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The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in the midst of their third winning streak of at least 10 games entering a matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. The Cavaliers, with the best record in the NBA at 50-10 this year, have won 10 straight games and have a chance to surpass their NBA season-leading 15-game winning streak if they keep playing this well. Cleveland is a 12.5-point road favorite in the latest NBA odds from the SportsLine consensus as the Cavaliers try to cover the spread for their fifth straight road game and improve to 20-9 against the spread (ATS) on the road this season. Other games to keep an eye on include the Bucks vs. Hawks (+5.5), Clippers vs. Suns (+2.5) and Rockets vs. Pacers (-3.5).

Meanwhile, the banged-up 76ers try and cover a 14.5-point spread against the Timberwolves. Joel Embiid (knee) is out for the season and Tyrese Maxey left Monday’s game with a back injury. SportsLine’s proven model has simulated every Tuesday NBA game 10,000 times and revealed an exact score prediction for each matchup. See all the NBA picks at SportsLine right here.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 20 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 147-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 18-10 (64%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Raptors vs. Magic (-7.5, 207.5), 7 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Magic 108, Raptors 95

The Magic and Raptors meet for the second time in three days in Orlando after Raptors defeated the Magic, 104-102, on Sunday. Immanuel Quickley had 24 points with RJ Barrett adding 22 points for the Raptors, who won despite being 7-point underdogs. Franz Wagner had 25 points for the Magic, who are 0-3 ATS over their last three games. The model also has a 4-star prop pick for Scottie Barnes’ total rebounds. Visit SportsLine to see that pick and others.

Rockets vs. Pacers (-3.5, 231), 7 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Pacers 116, Rockets 109

The Pacers have covered the spread in four of their last five home games, including in a 127-112 win over the Bulls on Sunday. The Rockets are coming off a 137-128 loss to the Thunder on Monday, but covered the 14-point spread, and they are 9-4 ATS as a road underdog this season. Need to set your Tuesday NBA DFS lineups? Get lineup help at SportsLine from the NBA DFS optimizer that finds the best values after 10,000 simulations.

Warriors vs. Knicks (-5.5, 226.5), 7:30 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Knicks 114, Warriors 110

The Knicks look for their fourth straight victory and are coming off a 116-112 overtime comeback win over the Heat on Sunday. New York outscored Miami, 60-43, in the second half to force overtime. Meanwhile, the Warriors are 6-1 overall and ATS over their last seven games. Stephen Curry (ankle) is questionable for Golden State. SportsLine’s model has also revealed multiple highly-rated prop picks for this game. You can see them all here.

Bucks vs. Hawks (+5.5, 242), 7:30 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Hawks 117, Bucks 115

The Bucks are 6-1 overall and 5-2 ATS over their last seven games, including covering the spread in a 132-117 win over the Mavericks on Saturday. However, the Bucks are just 2-8-1 ATS in the second half of a back-to-back this season. Need to set your Tuesday NBA DFS lineups? Get lineup help at SportsLine from the NBA DFS optimizer that finds the best values after 10,000 simulations.

Cavaliers vs. Bulls (+12.5, 242.5), 8 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Cavaliers 123, Bulls 112

The Cavaliers have won seven straight road games, including five games by at least 10 points. Cleveland has the longest active winning streak (10 games) in the NBA and is 19-9 ATS on the road this season. However, the Bulls are 5-1 ATS over their last six games. Mike Barner is on a 95-63 roll on NBA prop picks, returning more than $2,000 for $100 bettors. Visit SportsLine to see his NBA prop pick for this game.

76ers vs. Timberwolves (-14.5, 219.5), 8 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Timberwolves 111, 76ers 104

The 76ers were dealt another injury on Monday when Tyrese Maxey left early with a back injury. The 76ers are without Joel Embiid (knee). Paul George (groin) missed Monday as well. Julius Randle had 20 points for Minnesota on Sunday against the Suns in his first game in more than a month. He’s questionable for Tuesday as he returns from the groin injury. Jason La Canfora, who has correctly picked three straight team totals, has a team total pick on this matchup. Visit SportsLine to see his pick.

