| Pace: 98.4 (17) |
ORtg: 109.7 (19) |
DRtg: 111.6 (19) |
NetRtg: -2.1 |
Top Performers
- (G) De’Aaron Fox – 31.7 MPG | 20.4 PPG | 6.8 APG | 1.4 SPG
- (G) Buddy Hield – 32.0 MPG | 19.8 PPG | 4.8 RPG | .395 3P%
- (F) Harrison Barnes – 34.9 MPG | 14.7 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 2.4 APG
Where They Left Off
The Sacramento Kings left off the suspended season within shouting distance of a playoff position.
In a three-way tie for ninth with the Trail Blazers and Pelicans, the Kings are scratching at the ceiling, trying to make the post-season. Their inconsistencies on both ends are at the forefront of their issues.
Highlights/Lowlights of the Season
High: De’Aaron Fox continues to improve and the early-season contract issue with Buddy Hield was quickly resolved.
While they didn’t get off to the strong start that they wanted to, they’ve shown impressive resolve for a young team, piecing together on and off win-streaks to make up for some devastating losing streaks.
Low: Luke Walton has been a disappointment to this point in the NBA season.
While he was supposed to build upon the success of last year’s Sacramento Kings team, Walton has struggled to implement his style with the group. Once one of the leagues fastest offenses, they sit near the bottom third this season.
What is Next for the Sacramento Kings?
The Sacramento Kings are sitting dangerously in no-man’s land at the moment.
Not very promising are their chances to make the playoffs, and a less than competitive outlook in the West. On the plus side, they are likely to own a top ten pick in this coming NBA Draft.
2. LA Clippers (44-20) (2nd in Pacific, 2nd West)
| Pace: 101.8 (8) |
ORtg: 113.6 (3) |
DRtg: 107.2 (5) |
NetRtg: 6.4 |
Top Performers
- (F) Kawhi Leonard – 32.3 MPG | 26.9 PPG | 7.3 RPG | 5.0 APG
- (G) Paul George – 29.1 MPG | 21.0 PPG | 5.7 RPG | .399 3P%
- (G) Lou Williams – 29.3 MPG | 18.7 PPG | 5.7 APG | .363 3P%
Where They Left Off
The LA Clippers are sitting near the top of the Western Conference and the NBA.
As expected of a team owning their talents, the Clippers have been difficult to match by any. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have proven themselves as a true duo of concern across the NBA.
Highlights/Lowlights of the Season
High: The LA Clippers bench has been fantastic this season. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell are true leaders for LA, and Doc Rivers doesn’t even play them with the starting unit.
While their other complementary pieces have also propped them up – Zubac, Patterson, Morris – the play of the reserves as a whole has helped LA overcome the lack of having Leonard and George in the lineup.
Low: Speaking of not having Leonard and George in the lineup, the two have been excellent on the court. Unfortunately, they’ve missed a combined 37 games at this point in the season.
While they have only one loss when they’re in the lineup together, performing on the court at the same time is what they need to defeat the top of the NBA.
What is Next for the Clippers?
The LA Clippers are one of the favorites for the NBA title.
They still need to prove they can overcome the Lakers and the Bucks, but improved health will certainly be a benefit. The additions of Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris were excellent moves that push LA into a “win or die” attitude for the Championship.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (49-14) (1st in Pacific, 1st West)
| Pace: 100.9 (3) |
ORtg: 113.0 (4) |
DRtg: 105.6 (3) |
NetRtg: 7.4 |
Top Performers
- (F) Anthony Davis – 34.3 MPG | 26.7 PPG | 9.4 RPG | 2.4 BPG
- (F) LeBron James – 34.9 MPG | 25.7 PPG | 10.6 APG | 7.9 RPG
- (F) Kyle Kuzma – 24.6 MPG | 12.5 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 1.3 APG
Where They Left Off
The Los Angeles Lakers left off the season on an excellent run. They won three-straight games against the Sixers, Bucks, and Clippers, right before the day of suspension where they lost to the Brooklyn Nets by just two points. At the top of the West and with a playoff position clinched, the Lakers have checked all the boxes.
Highlights/Lowlights of the Season
High: The transition between last year’s team and this year’s team with LeBron James has been seamless. With massive turnover and a new star to defer to, the Lakers could have very easily gone in the wrong direction.
But with renewed vigor and a team of his choosing, LeBron James seems to be leading the Lakers back to the promised land.
Low: The Lakers’ supporting cast can be hot and cold.
Not exactly loaded with shooters, a streaky night for the likes of Danny Green and Avery Bradley can cost them matches. Kyle Kuzma has also disappointed in his third year, showing that his scoring lacks serious efficiency.
What is Next for the Lakers?
The NBA Championship is all that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are interested in playing for.
They wholesaled their future, signed veterans to short-term contracts, and hired Frank Vogel all in the hopes of bringing a championship back to Los Angeles. There is no other option for the Lakers than winning the title.
NBA FAQs
When will the NBA resume play?
The NBA is hoping to resume play in mid-to-late June or early August.
How will the season/playoffs change when the NBA season resumes?
Nobody is 100% sure yet. At the moment, only four teams have clinched the playoffs. Best case scenario, the regular season is picked up where it left off.
Who are the favorites to win the NBA Championship?
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers are the betting favorites to win the NBA Championship this season.
/fit-in/300x300/frame-1-1.png)
/fit-in/300x300/draftkings-logo-2.png){kind=logo}
/fit-in/300x300/sugarhouse-1.png)
/1666344578/christian-jope.png "Christian jope")
/dmca.png "Dmca"){kind=small}
/1670944202/21.png "21"){kind=small}
/1670944628/2022-igb-best-casino-affiliate-gig-media-e1651053747946.png "2022 igb best casino affiliate gig media e1651053747946"){kind=small}
/1670944701/gig-media-power-affiliates-rank-123x40-1.png "Gig media power affiliates rank 123x40 1"){kind=icon}
/1670944773/800-gambler-black-144x40.jpg "800 gambler black 144x40"){kind=small}
/1718715753/gpwa.webp "Gpwa"){kind=small}
