Is Jayson Tatum's leap the new normal? Brian Windhorst, Jackie MacMullan and Tim MacMahon discuss his hot streak, then breakdown the Rockets and how small ball is working (11:20). Plus, why are the Jazz (26:00), Heat (33:00) and 76ers (38:00) all struggling? And who could be bought out and join the Lakers (44:00)?
Jayson Tatum had 33 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics over the skidding Utah Jazz 114-103 on Wednesday night.
From Christmas to late January, the Jazz were the hottest team in the West. But the foundation that made Utah a dark horse contender has crumbled since.
Ricky Rubio had 22 points, 11 assists and seven steals to lead the Phoenix Suns TO A 131-111 victory over the reeling Utah Jazz on Monday night.
The Bucks clinched the earliest playoff berth in the past 15 years, while the Lakers won their fifth straight game on Sunday, against the rival Celtics.
The Rockets' Russell Westbrook, who is listed at 6-foot-3, was guarded by 7-1 center Rudy Gobert on Saturday. Westbrook scored 34 points on 14-of-26 shooting.
James Harden scored 38 points and Russell Westbrook had 34 to boost the Houston Rockets to a 120-110 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
Dejounte Murray had 23 points and seven rebounds, leading a balanced attack that helped the San Antonio Spurs beat the Utah Jazz 113-104 on Friday night.
(Sara Ziegler, sports editor): With the NBA All-Star break almost behind us, we're finally entering the home stretch of the regular season.
The NBA enters the home stretch after the All-Star Game. The Bucks boast the league's best record, and the Clippers are making moves to overtake the Lakers in the west. As the race to the playoffs begins, what's at stake for the rest of the year? Doris Burke breaks down some of the most intriguing storylines in basketball.
Which teams are set to climb the standings, and which teams are fighting for playoff spots?
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 40 | 18 | .690 | - | W2 |
| Oklahoma City | 37 | 22 | .627 | 3.5 | W5 |
| Utah | 36 | 22 | .621 | 4 | L4 |
| Portland | 26 | 34 | .433 | 15 | L2 |
| Minnesota | 17 | 40 | .298 | 22.5 | W1 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2(20) | Jarrell Brantley | PF | Charleston |
| 2(23) | Justin Wright-Foreman | PG | Hofstra |
| 2(28) | Miye Oni | SG | Yale |
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 36 | 22 | .621 |
| 2018-19 | 50 | 32 | .610 |
| 2017-18 | 48 | 34 | .585 |
| 2016-17 | 51 | 31 | .622 |
| 2015-16 | 40 | 42 | .488 |
