SBNation.com - NBA schedule: Blazers hold off Pacers in wild fourth quarterhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2013-12-03T00:40:34-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/49323192013-12-03T00:40:34-05:002013-12-03T00:40:34-05:00Portland survives Paul George barrage
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jrrasu146k1aGPLPfCvlaSfFeQ8=/0x640:2817x2518/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24389731/20131202_kkt_ad3_993.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Trail Blazers snuck out with a 106-102 win at home to hand the Pacers just their second loss of the season.</p> <p><span>Paul George</span> went for a career high 43 points — including 17 in the fourth — but it wasn't enough to beat the red-hot <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Trail Blazers</a> on their home floor.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.indycornrows.com/" target="new">Indy Cornrows</a> <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/" target="new">Blazer's Edge</a>
</div>
<p>Portland outlasted a late <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a> barrage to notch a 106-102 win at the Moda Center behind 28 points from <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and 26 points for <span>Damian Lillard</span>, as the Blazers maintained the top spot in the Western Conference.</p>
<p>This one got a little too close for the home crowd's comfort.</p>
<p>With Indiana down seven points and just 30 seconds remaining, George hit a corner three before <span>George Hill</span> stole the ensuing inbounds pass. George found himself wide open in the very same corner he had just hit a shot, but this time his attempt found only iron. The Blazers grabbed the board and hit their free throws down the stretch to survive.</p>
<p>George hit seven threes in his career performance, but the Pacers fell to 16-2 in what has been an incredible season thus far. The rest of the Indy roster struggled to score, as <span>Roy Hibbert</span> was the next best performer with 16 points and 14 rebounds.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/3/5169350/pacers-vs-trail-blazers-final-score-recapMatthew Tynan2013-12-02T23:06:23-05:002013-12-02T23:06:23-05:00Spurs win 102-100 on Duncan game-winner
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sbaqCeyi_gRy-4J2orPC3e5eVEs=/0x120:2667x1898/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24385399/20131202_kkt_ai1_902.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Big Fundamental hit a jumper from the elbow with .4 seconds left as San Antonio sneaks by Atlanta.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> seemed a bit sleepy for most of the night in Mike Budenholzer's return to San Antonio, but when his young <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Hawks</a> came in and put the home team on the ropes, the Western Conference champs rode the back of their biggest star.</p>
<p>Tim Duncan hit a jumper from the right elbow off a pin-down screen with .4 seconds left, and the Spurs snuck out of the AT&T Center with a 102-100 win behind the 23-point, 21-rebound performance from the future Hall-of-Famer.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/" target="new">Peachtree Hoops</a> <a href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/" target="new">Pounding the Rock</a>
</div>
<p>But Atlanta made the win anything but easy. Paul Millsap hit a three to pull within one point with 17 seconds left, and Jeff Teague hit another to tie the game with just four seconds remaining before Duncan took the court.</p>
<p>Then this happened...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947371/duncanHOF.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947371/duncanHOF.gif" class="photo" alt="Duncanhof"><br></a> It was Duncan's first 20-20 game in nearly a year, and San Antonio needed it against a game Hawks squad. All five Atlanta starters scored in double figures, and the team forced 19 Spurs turnovers on the night. But Millsap's three-point attempt from the corner hit the side of the backboard as time expired.</p>
<p>Boris Diaw had 16 points in his return from a brief absence due to a dislocated finger, Tony Parker had 15 and Marco Belinelli continued his hot shooting with a 13-point night.</p>
<p>Atlanta got 19 points from Jeff Teague, 18 from Al Horford and 17 from DeMarre Carroll in the two-point loss.</p>
<p>The Spurs managed to hold the Hawks to 43.8 percent shooting, but sloppy play, turnovers and a scrappy Atlanta team kept the game close. San Antonio stayed alive by shooting 53.8 percent in the game.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5169010/hawks-vs-spurs-final-score-recapMatthew Tynan2013-12-02T21:10:24-05:002013-12-02T21:10:24-05:00Tim Duncan: also good at outlet passes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YXYLTIkkfL0bLq8-YAgoPFxlFgI=/0x76:4000x2743/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24381509/20131130_jla_sq8_949.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Big Fundamental reminds Kevin Love he's still got the touch.</p> <p><span>Kevin Love</span> is largely regarded as the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/11/10/5089564/kevin-love-outlet-pass-timberwolves-lakers" target="_blank">NBA's current preeminent practitioner of the long-range outlet pass,</a> but one of the best ever is still doing his thing down in south Texas.</p>
<p><span>Tim Duncan</span>: still good at basketball.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947083/duncangod.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947083/duncangod.gif" class="photo" alt="Duncangod_medium"></a></p>
<p>Luckily, <span>Tiago Splitter</span> didn't botch the dunk opportunity. Good lookin' out for your big man, Tiago.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5168726/tim-duncan-also-good-at-outlet-passesMatthew Tynan2013-12-02T18:49:31-05:002013-12-02T18:49:31-05:00Blake has hyperextended elbow