Nets vs. Spurs (-3.5, 229), 8:30 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Spurs 111, Nets 110

Nets leading scorer Cam Thomas (24.3 points per game) is expected to play his second game after missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury. Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle, the No. 4 overall pick, is coming off 32 points against the Thunder on Sunday. He’s questionable with a thumb sprain. SportsLine’s model has also revealed multiple highly rated prop picks for this game. You can see them all here.

Clippers vs. Suns (+3, 224.5), 10 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Suns 114, Clippers 111

Kevin Durant is sixth in the league in scoring at 26.7 ppg for the Suns, and he’s scored at least 26 points in three of his last four games. James Harden is averaging 21.6 points and 8.5 assists per game for the Clippers as the two former teammates go head-to-head again. Durant’s teams are 23-18 overall against Harden’s squads. Mike Barner is on a 95-63 roll on NBA prop picks, returning more than $2,000 for $100 bettors. Visit SportsLine to see his NBA prop pick for this game.

Pelicans vs. Lakers (-8.5, 228), 10:30 p.m. ET
Score prediction: Lakers 116, Pelicans 111

LeBron James (foot) is probable and Luka Doncic (knee) is questionable as the Lakers enter on a 6-game winning streak, going 5-1 ATS over that span. The Pelicans are 4-1 overall and 3-2 ATS over their last five games. Alex Selesnick is 84-57 in his last 141 NBA picks, and he has locked in a bet for this matchup. Visit SportsLine to see his pick.

Want more NBA picks for tonight?
You’ve seen the top model NBA prop picks for Tuesday. Now, get NBA picks from SportsLine’s Mike Barner, who is on a 95-63 roll (+2025) on his last 158 NBA player props and has already locked in multiple picks for Tuesday’s slate.

The nine-game NBA schedule on Tuesday has plenty of intriguing matchups. Want prop picks, expert picks and more? Join SportsLine now to get ready for Tuesday’s games.

Need to set your Tuesday NBA DFS lineups? Get lineup help at SportsLine from the NBA DFS optimizer that finds the best values after 10,000 simulations.

Where to bet on NBA games
Here are some of the sportsbooks to bet on NBA games today, along with the various NBA sportsbook promos they currently offer.

Teams battling for playoff positioning in their respective conferences meet in a key NBA matchup when the Houston Rockets face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. Houston is coming off a 137-128 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday night, while Indiana defeated the Chicago Bulls 127-112 on Sunday. The Rockets (37-24), who are the fifth seed in the Western Conference, are 17-13 on the road this season. The Pacers (34-25), who are the fifth seed in the East, are 18-9 on their home floor. Bennedict Mathurin (wrist) is doubtful for Indiana, while Fred VanVleet (ankle) is out for Houston.

Tipoff from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is set for 7 p.m. ET. The Rockets won the season’s first matchup 130-113 at Houston on Nov. 20, which ended a nine-game win streak for Indiana in the head-to-head series. The Pacers are 3.5-point favorites in the latest Rockets vs. Pacers odds from SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 231, an increase from opening at 228.5. Indiana is at -164 on the money line (risk $164 to win $100), while Houston is at +138 (risk $100 to win $138). Before making any Rockets vs. Pacers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 20 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 147-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 18-10 (64%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Rockets vs. Pacers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Pacers vs. Rockets:

Rockets vs. Pacers spread: Indiana -3.5
Rockets vs. Pacers over/under: 231 points
Rockets vs. Pacers money line: Indiana -164, Houston +138
HOU: The Rockets are 3-6-1 against the spread in their past 10 games
IND: The Pacers have hit the money line in 24 of their last 34 games (+21.00 units)
Rockets vs. Pacers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Rockets vs. Pacers streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Pacers can cover
Power forward Pascal Siakam has been on a roll. He is coming off a 20-point, six-rebound, four-assist and two-block effort in Sunday’s win over Chicago. He scored 36 points and added six rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 125-120 loss at Miami on Friday. In 59 games, all starts, he is averaging 20.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 33 minutes.

