Get up to speed on the latest NBA news, plus a quick look at stories we’ll be following closely today:
1. Trae (likely) back in action: The Hawks are slumping a bit after their 2-0 start, having lost their last three games — two of which were played without the injured Trae Young. However, per multiple reports, Young is expected to return from the right ankle injury he suffered on Oct. 29 as Atlanta hosts San Antonio (7:30 ET, NBA League Pass).
2. AD make his visit to Chicago: For the 11th time in his career, Anthony Davis is squaring off against the Bulls as his Lakers pay a visit to the Windy City (8 ET, NBA TV). He had some interesting comments to say about possibly landing there as a free agent come next summer. Before you think too much about that Chicago fans, know that Davis has been on a tear of late: he’s scored in double-figures in every game and the Lakers have won five straight games overall.
3. Don’t sleep on the Heat: As of Nov. 4, the Heat were No. 1 in Net Rating (10.3), No. 1 in True Shooting Percentage (59.5), No. 3 in Rebound Percentage (53.2) and No. 4 in Assist Percentage (65.3). They can take another step forward as a legit East team tonight as they visit the Nuggets (9 ET, NBA League Pass). Denver, on the other hand, has a -0.4 Net Rating (17th in NBA) and has one of the worst fourth-quarter Defensive Ratings (113.4, 25th overall) in the league.
4. Burning bright out West: Another night in the NBA, another big win for the Suns. They’re now 5-2 and trail the Lakers by a 1/2 game for the West’s top spot in the season’s early going. Last night’s win against the 76ers — who were, admittedly, playing without center Joel Embiid — was more proof that Phoenix might not be merely a surprise team but a truly legit team this season.
5. Hoping to see you soon: While there’s a good chance Young will make his return to the Hawks’ lineup tonight, there are five other players currently on the shelf we want to see back in action before too long. Our Michael C. Wright has some names to keep in mind as the NBA season keeps chugging along.
