PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
-Albert Einstein
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NBA:
NBA power rankings halfway through the 2015-16 season
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607661-nba-power-rankings-halfway-through-the-2015-16-season
Ranking the most undervalued targets on the 2016 NBA trade market
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607500-ranking-the-most-undervalued-targets-on-the-2016-nba-trade-market
6 NBA teams bucking preseason expectations
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/6-nba-teams-bucking-preseason-expectations/
Predicting this year’s NBA All-Star Game snubs
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2608197-predicting-this-years-nba-all-star-game-snubs
NBA week in review: J.J. Barea’s mind games, All-Powerball Team and more
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/15/nba-week-review-jj-barea-russell-westbrook-gregg-popovich
Silver says NBA may eventually schedule morning games to accommodate int’l audiences
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/1/15/10776064/nba-morning-games-international-fans-adam-silver
The bravery in the NBA’s push against gun violence
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-bravery-in-the-n-b-a-s-push-against-gun-violence
Predicting the biggest steals of the 2016 NBA draft class
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607813-predicting-the-biggest-steals-of-the-2016-nba-draft-class
Who may be the next Ben Simmons?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-who-is-the-next-ben-simmons/
John Calipari campaigns for former players to make All-Star game
http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/01/15/kentucky-john-calipari-all-star-campaign-video-wall-cousins-davis
Baron Davis signs with D-League in comeback attempt
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14579758/baron-davis-signs-nba-developmental-league-eyes-comeback
76ERS:
Richardson a role model for Brown
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160116_Richardson_a_role_model_for_Brown.html
Brand thinks Sixers can start NBA’s next big trend
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20160117_Brand_things_Sixers_can_start_NBA_s_next_big_trend.html – kFUD3FLvuzumDDoB.99
Grant, Stauskas doubtful for Portland game
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Grant-Stauskas-doubtful-for-Portland-game.html
BUCKS:
Antetokounmpo shoulders the load in OT
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/live-coverage-bucks-vs-hawks-b99651704z1-365496451.html
Bucks’ John Henson recovers quickly from gaffe
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-john-henson-recovers-quickly-from-gaffe-b99651706z1-365516671.html
What the blank is going on in Milwaukee?
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14573190/milwaukee-taken-step-back-hoped-taking-two-steps-forward
BULLS:
A second shoulder injury in loss to Dallas puts Joakim Noah’s season in jeopardy
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1256727/second-shoulder-injury-loss-dallas-puts-joakim-noahs-season-jeopardy
Joakim Noah’s future in jeopardy after dislocating shoulder in Bulls loss
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-joakim-noah-dislocates-shoulder-bulls-spt-0116-20160115-story.html – nt=outfit
Butler’s performance came in front of the influential Jerry Colangelo
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/butlers-performance-came-front-influential-jerry-colangelo
Nikola Mirotic loses his starting job for the second time this season
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1256512/nikola-mirotic-loses-starting-job-second-time-season
When is Bulls’ hierarchy going to speak the truth about unreliable Derrick Rose?
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1255655/bulls-hierarchy-going-speak-truth-unreliable-derrick-rose
CAVALIERS:
Cavaliers end road trip 5-1 after beating lackadaisical Houston, 91-77
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_cavaliers_houston_ro_5.html – incart_social_feature
Kyrie Irving, Anderson Varejao help Cleveland Cavaliers handle James Harden’s Rockets
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_cavaliers_houston_ro_4.html – incart_river_index
Tristan Thompson is league’s new leader in consecutive games played
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/1877/tristan-thompson-is-the-leagues-new-leader-in-consecutive-games-played
LeBron James can rest on the plane, having finished off the Rockets and this road trip
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/lebron_james_houston_rockets_j_1.html – incart_river_index
Charles Barkley: Kawhi Leonard, not LeBron, is the best basketball player in the world
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/charles_barkley_kawhi_leonard.html – incart_river_index
Trade targets: How can the Cavs set up a title run?
