NBA Roundup: Pacers Call for Consistency, Bulls Stretch Streak to Five, Pistons Plan Jenkins Conversion
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Pacers
Indiana’s skid hit seven games Friday after a 140-122 road loss to the Celtics. Guard Andrew Nembhard said the problem is not shooting or talent but maintaining effort across all four quarters. “Guys are fighting at times, but it’s not consistent,” he told The Indianapolis Star. Boston led by as many as 28, shot 57 percent and drained 20 threes, highlighting the Pacers’ defensive issues. Rookie forward Jarace Walker added that the team needs to “get uncomfortable” and elevate its intensity to halt the slide.
Bulls
Chicago’s bench poured in 59 points during a 109-102 home victory over Philadelphia, giving the Bulls five consecutive wins. “Even if we lost a couple, we were still trending in the right direction,” big man Zach Collins said via the Chicago Sun-Times, noting improved rebounding and effort. Forward Patrick Williams, active despite an illness, did not play; he has averaged 7.8 minutes over his last four appearances and is in the second year of a five-year, $90 million extension.
Pistons
Detroit is expected to convert guard Daniss Jenkins from a two-way contract to a standard deal closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to The Stein Line. Jenkins has appeared in all 31 games, putting him on pace to reach the 50-game limit for two-way players. The 24-year-old averaged 7.5 points, 3.0 assists and 1.8 rebounds in 25 outings (six starts) and drew Eastern Conference Player of the Week consideration in mid-November. To create a roster spot, the Pistons may waive Isaac Jones, whose minimum contract becomes guaranteed on Jan. 7 and who has logged one game since being claimed in November.
Source: Hoops Wire