Point guard Tyrese Haliburton has registered a double-double in five consecutive games. In Sunday’s win over the Bulls, he scored 17 points, dished out 12 assists, grabbed five rebounds and made three steals. He had 29 points, 12 assists and three steals in a 129-111 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 23. In 58 games, all starts, he is averaging 18.4 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 34 minutes. See which team to pick here.

Why the Rockets can cover
Shooting guard Jalen Green helps power the Houston offense. He is averaging 21.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 33.4 minutes. In a 113-103 loss to Sacramento on Saturday, he poured in 24 points, while adding two rebounds and two assists. He registered a double-double in a 124-115 loss at Utah on Feb. 22. In that game, he scored 25 points, dished out 10 assists and grabbed three rebounds.

Small forward Dillon Brooks (knee) is one of several players battling injury and is day-to-day. He is averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 32.2 minutes. In a 118-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, he scored 19 points, while adding four rebounds. He had 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists in a 100-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 25. See which team to pick here.

How to make Rockets vs. Pacers picks
The model has simulated Rockets vs. Pacers 10,000 times and the results are in. It is leaning Under the total, projecting 225 combined points. It also says one side of the spread hits in almost 60% of simulations. You can only see the NBA picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Pacers vs. Rockets, and which side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is on a 147-107 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

Where to bet on NBA games
Here are some of the sportsbooks to bet on NBA games today, along with the various NBA sportsbook promos they currently offer.

The Golden State Warriors (33-28) and the New York Knicks (40-20) link up in a cross-conference showdown on Tuesday. The Knicks are on a three-game winning streak. New York knocked off the Miami Heat 116-112 in an overtime battle on Sunday. The Warriors, meanwhile, got back into the win column on Monday as Golden State topped the Charlotte Hornets 119-101. The Warriors are 6-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last seven games, while the Knicks are the inverse at 1-6 ATS over their last seven. Steph Curry (ankle) is questionable for Golden State, while Karl-Anthony Towns (personal) is questionable for New York.

Tipoff from Madison Square Garden in New York is at 7:30 p.m. ET. This will be the first contest between these teams this season, and Knicks beat the Warriors, 119-112, on Mar. 18, 2024. The Knicks are 5.5-point favorites in the latest Warriors vs. Knicks odds from SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points scored is 226.5, a decrease after opening at 231.5. New York is at -207 on the money line (risk $207 to win $100), while Golden State is at +172 (risk $100 to win $172). Before locking in any Knicks vs. Warriors picks, make sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 20 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 147-107 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $4,000. It’s also an outstanding 18-10 (64%) on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.

Now, the model has simulated Warriors vs. Knicks 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Warriors vs. Knicks:

Warriors vs. Knicks spread: New York -5.5
Warriors vs. Knicks over/under: 226.5 points
Warriors vs. Knicks money line: New York -207, Golden State +172
GS: Warriors are 31-28-1 against the spread this season
NYK: Knicks are 28-31-1 against the spread this season
Warriors vs. Hornets picks: See picks at SportsLine
Warriors vs. Hornets streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
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21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (excluding certain perishes), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Void where prohibited. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Data & text rates may apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Why the Warriors can cover
Guard Curry, who hopes to be available after tweaking his ankle on Monday, excels at spacing the floor and being a consistent playmaker. Curry averages a team-high 24.1 points with 4.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. He’s also shooting 39.6% from downtown on 11.2 3-point attempts a game. On March 1 versus the 76ers, Curry racked up 29 points, 13 assists and went 5-of-12 from downtown.

