SBNation.com - NBA Friday: Heat drop to Nuggets, Grizzlies fall to Raptorshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2014-03-15T08:00:02-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/52740152014-03-15T08:00:02-04:002014-03-15T08:00:02-04:00Nuggets torch Heat in South Beach
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Denver stunned the champs on Friday night with a win on the road.</p> <p>Denver dominated the glass and forced the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> into 18 turnovers as they stole a win from Miami at American Airlines Arena, 111-107. The Heat got the best of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> to open the game but Denver exploded for 38 points in the second period as they surprised the two-time defending champs. Despite a poor shooting game from <span>Ty Lawson</span>, he still dropped 13 points, nine assists and four steals.</p>
<p>The Heat had four starters and two bench players in double figures, and shot a combined 52 percent from the field. No player for Miami had double-digit rebounds, mostly due to <span>Kenneth Faried</span> nabbing every board he could get his hands on. Despite Ray Allen's 22 points off the bench, including five three pointers, Miami dropped their 10th game of the season to a sub-.500 team.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> 105, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a> 101 (OT)</h4>
<p>The Wizards made fans in Orlando wait all night before they finally took home a win in overtime, 105-101. <span>John Wall</span> had a terrible night shooting the ball, going 7-of-18 while scoring 21 points to go along with 11 assists and five rebounds. Washington had four of their five starters log double-doubles. There was a scary moment for the Wiz with under a minute left in OT as <span>Bradley Beal</span> contested a <span>Victor Oladipo</span> layup and ended up <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/3/14/5510600/bradley-beal-injury-wizards-guard-ankle" target="_blank">turning his ankle</a>. He is listed as day-to-day.</p>
<p><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibf8jP1fMXwJ8a.gif"></p>
<p>For Orlando, the loss was yet another mark on a dismal season as turnovers and poor shooting from beyond the arc doomed their effort against one of the East's best teams. <span>Arron Afflalo</span> finished with 18 points on 7-of-21 shooting, adding five rebounds and three assists. <span>Nikola Vucevic</span> had eight points and 12 rebounds.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> 111, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">New Orleans Pelicans</a> 103</h4>
<p>The Blazers stopped a four-game skid and ended their road trip with a win in New Orleans, 111-103. Portland, playing without <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> (back) and <span>Mo Williams</span> (hip) had to rely on <span>Dorell Wright</span> to play starter's minutes at the four. The former Sixers and Heat wing had a successful night, scoring 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, all from beyond the arc. He also added four rebounds and three assists. Nic Batum had 22 points, 18 rebounds and five assists.</p>
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<p>For the Pelicans, <span>Anthony Davis</span> led the pack with 36 points on 15-of-27 shooting, adding nine rebounds, two blocks and an assist. New Orleans let Portland dominate them in the final quarter, getting out-scored 31-22. The Trail Blazers hit 14 three-pointers and shot 48.7 percent from the field as they struggle to stay afloat in the Western Conference.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> 103, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> 94</h4>
<p>Cleveland shocked Oracle Arena on Friday night by scraping together a mid-game run after being down double-digits in the first quarter, taking home a road win, 103-94. The Cavaliers pushed through as the Warriors threatened in the fourth quarter, but strong showings from <span>Spencer Hawes</span> and <span>Kyrie Irving</span> kept Golden State at bay. Hawes finished with 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, adding 13 rebounds and two assists.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>WOO RT <a href="https://twitter.com/FearTheSword">@FearTheSword</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23STEVEHAWES&src=hash">#STEVEHAWES</a> <a href="http://t.co/rHZjFE9gjz">pic.twitter.com/rHZjFE9gjz</a></p>
— SB Nation NBA (@SBNationNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationNBA/statuses/444698029233549312">March 15, 2014</a>
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<p>Golden State was led by Steph Curry, who had 27 points along with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. <span>Andrew Bogut</span> had just four points but pulled down 12 boards. Outside of Draymond Green's 18 points and nine rebounds, the Warriors' bench was abysmal, adding just 12 points in a combined 40 minutes.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> 99, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Memphis Grizzlies</a> 86</h4>
<p>The Toronto Raptors continue to impress, dominating the playoff-hopeful Grizzlies at the Air Canada Centre, 99-86. <span>Jonas Valanciunas</span> scored 23 points on 11-of-15 shooting to go along with nine rebounds. Kyle Lowry added 22 points with 12 assists and seven rebounds as the Raptors stopped the Grizzlies from moving the ball.</p>
