Philadelphia 76ers
The injury-depleted 76ers have captured three of their last four games despite the continued absences of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. Head coach Nick Nurse has turned to youngsters VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards to shoulder the scoring load.
Edgecombe, now facing defensive schemes designed to stop him, was double-teamed for the first time in his career during a win over Brooklyn. “I had never been doubled in my life,” he said. The rookie finished that contest with 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting while operating as Philadelphia’s primary option.
Memphis Grizzlies
FedEx executive Richard Smith said an independent advisory firm found no sign that owner Robert Pera intends to sell or move the franchise. “I don’t think there’s any truth to rumors that he wants to move the team,” Smith told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. He added that his family would have pursued purchasing the club solely to keep it in Memphis if it had been made available.
The Grizzlies and the city are negotiating a lease extension at FedExForum; the current agreement expires after the 2028-29 season.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles has reeled off six consecutive victories, a stretch that includes wins over Western Conference contenders Minnesota, Denver and Houston. Early-season inconsistency appears to have subsided, as the Lakers have executed in late-game situations behind timely plays from Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton.
All six wins have come against teams with postseason aspirations, giving Los Angeles key momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
Source: Hoops Wire
