Chicago Bulls
Guard Coby White expects to be back on the floor during the Bulls’ three-game road trip that opens on Nov. 16, or shortly thereafter, according to The Athletic. Both White and head coach Billy Donovan said the 23-year-old will join full-contact practice next week, taking advantage of Chicago’s three-day break that begins Nov. 13.
White has been sidelined since mid-August with a right calf strain. He acknowledged one earlier setback after attempting to accelerate his rehab. “It wasn’t a re-strain or anything. It was just a minor setback,” White said, adding that he has been pushing through workouts to “build the tolerance” in the muscle.
Donovan cautioned that the fourth-year guard should not expect an immediate return to form. “I think the mistake he can make is to come back tiptoeing in,” the coach said. “He needs to give himself some grace.” Chicago enters the weekend at 6-1, atop the Eastern Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 3-6, and outside speculation about the roster is growing. Nonetheless, the front office has shown no inclination to explore a Ja Morant trade at this stage, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported. An NBA agent told Fischer that “nobody’s doing seismic, monumental things before 20 or 25 games,” a timeline that aligns with the Grizzlies’ stance of waiting to see the group at full strength.
Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. have yet to play this season. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s limited offensive role has drawn notice; he managed nine points on six shots Wednesday. “We need him to score if we want to win,” teammate Vince Williams Jr. said. Morant told coach Tuomas Iisalo the bigger obstacle is floor spacing: “We got to make more shots and open up the floor for him.” Jackson remained upbeat, insisting, “You just got to be aggressive.”
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers defeated the Spurs despite resting LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but the finish almost unraveled. Dallas star Luka Doncic still produced 35 points, 13 assists and five steals, while Portland center Deandre Ayton posted 22 points and outplayed San Antonio rookie Victor Wembanyama in a duel of former No. 1 overall picks.
“That’s something I’ve been wanting to show, especially to my coaching staff,” Ayton said of his defensive effort, noting the trust he feels when help defense is on the way.
In the closing seconds, Marcus Smart stepped on the baseline while inbounding with 1.2 seconds remaining. “As a 12-year vet, I can’t make that mistake,” Smart said. “I take full ownership.”
Source: Hoops Wire
