The Clippers looked like they were going to be at full strength heading into a matchup with the Lakers when the NBA finally reboots. That no longer seems to be the case though. Lou Williams opted to make a decision that will now have him in quarantine for at least ten days and missing the team’s first two games.
Not Worth It
Lou Williams posed for a picture with rapper Jack Harlow on Thursday night while he was away from the bubble, attending a “family matter.” The NBA wisely has rigorous protocols in place and if you have to leave for whatever the reason is, you need to be smart and safety is the number one concern for all involved.
Many risks are being taken by every player and team staff in Orlando, trying to bring the NBA back. So for Williams to violate protocol so blatantly could put many in danger. He’ll now have an extended new quarantine, which will hurt the team.
The Lakers are headed towards the #1 seed in the West. The Clippers have some work to do if they want to avoid slipping out of the two seed though. The Western Conference is so jam-packed from top to bottom that L.A. would probably like to have all hands on deck.
Sabonis Out for Extended Period
Every year now it seems something goes wrong for the Pacers at the worst possible time. A year ago they lost Victor Oladipo at midseason when he was looking All-NBA good for a second straight year. Before that, disaster generally tended to befall them during the playoffs. It’s looking like that is the case in 2020 as well.
Domantas Sabonis has been a star for Indy in his first year as a starter. He was an All-Star and was developing into a clear leader for the Pacers as Victor Oladipo was working himself back from a knee injury. With the foot injury, Sabonis has left the bubble to seek treatment and there is a good chance that his season is over. You hate to see this in what has been a breakout campaign for the big man.
Sabonis’ absence means Myles Turner will now have a more significant role within the Pacers offense. It also means added pressure on Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren to step their games up in a big way. Oladipo is back in the lineup now, but his impact and minutes are going to be limited. We will see just what Oladipo can bring to the table. Nate McMillan’s team is facing a big hole right now and the way the Pacers run the offense will be drastically different in the restart.
It’s essential to keep in mind that Indiana has lost in the first-round in each of their last four playoff appearances. 2013-14 marks the last time they advanced past the opening round when they lost to Miami in the Conference Finals. So with Sabonis no longer here, the task becomes that much harder. Can they end their drought or does it drag to next season?
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