Around the NBA 11/21: Things Celtics fans should know from last night
In addition to the Celtics and Nets, there were 20 NBA teams in action last night. Here are things you should know:
2016 DRAFT PICK WATCH
1. The Celtics helped their own cause last night by beating the Nets last night 120-95. They are now 2-11, which, with the Pelicans win over the Spurs, is good for second worst in the NBA. The Celtics own the Brooklyn Nets 2016 first-round draft pick.
2. The Timberwolves lost at home to the Pistons 98-88 and are now 5-8 on the season. Surprisingly, they are 5-2 on the road and 0-6 at home. Minnesota will convey their first-round pick to the Celtics only if it falls between 13-30. If Minnesota's pick falls between 1-12, they will instead convey their second-round picks in 2016 and 2017.
3. The Mavericks beat the Jazz at home 102-93. They are now 9-4 and one of the best teams in the NBA so far. Dallas will convey their first-round pick to the Celtics only if it falls between 8-30. If Dallas' pick falls between 1-7, the conditional 2016 pick will become a 2017 first-round pick with the same conditions.
ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS WATCH
4. The Knicks defeated the Thunder in Oklahoma City last night. With now three wins in a row, it is certainly safe to assume New York is for real and the Atlantic Division race is for real. In fact, the Eastern Conference is for real too.
5. The Raptors beat the Lakers last night.
6. The 76ers lost to the Hornets, which was likely going to be the second easiest game of their current road trip. Remember, if they lose out on this swing, they will surpass last year's winless start to the season. Unbelievable they may actually get worse in their fourth year, but it's all part of the process, which we have been asked to blindly trust by Sam Hinkie and other NBA "experts" who will not hold themselves accountable when proven wrong. The 76ers remaining trip looks like this: at Miami, at Minnesota, at Boston, at Houston and at Memphis.
7. The Nets lost to the Celtics in Boston last night.
Atlantic Division as of 11/21
Boston 7-5
Toronto 8-6
New York 7-6
Brooklyn 2-11
Philadelphia 0-13
FORMER CELTIC WATCH
8. Kevin Garnett played 14 minutes in last night's loss to the Pistons. He finished with 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
9. Jeff Green and Tony Allen did not have to do much in the Grizzlies win over the Rockets last night, but that sort of explains where the Houston team is right now as much as anything else. Green played 30 minutes, and finished minus-1 with 7 points and 6 rebounds. Allen played 15 minutes, and finished minus-3 with 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
BEN SIMMONS WATCH
Simmons and LSU played South Alabama on Thursday night. Although not a national powerhouse, South Alabama is the toughest team the Tigers had faced yet. Simmons played 32 minutes and finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. He hits his free throws too by the way. I watched this game. I am now in full-freak-out mode with regard to the Nets pick and would never, ever trade it because it would eliminate the chance of drafting Mr. Ben Simmons, who represents the type of player the Celtics do not have and I do not think will ever get via trade or free agency: a true franchise star.
Follow Max Sandgrund on Twitter @SotoSpeakz
