*The Nets* have the same chance of making the playoffs as the Sixers
PLUS: Jamal Murray goes ballistic and the Mavericks and Knicks win thrillers.
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
La Grenouillère; Pierre-Auguste Renoir; 1868
Scores
Pacers 134, Wizards 130 — Indiana is basically as good as they were last year, albeit completely changed due to Tyrese Haliburton no longer looking like a perennial All-NBA player and Pascal Siakam having an enormous role. Interesting pivot. I suspect the Pacers were hoping to balance both a vital Siakam and an otherworldly Haliburton.
Spurs 103, Celtics 116 — It appears Boston’s flirtation with being ordinary is over. They started the season 19-4, went 13-11 over the next couple of months and are 7-1 over the past three weeks. I really do love how the Cavaliers and Knicks are playing, but Boston is still my favorite in the East.
Cavaliers 131, Raptors 108 — I have a single complaint about the 2024-25 Cavaliers, and it’s that the whole experience features a bit too much Tristan Thompson for my taste.
Hawks 148, Knicks 149 — This game-winning stepback for Jalen Brunson on Dyson Daniels is just so pretty. That the Hawks almost answered on a second chance is wild.
Sixers 96, Nets 100 — The Brooklyn Nets are now tied with the Sixers for the No. 11 spot in the East. The Nets might be the team to take the play-in spot the Bulls are so clearly trying to give away.
Kelly Oubre and Quentin Grimes each had 30 points for Philly. Paul George had … 2. In 37 minutes.
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