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Jaylen Brown admitted he ‘couldn’t stand’ Marcus Smart early in his Boston career

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Ahead of the Celtics‘ first game against their former star Marcus Smart on Sunday brought up a lot of mixed emotion for both players and fans. Not only was he a core piece of Boston’s success in recent years, his trade split up the powerful trio which also included Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. 

During this weekend’s pregame interview, Brown was asked what he felt about facing his former teammate now as his opponent from Memphis. The 27-year-old took the opportunity to reminisce about his relationship with Marcus, who he recognized he couldn’t stand back when they first met.

“I couldn’t stand Marcus at first… and I love him now… you grow and mature as young men and you learn things about people … But me and Marcus, we didn’t start off great. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Marcus when I first got to Boston,” Brown said before Sunday’s clash.

The Celtics guard then explained why his initial assessment on Smart was off early in his career in Massachusetts. “A plethora of reasons. You name it. But over time I realized that me and Marcus have similar spirits. And if I was going to war with anybody, Marcus would be one of my first phone calls,” he recalled.

Unfortunately for the veteran guard, he was not able to participate in the highly-expected matchup against his former team due to a left foot sprain that will have him sidelined for at least a month.

“One hundred percent. It sure is,” Smart confirmed his absence before the game. “Especially, you know, we’ve been struggling and we got a great win last night. And to come back and play a team like Boston, not to be a part of it is definitely devastating.”

Marcus admitted that his trade out of Boston took him by surprise, but the former Defensive Player of the Year got his much-needed closure with his former teammates during his own wedding back in September.

“It was great. Everybody came out, everybody had a great time,” Smart shared. “It was great to see everybody. We reminisced, we said our goodbyes, and yeah, it was great. It was great to see everybody.”

Jaylen Brown recently ripped into Toronto’s In-Season Tournament court this weekend and called it ‘unacceptable’

In Boston’s recent nail-bitting win against the Raptors, Brown slipped on the court several times and strained his groin due to the conditions given. After the game he criticized the league for not protecting the players.

“I think as players we’re all here for the In-Season Tournament because it’s going to generate revenue, excitement, competition, but we’ve got to make sure the floor is safe to play on,” Jaylen shared. “We can’t put our players out there and risk their health.”

Toronto’s Precious Achiuwa couldn’t help but agree with the Celtics star as he was also seen slipping during the contest.

“It was slippery,” the forward admitted. “I fell myself a few times. A couple of times I ended up on the floor. I slipped a few times. I’m extra cautious. Ending up on the floor is kind of like, OK, I’m checking myself. I’m trying to make sure everything is intact. At the end of the day, I just want to hoop.”





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Kevin Durant praises In-Season Tournament because so far it gives him a ‘different vibe’

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November 30, 2023

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The In-Season Tournament’s group stages are over and teams are getting prepared to face the quarterfinals and finally end the last rounds in Las Vegas. As the first edition unfolds, the competition is slowly earning some new fans, including basketball players.

Kevin Durant recently counted himself as a satisfied customer of the NBA’s new invention, as he reveals that the game’s atmosphere provides a different vibe from the regular-season exhibitions.

Following the Suns defeat to the Toronto Raptors this Wednesday, the superstar addressed the fact that they qualified to the quarterfinals and will face the Los Angeles Lakers next week. The winner will make it to the next round which will be played in Las Vegas.

The In-Season cup has been gathering new positive reviews lately, and Durant further explained how the new look, the customized courts, unique jerseys and branding have given an interesting feel to it. As a player, he gave his personal perspective on the tournament.

“We have played in bigger games. But obviously fans love seeing high intensity games in the regular season, that is why we got the tournament, to please the fans. They weren’t satisfied with the level of ball we were playing in the regular season,” he said.

However, the 35-year-old knows that the real purpose behind this competition is not to satisfy the athletes, but to convince the customers that this could eventually become a new, celebrated tradition in the NBA.