http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14569435/cleveland-cavaliers-top-trade-targets-assets-nba
Irving has a great perspective on how crazy the transition to the NBA is for young players
http://www.businessinsider.com/kyrie-irving-on-rookie-transition-nba-2016-1
CELTICS:
Marcus Smart, Celtics roll over lowly Suns
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/01/marcus_smart_celtics_roll_over_lowly_suns_0
Good ball movement key for Celtics
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stars-studs-and-duds-good-ball-movement-key-celtics
Smart finding ways to contribute in different roles
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/smart-finding-ways-contribute-different-roles
Amir Johnson fitting in, and Celtics are better for it
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/01/16/amir-johnson-fitting-and-celtics-are-better-for/jn2sb8IBkrcfWxBG4B3leN/story.html
Brad Stevens to speak at Andrew Smith’s service
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/01/16/cnotes/3PDr1HfAIjUMYRkazQsgKI/story.html
CLIPPERS:
Clippers’ Blake Griffin hopes to return Thursday against Cavaliers
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-blake-griffin-clippers-trip-20160115-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Barnes, Fisher downplay first meeting since October fight
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/barnes-fisher-downplay-first-meeting-since-october-fight-29403b08-b4b2-2914-e053-0100007faa7e-365487411.html
What’s wrong with Marc Gasol?
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Whats-wrong-with-Marc-Gasol-365463031.html
HAWKS:
Bucks beat Hawks in overtime
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/bucks-beat-hawks-overtime/np6K8/
Where will Al Horford land?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-where-will-al-horford-ultimately-land/
HEAT:
Heat rally from 18 down to 98-95 win in Denver behind Whiteside triple-double
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-miami-heat-nuggets-0116-20160115-story.html
Heat’s Dwyane Wade sits out game with shoulder injuries
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article55012145.html
Did Friday show Whiteside’s possibilities as a leading man?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html
HORNETS:
Anthony Davis slam ends Hornets’ bid to take win from Pelicans, 109-107
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article55024225.html
JAZZ:
Trevor Booker suffers concussion in Kings game
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3424583-155/utah-jazz-notes-trevor-booker-suffers
Do Jazz fans still hate Kobe Bryant?
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3423899-155/monson-do-utah-jazz-fans-still
Trey Lyles looks to continue his strong play with his hero, Kobe, in town
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645602/Utah-Jazz-Trey-Lyles-looks-to-continue-his-strong-play-with-his-hero-Kobe-in-town.html
KINGS:
Kings rookie Willie Cauley-Stein adds defensive energy
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article55025940.html
The complex twists of Rondo
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/15/rajon-rondo-boston-celtics-kevin-garnett-paul-pierce-doc-rivers
KNICKS:
Derek Fisher showing much-needed growth in 2nd season as NY Knicks head coach
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2607948-derek-fisher-showing-much-needed-growth-in-second-season-as-ny-knicks-head-coach
Knicks trying to impress (and lure?) Derek Fisher-like PG
http://nypost.com/2016/01/15/knicks-trying-to-impress-and-lure-derek-fisher-like-pg/
Like Carmelo, hurting Porzingis questionable for Grizzlies game
http://nypost.com/2016/01/15/like-carmelo-hurting-porzingis-questionable-for-grizzlies-game/
Feud adds intrigue to game between Knicks and Grizzlies
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/16/sports/basketball/derek-fisher-matt-barnes-new-york-knicks-memphis-grizzlies.html?ref=basketball
Matt Barnes twists Fisher knife: Even some Knicks backed me
http://nypost.com/2016/01/15/matt-barnes-twists-fisher-knife-even-some-knicks-backed-me/
LAKERS:
Lakers must balance development of youngsters with farewell to Kobe Bryant
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20160116-story.html – nt=outfit
Lakers’ Byron Scott may rely more on younger players
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160115/lakers-byron-scott-may-rely-more-on-younger-players
Was Kobe Bryant’s ‘airball game’ vs Utah a teachable moment?