<p>Memphis shot just 2-of-8 on three-pointers as <span>Marc Gasol</span> scored eight points on 3-of-8 shooting. <span>Mike Conley</span> had a solid 10 points, six rebounds and six assists but a lack of production from the Grizzlies' starters ultimately sunk their hopes in Toronto. The Raptors are battling to retain their hold on third place in the Eastern Conference.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a> 101, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> 94</h4>
<p>Indiana almost dropped a game to the team with the second-worst record in the NBA, but held on late to get a win, 101-94. The Pacers shot 58 percent from the field and dropped nine three-pointers as they pushed a balanced offensive attack. <span>Lance Stephenson</span> had yet another double-double, tallying 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, adding 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal.</p>
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<p><span>Thaddeus Young</span> played 45 minutes for Philadelphia, dropping 25 points on 10-of-31 shooting adding 10 assists and six rebounds. <span>Michael Carter-Williams</span> had 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting with nine rebounds and eight assists. As a team, the Sixers shot 39 percent from the field including just 8-of-26 from beyond the arc. Philadelphia is on a 19-game losing streak.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> 96, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> 87</h4>
<p>The Clippers appeared to be in deep trouble going in to second half, down 51-43 to the bottom-feeding Jazz. Los Angeles responded in the third quarter by dominating Utah on the defensive side of the floor, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on the fastbreak to extend their winning streak to 10 games. <span>Chris Paul</span> impressed with 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding seven assists, six rebounds and three steals.</p>
<p>Utah thought they had a top team in their sights at home, where they typically play well for at least a few quarters. <span>Enes Kanter</span> had 11 points and 15 rebounds but the Jazz couldn't keep the Clippers from scoring when it counted most and ended up dropping their third game in a row.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> 105, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> 93</h4>
<p>The Bobcats came out strong on the offensive end and squeezed down on the Timberwolves in the second half to secure a win at the Target Center on Friday night. Charlotte's tough defense allowed them to stop <span>Kevin Love</span>, who had all 18 of his points in the first half. <span>Al Jefferson</span> had his 20th 20-point and 10 rebound night of the season, a franchise record.</p>
<p>Minnesota couldn't get anything going off the glass, and were out-rebounded by a margin of 19. <span>Kevin Martin</span> finished the game with 19 points on 6-of-13 shooting, adding five rebounds and an assist. Al Jefferson had 25 points and 16 rebounds as the Bobcats moved to 32-34 on the season.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> 87, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> 80</h4>
<p>Phoenix shot just 19 percent from beyond the arc on 26 attempts, but tough defense stymied the Boston Celtics enough for the Suns to come away with a win on the road, 87-80. The Suns were led by <span>Eric Bledsoe</span>, in just his second game back from a knee injury. He posted 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, adding 10 rebounds and four assists. <span>Markieff Morris</span> helped out with 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists off the bench.</p>
<p>For the Celtics, absolutely nothing went right as they shot just 31 percent from the field for the game. Despite a positive turnover disparity, Boston suffered <span>Rajon Rondo</span> shooting 4-of-15 from the field and <span>Jeff Green</span> shooting 2-of-14. <span>Kris Humphries</span> was the lone bright spot, dropping 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 13 rebounds.</p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> 119, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> 85</h4>
<p>The Spurs won their ninth straight game, resting their starters early while blowing out the Lakers, 119-85. <span>Danny Green</span> was the only Spurs starter to score in double figures as the San Antonio bench saw 150 of the available 240 minutes. Five bench players scored in double digits. <span>Matt Bonner</span> scored 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, adding 10 rebounds and four assists.</p>
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<p>No one expects the Lakers to beat the Clippers and Spurs right now but you can't be losing to them by 48 and 34 points.</p>
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArashMarkazi/statuses/444683205908500482">March 15, 2014</a>
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<p>Los Angeles looks like a shell of the team that would surprise with unselfish play earlier in the year. <span>Pau Gasol</span> was the positive for Mike D'Antoni, notching 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting with 11 rebounds, four blocks and two assists. <span>Kendall Marshall</span> struggled with just six points on 2-of-9 shooting despite his nine assists.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/3/15/5510504/2014-nba-scores-nuggets-heat-wizards-magicDane Delgado2014-03-14T23:18:44-04:002014-03-14T23:18:44-04:00Hot dish from Curry beats Cavs