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q_jHfZgyM5tRx0p3uBhJ_qEFARk=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24373817/20131107_ajl_ac4_505.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another injured Lakers guard. Yikes. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> point guard <span>Steve Blake</span> has been dealing with a hyper-extended right elbow, as <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Bresnahan/status/407616274772938752" target="_blank">reported by Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p>
<p>There is no word yet how long the injury has been bothering him, but Blake has shot 9-for-24 (38 percent) over his last three games. With their next game not coming until Friday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a>, the Lakers will monitor how Blake performs in practice this week, <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkG_Medina/status/407645211930546177" target="_blank">via Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News</a>.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>Silver Screen and Roll</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2013/12/2/5160656/silver-screen-roundtable-who-changes-most-with-a-returning-kobe">Who changes most with a returning Kobe?</a>
</div>
<p>This couldn't come at a worse time for Los Angeles, as starting point guard <span>Steve Nash</span> has been rehabbing his back in Vancouver and Jordan Farmer, who had been Blake's backup, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5167668/jordan-farmar-injury-los-angeles-lakers-torn-hamstring" target="_blank">just tore his hamstring</a>. Nash will return to practice with the team on Tuesday, but it's unknown when he'll be back on the court.</p>
<p>Blake is averaging 10.0 points, 7.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 31 minutes per game this year. He's started every game this season.</p>
<p>In other Lakers injury news, big man <span>Pau Gasol</span> had an MRI on Monday and it confirmed <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5168168/pau-gasol-injury-los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank">he has a mildly sprained right ankle</a>. At least Kobe Bryant should be back shortly.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5168240/steve-blake-lakers-injuryJames Herbert2013-12-02T18:23:22-05:002013-12-02T18:23:22-05:00Gasol has mild ankle sprain
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H3mkU7qMzUgBpFWlLwtHLNejRmo=/0x20:4000x2687/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24372975/20131113_ajl_aq2_352.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An MRI revealed that the big man has an injured ankle.</p> <p><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a> big man <span>Pau Gasol</span> underwent an MRI on Monday on his right ankle. It confirmed a mild sprain, the team announced:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Injury Update: <a href="https://twitter.com/paugasol">@paugasol</a>'s MRI confirmed that he has a mild sprain of his right ankle.</p>
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lakers/statuses/407613699210240000">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>Silver Screen and Roll</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2013/12/2/5160656/silver-screen-roundtable-who-changes-most-with-a-returning-kobe">Who changes most with a returning Kobe?</a>
</div>
<p>Gasol sat out of practice on Saturday and had a horrendous shooting night on Sunday against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Pelicans</a>. In 24 minutes, he shot just 3-for-15 from the field and finished with six points and five rebounds. He did not get on the floor in the fourth quarter, with Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni instead playing second-year center Robert Sacre. It was obvious that Gasol was out of sorts.</p>
<p>Luckily for Los Angeles, the team doesn't play another game until Friday night in Sacramento. There's no word yet on if Gasol will be held out of practice for the rest of the week or if he is expected to miss any action.</p>
<p>Gasol is averaging 14.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for the 9-9 Lakers.</p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5168168/pau-gasol-injury-los-angeles-lakersJames Herbert2013-12-02T16:38:57-05:002013-12-02T16:38:57-05:00Viewing guide: Pacers visit Blazers
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6aOr27lhzM7zT-xuydNEjK1rEqY=/0x6:4000x2673/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24366671/20121205_pjc_bl4_165.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Portland's hosting Indiana tonight, so watch that if you like basketball.</p> <p>There are five games on the slate on Monday night, with one head and shoulders above the rest: The 16-1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers'</a> matchup with the 14-3 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. That's the late game, but there are other offerings to munch on while you're getting ready:</p>
<h4>The Appetizer: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a>
</h4>
<p><b>8:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass<br></b></p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3HiibuebxLI" width="640" frameborder="0" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>Hawks head coach <span>Mike Budenholzer</span> will make his return to the city where he spent his last 19 seasons, 17 as an assistant coach. He's modeling his new team after the Spurs, with point guard <span>Jeff Teague</span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&p1=teaguje01&y1=2014&p2=parketo01&y2=2014">doing a nice Tony Parker impression</a> this season (<a href="http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/80630/mike-budenholzer-is-hoping-jeff-teague-can-become-atlantas-tony-parker" target="_blank">shoutout to Grantland's Brett Koremenos</a>). Atlanta's 9-9, which is amazingly enough to make them the Eastern Conference's third-best team.</p>
<p>San Antonio had won 11 straight before dropping close games to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> in the past week. The Spurs generally take care of business against less talented teams, and Budenholzer's knowledge of their system won't help the Hawks prepare for <span>Manu Ginobili</span> passing between defenders' legs.</p>