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160115/was-kobe-bryants-airball-game-vs-utah-a-teachable-moment
Lakers’ Kobe Bryant trademarking phrase
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/15/los-angeles-lakers-kobe-bryant-trademarking-phrase
MAGIC:
Magic need to learn a lesson from their gut-wrenching London defeat
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-london-recap-0116-20160115-story.html
Slumping Magic in playoff hunt, unlike previous 3 seasons
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-slump-brian-schmitz-0116-20160115-column.html
MAVERICKS:
Mavericks put up defensive front, beat Bulls
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article55037640.html
Dirk Nowitzki’s big night leads Dallas past Chicago Bulls
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article55023950.html
Second-half defensive effort pleases Matthews
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article55039430.html
Just call him ‘Dirkembe'; Nowitzki’s block sparks the Mavs’ defense in victory vs. Chicago
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/15/sefko-just-call-dirkembe-nowitzkis-block-sparks-mavs-defense-measuring-stick-victory-vs-chicago?f=r
Mavericks reserve center Salah Mejri made friends and family proud
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article55015290.html
Zaza Pachulia is pulling down All-Star votes and rebounds like never before
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4691258-nba-all-star-dallas-mavericks-zaza-pachulia-georgia-dirk-nowitzki
Smacking the backboard isn’t illegal, but Mark Cuban is still pushing for a change to the rule
http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/15/smacking-backboard-illegal-mark-cuban-still-pushing-change-rule?f=r
NETS:
Nets lose again at Barclays Center as Trail Blazers rally
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/16/sports/basketball/brooklyn-nets-portland-trail-blazers-nba-roundup.html?ref=basketball&_r=0&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=5FCF5658D8B7B696029A0B5604FB0427&gwt=pay
Nets fall apart late, allow 12-1 run in fourth quarter of loss to Trail Blazers
http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-fall-apart-late-allow-12-1-run-in-fourth-quarter-of-loss-to-trail-blazers-1.11331417
Sources: Nets have strong interest in Tom Thibodeau as coach
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14578734/brooklyn-nets-interested-tom-thibodeau-coaching-vacancy
NUGGETS:
Hassan Whiteside, Chris Bosh take control of second half in Nuggets’ loss to Heat
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29392670/whiteside-bosh-control-nuggets-heat
Jusuf Nurkic, Nuggets center, dealing with soreness in left knee
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29391905/jusuf-nurkic-nuggets-center-soreness-knee
PACERS:
Pacers slog through loss to Wizards
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/01/15/pacers-slog-through-loss-wizards/78877890/
Larry Bird not satisfied with Pacers as team nears midseason point
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/01/15/larry-bird-not-satisfied-pacers-team-nears-midseason-point/78877876/
PELICANS:
Pelicans close out strong vs. Hornets to end 3-game losing streak at home
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/ryan_andersonew_orleans_pelica.html – incart_river_index
Anthony Davis’ dunk in final seconds carries Pelicans to 109-107 victory against Hornets
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/ryan_anderson_1.html – incart_river_index
Ryan Anderson says guards did a great job with ball movement
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/ryan_anderson_says_guards_did.html – incart_river_index
PISTONS:
After Pistons’ heartbreaker, champ Warriors come to town
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/16/detroit-pistons-golden-state-warriors/78888554/
Wallace looking forward to jersey retirement with Pistons
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/15/wallace-looking-forward-to-jersey-retirement-with-pistons.ap/
Big Ben’s intensity, ferocity were endearing
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/15/detroit-pistons-ben-wallace-shawn-windsor/78882684/
Van Gundy not planning to talk ‘Hack-a-Dre’ with Silver
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/14/detroit-pistons-hack-a-dre/78811148/
RAPTORS:
Raptors face two Atlantic Division opponents over next week
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/15/raptors-face-two-atlantic-division-opponents-over-next-week.html
Raptors’ bench might finally be coming around
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/01/15/raptors-bench-might-finally-be-coming-around
The Raptors banned Meek Mill’s music in their locker room
http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/01/15/toronto-raptors-ban-meek-mill-drake-beef
ROCKETS:
Center stage gets the best of Rockets against Cavs
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Center-stage-gets-the-best-of-Rockets-against-Cavs-6763304.php
Cavs look friskier than rested Rockets in blowout win
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Cavs-look-friskier-than-rested-Rockets-in-blowout-6763305.php
