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Stephen Curry took heart stage to begin the week as he continued his pursuit of Ray Allen’s 3-point document. Curry hit six 3s on Monday evening towards the Indiana Pacers to tug inside two photographs of the highest spot, then quickly hit two 3s in the first quarter of Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks, bringing the gang at Madison Sq. Backyard to its toes.
The main target has rapidly shifted to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which triggered three video games to be postponed on Sunday alone because of the excessive variety of gamers coming into the league’s well being and security protocols. The Brooklyn Nets introduced Friday that Kyrie Irving, who has not performed all season on account of New York’s vaccination mandates, can be activated for road games within the wake of a group outbreak. Irving, nonetheless, entered protocols the following day, and he’s considered one of 10 gamers on the group out due to well being and security protocols.
Our consultants break down the place every group stands after per week of coronavirus-related postponements.
Be aware: All through the common season, our panel (Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is rating all 30 groups from high to backside, taking inventory of which groups are enjoying the most effective basketball now and which groups are wanting most like title contenders.
1. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 document: 24-5
Earlier rating: 1
Suns main scorer Devin Booker made his return to the court docket on Sunday evening after lacking seven video games with a hamstring harm. Phoenix put up a balanced effort with out Booker, however one participant particularly who stepped up his play was reserve ahead Cameron Johnson. In 30.3 minutes per evening within the seven contests, Johnson averaged 14.6 factors and was Phoenix’s second-leading scorer in that stretch. — Lopez
2. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 document: 24-6
Earlier rating: 2
Stephen Curry broke Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point document at Madison Sq. Backyard early within the week, and the Warriors went on to complete with a 3-2 mark on their five-game East Coast swing by week’s finish. Klay Thompson continues to be on observe to come back again in just a few weeks, however Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins each entered well being and security protocols to shut the week forward of a Christmas Day showdown with the Suns. — Friedell
3. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 document: 21-9
Earlier rating: 4
The current surge of COVID-19 instances in New York additionally has overwhelmed the Nets. A staggering 10 gamers went into the league’s well being and security protocols throughout the week, together with superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden, in addition to the newly reinstated Kyrie Irving. As soon as all three emerge from their time away from the group, they are going to have an opportunity to be on the court docket collectively for the primary time because the opening moments of Sport 1 of final season’s Jap Convention semifinals towards the Bucks when Harden injured his hamstring. — Bontemps
4. Utah Jazz
2021-22 document: 20-9
Earlier rating: 3
Utah was the NBA’s hottest group earlier than its eight-game profitable streak was halted by head-scratching residence losses in back-to-back video games towards the Spurs and Wizards. The Jazz have the league’s finest internet score (plus-10.5 factors per 100 possessions), however Utah has been mediocre in clutch conditions (6-8 in video games inside 5 factors within the ultimate 5 minutes). — MacMahon
5. Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 document: 19-13
Earlier rating: 5
Milwaukee has been with out each Giannis Antetokounmpo (well being and security) and Khris Middleton (knee) in current video games, however Jrue Holiday has stepped up his manufacturing of their absence. Vacation averaged 28.7 factors with 9 assists, three rebounds and two steals in three video games final week because the Bucks seemed to remain afloat — once more — with a depleted roster. — Collier
6. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 document: 18-10
Earlier rating: 7
After being shut down for per week amid a teamwide COVID-19 outbreak, the Bulls returned to play on Sunday with a victory over the Lakers. DeMar DeRozan, the NBA’s main scorer throughout the fourth quarter, picked up the place he left off in his first recreation again from well being and security protocols, dropping 19 of his 38 factors within the ultimate interval to clinch the sport. DeRozan, Coby White and Javonte Green have all cleared the league’s protocols, and the Bulls might have extra reinforcements on the best way by the top of the week. — Collier
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 document: 19-12
Earlier rating: 10
The Cavs suffered a string of setbacks associated to well being and security protocols on Sunday, with 5 gamers — Jarrett Allen, Lamar Stevens, Dylan Windler, Denzel Valentine and RJ Nembhard Jr. — all testing in, resulting in the postponement of their recreation towards the Hawks. That is about the one factor that might cease Cleveland as of late, as it’s driving a six-game profitable streak to maneuver as much as No. 3 within the East. — McMenamin
8. Miami Heat
2021-22 document: 18-13
Earlier rating: 6
The banged-up Warmth went 2-2 on the week — together with a disappointing loss to the Pistons through which Miami shot simply 37.8% from the sphere. With Bam Adebayo (thumb surgical procedure) and Jimmy Butler (tailbone) nonetheless out, the Warmth have gotten a few good video games from reserve Max Strus, who scored a mixed 56 factors and grabbed 11 rebounds over Miami’s previous two video games. — Friedell
9. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 document: 19-12
Earlier rating: 9
