As he watches he role with the Cavaliers change this season, one-time All-Star Cleveland center Jarrett Allen remains a key part of the best team in the league by record in 2024/25, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Allen has ceded some touches and minutes to rising forward Evan Mobley this season, in an effort to help the All-Defensive Teamer take the next step in his own … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Allen, Cavs Win Streak, Giannis, Buzelis
Fischer: Valanicunas Among Several Centers On Trade Block
Jonas Valanciunas of the Wizards may be the most “attainable” and desirable trade candidate among centers this season, but he’s certainly not the only big man who could be on the move prior to the February 6 deadline, league sources tell Jake Fischer (Substack link via The Stein Line). According to Fischer, several teams are looking for help in the middle, including the Lakers, … [Read more...] about Fischer: Valanicunas Among Several Centers On Trade Block
Central Notes: Ivey, Cunningham, Mobley, Lillard
As his Pistons continue to improve into a frisky play-in-caliber team this season, guard Jaden Ivey has grown increasingly more comfortable in clutch moments, observes Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Patterson writes that the Pistons have gone 8-4 in games where Ivey scores 19 or more points. During the last 15 seconds of Detroit’s 114-113 upset win over the Kings this week, … [Read more...] about Central Notes: Ivey, Cunningham, Mobley, Lillard
Injury Notes: Lillard, B. Brown, Poeltl, Stewart, M. Robinson
Damian Lillard, who has missed the Bucks‘ past four games due to a calf issue and an illness, will return to action on Saturday against Chicago, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes (via Twitter). Speaking to reporters after today’s shootaround, Lillard explained that the calf injury, which caused him to miss games last Friday and Saturday, was a “mild” strain and that the illness … [Read more...] about Injury Notes: Lillard, B. Brown, Poeltl, Stewart, M. Robinson
And-Ones: MVP Race, Redick, Birch, Obst
Nikola Jokic has a commanding lead in ESPN’s first straw poll of the season on the MVP race, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The Nuggets center captured 57 first-place votes among the 100 ballots, giving him 827 total points. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came in second with 24 first-place votes and 678 points, followed by Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo, who topped 19 … [Read more...] about And-Ones: MVP Race, Redick, Birch, Obst