<p><b>Reading material</b>:<b> </b>Pounding the Rock's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2013/12/2/5164922/game-preview-san-antonio-spurs-vs-atlanta-hawks">game preview</a>, Peachtree Hoops <a target="_blank" href="http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2013/12/1/5162786/shelvin-mack-atlanta-hawks-point-guard">on the solid play of Shelvin Mack</a></p>
<h4>The Side Dishes: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a>
</h4>
<p><b>7 p.m. ET, NBA TV</b></p>
<p>After a discouraging start, the Wizards closed out November with six wins in eight games. They're obviously not nearly as enjoyable to watch without <span>Bradley Beal</span>, but point guard <span>John Wall</span> has been on fire lately, and superstitious Washington fans should root for him to take <i>exactly </i>18 shots. That's what he's done in four of his last five games. The one time he didn't, the Wizards lost.</p>
<p>Fun Magic fact: Power forward <span>Andrew Nicholson</span> has been averaging 18.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per 36 minutes this season, shooting 52 percent from the field and 38 percent on threes. He's averaging only 19.3 minutes per game, though. #FreeAndrewNicholson</p>
<p><b>Reading material</b>:<b> </b>Mike Prada of<b> </b>Bullets Forever <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2013/12/2/5165698/washington-wizards-schedule-nba-2013">on Washington's schedule easing up</a>, Evan Dunlap's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2013/12/2/5164306/2013-nba-standings-eastern-conference-orlando-magic-jacque-vaughn">Magic notebook for Orlando Pinstriped Post</a></p>
<h4>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> vs. Houston Rockets</h4>
<p><b>9 p.m. ET</b><b>, NBA League Pass</b></p>
<p>Yes, the Jazz are still pretty bad. They're coming off a win, though! On the strength of Trey Burke's 20 points, six rebounds and three assists, they beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> on Saturday. If you want to catch a glimpse of this rookie point guard -- you're forgiven if you haven't watched him or his 3-15 Utah team play just yet -- then it's worth tuning into this game for a bit. The Rockets play fast, so it could be fun for a while.</p>
<p><b>Reading material</b>: The Dream Shake's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedreamshake.com/2013/12/2/5164386/houston-rockets-vs-utah-jazz-game-preview">game preview</a>, Jonathan Tjarks <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball">on Aaron Gordon and Jabari Parker</a> (for Jazz fans, obviously)</p>
<h4>Main Course: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers</h4>
<p><b>10 p.m. ET</b><b>, NBA League Pass</b></p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qMAB9tqPxQ0" width="640" frameborder="0" height="360"></iframe></p>
<p>Ahh, finally. Two undisputedly <i>good</i> basketball teams, and two teams that play decidedly different styles. The Pacers are running roughshod over the entire Association with their dominant defense and slightly-above-average offense. Portland's winning with beautiful offense, but a defense that has been up and down. There's that contrast, plus great individual matchups: Can Nicolas Batum slow down <span>Paul George</span>? Can David West play <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> to a draw?</p>
<p>This should be a good test for both teams, and Indiana will be looking to build on its win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> on Sunday. Following this game, their road trip will take them to Utah, San Antonio and Oklahoma City. Then they'll go home and face Miami. This is what the schedule evening out looks like.</p>
<p><b>Reading material</b>: Satchel Price <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers">on the sweet-shooting Wesley Matthews</a>, Indiana takes back the No. 1 spot on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers">Jason Patt's power rankings</a></p>
<h4>Pass it on: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets">New Orleans Pelicans</a>
</h4>
<p><b>8:00 p.m. ET</b><b>, NBA League Pass</b></p>
<p><span>Anthony Davis</span> broke his stupid hand and <span>Derrick Rose</span> isn't coming back this season, so let's just ignore this one, okay?</p>
<p><b>Reading material</b>: Blog a Bull <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogabull.com/2013/12/1/5163896/bulls-news-and-notes-marquis-teague-jimmy-butler">rounds up some Chicago news</a>, Tom Ziller <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs">on the implications of Davis' injury</a></p>
<h4>More from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=hubbottom">SB Nation NBA</a>:</h4>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5165630/anthony-davis-injury-hand-pelicans-nba-playoffs?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The Hook: Anthony Davis' fractured hand puts Pelicans' playoff hopes at risk</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5164534/nba-power-rankings-2013-pacers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">NBA Power Rankings: Streaking Heat not yet No. 1</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/2/5165578/denver-nuggets-brian-shaw-ty-lawson-nate-robinson?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">Herbert: New look Nuggets up to old tricks</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2013/12/2/5163662/aaron-gordon-jabari-parker-arizona-vs-duke-basketball?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">What the Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Parker battle showed us</a></p>
<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/1/5161106/wesley-matthews-stats-portland-trail-blazers?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The NBA's best shooter is ... Wes Matthews?</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36637" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36637-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2013/12/2/5167402/nba-schedule-pacers-blazers-spurs-hawksJames Herbert