards will get some reinforcements up front in the near future, as both Rui Hachimura (personal) and Davis Bertans (left ankle sprain) were assigned to the team's G League affiliate Capital City Go-Go on Monday. Hachimura, who missed training camp and has been sidelined for the Wizards' first 17 games for unknown personal reasons, has been doing individual work at the Wizards' practice facility since early October and is inching closer to a return. (For what it's worth, I was tempted to knock the Wiz a bit further down the rankings due solely to the oversized sweater Kyle Kuzma wore to Monday's game, but decided to hold off.)
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
When you're off to one of the best starts in franchise history, you get to wear whatever you want😂<a href="https://twitter.com/kylekuzma?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kylekuzma</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCAboveAll?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCAboveAll</a> <a href="https://t.co/2drVu8PpGg">pic.twitter.com/2drVu8PpGg</a>
&mdash; NBC Sports Washington (@NBCSWashington) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSWashington/status/1462916705387175947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

8. Utah Jazz (11-6) 🔼 Last Week: 9
Utah had won three in a row before blowing a lead in the closing seconds to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night. Fortunately for the Jazz, they have three winnable games this week, as they play the Thunder on Wednesday and host the Pelicans for a pair of games this weekend.&nbsp;
9. Charlotte Hornets (11-8) 🔼 Last Week: 16
The Hornets have won 6 of their last 7 contests, thanks largely to the production from sophomore star LaMelo Ball. Over the team's past eight games, Ball is averaging a whopping 19.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.6 made three-pointers.&nbsp;
10. Los Angeles Clippers (10-7) 🔼 Last Week: 12 
With Kawhi Leonard (ACL surgery) out indefinitely, Marcus Morris Sr. sidelined by a knee issue of his own and Nicolas Batum placed into health and safety protocols for at least 10 days, Paul George has put the Clippers on his back this season. He's averaging 26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.1 made triples. He's currently on pace to join James Harden (2016-17) as just the second player in NBA history to average more than 26 points, 7 boards, 5 dimes and 3 treys per game over an entire season.&nbsp;
11. Boston Celtics (10-8) 🔼 Last Week: 17
It appeared the Celtics were teetering and in some trouble early in the season, but Boston has won 8 of their last 11 and is currently riding a three-game win streak. Jayson Tatum has scored at least 30 points in each of his last four games, and is averaging 33.5 points, 8.5 boards, 3.8 assists and 4.0 made treys during this four-game span. However, Boston is about to enter a brutal stretch. After hosting the division-leading Nets on Wednesday, the C's play 6 of their next 7 games on the road.&nbsp;
12. Philadelphia 76ers (10-8) 🔽 Last Week: 12
Despite being forced to play without Joel Embiid (Health and safety protocols), Ben Simmons (personal), Tobias Harris (left hip) and Seth Curry (back tightness), the Sixers were still able to beat the Kings Monday night in Sacramento. Tyrese Maxey has been a beast for Philly of late, averaging 25.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 three-pointers over his last seven games, while shooting a blistering 53.2% from the floor, 41.9% from downtown and 93.9% from the free-throw stripe.
13. Dallas Mavericks (9-7) 🔽 Last Week: 7
Luka Doncic has missed three straight games because of a sprained left knee and ankle, but the Mavs are hoping he'll be able to return to action Tuesday vs. the Clippers. Encouragingly, Kristaps Porzingis has been playing much better. Over his last five games, KP is averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 2.5 made treys while slashing 52/40/92%
14. Denver Nuggets (9-8) 🔽 Last Week: 8
The Nuggets have lost four straight games, with reigning MVP Nikola Jokic missing each of the last two contests due to a sprained right wrist. Worse yet, Mike Singer of the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/michael-porter-jrs-season-in-jeopardy-due-to-potential-nerve-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Denver Post reported</a> on Monday that Michael Porter Jr. is dealing with a nerve issue that could potentially require another back surgery, which would sideline him for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (9-9) 🔽 Last Week: 11
After a terrific start to the season, the Cavs have now lost four straight games. And things won't get any easier this week, as they host the scorching-hot Suns on Wednesday night and then embark on a three-game road trip next week against three teams with winning records (Heat, Wizards and Mavs).&nbsp;
16. Memphis Grizzlies (9-8) 🔼 Last Week: 18
The Grizzlies notched one of their most impressive victories of the season Monday night by beating the Jazz in Utah. Desmond Bane poured in a career-high 28 points vs. the Jazz to go with 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 4 triples, while Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 26 points, including a game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds. On the season, Memphis is 7-2 when JJJ scores more than 13 points; conversely, the Grizz are just 1-5 when Jackson scored 12 points or less.&nbsp;
17. Portland Trail Blazers (9-8) 🔼 Last Week: 19
The Blazers have won 4 of their last 5 games, including three consecutive victories at home last week. After a slow start, Damian Lillard is heating up. Just named as the Western Conference Player of the Week, Dame is averaging 28.3 points and 8.3 assists while shooting over 39% from downtown during this three-game stretch. He has made all 22 of the free throws he's attempted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
Damian Lillard is named Western Conference Player of the Week! 28.3 PPG 8.3 APG 2.7 RPG 1.7 BPG 48.4 FPPG <a href="https://t.co/uNZ3ytGfbz">pic.twitter.com/uNZ3ytGfbz</a>
&mdash; NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAFantasy/status/1462891134162808835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

