The balance of power in the Western Conference may be shifting due to an injury to one of the game’s all-time greats. The Los Angeles Lakers had been performing well since acquiring Luka Dončić, climbing to the No. 2 seed in the West. However, after LeBron James suffered a left groin strain against the Boston Celtics, the Lakers may now have to navigate a challenging stretch with potentially three starters out.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are experiencing a slight slide in form, which could see them losing ground to a rival in the Central Division. Here are the highlights and setbacks from Week 20 of the 2024-25 NBA regular season:
WINNERS
– Celtics are closing in on the two-seed in the East despite a recent loss to the Thunder. Boston has been heavily reliant on the 3-point shot and is missing Kristaps Porziņģis due to illness. The team appears poised to elevate their performance as they head towards the playoffs.
– Timberwolves secure a much-needed string of wins with their sixth consecutive victory, demonstrating positive momentum as they approach the end of the season. Their improved defense and balanced scoring have been key factors in their recent success.
– Warriors continue their winning ways with Jimmy Butler in the lineup, showcasing their ability to compete against top teams in the league. Butler’s contributions on both ends of the floor have bolstered the team’s defensive capabilities.
LOSERS
– Lakers’ surge comes to a halt following LeBron’s injury, with the team struggling in a recent loss to the Nets. The upcoming schedule poses challenges for a depleted Lakers squad led by Dončić.
Overall, the landscape of the league is evolving, with teams facing both triumphs and setbacks as they jostle for playoff contention.
The battle for the two-seed in the Western Conference is intensifying as the Lakers face off against the Nuggets in crucial matchups over the next week. Unfortunately, star player James may miss these games, making the timing less than ideal.
In a recent game, the Bucks suffered a tough loss after squandering a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter against the Pacers. Despite briefly taking the lead, a last-second 3-pointer by Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton, followed by a foul by Giannis Antetokounmpo, resulted in a four-point play that sealed the Bucks’ third consecutive loss. They are now tied with the Pacers at a record of 36-28.
The Bucks are now gearing up for a challenging stretch with four games scheduled in a span of six nights. This includes a back-to-back matchup against the Pacers and Thunder sandwiched between games against the Lakers and Warriors. Their recent offensive performance ranks them 23rd in the league, scoring 110.2 points per 100 possessions over their last three games.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat find themselves caught in a cycle of mediocrity, unable to secure a playoff spot yet too far ahead to consider tanking. With a record of 29-36, the Heat are currently mired in play-in contention. Their struggles have been highlighted by a string of losses, including five consecutive defeats. Miami has a concerning trend of faltering in the fourth quarter, being outscored by 118 points since the start of the year. They have let slip 15 games in which they held leads in the final frame, many by double-digit margins.
The impact of injuries, scheduling challenges, and inconsistent performances are evident across the NBA landscape, with teams like the Lakers, Bucks, and Heat facing their own set of challenges as the season progresses.