Forward Jimmy Butler continues to get implemented onto his new team. He’s a high-energy scorer with the ability to score in different ways. The 35-year-old puts up 16.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and five assists per game. On Feb. 23 versus the Mavs, Butler recorded 18 points and five dimes. See which team to back at SportsLine.

Why the Knicks can cover
Guard Jalen Brunson is a reliable scorer and playmaker for the Knicks. Brunson ranks eighth in the NBA in points (26.1) and assists (7.4) while shooting 39% from downtown. The Villanova product has dropped 30-plus points in two of the last three games. In Sunday’s win over the Heat, Brunson had 31 points, five rebound and six assists.

Forward OG Anunoby has been a two-way difference maker in the frontcourt. Anunoby logs 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The 27-year-old finished with at least 15 points in three straight games. In his last outing, Anunoby totaled 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. See which team to back at SportsLine.

How to make Warriors vs. Knicks picks
SportsLine’s model has simulated Warriors vs. Knicks and is leaning Under the total, projecting 224 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all of the value. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks.

So who wins Warriors vs. Knicks on Tuesday, and which side of the spread has all of the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Knicks vs. Warriors spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

Where to bet on NBA games
Here are some of the sportsbooks to bet on NBA games today, along with the various NBA sportsbook promos they currently offer.

The Los Angeles Lakers have long been linked to the best players on rebuilding teams. The Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors are all seen as viable trade partners.

Amid their current 4-8 stretch, the Lakers are desperate to get a deal done. All signs point to them improving on the margins instead of adding a superstar, although returning to old reports could hint at their future moves.

Highlights: Jerzy Robinson leads Sierra Canyon over Vanden in high school girls basketball

Dating back to last season (and even longer!), the Lakers have been linked to the rebuilding Utah Jazz. Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson have all been mentioned as possible Lakers trade targets, but Collin Sexton, who was picked eighth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, is likely the best fit, and is on their radar.

“Other names that have come up in talks with team and league personnel over the past few weeks include Utah’s Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton,” wrote The Athletic’s Jovan Buha on Tuesday.

The Jazz’s front office is run by Danny Ainge, who is legendary for his time playing with and managing the Boston Celtics. He does not seem eager to help the Lakers and their title quest, but for the right price, everyone on his roster is up for grabs.

The Lakers could offer D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract as well as however many draft picks Ainge demands. It might seem like an unexpected move given the bad blood between Ainge and the Lakers, but fans have been told to expect the unexpected.

“The Lakers have a recent history of covertly navigating the trade market,” Buha continued. “It can’t be ruled out they make a trade for a player and/or with a team that no one sees coming.”

Sexton is averaging 16.3 points this season on 42% shooting from deep to go along with 3.1 assists. He is a clear upgrade on defense, and a backcourt of him and Austin Reaves could provide enough support to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

“Terry Rozier is a high-energy scorer who could inject some life into the Lakers’ offense after not reaching the heights expected of him with the Miami Heat so far,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Tuesday.

“Averaging 11.8 points and 3.0 assists per game this season, Rozier has proven he can be a reliable playmaker and shot-creator.”

“His fearlessness in crunch time would give the Lakers another option in close games, especially when LeBron needs to defer. Rozier’s experience as a lead guard makes him a valuable target for a team aiming to contend.”

“For the Miami Heat, this trade helps them pivot toward a younger direction, especially with Jimmy Butler on the trade market.”

“D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent would provide short-term stability, while the 2027 second-round pick adds a small but valuable piece to their rebuilding effort. Rozier’s contract is sizable, so moving him could provide Charlotte with financial flexibility as they continue to build around LaMelo Ball.”

“Rozier isn’t a superstar, but his toughness and scoring ability make him an ideal mid-tier target for the Lakers.”

“He’s the type of player who thrives under pressure and could help stabilize the team during the regular season grind. If the Lakers want to make a subtle yet impactful move, Rozier fits the bill.”

