Get up to speed on the latest NBA news, plus a quick look at stories we’ll be following closely today:
1. Morant vs. Houston, Part I: Here’s hoping tonight’s Rockets-Grizzlies matchup (8 ET, League Pass) provides the fireworks we’re all hoping to see. Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant won’t get to take on his idol, Russell Westbrook, who will miss tonight’s game for rest reasons. However, he’ll get a shot at James Harden and given that Morant wasn’t one to back down from Kyrie Irving last week, this one should be a thrill to watch.
2. Dominant ‘Dre: If you haven’t noticed, Andre Drummond has been crushing it around the hoop of late. He’s notched a 20-20 game in Detroit’s last three games and has four such games overall this season. There’s a good chance he’s in line for another one tonight (7 ET, League Pass) against Washington, which ranks 25th in opponent second-chance points allowed and rebound percentage.
3. Suns, Sixers provide intrigue: Trivia question: When was the last time the Suns and Sixers both had winning records through the first six games? Yes, it’s been a while. Philadelphia is fresh off a thrilling Saturday night win in Portland, while Phoenix continues to plug along despite having seemingly every reason not to. The squads meet tonight (9 ET, League Pass) and expect to see the starters … a lot. Both teams rank in the top 10 in ppg that comes from their starters.
(Trivia answer: 2013-14, when both teams started 4-2. Philadelphia bottomed out and went 19-63 that season, while Phoenix was 48-34 and nearly made the playoffs.)
4. A different flavor to this showdown: Before the season began, this was looking like a prime young superstar (Zion Williamson) vs. proven superstar (Kyrie Irving) matchup. Fast-forward to tonight and Pelicans-Nets (7:30 ET, NBA TV) has lost some luster with both teams struggling to start the season. Of particular concern for the Nets is its defense, which must prevent so many trips to the foul line.
5. Happy Birthday, Raptors!: They’re the defending NBA champions these days but back on Nov. 4, 1993, the NBA’s Board of Governors voted to grant the league’s 28th franchise to a Toronto group headed by John Bitlove, Jr. The Raptors would not begin play until two seasons later.