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<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>As a Charlottean, I've been watching <span>Stephen Curry</span> play basketball for a long time. Today marks a new year for him, and Curry's kicking it off with schooling the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4140105/ibqXueXmz4eDmo.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4140105/ibqXueXmz4eDmo.gif" class="photo" alt="Ibqxuexmz4edmo_medium"></a></p>
<p>Now that's one hot curry dish!</p>
<p>Oh. Oh god, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me for that.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5510852/stephen-curry-celebrates-birthday-with-mindbending-assistBen Swanson2014-03-14T22:14:06-04:002014-03-14T22:14:06-04:00Bradley Beal day-to-day with ankle injury
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<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The second-year shooting guard hurt his ankle against the Orlando Magic on Friday.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a> guard <span>Bradley Beal</span> had to be carried off the floor with just 42 seconds left in the team's 105-101 win against the <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orlando Magic</a> on Friday night. Beal appeared to be clutching at his legs after trying to contest a shot by Magic rookie Victor Oladipo in the waning seconds of overtime.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p5PonsNaDg4?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>As<span> Oladipo</span> drove down the right lane line with 46 seconds left, Beal slid alongside him in an effort to stop penetration. Oladipo put up a running right-handed hook that bounced off the rim. As Beal came down, he appeared to land normally on his feet, but fell to the ground and immediately began clutching at his legs. Doctors rushed to the court after a timeout was called, and Beal had to be carried from the floor by his teammates.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Beal's injury is being called "a sprained right ankle" and is day-to-day <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizardsTalk&src=hash">#WizardsTalk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NBA&src=hash">#NBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WizMagic&src=hash">#WizMagic</a></p>
— J. Michael (@JMichaelCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JMichaelCSN/statuses/444651511675891713">March 15, 2014</a>
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<p>Beal is having a great year so far, averaging 17 points per-game while shooting 42 percent from behind the arc. The Wizards are firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture at 34-31. The Wizards guard is listed as day-to-day.</p>
<p><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibf8jP1fMXwJ8a.gif"></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/3/14/5510600/bradley-beal-injury-wizards-guard-ankleDane Delgado2014-03-14T21:31:46-04:002014-03-14T21:31:46-04:00The NBA has an exploding sneaker epidemic
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<p>It's a wonder no one's gotten hurt yet.</p> <p>On February 26, Manu Ginobili planted his foot while shuffling defensively, only to find that his foot had shot through the bottom of his shoe, separating the upper from the sole:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2106067/manushoe.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/2106067/manushoe.gif" class="photo" alt="Manushoe_medium"></a></p>
<p>His sneaker ended up looking like an anklet:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4139555/MANUSHO1_medium.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Manusho1_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4139555/MANUSHO1_medium_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1394846829962"></p>
<p>Just over a week later, the Warriors had to stop play while Andrew Bogut changed out of his ruined Nikes:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4139565/BiLi8c6CMAAVvOX.png-large_medium.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Bili8c6cmaavvox" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4139565/BiLi8c6CMAAVvOX.png-large_medium_medium.png"></a> <br id="1394846900750"></p>
<p>Again, the sole just ripped off the upper as if it had been held on with masking tape.</p>
<p>And now, a THIRD! Friday night, Philadelphia's Tony Wroten made a spin move. The sole of his sneaker did not come with him:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4139581/Screen_Shot_2014-03-14_at_9.19.10_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-03-14_at_9" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4139581/Screen_Shot_2014-03-14_at_9.19.10_PM_medium.png"></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4139589/Screen_Shot_2014-03-14_at_9.20.45_PM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2014-03-14_at_9" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4139589/Screen_Shot_2014-03-14_at_9.20.45_PM_medium.png"></a> <br id="1394847024924"></p>
<p>Here's the video from <a href="https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/444652332458864640" target="_blank">@cjzero</a>:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gRAuD8MH8U0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br id="1394848421728"></p>