“It’s not really how we feel, it’s about how the consumer feels about what they see. Hopefully they enjoy it,” the Phoenix star explained. “Whatever the consumer and the fan wants, the NBA and Adam Silver will do their best to give it to them. Us as players will continue to go about our business as we always do.”

Players and coaches differ on their perspectives over the In-Season Tournament; not everyone is satisfied after competing

Even though Cleveland picked up their third win of the In-Season Tournament on Tuesday against Atlanta, they didn’t make it to the next round due to the point-difference rule. Even though they finished second in their group, the Cavs needed to score more points to qualify.

“It’s kind of different,” Darius Garland expressed. “It’s not respecting the game as much as I want it to be. I took a shot with like 25 seconds left and I didn’t feel comfortable doing it. I think the in-season tournament is really great. The point differential is the thing that people around the league would like to change I believe.”

On the other hand, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau says the competition met its intended purpose, as they earned the wild-card spot into the quarterfinals.

“I guess it’s met its intended purpose,” the New York trainer said Tuesday night following their 115-91 win over the Charlotte Hornets. His player Josh Hart said the point-differential rule is “weird”, but “it’s an interesting concept.”





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Lakers want Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso

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2 hours ago

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November 30, 2023

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According to the latest NBA rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers seem more interested in trading for Chicago Bulls guards DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso than Zach LaVine.

During a guest appearance on “Hoops Tonight,” Jovan Buha of The Athletic mentioned that Los Angeles is reportedly targeting DeRozan and Caruso instead of LaVine.

“I’ve actually heard that they’re more interested in DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. A.C., he’s the one that got away,” Buha said.

“Lakers fans, it still bothers them. Inside of the organization, it’s still a very divisive topic. And then DeMar is someone the Lakers have courted for several years now.”

Per multiple NBA betting sites, the Los Angeles Lakers hold seventh-shortest odds to win this season’s 2024 championship. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers.

LaVine, 28, is owed $129 million over the next three seasons. The two-time All-Star is earning $40.06 million this season and $43.03 million in 2024-25. His deal also carries a 2026-27 player option worth $48.9 million.

Meanwhile, DeRozan is earning $28.6 million this season. The three-time All-NBA member is in the final season of the three-year, $81.9 million contract he inked with the San Antonio Spurs as part of the sign-and-trade agreement with Chicago. Also, Caruso is making $9.46 million this season and is slated to earn $9.89 million in 2024-25.

NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers pursuing DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso, not Zach LaVine trade

“Both of those guys are on more manageable contracts,” Buha added. “Alex has a partial guarantee for next season, DeMar is an expiring contract. DeMar comes in, he’s that over-the-top shotmaker that the team seemingly doesn’t really have outside of when LeBron’s jumper is falling.

“And then Alex Caruso, one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the league, one of the best perimeter [shooters] in the league, period. We’ve seen the success he’s had next to LeBron and AD in a Lakers jersey.

“So I think both of those guys make more sense within what the Lakers need. There’s real interest in all three guys, but from what I’ve heard DeMar and Alex are higher on their priority list.”

Through 18 starts this season, LaVine is averaging 21 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 35.3 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 44.3% from the field, a career-low 33.6% outside the arc, and 86.6% at the foul line.

In Chicago’s 124-97 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, he scored only two points on 1-of-9 (11.1%) shooting from the field and missed three 3-point attempts in 25 minutes of action. LaVine left with a sore right foot and did not return.

The Bulls will likely trade LaVine this season, but his new team might not be the Lakers.

More NBA rumors are on the main page.





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Clippers vs Warriors Odds, Picks, & Predictions (Nov. 30)

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November 30, 2023

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On Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors (8-10, 7-11 ATS) host the Los Angeles Clippers (8-9, 7-10 ATS) in the first meeting of the 2023-24 NBA season; preview, odds, picks, predictions, and injuries for the Clippers vs Warriors matchup are here. Sportsbooks show the Warriors as 5-point favorites at home. BetOnline odds are below.