The Grizzlies have managed to win 10 of 12 video games since star level guard Ja Morant went down with a sprained left knee on Nov. 26. 5 Memphis regulars are scoring in double figures throughout the stretch, led by Dillon Brooks‘ 20.5 factors per recreation. Fill-in place to begin guard Tyus Jones has 73 assists and solely 13 turnovers within the dozen video games, throughout which he has the Grizzlies’ second-best plus-minus (plus-119). — MacMahon
10. LA Clippers
2021-22 document: 16-14
Earlier rating: 12
The week began with the Clippers profitable their fourth straight and having fun with a blowout victory over the Suns with out Paul George, but it surely ended with former Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drilling a buzzer-beating 3 to stun them in Oklahoma Metropolis and hand them a second straight loss. The Clippers must get wholesome. George has missed 5 straight with an elbow harm, however he might be nearing a return. The Clippers misplaced Marcus Morris Sr., who had simply been warming up after getting back from a knee harm, to well being and security protocols. Reggie Jackson has been enjoying some heavy minutes and is banged up, as effectively. — Youngmisuk
11. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 document: 15-14
Earlier rating: 16
The Nuggets have received three of their previous 4 video games, and so they have been poised to face a decimated Nets squad on Sunday, earlier than that recreation was postponed because of the Nets’ COVID-19 outbreak. Reigning league MVP Nikola Jokic has averaged 26.4 factors, 13.1 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 58.3% capturing this month. Rookie Bones Hyland had the most effective recreation of his profession with 24 factors in a win over Atlanta, giving the Nuggets some firepower off the bench. — Youngmisuk
12. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 document: 15-15
Earlier rating: 8
It was a tough week for the 76ers, who dropped three video games to Memphis, Miami and Brooklyn and had Sunday’s recreation postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Sure, the 76ers are lacking Ben Simmons and have some accidents themselves, however issues look very, very completely different in Philadelphia now as in comparison with when the group was main the Jap Convention by 10 video games. — Bontemps
13. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 document: 16-15
Earlier rating: 13
“It is going across the league,” Carmelo Anthony mentioned, matter-of-factly, after L.A. misplaced at Chicago on Sunday with six gamers in well being and security protocols. “It is going round different leagues. That is actuality. That is life. That is stuff that we have now to cope with, not simply as basketball gamers however as individuals, society. These are issues that we’re coping with proper now.” To not point out, the Lakers are coping with a sprained MCL in Anthony Davis‘ left knee, which is anticipated to sideline the massive man for no less than a month. — McMenamin
14. Washington Wizards
2021-22 document: 16-15
Earlier rating: 11
Washington’s scorching 10-3 begin has fizzled. The Wizards had misplaced seven of eight video games, till developing with considered one of their greatest wins of the season at Utah. Bradley Beal, nonetheless, is likely to be heating up. He has averaged 31 factors in his previous three video games, together with scoring a season-high 37 within the win versus the Jazz. Washington received Kyle Kuzma again out of well being and security protocols final week, however Spencer Dinwiddie is in a droop, averaging simply 6.8 factors, 26.8% capturing and solely 14.8% 3-point capturing this month. — Youngmisuk
15. Boston Celtics
2021-22 document: 15-15
Earlier rating: 17
Boston has, no less than to date, survived its difficult December schedule, going 4-5 by the primary 9 video games of the month, previous to key video games towards the 76ers and Cavaliers this week and a Christmas Day matchup with the Bucks in Milwaukee. Whereas the Celtics have a number of gamers out on account of COVID-19, they lastly have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown wholesome and on the court docket collectively once more. Within the 379 minutes they’ve shared the court docket this season, Boston is outscoring its opponents by six factors per 100 possessions. — Bontemps
16. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 document: 16-16
Earlier rating: 14
Charlotte has dropped three of its previous 4 and nonetheless has two robust video games to shut out a six-stop West Coast swing. The brilliant spot for the Hornets got here Wednesday evening when Gordon Hayward dropped 41 factors in a win over the Spurs. The excellent news for the Hornets is that LaMelo Ball returned to the lineup on Friday after lacking simply over two weeks in well being and security protocols. — Friedell
17. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 document: 14-15
Earlier rating: 18
The Mavs cut up their previous 4 video games whereas Luka Doncic nursed his sore left ankle and labored on his conditioning. When he comes again, Dallas wants Doncic to present a a lot better defensive effort than he has this season. The Mavs have been a bottom-five protection with Doncic on the ground (112.2 factors per 100 possessions) and a top-five protection with out him (101.8). — MacMahon
18. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 document: 14-15
Earlier rating: 15
Trae Young had his league-leading seventh 30-point, 10-assist recreation on Friday towards the Nuggets. LeBron James is subsequent with three such video games this season. Younger has three within the month of December alone. These averages have develop into nearer to the norm for him as of late. In eight video games this month, Younger is averaging 30.8 factors and 9.9 assists, however he will not have the ability to construct on these numbers this week after sources say he tested positive for COVID-19. –– Lopez
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 document: 15-15
