Do the Lakers still want the Kings in the playoffs, or nah?

PLUS: The Magic are the No. 4 seed. It's March.

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

But first, here’s Among the Firs by Emily Carr (1931).

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Scores

Magic 119, Wizards 109 — And that is sole possession of fourth place in the East for your Orlando Magic. Taking advantage of that cupcake schedule, but also locking on defense regardless of whether stalwarts like Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. are available or, in this case, not.

I mentioned Jalen Johnson as a favorite for Most Improved Player yesterday. Is Jalen Suggs in the conversation? He should be on an All-Defense team. He seems horrible to line up across.

Speaking of Orlando awards, I think Mark Daigenault is going to win Coach of the Year, but Jamahl Mosley has a case.

Shoot it, Jordan Poole! Be a legend!

Clippers 122, Rockets 116 — Houston led by 20 in the first half, but Los Angeles just rumbled back. The Rockets scored pretty efficiently all game long, but their defense evaporated at halftime. After the break, the Clippers scored 78 points with an 80% True Shooting percentage.

Grizzlies 115, Sixers 109 — The Basketball Gods will smile upon the Grizzlies for, despite all the injuries, still competing. In particular, Jaren Jackson Jr. is still playing hella hard. 30-11 with 6 blocks against BBall Paul.

I’m generally on the side of Tobias Harris, but taking just 12 shots with Tyrese Maxey and, of course, Joel Embiid out against an overmatched opponent is brutal. There’s a level of responsibility on offense that you have to embrace if you’re the most talented scorer on the floor.

Cavaliers 101, Hawks 112 — You can see these losses a mile away. Worth it for the win over Boston, though.