Category: Basketball

Andre Drummond to play against Mavericks

Brandon King

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond will play and get the start tonight tonight in the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. He was placed in concussion protocol shortly thereafter, which he cleared on Thursday. Drummond is pulling in a league-leading 14.9 rebounds per game to go along with 16.3 points. Drummond had missed the two previous games for a concussion that was apparently suffered when he was inadvertently struck in the nose by the Miami Heat’s James Johnson in their game last Friday. He left that game and did not…

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Perth pounds Adelaide 100-81

Brandon King

From nbl.com.au: The old warhorse Damian Martin turned on a clinic as the Perth Wildcats shook off a blistering Adelaide 36ers start to continue their resurgence with a statement-making 100-81 win on Friday night at RAC Arena. The Sixers shot out of the blocks with 18 points in the game’s first four minutes with Jacob Wiley hitting 12 of them as they looked set to fire themselves back into the NBL’s top four. It wasn’t to be with the 36ers ending up scoring just 13 points in the second quarter…

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Sydney reclaims top spot after 87-81 win over Brisbane

Brandon King

Andrew Bogut still has gas in the tank, Daniel Kickert is still a force and the Sydney Kings are back at the top of the ladder after an 87-81 win in Brisbane on Friday night. Those who questioned a ‘tired’ Sydney’s ability to match it with the best have been caught crying wolf as the Kings took care of business beating the Bullets by six points at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Bogut was the best player on the court, but not even he could register a single offensive rebound as the…

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Cairns defeats New Zealand in OT 106-98

Brandon King

From nbl.com.au: FAST FACTS • Cairns have hosted consecutive home games with overtime for the first time in their history • The Taipans came from 12 points down to win – the first time they have won from more than four points behind this season • It was Taipans first overtime win since December 2015 after five consecutive losses • Melo Trimble had 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. First Taipan ever to have 32/5/5 twice in the same season • Jarrad Weeks scored 17 points for the Bre…

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Jimmy Butler out against Rockets

Brandon King

Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Jimmy Butler will miss the team’s game against the Houston Rockets tonight, according to Kyle Neubeck. Neubreck also added that Butler informed the team he was experiencing discomfort in his wrist and that the team is calling it a “mild wrist sprain.” Since being traded to the Sixers earlier this season, Butler has averaged 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 32.1 minutes per contest.

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Suns’ Ayton and Holmes out against Timberwolves

Brandon King

The Phoenix Suns number one overall pick Deandre Ayton and backup big man Richaun Holmes will be both miss the team’s game tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to injury. Both suffered injuries in the Suns’ game Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets – Ayton left the game after spraining his left ankle and Holmes sprained his right foot.

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Gordon Hayward to miss game tonight against Hawks

Brandon King

Boston Celtics small forward Gordon Hayward will miss the team’s game tonight against the Atlanta Hawks for what’s being termed “personal reasons.” NBC Sports Boston Chris Forsberg reports that Hayward is not in Atlanta with the team. He has remained in Boston, as he and his wife are expecting their third daughter.  Congratulations to the Hayward clan and we hope for you another healthy and happy addition to your family. 

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Rajon Rondo cleared to return to full practice

Brandon King

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Friday that point guard Rajon Rondo has been cleared for full contact practice by the club’s medical staff.  According to Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportNet, the veteran point guard is likely to return to game action next week.  Rondo has out since suffering a sprained finger on December 27. This came right on the heels of Lebron James’ groin injury on Christmas Day.  We’re both antsy to get back,” Rondo told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. “I’m actually trying to beat him back, so, but like I…

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Why NBA people whose thoughts, actions and decisions mean something are looking at the NBL

Brandon King

This is an interesting read from Liam Santamaria on how more NBA team eyes are starting to focus on the NBL. Written for nbl.com.au by Liam Santamaria The NBL’s reputation as a breeding ground for NBA talent continues to grow, with more NBA coaches, agents, analysts and scouts than ever viewing the league as a legitimate development pathway. It’s a reputation that has skyrocketed over recent years thanks to a combination of factors, including the increased visibility of the league, the NBLxNBA initiative and the success of young players developing…

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Illawarra defeats New Zealand 107-96 in come from behind win

Brandon King

From nbl.com.au: Forward pair Todd Blanchfield and Brian Conklin combined for 47 points to lead the Illawarra Hawks to Friday night’s inspired 107-96 comeback victory over the New Zealand Breakers at WIN Entertainment Centre. Illawarra were behind at every change before outscoring the Breakers 34-11 in the final quarter to claim their 10th win of the season and stay in the finals race. Jordair Jett and AJ Ogilvy scored 14 points apiece off the bench for the Hawks, while four-time Olympian David Andersen added 10. “Our last four games are…

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