Clippers vs. Warriors Game Preview

Click the Jazz Sports link below to watch the free live stream.

  • 🏀 2023-24 NBA Regular Season Matchup: Los Angeles Clippers @ Golden State Warriors
  • 📅 2023-24 NBA Regular Season Game Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023
  • 🕙 What time is Clippers vs. Warriors Game: 10 p.m. ET
  • 🏟 Where is Clippers vs. Warriors Game: Chase Center | San Francisco, California
  • 📺 TV Channel(s): Bally Sports SoCal, NBA League Pass, NBA TV, NBC Sports Bay Area
  • 💻 Free 2023-24 NBA Season Game Live Stream: Jazz Sports
  • 🎲 2023-24 NBA Season Game Odds: Clippers +5 (-105) | Warriors -5 (-115)

Clippers vs. Warriors Odds

Clippers vs. Warriors Predictions

The Clippers enter this matchup on a three-game road winning streak. Los Angeles is 1-1 against its divisional opponents. The Clips also rank seventh in the Western Conference with 13.5 fast break points per game.

Paul George is averaging 23.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals. Plus, the Clippers are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Los Angeles is averaging 112.2 points, 46.0 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.7 blocks per game.

Meanwhile, the Warriors are 2-3 against the rest of their division. Stephen Curry is averaging 29.7 points and 4.1 assists. Golden State leads the Western Conference in rebounding, averaging 46.7 boards. Kevon Looney leads the Warriors with 8.9 rebounds.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Warriors hold a 58.9% chance of defeating Oklahoma City. Keep in mind, Golden State is without Gary Payton II (calf), Chris Paul: out (leg), and Usman Garuba (finger).

Since the Clippers are winless in their last five road games at Chase Center, taking the Dubs to edge this one out seems to be the most logical prediction. L.A. is 3-8 in its past 11 road games as well.

Clippers vs. Warriors Injuries

Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report

C Mason Plumlee (MCL; out indefinitely) | SF Norman Powell (leg; doubtful) | SG Brandon Boston Jr. (quad; out indefinitely)

Golden State Warriors Injury Report

PG Chris Paul (leg; downgraded to out) | SG Gary Payton II (calf; out indefinitely) | PF Usman Garuba (finger; downgraded to out)

2023-24 NBA Betting Trends

  • The Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games.
  • Los Angeles is 5-2 SU in its past seven contests.
  • Not to mention, the point total has gone under in seven of the Clips’ previous nine games.
  • As for the Warriors, they’re 1-5 ATS in their last six contests.
  • Golden State is 5-0 SU at home in its past five matchups with the Clippers.
  • Lastly, the point total has gone over in five of the Dubs’ previous six games.

Projected Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup

PG James Harden | SG Terance Mann | PF Paul George | SF Kawhi Leonard | C Ivica Zubac

Projected Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG Stephen Curry | SG Klay Thompson | PF Draymond Green | SF Andrew Wiggins | C Kevon Looney

Free NBA Expert Picks

Through 17 games, the Clippers are 8-5 as favorites, 0-4 as underdogs, 3-6 ATS away, and 4-5 over/under away. On the other side, the Warriors are 6-4 as favorites, 2-6 as underdogs, 1-8 ATS at home, and 5-4 over/under at home. Golden State is 1-8 ATS in its last nine games at home.

Our betting experts here at Basketball Insiders are projecting the Warriors to win, Los Angeles to cover the spread, and the point total to go over 228. Although the Clips have won three straight road games, the Warriors have a healthy Curry and Thompson.

Pick the Warriors to win! There’s no doubt that Los Angeles’ 3-6 away record makes this matchup interesting, considering Golden State is also 3-6 at home this season. L.A. will keep it close, but the Dubs should still win. At least the Warriors are a proven team.

If you are new to sports betting, check out our handicap betting guide.

More NBA picks and predictions are on the main page.



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