18. Los Angeles Lakers (9-9) 🔽 Last Week: 15
The Lakers have lost 3 of 4, and will have to play without LeBron James on Tuesday night vs. the New York Knicks after he was suspended for one game due to hitting Isaiah Stewart in the face last Sunday.
19. Atlanta Hawks (9-9) 🔼 Last Week: 21
It turns out all the Hawks needed to get healthy was some home cooking. Atlanta capped a perfect five-game homestand with their fifth straight victory Monday over OKC. On the season, the Hawks are 8-1 at home and just 1-8 on the road.&nbsp;
20. New York Knicks (9-8) 🔽 Last Week: 14
After a 5-1 start, the Knicks are just one game above .500, and RJ Barrett's nasty slump is a primary reason. Over the Knicks' last eight games, Barrett is attempting more than 13 field-goal attempts per contest, but is shooting a paltry 28% from the floor and 17.5% from three-point territory. Of the 215 players with more than 50 field-goal attempts over their team's last 10 games, Barrett is the only player in the league shooting below 32% from the floor and below 21% from downtown.
21. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-9) 🔼&nbsp;Last Week: 25
At this time last week, the Wolves were languishing with a 4-9 record. However, Minnesota has reeled off four straight wins. Unsurprisingly, Karl-Anthony Towns has led the way. Over his last four games, KAT is averaging 26.2 points (on 55.4% shooting), 9.2 boards and 3.0 dimes.&nbsp;
22. Indiana Pacers (8-11) &harr;️ Last Week: 22
By following up a blowout victory over the Pels this weekend with another lopsided win over Chicago Monday night, it looks like the Pacers are starting to get on track. "It feels like we're getting our footing," Pacers coach <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360081" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rick Carlisle said</a> after beating the Bulls. "We're a team that's not going to get any free lunch from anybody. We've got to embrace that fact, and it's got to be something that brings us closer and closer together."
23. Toronto Raptors (8-10) 🔽 Last Week: 20
The Raps are just 2-7 in their last nine games, due in large part to their surprisingly sieve-like defense. Toronto is allowing more than 116 points per 100 possessions during this nine-game stretch. To put that in context, no other team in the NBA is giving up more than 114.7 points per 100 possessions.&nbsp;
24. Sacramento Kings (6-12) 🔽 Last Week: 23
The Kings fired head coach Luke Walton on Sunday. Alvin Gentry, who most recently served as head coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, has stepped in as the interim coach. The Sixers spoiled Gentry's debut Monday night. Interestingly, Marvin Bagley III has logged double-digit minutes in 4 of the Kings past 5 games.&nbsp;
25. Oklahoma City Thunder (6-11) 🔼 Last Week: 26
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season Monday night due to a sprained right ankle. OKC ended up losing in Atlanta, but rookie Josh Giddey was impressive, stepping in for SGA as the team's primary playmaker, as he nearly triple-doubled; Giddey finished with 15 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.
26. San Antonio Spurs (4-12) 🔽 Last Week: 24
The Spurs, who have lost five straight, are just 2-8 over their last 10, and have lost 12 of their first 16 games in a season for just the second time in franchise history. One bright spot for San Antonio has been Dejounte Murray, who recorded his third triple-double of the season Monday night, tallying 18 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals with just one turnover in a close loss to the Suns.
27. New Orleans Pelicans (3-16) 🔼 Last Week: 28
The Pels are already 13 games under .500 and about to enter a tough stretch in their schedule. They host the Wizards on Wednesday, and they play a back-to-back in Utah on Friday and Saturday before heading to Los Angeles. Hopefully, we get some good news about Zion Williamson (right foot surgery) sooner rather than later.&nbsp;
28. Detroit Pistons (4-12) 🔼&nbsp;Last Week: 29
The Pistons blew a 15-point fourth-quarter lead to the Lakers on Sunday night. Still, Detroit fans did get to enjoy a breakout performance from No. 1 overall pick, Cade Cunningham, who racked up 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to become the <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/cade-cunningham-becomes-youngest-piston-to-record-triple-double" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youngest player in Pistons franchise history to record a triple-double</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">
5 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pistons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pistons</a> scored in double-digits in last night's home game against the Lakers. <a href="https://twitter.com/JeramiGrant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JeramiGrant</a> recorded his 2nd 30+ performance of the season &amp; a season-high 5 from beyond the arc. <a href="https://twitter.com/CadeCunningham_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CadeCunningham_</a> achieved his 1st triple-double in his 11th career game (13 PTS, 12 REB, 10 AST). <a href="https://t.co/zNNBpGm5zt">pic.twitter.com/zNNBpGm5zt</a>
&mdash; Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) <a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitPistons/status/1462805678007930884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote>

