NBA winners and losers: Are Celtics in bother? What occurs with Jimmy Butler and Warmth?

Because the 2024-25 NBA season approaches its midway level, some groups discover themselves at a crossroads.

Considered one of them is the reigning champion Boston Celticswho – absolutely wholesome – misplaced a disappointing sport Wednesday evening in opposition to a Toronto Raptors group that entered the evening with simply 9 wins. Boston nonetheless has elite expertise, however there’s one obvious drawback it seemingly cannot shake.

One other group at a crossroads – extra optimistic – is that of Houston Rocketswho produced spectacular offensive performances throughout a five-game profitable streak after combating ineffectiveness earlier within the season.

Listed below are the winners and losers from Week 11 of the NBA season.

WINNERS

Whereas the Cavaliers, one of the best group within the Japanese Convention, ended Oklahoma Metropolis’s 10-game profitable streak Final week, the Thunder (33-6) bounced again with a 25-point victory over the Knicks, a 41-point drubbing of the Wizards and an 18-point victory over the 76ers.

That is all nicely and good, however Thursday evening’s rematch in opposition to Cleveland – this time in Oklahoma Metropolis – must be one other thriller and a possible preview of the NBA Finals. Oklahoma Metropolis stands out as the most constant group within the NBA. The Thunder’s offense is methodical and unhurried, taking cues from star and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has led the group in scoring in 18 of the final 19 video games. The most effective information for the Thunder: Injured heart Chet Holmgren (pelvis fracture) has returned to mild basketball actions and will return quickly.

Houston Rockets

The Rockets (27-12) exploded on offense to place collectively a formidable streak, profitable 5 straight video games, making them the house owners of the longest lively profitable streak within the NBA. The final three victories gained by Houston had been in opposition to the Nuggets (24-16) and two in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies (26-15).

The Rockets averaged 124.1 factors per sport throughout that stretch, with their lowest output being a pair of 119-point video games. Houston led Denver Wednesday evening just about wire-to-wire, however the important thing was environment friendly protection sparking offense; the Rockets grabbed 5 extra offensive rebounds than Denver and compelled 20 turnovers – in comparison with simply 11 dedicated by the Rockets. So Houston took 19 extra pictures and scored 34 factors on these Nuggets turnovers. That is what may flip an excellent, younger group into a fully harmful group.

On Wednesday evening, Paolo Banchero, who began the season on an simple All-Star tempo, performed solely his eighth sport of the yr, and his third since coming back from an indirect tear that had saved him the hole for the reason that finish of October.

Whereas the Magic have gone 1-2 since Banchero’s return (with each losses coming in opposition to the Bucks), their offense has been instantly notable; Banchero has scored 34, 20 and 22 since his return, though Orlando emptied the bench early Wednesday evening in a blowout loss. His easy vary, inside presence, offensive rebounding and driving means all made the Magic extra highly effective with the ball.

LOSERS

Boston Celtics

A wholesome Boston group misplaced Wednesday evening by 13 to a Raptors group that entered the evening with simply 9 wins. The Celtics (28-12) have now misplaced half of their final 14 video games, a span courting again a month. The group’s protection hasn’t been as sharp. Gamers typically transfer across the area as if bored, which could possibly be a symptom of an excellent group struggling via the primary half of the season.

But Boston’s primary drawback is identical one which has plagued the group since final season: When the Celtics hit 3s, they’re unstoppable. When this isn’t the case, they stagnate, seem annoyed and their defensive depth decreases. Boston ranks first within the NBA in 3-point makes an attempt, with 49.3 per sport. But the Celtics obtain this with simply 36.2%, which ranks them sixteenth within the league. In reality, of Jayson Tatum’s 745 area purpose makes an attempt this season, 51.3% have been 3s. For Derrick White, that quantity represents a staggering 70.1% of his 481 area purpose makes an attempt. For 2 gamers hitting at 35.9% and 37.4% respectively, that is an excessive amount of inefficiency to bear.

With Jimmy Butler suspended for seven video games able to elevate on Friday, neither he nor the Warmth seemed excellent. Butler reportedly insisted on a commerce and wage; Miami maintains he’s below contract and obligated to contribute. Each side leaked particulars to native and nationwide media, reporting commerce calls for, accounting errors, distant habits and personal jets. All this time, a critical marketplace for a enterprise would not seem to have come to fruition, different gamers face questions concerning the locker room every evening, and group proprietor Micky Arison’s involvement reportedly met with Butler earlier than Friday.

And so, with no decision in sight, this might final nicely past the Feb. 6 commerce deadline — and virtually nobody is speaking concerning the Warmth product on the courtroom.

Philadelphia (15-24) has misplaced 4 straight and 7 of the final 9 because it continues to be tormented by accidents. The central absence – pun meant – has been Joel Embiid, who has now missed 26 of 39 complete video games this season on account of numerous diseases.

Whereas Paul George has largely been a disappointing addition, Embiid has been a distinction maker: the Sixers had gained seven of the final 9 video games during which Embiid appeared. But even because the deadline approaches, blowing it may be unwise; regardless of its latest struggles, Philadelphia continues to be simply six video games behind the East’s prime six seeds, the ultimate assured playoff spot.

This text was initially printed on USA TODAY: NBA winners and losers: Celtics, 76ers, Jimmy Butler and Warmth are having a foul week