Wizards forward Anthony Gill made the most of his opportunity in the team’s game against the Thunder on Friday, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington writes.
Gill received more playing time largely due to the absence of Deni Avdija (season-ending fibula fracture) and finished with nine points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes. It was just his 19th appearance of the season.
“AG, I’m proud of him. He hasn’t played much,” head coach Scott Brooks said. “The guy works harder than anybody on our team. He comes in every day. He comes in early. He’s always cheering his teammates on, he’s the first one up [off the bench].”
Gill will have a bigger opportunity on Sunday as he starts in place of injured forward Rui Hachimura against the Cavaliers.
There’s more from the Southeast Division tonight:
- Heat star Jimmy Butler re-affirmed his loyalty to his teammates after a disappointing 118-103 loss to the Hawks on Friday, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel writes. Miami bounced back with a 106-101 home victory against the Bulls on Saturday. “I’m telling you,” Butler said, “I’ll ride with these guys ‘til wheels fall off.”
- Several key players remain out for the Heat, Winderman writes in a different story for the Sun Sentinel. Miami played without Goran Dragic (injury recovery), Tyler Herro (sore right foot) and Victor Oladipo (knee soreness) against Chicago. All three guards play significant roles in the team’s rotation when healthy.
- Hornets coach James Borrego could stick with a variation of his new starting lineup for the rest of the season, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer explores. Borrego opted to start Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, Cody Martin, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington against Cleveland on Friday. The team, which has been playing without the likes of LaMelo Ball (wrist) and Gordon Hayward (foot), notched a 108-102 victory.
I say again…why are they still messing around with rotations when they’re in the position they’re in. I know Spo likes to do that, but now isnt the time. The bench has consistently been destroyed in certain matchups, and it seems purposeful to not use certain guys against certain teams, but then use them in other matchups…Spo didnt go to his playoff rotations last year literally until the playoffs, but I dont think they have that luxury. Maybe trying to set up certain matchups, but go back to 2 years ago, and a late injury could put them in a position they dont expect
How exactly does Oladipo hold a significant role (when healthy) after playing so terribly in the four games he managed to stay healthy for?
Heat, Celtics both have good wins. Then have bad wins. Hawks look like they are slipping then they win. To me these teams with Knicks will all godown to wire for seeding. Hawks have easiest schedule, Knicks hardest. Celtics n Heat play each other twice. With 10 gms to go. Hawks will be healthy for playoffs. I see them as a tough out.