A Jimmy Butler-free trade deadline preview: Six questions about the other storylines ahead of Feb. 6

The Miami Heat triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 123-114 in an overtime match held at State Farm Arena, officiated by James Capers, Ed Malloy, and Mitchell Ervin. The Heat led in scoring across four quarters and overtime, with Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins contributing significantly to the team's success, scoring 30 and 20 points respectively. The Hawks, led by Onyeka Okongwu's 28 points and Trae Young's 29 points, fell short...

The Golden State Warriors are unfazed by the Houston Rockets' physical defense tactics against Steph Curry, despite a recent loss where he scored only three points. Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the need for physicality in the playoffs, emphasizing that they too are a tough team, and rookie Quinten Post noted their experience. Curry, known for his adaptability and brilliance, has faced similar challenges before, and the Warriors are adjusting their strategy to create space...

Nikola Jokic praised Ivica Zubac's evolution, noting his improved post-up and passing skills, and anticipates an exciting matchup. On Twitter, various analysts shared insights, including a breakdown of Jokic's statistics and the upcoming NBA Awards, where Jokic is a finalist for MVP alongside SGA and Giannis. Additionally, discussions highlighted the Clippers' recent performance and the importance of player consistency, particularly in the context of European players' work ethic. Full Article

The Orlando Magic face the Boston Celtics as heavy underdogs in their first-round playoff series, relying on Paolo Banchero to elevate his game for any chance at an upset. Banchero, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 25.9 points and is crucial for the Magic to close their scoring gap with the Celtics, who outpaced them significantly in points per game. While the Magic hold a strong defensive record, Banchero must excel...

The Clippers face a significant challenge in their playoff series against the Nuggets, particularly in defending three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who averaged a triple-double this season. Clippers center Ivica Zubac acknowledges the difficulty of guarding Jokic, while coach Tyronn Lue plans to employ various defensive strategies. Despite the challenge posed by Jokic, the Clippers have been in strong form, winning 18 of their last 21 games, and have multiple scoring threats, including James Harden, Norman...