<p>We need better sneakers.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/3/14/5510524/the-nba-has-an-exploding-sneaker-epidemicSeth Rosenthal2014-03-14T21:30:02-04:002014-03-14T21:30:02-04:00Anthony Davis reaches into heavens for alley-oop
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<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>Ye Shammgods!</p> <p>What more can you say about the potential dominance of <span>Anthony Davis</span>? After an impressive rookie season, he's improved further even with a hand fracture, ready to become a very real force to be reckoned with.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4139517/dais.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Dais_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4139517/dais.gif"></a> <br id="1394846531422"></p>
<p>That's in realtime. Let's slow it down and give our brains some more time for our brains to attempt to fathom this.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/4139539/davis2.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/4139539/davis2.gif" class="photo" alt="Davis2_medium"></a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5510478/new-orleans-pelicans-portland-trail-blazers-anthony-davis-alley-oopBen Swanson2014-03-14T20:54:36-04:002014-03-14T20:54:36-04:00Steph's birthday sneakers include a baby photo
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<figcaption>Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>He'll be stepping on himself all night.</p> <p>Friday is Stephen Curry's 26th birthday. Happy birthday, Stephen Curry! Steph's gotta work on his birthday, with the Cavaliers in town to face the Warriors, but he's still dressing up. Under Armour made Curry a pair of birthday shoes with a cupcake-looking exterior and some special stuff on the inside:</p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="710" width="612" src="//instagram.com/p/lh3jn2JnPB/embed/"></iframe></p>
<p>So that one insole claims the shoe is rated "R" and something something about "having the nickname 'Baby Face Assassin'" requires accompanying by your parents Sonya and Dell." And, as is much easier to see, that other insole features a photo of baby <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/2/24/5442992/a-full-list-of-current-nba-players-who-go-by-their-middle-names" target="_blank">Wardell</a> adorably chilling with a basketball in a fly-ass sweatsuit. So, yeah, he's gonna be stepping on himself all night. And he might very well abrade himself out of existence by the end of the game. Pretty cool, though. My birthday just passed, but if Under Armour wants to hook me up with a pair of personalized bloggin' sneakers anyway, here you go:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4139485/430253_2933959791482_1886848240_n.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="430253_2933959791482_1886848240_n_medium" class="photo" width="250" height="400" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4139485/430253_2933959791482_1886848240_n_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1394844642686"></p>
<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>(via <a href="http://www.ibabuzz.com/warriors/2014/03/14/warriors-stephen-curry-celebrates-26th-birthday-gets-cupcake-shoes-with-baby-pic/" target="_blank">Inside The Warriors</a>)</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/3/14/5510400/stephen-currys-special-birthday-sneakers-include-a-baby-photoSeth Rosenthal2014-03-14T20:13:56-04:002014-03-14T20:13:56-04:00Magic mascot has a deflated opinion of himself
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<p>The good thing about being a mascot is that even if something goes wrong, that might mean it'll go even better.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic's</a> mascot, some bizarre offspring of the Phillie Phanatic, went with the inflatable suit during a break tonight and then everything collapsed.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Shield your eyes, kids. Air Stuff is having a stroke. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Magic&src=hash">#Magic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA">@ZachLowe_NBA</a> <a href="http://t.co/qeUgbY57Qp">pic.twitter.com/qeUgbY57Qp</a></p>
— Adam Papageorgiou (@adamosgp) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamosgp/statuses/444622909995499520">March 14, 2014</a>
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<p>NOTE: Air Stuff is on his way back to his home planet.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Magic mascot "Air Stuff" seems a little deflated after just a couple quarters of play. <a href="https://twitter.com/WashWizards">@washwizards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizmagic&src=hash">#wizmagic</a> <a href="http://t.co/6vEazZj3bj">pic.twitter.com/6vEazZj3bj</a></p>
— Casey Phillips (@caseyreporting) <a href="https://twitter.com/caseyreporting/statuses/444623288321703936">March 14, 2014</a>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/3/14/5510292/orlando-magic-mascot-air-stuff-deflatingBen Swanson2014-03-14T10:00:06-04:002014-03-14T10:00:06-04:00Grizzlies battle Raptors, Nuggets visit Heat
