NBA 03/12-04/12/21: Los Angeles Lakers v Los Angeles Clippers showdown, Miami Heat on the road

The past week has seen some thrilling matches thrown up. There have been games where the margin of victory was a mere two points. We have three brilliant matches in store this weekend and give you the full lowdown on the biggest games in the Eastern and Western Conferences, including Bucks v Heat, and the LA derby between Lakers and the Clippers.

Montrezl Harrell explodes for season-high as Washington Wizards slay Minnesota Timberwolves

Montrezl Harrell was the star turn earlier this week as the Wizards cruised past the Timberwolves earlier this week. A 115-107 victory took their record at home to 8-2, and overall they are 14-8 for the campaign. Harrell caught the eye as he scored a season-high of 27 points on 11-12 shooting, while Bradley Beal contributed 19 points.

The Wizards are one of just two teams in the Eastern Conferences that have recorded at least eight home wins this campaign. But it’s worth noting that it was the players that came off the bench that made the difference, as the starters struggled in the first half. And a special mention must go to Daniel Gafford, who posted his third consecutive double-double.

Cleveland Cavaliers end losing streak against Miami Heat with a rousing display

The Cavs erased a few demons against the Heat. After going 11 years without a win in South Florida, the Cavs were rampant as they ran out 111-85 winners. Double-digit scoring from five players, including Kevin Love, enabled the Cavs to end a 20-game losing streak on the Heat’s home floor. With a 12-10 record in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs are ticking along nicely.

Cleveland Cavaliers have become fun to watch again

For a few years, the Cavs were in the doldrums. But now the Cavs know how to blow out teams, with the win over the Heat a point in proof. And at the quarter way mark of the campaign, the Cavs’ win record is over 60%, something they haven’t achieved since the 2017/18 campaign. They also look much tighter defensively, which bodes well.

Anthony Davis points to key factor in Los Angles Lakers’ blowout win over Sacramento Kings

At times, the Lakers have been underwhelming this season. But against the Kings earlier this week, it was a completely different story. Anthony Davis weighed in with 25 points as they blitzed past the Kings 117-92. And when asked what determined the win, Davis said: “Getting back in transition and building a defensive presence.” The Lakers have to get back to basics and buckle down.

Russell Westbrook looks like he’s on borrowed time at the Los Angeles Lakers

It’s fair to say the Russell Westbrook experiment is not working. Many expected Westbrook, LeBron James, and Davies to run riot in the Western Conference this season, but it hasn’t transpired that way. Westbrook has managed on average just shy of 21 points, and he is just over 31% for scoring from three-point range. At times, the Lakers have looked rather disjointed.

With a win record hovering just over 50%, there may have to be a shake-up or two, and perhaps Westbrook may be the man to have to make way. And there seem to be three potential trade options that the Lakers could explore if they are to try to shift out Westbrook. One of those is Jonas Valanciunas of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Meanwhile, the Clippers are on the rebound after a 124-115 reverse to the Kings earlier this week, and they are seventh in the Western Conference. However, after resting Paul George, they will hope to have him fully firing against the Lakers on Friday evening. Also, they will be closely monitoring Kawhi Leonard, who has a knee injury.

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to tear it up for the Milwaukee Bucks

Nothing surprises us anymore about Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak”, as he is more commonly known, blew up for 40 points earlier this week as the Bucks overturned an 18-point deficit to edge out the Charlotte Hornets 127-125. Miles Bridge nearly took the game to overtime, but his heave at the buzzer didn’t fall.

For the Bucks, it should be an intriguing encounter against the Heat, as it is a clash between third and fifth in the Western Conference. The Heat have been one of the surprise packages. While they were taken out by the Cavs earlier this week, the Heat have plenty to offer, and they are easy on eye. It might be hard calling a winner.

18+ | Play responsibly | Casumo Services Ltd is licensed by the MGA | MGA/CRP/217/2012 | rgf.org.mt