Grizzlies starting center Steven Adams has entered the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols, the team’s PR tweets. Adams had been the only member of the team to play in every game this season, per Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian (Twitter link).
In other COVID-19 news, Clippers center Ivica Zubac has cleared the protocols and is listed as questionable (reconditioning) for Saturday’s game against Memphis, per the Clippers’ PR department (via Twitter).
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- The Lakers have found success with LeBron James at center lineups, and Nekias Duncan of BasketballNews relays that it’s the next evolution of James’ lengthy career. Duncan writes that in 345 minutes with James as the lone big man, his per-36 averages are 32.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, and 1.5 blocks with a 61/41/83 shooting line. More importantly, L.A. has outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions during those minutes.
- Since the Jazz were only carrying 13 players on standard contracts, there was some uncertainty about whether Danuel House had received a traditional or hardship exception 10-day deal, but Keith Smith of Spotrac tweets that it used a hardship exception. House’s contract won’t count against the salary cap or luxury tax, but it’s still an opportunity for him to potentially earn a roster spot with Utah, as the team is only carrying 14 players on standard deals. He had 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes in his debut Friday, a 122-108 loss to Toronto.
- With the Timberwolves shorthanded due to COVID-19 absences, Jaylen Nowell stepped up and earned his guaranteed contract, writes Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. Hine notes that Nowell was averaging 13.9 points over his last 10 games entering Friday, while shooting 50% from the field and 36% on three-pointers. Nowell concedes he may not be the most explosive player, but he’s still finding ways to be effective. “I watch a lot of older players and how they maneuver and got to the rim,” Nowell said. “I’m not the most explosive guy. I have a little bit of explosiveness, so I can use that to my advantage. … I’ve got to find certain ways to get to the spots I want.”
Tired of these constant lakers updates. We all know half the league is horrible so when they play those teams they’ll probably win. Put lebron at center against a real team and see what happens
L comment
Spot on
I’m definitely not a Lakers fan but this seems like a weak comment. Outside of maybe Jokic LeBron as a center is probably the most skilled center in the league. He’s a great passer, has good post moves and he can shoot. The Lakers have won 4 straight without Davis when 2 weeks ago they couldn’t win a game against nearly anyone.
The LBJ hate is the most pathetic fanhood in sports, right?
Haters must cry as right now LBJ is the 3rd best player in the MVP race…
1/Jokic
2/Giannis
3/LBJ
4/KD
5/Embiid
Curry doesn’t even make the list? Huge oversight or you have no idea what you are talking about. :)
Right now Curry is my #15, so no oversight, right?
Again, these wins have come against teams that are a combined 22 games below 500. A team actively trying to win should have no problem winning these games but they have. At the center he’s helped. But let’s not pretend like they have had quality wins because being below 500 in the league this year is pathetic
Westbrook sulking even with Lakers blowout win because he missed triple double by 1 point. LOL.