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<p>Two of the most exciting rising teams from the East and West will square off at the Air Canada Centre on Friday.</p> <p>Friday is a veritable feast in the NBA, with 10 games taking place between several potential playoff teams. Watch as they try to bolster their record as we move toward the final month of the regular season.</p>
<h4>Appetizer: <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> vs. <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>
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<p><b>7:30 p.m ET (League Pass)</b></p>
<p>Denver has struggled mightily this season despite several flashes of competency. The Nuggets are just 26-46 under first-year coach Brian Shaw. Despite their proficiency scoring and rebounding the basketball, the Nuggets are living in the basement of the Western Conference due to their low field goal percentage and lack of defense. Unfortunately for Shaw, his team is fourth in the NBA in offensive rebounding partly due to the fact they are ranked just 19th at putting the ball through the net.</p>
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<p>That's bad news against a team like the Miami Heat, whose mobility can shut down the transition offense and keep the Nuggets off the glass. That's to say nothing of the fact <span>LeBron James</span> is averaging 28.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per-game since the All-Star break. Miami needs to get back on track after losing four of their last five games against top-shelf opponents. Beating the Nuggets should be a lock at American Airlines Arena.</p>
<h4>Main Course: <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> vs. <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a>
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<p><b>7 p.m. ET (League Pass)</b></p>
<p>Memphis looks like a team on a mission after the All-Star Game, posting a record of 10-2 as they've clawed their way back into the Western Conference playoff picture. With everyone now healthy, the Grizzlies are making the case they are the same team they've always been despite falling off at season's beginning. They've balanced the scoring load on offense and <span>Zach Randolph</span> is averaging a double-double since Feb. 19.</p>
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<p>Toronto, meanwhile, have been one of the pleasant surprises out East. The Raptors are 8-3 in their last 11 games and are taking care of business in-conference. Their schedule is much the same to finish out the season, and they will likely win upward of 45 games. <span>DeMar DeRozan</span> remains a solid NBA starter and scorer, while Kyle Lowry is averaging 18 points, 8.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds per-game since All-Star weekend. This one should be hotly contested.</p>
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<a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> vs. <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Pelicans</a>
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<p><b>8 p.m. ET (League Pass)</b></p>
<p>The Trail Blazers are in the middle of a four-game skid and trying to finish strong on the final game of their five-game roadtrip. Portland has been a bit off lately, failing to rebound effectively and shooting the ball beyond the arc at just 31 percent in the month of March. The Blazers will be without <span>Mo Williams</span> (hip) <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> (back) and <span>Joel Freeland</span> (knee) as they try to right themselves in the Big Easy.</p>
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<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com" target="new">Blazersedge</a> <a href="http://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" target="new">Grizzly Bear Blues</a>
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<p>New Orleans has played like a marionette with tangled strings since the start of 2014. They recently stopped an eight-game losing streak on Mar. 4 and will try to take advantage of a stumbling Blazers squad. Portland's lackadaisical defense might help the Pelicans, who have trouble passing the ball to take advantage of opponents. How -- or if -- New Orleans can utilize <span>Anthony Davis</span> in the absence of Aldridge could be the story to this game.</p>
<h4>Other games</h4>
<p><b>All times Eastern</b></p>
<p><a href="https://www.canishoopus.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Timberwolves</a> vs. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a>, 7 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> vs. <a href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Magic</a>, 7 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a> vs. <a href="https://www.libertyballers.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">76ers</a>, 7 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a> vs. <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a>, 7:30 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> vs. <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Spurs</a>, 8:30 p.m. (NBATV)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Clippers</a> vs. <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a>, 9 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> vs. <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a>, 10:30 p.m. (League Pass)</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/3/14/5506804/nba-schedule-2014-grizzlies-raptors-nuggets-heatDane Delgado