Grizzled Vet

Even if they catch them, the Nuggets have the tie breaker, so they have to finish a game ahead. If Grizzlies go 9-2, (53-29) that means for Nuggets finish 52-30, they have to go 4-6 to get the Grizzlies on top. I just don't see the Nuggets doing that poorly.

Jazz really not trying to win, sitting Markanen, Beasley, Sexton and Clarkson tonight versus King, but Jazz hanging around as they enter the 4th.

Lakers and Utah tied in games back, and they have two games remaining. Utah currently has a 2-0 lead H2H with them. They are also tied with T-Wolves at 13 games back. THUNDER sit in 8th.

Could be really thin in the front court:

Did I miss the 3/20 Monday night game thread with the Mavs? IF there isn't one, this could be game thread bump.

Yes, both these. I agree that the Nuggets schedule toughens up, but I don't think with 11-12 games remaining, they can pick up 4 games on the Nuggets. Unfortunately, I think Nuggets and Kings both have tie-breaker on Grizzlies. 12 Games remain. Win all 7 against the non-playoff/losing record teams (not easy to do), and win 2 of 5 against the playoff teams (Mavs, Clippers twice, Hawks, Bucks) and 9-3 to finish the season puts them at 52-30. Denver will get to 52 wins, so can Sacramento. If getting the 3 seed means a healthy team, I'm OK with it.

Not sure what was going on tonight in the NBA, but some unexpected results, all of which I"m ok with. Nuggets lose to Knicks Clippers lose to Magic T'Wolves lose to Raptors Celtics lose to Jazz

I think it is worth it to add #6 seed and #11. The race is so close and Mavs could easily go down

Unless there is more restrictions, like unable to be around the team until that date, I would expect that his ramping up time is starting now.

Also there is speculation that Ja was responsible for the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Jenkins and FO need to step in before the collapse of the US currency.

This was my thinking as well, but a lot of those guys have games played issues. If Ja doesn't return, he ends with 53 games played (29 lost). That is tough to make any All-NBA team, but what if he returns to get 7 more games in, finishing with 60. Luka has missed 12 and counting. Dame has missed 14. Barring missing more because of an injury, that should not be enough games, but Doncic hasn't actually returned yet. Mitchell has missed 11, and barring the Thunder shutting down SGA, both of these guys should be fine. Steph has played only 43 games, missing 26, and often sits a game or two before the playoffs. Booker has only played 41, missing 27. Neither can get to 60 games played which could bump Ja back into the All-NBA mix. Those two need to not miss much more because I think Fox playing 70+ games is worth putting him on at least 3rd team.

The way it is sitting now, I was ready to write that the Clips and Warriors had settled down to likely hold that 5 & 6 spot. Then I looked at what each have remaining, and the Warriors have 8 of their remaining 13 on the road, including a bunch against playoff teams. I feel a bit better about the Clippers remaining schedule, but they have to be one of the streakiest teams remaining and who knows how many games they'll sit their stars. Assuming the Grizzlies can hang on to the #2 or #3 seed, I'd most want the Warriors in the 5 seed to face off with the Suns. Ultimately, if Ja and Adams don't return, it doesn't matter who the first round opponent is. The Grizzlies will be going home

Lakers lost and fell out of the top 10 again with both Jazz and Thunder sneaking back into the play-in tournament spots. Jazz, Thunder, Lakers, and Pelicans all sit tied at 33-35. The two spots one-game ahead of them are the 34-34 T'Wolves and Thunder.

I'm not opposed to parting with Vince Williams. I have yet to see something from him that makes him standout for any reason. However, Vince Williams is on a two-way contract, so they would basically have to replace Vince with someone willing and ELIGIBLE to be a two-way player, and those guys don't have playoff eligibility. Two-way players have to be in 4th season or earlier.

I was trying to think of who he was most similar to, at least in the way he stands out physically on the court. Any possible Anthony Mason (RIP) or Larry Johnson possibilities? Probably more Mason since Grandmama was such an amazing athlete.