<script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

29. Orlando Magic (4-14) 🔽 Last Week: 27
After an impressive victory over the Knicks at MSG last Wednesday, the Magic lost three straight games to Eastern Conference powerhouses Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Cole Anthony, who is enjoying a breakout season and is the team's leading scorer, has missed two straight games. Unfortunately, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said there is "no timetable as of right now" regarding Antony's return to action. "We're just going to keep seeing how he progresses as he goes through rehab," Mosley said Monday.
30. Houston Rockets (1-16) &harr;️ Last Week: 30
The Rockets are reeling, having lost 15 straight games. Since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, the only longer losing streak in the NBA belongs to... last season's Houston squad, which lost 20 consecutive contests.&nbsp;

Tommy Beer checks in with an installment of BasketballNews.com's NBA Power Rankings.

NBA Power Rankings: Bucks jump into top-5, Suns still streaking

WASHINGTON (AP) — Moments after being serenaded with chants of “M-V-P! M-V-P!” at the free throw line, fan favorite Montrezl Harrell drew a foul on the other end of the court and pounded his chest as the home crowd roared in approval.
It took a big comeback, but Washington is off to the franchise's best start in nearly half a century.
Spencer Dinwiddie scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half, and the Wizards erased a 19-point deficit to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 105-100 Monday night for their fifth consecutive victory. At 10-3, it’s their best start since the Bullets opened the 1974-75 season 11-2.
“We just woke up — I think we flipped a switch,” said forward Deni Avdija, who scored 11 and contained New Orleans' Brandon Ingram in the fourth quarter. “When we play together and we have that right energy, it’s very hard to stop us."
The Wizards have done this with and without All-Star guard Bradley Beal, who missed a second consecutive game mourning the death of his grandmother. They're 3-0 with Beal out last season after going 2-10 in such games last season.
“We never want to be without Brad,” said first-year coach Wes Unseld Jr., who expects Beal back this week. “No one wants to be without their best player. But the fact that we can withstand some stretches is great.”
Aaron Holiday, who took Beal's spot in the starting lineup, scored 12 points. Dinwiddie made his first three 3-point attempts in the third quarter to start the climb back from down 60-41, cutting the Pelicans' lead to five before a series of fouls and missed free throws temporarily stalled the comeback bid.
Trailing by seven entering the fourth quarter, it took until Kyle Kuzma's 3 with 5:18 left for the Wizards to pull even at 92 for the first tie since 33-all. Avdija's fast-break layup put Washington up with under four minutes left, and the second-year pro from Israel grabbed a defensive rebound on the next Pelicans possession to help ensure Washington wouldn't fall behind again.
"They just turned it up," New Orleans coach Willie Green said.
The Wizards pulled away on jumpers by Avdija and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while the Pelicans missed 11 consecutive attempts from the field to let the game slip away.
“We shot 34 free throws, so we tried to put our heads down and be aggressive," Green said. "We just couldn't sustain it.”
New Orleans lost for the 13th time in 15 games this season, all without Zion Williamson because of a broken right foot. Ingram led all scorers with 31 points in his second game back from a hip injury, and Jonas Valanciunas added 16.
RUI EVENTUALLY
The Wizards have been playing without Rui Hachimura because the forward was granted a leave of absence for personal reasons. They know they'll need to integrate him into the rotation at some point but don't yet know what that looks like or when it will happen.
“It’s going to be a challenge," Unseld said. “Obviously we’re playing pretty well. Sometimes as coaches we overthink it, and you’re worried about upsetting the balance. There’s another part of me that says, ‘You know what, just rip the band aid off and go for it, see how it looks.’"
TIP-INS
Pelicans: Josh Hart, who Green has praised for becoming a better leader, had 13 points and 12 rebounds. ... Former Wizards guard Garrett Temple scored eight points. ... Ingram had missed seven consecutive games before coming back Saturday against Memphis. ... Devonte Graham finished with 14 points.
Wizards: Held an opponent at 100 or fewer points for the sixth time in 13 games. They only did that five times last season. ... Caldwell-Pope finished with 18 points and hit four 3s. ... Dinwiddie also had nine assists. ... Harrell has scored in double figures in every game. ... Forward Davis Bertans, who has been out with a sprained left ankle, continues to practice and could play next week, according to Unseld.
UP NEXT
Pelicans: Wrap up their two-game road trip at the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. 
Wizards: Visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
___
More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Wizards continue to win, and are off to their best start since the 74-75 season after beating the Pelicans, 105-100.