Jones finds his way back in rotation for Rockets
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Terrence-Jones-back-in-the-game-for-Rockets-6762380.php
Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff ignores friendships for one night vs. Cavs
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/rockets-interim-coach-j-b-bickerstaff-ignores-friendships-for-one-night-vs-cavs/
Rockets will have all three point guards available for first time since Jan. 2
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/rockets-will-have-all-three-point-guards-available-for-first-time-since-jan-2/
Harden said to have patience, and the Rockets have proved him right
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14575675/nba-five-things-houston-rockets-did-right-ship
SPURS:
Spurs’ Parker owes assist to Aldridge
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Parker-owes-assist-to-Aldridge-6762012.php
Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard Remains Underrated
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/video-kawhi-leonard-deserves-more-recognition/
Spurs playing with embarrassment of riches, even by their lofty standards
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/spurs/2016/01/15/spurs-unbeaten-home-familiar-story-continued-greatness-defy-expectations/78834052/
SUNS:
Celtics deal Suns 9th straight road loss
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/15/boston-celtics-deal-phoenix-suns-9th-straight-road-loss/78871436/
Suns trade sent Isaiah Thomas to Celtics stardom
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/15/phoenix-suns-trade-sent-isaiah-thomas-celtics-stardom/78849516/
Knight returns for Suns, faces Isaiah Thomas
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/15/brandon-knight-returns-suns-faces-isaiah-thomas/78854282/
Phoenix GM Ryan McDonough keeps Sun-ny outlook
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/01/phoenix_gm_ryan_mcdonough_keeps_sun_ny_outlook
Suns’ Price undergoes successful surgery on toe
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/15/suns-ronnie-price-undergoes-successful-surgery/
THUNDER:
Thunder wins a dunkathon
http://newsok.com/tramel-thunder-wins-a-dunkathon/article/5472973
Kevin Durant says wait on all-time great status
http://newsok.com/kevin-durant-says-wait-on-all-time-great-status/article/5472936
Russell Westbrook’s triple double shows Thunder have Finals potential
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/16/thunder-timberwolves-video-russell-westbrook-kevin-durant-triple-double
Do the Thunder belong in contender conversation?
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14579773/nba-thunder-flying-radar-contenders
TIMBERWOLVES:
Westbrook’s triple-double leads Thunder past Timberwolves
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29392059/westbrooks-triple-double-leads-thunder-past-timberwolves
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Damian Lillard sparks Trail Blazers to 116-104 win over Nets
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/trail_blazers_brooklyn_nets_game_rewind_2.html – incart_river_index
Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard makes All-Star case in win over Nets
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/trail_blazers_damian_lillard_makes_all-star_case_i.html – incart_river_index
WARRIORS:
Warriors’ 3-game trip loaded with intriguing story lines
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-3-game-trip-loaded-with-intriguing-6762649.php
An all-time great? Hold off bit on that accolade for Curry
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/sekou_smith/01/15/kia-race-to-the-mvp-ladder-stephen-curry-among-all-time-point-guards-kawhi-leonard-lebron-james-kevin-durant-jimmy-butler-russell-westbrook/
Kobe gives Draymond gift, message after Oracle farewell
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/kobe-presents-draymond-gift-message-after-oracle-farewell
Draymond Green’s letter to Ben Wallace: You inspired me
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/15/draymond-green-ben-wallace-letter/78852594/
Draymond Green remains special to coach Tom Izzo and his Spartans
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/msu/mens-basketball/2016/01/15/draymond-green-remains-special-coach-tom-izzo-and-his-spartans/78851812/
Warriors push back target date for San Francisco arena
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-push-back-target-date-san-francisco-arena
WIZARDS:
Wizards avoid another injury scare in win over Pacers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2016/01/16/wizards-avoid-another-injury-scare-in-win-over-pacers/
Wizards surge back to .500 by routing Pacers on the road, 118-104
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-surge-back-to-500-by-routing-pacers-on-the-road-118-104/2016/01/15/791bfe10-bbd7-11e5-b682-4bb4dd403c7d_story.html
Wizards’ Otto Porter Jr. to sit out vs. Pacers with hip injury
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2016/01/15/wizards-otto-porter-jr-to-sit-out-vs-pacers-with-hip-injury/
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.allball365.com.