1. Fantastic showdown looms
For the majority of the NBA’s players and teams, the All-Star break is underway. However, the Clippers and Celtics have to get some work in tonight (8 ET, TNT) in a pre-All-Star weekend matchup that should delight. Both teams are playing well of late (the Clippers are 6-3 in their last nine games; the Celtics are 7-1 over their last eight) and are among the elite in their respective conferences. The last time the teams met back in late November, LA climbed from a 10-point fourth-quarter hole to win in OT. A loss tonight by the Clippers, however, would be damaging on two fronts: they’d go into the All-Star break on a loss and the Utah Jazz would be just 1/2 game behind them for the No. 3 seed.
2. What’s next for Lillard, All-Star Game?
Portland star Damian Lillard is, of course, glad he’s an All-Star this year. He’s also focused on getting his Blazers on firmer playoff footing once Portland’s season resumes after the All-Star break. After suffering a groin injury last night vs. Memphis, he declared himself out for All-Star weekend. While that declaration has to be made official by the NBA, of course. Once that happens, who will fill in for Lillard as an All-Star injury replacement? And will Lillard be OK going forward (he’s slated to have an MRI today)?
3. Encore performance for Williamson?
The last time Zion Williamson took the court, he made history, scoring 30 points in just his ninth career game. He’s sure to delight in Friday’s NBA Rising Stars game, but before that, he and his Pelicans host the Thunder (8 ET, League Pass). New Orleans still has designs on making the playoffs and Oklahoma City is trying to keep hold of it’s No. 7 spot as the Grizzlies, Blazers, Spurs and Pelicans all have designs on moving up. This will be OKC’s first game against Williamson as the Thunder won the previous three matchups this season he missed.
