Around the NBA 1/3: 10 things Celtics fans should know from last night, incl. big Ben Simmons update
As the Celtics continued their downward spiral towards irrelevancy, there 20 other NBA teams in action, as well as a Ben Simmons sighting. Here are 10 things you should know:
2016 DRAFT PICK WATCH
1. The Nets moved to 10-23 after beating the Celtics last night. With the Pelicans winning as well, Brooklyn's hold on the third-worst record remains at one, but they lost a half-game in their pursuit of the Lakers. The Celtics own the Nets unconditional first-round draft pick.
2. The Timberwolves lost another home game, this time to the Bucks and moved them to 12-22 on the season. With the Jazz win, they are now four back of the eight seed. 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. Therefore, this pick would NOT be conveyed if the season ended today because they would be projected to receive the sixth or seventh pick in the draft.
3. The Mavericks suffered a home loss to the Pelicans last night to move to 19-15. Despite the loss, Dallas maintained their hold on the fifth seed in the West over the Grizzlies. 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. Therefore, this pick would be conveyed if the season ended today as they would be projected to receive either the 19th or 20th pick in the draft.
ATLANTIC DIVISION UPDATE
4. The Nets beat the Celtics 100-97.
5. The 76ers lost to the Clippers 130-90.
Standings as of 1/3
Toronto 21-13
Boston 18-15 (2.5 GB)
New York 15-19
Brooklyn 10-23
Philadelphia 3-33
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF UPDATE
6. Winners: Pacers and Cavaliers.
7. Losers: Celtics, Hornets, Pistons and Magic.
Standings as of 1/3
1. Cavaliers 22-9
2. Raptors 21-13
3. Hawks 21-13
4. Bulls 19-12
5. Heat 19-13
6. Pacers 19-14
7. Magic 19-15
8. Celtics 18-15
9. Pistons 18-16
10. Hornets 17-16
FORMER CELTICS
8. Rajon Rondo played 30 minutes in the Kings win over the Suns last night. He shot 6-11 from the field and finished with 15 points, 15 assists and 6 rebounds.
9. Kevin Garnett played 16 minutes in the Timberwolves win over the Bucks last night. He shot 2-4 from the field and finished with 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
BEN SIMMONS UPDATE
10. LSU and Simmons returned to action last night for their first conference game of the year against Vanderbilt, who was 8-4 on the young season. The result? Ben Simmons' welcome party as he led the Tigers to their first strong victory of the season, with 36 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Wow, as if the loss to the Nets could not hurt more.
WHAT'S ON TONIGHT?
Hawks @ Knicks
Bulls @ Raptors
Heat @ Wizards
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
Follow Max Sandgrund on Twitter @SotoSpeakz
