Forced to do without DeMar DeRozan subjected to anti-Covid protocol, the Chicago Bulls relied on Zach LaVine to overcome Denver (109-97), while an excellent Jokic was not enough for the Nuggets to avoid defeat.
The best Danilo Gallinari of the season (20 points in just 24 minutes of play) contributed to the victory of the Atlanta Hawks over the Minnesota Timberwolves (121-110) which was not enough for a 31-point Karl-Anthony Towns.
Fifth consecutive victory for the Memphis Grizzlies, who beat the Miami Heat 105-90 thanks to a double-digit quintet led by a 21-point Dillon Brooks. The Philadelphia 76ers took advantage of the many absences between the Charlotte Hornets (Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball and Mason Plumlee, included in the anti-Covid protocol) by winning 127-124 overtime. The protagonist is a 43-point Joel Embiid.
After four consecutive defeats the Indiana Pacers achieved success by beating the Washington Wizards (116-110) with a 30-point, 10-rebound Domantas Sabonis. The Oklahoma City Thunder overtook the Detroit Pistons by a comeback (114-103), scrambled in the last quarter after being up by 12 points. The return of Giannis Antetokounmpo (27 points and 12 rebounds) coincides with the 10th victory in 11 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, who overcame the Cleveland Cavaliers for 112-104. After four consecutive victories the San Antonio Spurs take a defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns (108-104) and a Chris Paul with 21 points and 10 assists. The negative streak continues for the Orlando Magic, with the ninth defeat in the last ten games after the knockout against the Golden State Warriors (126-95) by a 31-point Steph Curry.With a 21-point Paul George and four other double-digit players, the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers (102-90) in their third consecutive defeat.