Earlier rating: 20
With 4 straight victories, the Timberwolves have climbed again to .500 regardless of shedding guard Anthony Edwards to the well being and security protocols. Karl-Anthony Towns is main the cost for Minnesota because the group begins to place itself firmly within the Western Convention playoff image. Cities is averaging 27.3 factors, 9.1 rebounds and three.7 assists throughout the month of December. — Collier
20. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 document: 14-15
Earlier rating: 19
Whereas OG Anunoby lastly returned to the lineup Saturday evening after lacking a month with a hip harm, Pascal Siakam will miss the following a number of days after coming into the NBA’s well being and security protocols. Nonetheless, Toronto — behind spectacular rookie Scottie Barnes — has managed to remain within the playoff race regardless of a continuing shuffling of the lineup. — Bontemps
21. Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 document: 13-18
Earlier rating: 22
The Blazers may’ve give you their two greatest wins of the season this week. Definitely, they’re the 2 most necessary victories contemplating how issues have been spiraling for Portland. The Blazers wanted 43 factors and eight assists from Damian Lillard to halt a seven-game shedding streak and beat the Hornets on Friday. Then the Blazers adopted that up by beating the Grizzlies in Memphis on Sunday. It was simply their third win since Nov. 24, a disastrous stretch that noticed the Blazers lose 10 of 13 video games. CJ McCollum missed his seventh straight recreation on Sunday, and he stays out with a lung harm. — Youngmisuk
22. New York Knicks
2021-22 document: 13-17
Earlier rating: 21
After Kemba Walker was faraway from the rotation for 9 video games, he lastly was put again on the court docket Saturday evening — in Boston, no much less. Coach Tom Thibodeau had no selection however to play him — each different level guard on the roster was both in well being and security protocols or injured. Walker scored 29 factors, and when requested afterward if he wished to remain in New York, he mentioned he “needs to play.” The Knicks have misplaced eight of their previous 10 video games. — Bontemps
23. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 document: 13-18
Earlier rating: 24
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle returned to apply on Sunday after lacking the group’s previous 4 video games within the NBA’s well being and security protocols. The Pacers went 2-2 throughout his absence, however Carlisle needs to be again on the sidelines for Tuesday’s recreation towards the Warmth. — Collier
24. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 document: 13-18
Earlier rating: 25
It was a 2-2 week for the Kings, shedding to the Raptors and Grizzlies and beating the Wizards and Spurs. With De’Aaron Fox in well being and security protocols for the sport towards San Antonio, Tyrese Haliburton stepped up with a season-high 27 factors on 12-for-19 capturing, 11 assists and two steals. — McMenamin
25. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 document: 11-17
Earlier rating: 23
Dejounte Murray topped the Spurs in scoring on Sunday evening. He was the sixth completely different participant to guide the group in factors up to now six video games, following Derrick White, Lonnie Walker, Jakob Poeltl, Bryn Forbes and Keldon Johnson. It additionally was San Antonio’s fifth consecutive recreation with a distinct main rebounder: Tre Jones, Poeltl, White, Murray after which Johnson on Sunday. — Lopez
26. Houston Rockets
2021-22 document: 10-20
Earlier rating: 26
Garrison Mathews made changing his two-way deal to a typical contract a precedence for the Rockets, who rewarded him this week with a four-year deal price $8.2 million. Mathews has began the previous 12 video games for the Rockets. Houston is 8-4 in that span, throughout which Mathews has averaged 14.6 factors and three.9 rebounds with a 63.8 true capturing proportion. — MacMahon
27. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 document: 10-21
Earlier rating: 27
After a 3-16 begin, the Pelicans have received seven of their previous 12 video games and have proven regular enchancment. For the season, the Pelicans rank within the backside 5 in each offensive and defensive score. Nevertheless, since Nov. 24, they’ve an offensive score of 111.3 and a defensive score of 111.2, which rank 14th and fifteenth within the league, respectively, over that span. — Lopez
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
2021-22 document: 9-19
Earlier rating: 28
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s buzzer-beater over the Clippers overshadowed rookie Josh Giddey‘s close to triple-double. Giddey completed two factors shy however had 18 rebounds and 10 assists within the victory. In keeping with ESPN Stats & Info analysis, Giddey grew to become the primary teenager in NBA historical past to seize no less than 15 rebounds and dish out no less than 10 assists in a recreation. — MacMahon
29. Orlando Magic
2021-22 document: 6-25
Earlier rating: 29
Orlando has been ravaged by well being and security protocols, in addition to accidents, but it surely managed to snap a seven-game shedding skid on Saturday evening towards an equally undermanned Brooklyn squad. Veteran huge man Robin Lopez poured in 20 factors and 10 rebounds within the win over the Nets after not enjoying a lot in any respect this season. — Friedell
30. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 document: 5-24
Earlier rating: 30
The Pistons prevented setting a brand new franchise document on Sunday with a victory towards the Warmth to snap a 14-game shedding streak. Detroit had not received since Nov. 17, and the shedding skid — the second longest within the NBA this season, behind Houston’s 15-game streak — matched the longest in group historical past, becoming a member of the 1979-80 and 1983-94 squads. — Collier
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