Rozier isn’t playing his best basketball in Year 9, but his track record suggests he’s a capable scorer with an extra pep in his step on the hardwood.

The Louisville product enjoyed a breakout 2018 postseason with the Celtics before receiving the boot in 2019, averaging 16.5 points and 5.7 assists on a Boston squad that fell one win short of an NBA finals appearance.

Rozier elevated his level of play with the Charlotte Hornets during the second stage of his career, pouring in at least 20 points per contest in three of his five seasons with the organization.

While things haven’t clicked yet for Rozier in South Beach, the Lakers may evaluate the former first-round pick’s overall resume and determine he’s the perfect fit for the franchise.

Time will tell if Los Angeles pursues Rozier between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

“Miami was unable to bring back 2023 standout guard Gabe Vincent following their most recent NBA Finals run,” All U Can Heat’s Daniel Riccio wrote Monday.

“Unfortunately for Vincent, he has not looked like a good fit for the LA Lakers. And they have reportedly been shopping him for a while now.”

“Getting Vincent back to Miami in a Rozier-centered deal would need another salary to make a deal work. Rui Hachimura could be a prime candidate, along with the Heat throwing in another player to offset the difference.”

“Vincent had his best years for the Heat, and the impact he brought could be a perfect two-way fit alongside the team’s improved core.”

Vincent began his NBA career with the Heat in 2019 and improved his scoring each season under Erik Spoelstra.

More impressively, the UC Santa Barbara product was a valuable contributor for Miami during their magical run to the 2023 finals, averaging 12.7 points per contest on respectable shooting splits and drilling big-time jumpers in pivotal moments.

Unfortunately, Vincent hasn’t replicated the same productivity in Los Angeles, netting less than five points, shooting under 40% from the field, and connecting on less than 30% of his triples in 37 games with the Lakers.

The sixth-year pro is unplayable in Los Angeles, making it logical for the Lakers to trade him to the franchise that helped jumpstart his career.

Last night, Dec. 17, the Oklahoma City Thunder took on the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup championship game. Before the game, the Thunder were projected as heavy favorites to win the title game due to their tournament path and overall record.

That could not have been further from the truth.

Highlights: Jerzy Robinson leads Sierra Canyon over Vanden in high school girls basketball

With a final score of 97-81, OKC played their worst game of the season on the national stage. Headed by the triple-double performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, there were a multitude of reasons why the Bucks manhandled the Thunder.

Major reasons why OKC fell to Bucks in NBA Cup title game

1. Inability to make threes
   The shooting performance by the OKC Thunder was absolutely abysmal. Exiting the first half, the Thunder only made one three pointer out of 17 total attempts. When the final buzzer sounded, they shot a horrendous 16% from beyond the arc (5/32).

In today’s NBA, with the three-point shot being such an influential part of the game, when a team is unable to knock down their threes, they are going to lose nine times out of ten. And with the Bucks shooting 43% from three in the title game (17/40), it is no wonder why the Thunder lost by early 20.

2. Fell short in the rebounding battle
   For quite some time, the Thunder have always had trouble in the rebounding department. Last season during the playoffs, rebounding was the major reason they lost in the semifinals. For the NBA Cup championship game, that issue arose yet again.

Other than Isaiah Hartenstein who corralled 12 boards, OKC was getting dominated on the glass. Giving up 52 total rebounds and nine offensive boards, the Thunder gave the Bucks numerous second-chance opportunities and allowed them to maintain control of the game. Compared to Oklahoma City’s 43 total rebounds and seven offensive boards, OKC stood almost no chance in this matchup.

3. Stars dimmed under the bright lights
   When OKC is able to win games, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Jalen Williams typically have great performances. Unfortunately for this game, they were shells of their normal selves.

SGA ended the game with 21 points shooting 33% from the field (8/24) and 22% from three (2/9). For JDub, he finished with 18 points on 8/20 shooting from the field and 1/4 from beyond the arc.

