1. Walker hopes to play against Nets
Boston has held it together in its last five games, dropping 3-2 during that period, as each of these competitions has been played without goalkeeper Kemba Walker. The Celtics will then host the Nets (7:30 am ET, TNT) and could have Walker back in the mix after spending Monday participating in his first training since before the break for the stars. Whether or not Walker is playing, however, the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum has been one of the most effective (and high-scoring) players in the NBA since the All-Star Break, ranking in the Top 10 in both categories since then. .
We have six weeks left to sharpen our game before the NBA playoffs. pic.twitter.com/9EpaAz4IMb
– Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 2, 2020
2. Lakers set to start key host family
Over the next 12 days, the Lakers, the western leaders, can essentially close the seed # 1 with a solid performance. They host the Philadelphia 76ers (10 ET, TNT) to start a stretch where five of the next six LA games are at home (March 6 against Milwaukee, March 10 against Brooklyn, March 12 against Houston and March 15 against Denver). Since their loss to the Sixers on January 25, the Lakers have been among the best in the West 10-4 and one of the best defensive scores (106.6) of that period. They haven’t lost to a team that currently exceeds 500 points since February 6, so this stretch will provide a critical testing ground for L.A.
3. Another test awaits OKC
Among the teams in the No. 5-8 seed group in the West, the Thunder has the second most difficult schedule (only the Grizzlies and Mavs have the most difficult). After falling flat against the Bucks last Friday, Oklahoma City is home to the LA Clippers (8 ET, League Pass) – a team it is 1-1 against this season. Overall, the Thunder are 25-14 against the West teams above .500, but it will be the first time that OKC will face the Clippers at full power (and with new faces Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris). Both teams have a lot to do tonight – LA is looking to overtake Denver for # 2 while OKC can keep the pressure on Utah and Houston for the # 5 and # 4 seed, respectively.
4. On this date in 2014: LeBron marks a career peak
In the 2014-15 season, LeBron James presented the best show of his life in the NBA, scoring 61 points to set a Miami Heat record in a 124-107 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats. James made 22 of 33 shots from the field, including his first eight 3-point tries.