Throughout the season, the two Thunder stars have been very consistent in their play and have shown they have the ability to get buckets against any opponent. When it came to Milwaukee, however, their championship experience proved to be too much for young stars and the rest of the OKC squad.

From numerous missed opportunities on both offense and defense to being unable to slow down Milwaukee’s momentum, if anything was proven in last night’s matchup, it is that OKC still has some growing to do and that they really need Chet Holmgren back for big-time games.

Now, OKC turns their focus back to regular season play as they head to Orlando tomorrow, Dec. 18, to take on the Magic.

The Raptors can’t seem to shake the injury bug during the 2024-25 season.

Due to several injuries to key players, Toronto has not yet been at full strength through its first 25 games. Star forward Scottie Barnes was back sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in his 10th game back from an orbital fracture.

What does Barnes’ latest injury setback mean for him and the Raptors? Here is more on his ankle injury and how much longer he’s expected to be out of Toronto’s lineup.

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What is Scottie Barnes’ injury?
Barnes’ injury is a sprained right ankle, the Raptors announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

Barnes suffered the injury in the third quarter of Toronto’s loss to New York on Monday, Dec. 9. As Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns drove to the basket, Barnes attempted to block the shot, hurting his ankle by landing on Towns’ foot.

Barnes was in evident pain from the landing and remained down for an extended time after rolling his ankle. He exited the game and did not return.

Despite his bouts with injuries, Barnes is posting career-high across the board. Through 14 games, he is averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.

The Raptors are 5-9 in games Barnes has played in and 2-11 when he does not suit up.

MORE: How John Stockton stat-padding controversy impacts NBA assists record

How long is Scottie Barnes out?
Barnes was re-evaluated Wednesday and appears to be ahead of schedule in his progress. He has been listed as questionable for Thursday’s meeting with Brooklyn.

The time Barnes misses will ultimately depend on the severity of his ankle sprain and his response to rehab. The re-evaluation gave Toronto’s training staff a greater understanding of Barnes’ injury, allowing the team to provide a clearer injury timeline.

After their horrific loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup, it became quite evident that the Oklahoma City Thunder still have some room to grow and problems to fill.

Shooting a dreadful 16% from beyond the arc versus the Bucks, ranking 19th in the league in three-point percentage and 16th in rebounds per game, OKC should consider making a move for a player who can improve those glaring issues.

Proposed trade for Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Johnson
Last season, Oklahoma City was among the best in the league in shooting the three ball. However, whatever happened during the offseason and into this season, OKC has drastically fallen off in their three-point shooting.

Adding a player who is not only able to knock down those shots but can also grab boards and play defense would be extremely beneficial for the Thunder, and Cam Johnson may be the answer.

So far this season, Johnson is averaging 18.6 points per game to go along with 4.2 rebounds and three assists per game. As a 6’8″ wing, Johnson ranks 23rd in the NBA in three-point percentage (43%), which would lead the team if he were on the Thunder.

Right now, the Thunder have a ton of guard-like players fighting for playing time and lack the height needed to compete against talented tall teams. In this proposed trade, OKC would move on from two semi-underperforming role players and draft picks in order to secure the Nets’ forward:

Thunder receive: Cameron Johnson
Nets receive: Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, 2025 first round pick (via PHI) and 2025 first round pick (via MIA)
During this season, Wiggins is averaging 8.8 points per game on 39% three-point shooting and Joe is putting up 8.9 points per game on 38% three-point shooting. Not only would OKC open up more playing time for other guards, but they would add elite scoring and height that they desperately need.

For the Nets, they would get two great role players who have the ability to get hot in games while also obtaining a valuable Sixers pick.

MORE: Struggling 76ers may pave the way for OKC Thunder to have top lottery pick in 2025 NBA Draft

However, due to how large Johnson’s contract is (4 years, $94.5 million) and the inevitable payday for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, it would be hard to make the money work. But if anyone can get a trade done, it is Thunder GM Sam Presti.