Among the many hottest names tied to the Boston Celtics properly forward of the 2022 NBA commerce deadline has been San Antonio Spurs huge man Jakob Poeltl. Bracketing the query of whether or not the Celtics even have to make such a giant commerce given how properly they’ve been taking part in (a very reasonable place), might the Celtics get a frontcourt improve to assist ease the burden on beginning middle Robert Williams III’s oft-injured legs, or 36-year-old veteran huge man Al Horford some relaxation to protect his finest for the postseason?
In keeping with Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, such a transfer might doubtlessly be had, although Boston would wish to attend till Dec. 15 for it to be allowed by the CBA.
The participant in query? Oklahoma Metropolis veteran huge Mike Muscala.
Swartz sees the Celtics swapping the 2023 Portland Path Blazers second-round choose for Muscala and taking nothing again.
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This could require waiving a participant who may additionally be included within the commerce, maybe Justin Jackson or Noah Vonleh — but additionally improve Oklahoma Metropolis’s ask to assist Boston hold their tax invoice down.
“The … Celtics don’t have many weaknesses, though including a veteran huge man who can house the ground and provides the workforce minutes at energy ahead and middle could be welcomed,” suggests Swartz.
“Muscala has made 38.9% of his 3s over the previous three seasons and posted a swing ranking of plus-11.3 over that point. Boston wouldn’t even have to ship any wage again, as Muscala’s $3.5 million contract could possibly be absorbed into $6.9 million or $5.8 million commerce exceptions owned by the Celtics.”
“OKC picks up one other draft choice and creates a brand new commerce exception with this deal,” provides the B/R analyst.
Muscala’s skillset as a succesful shooter and passer could be a superb match within the type of depth huge function Boston may need to have, in a position to fill in for Horford or Williams III for prolonged minutes in a pinch.
And whereas he has measurement at 6-foot-10, he’s not a lot of a defender anymore, although within the model of play favored by the Celtics this season, which may not be such a giant problem.
NORMAN, Okla. — The Red River Rivalry transitions to the hardwood when Oklahoma hosts Texas today, Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 p.m. Eastern on the SEC Network.
Several streaming services will broadcast the game live, and you can watch on Fubo (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (promotional offers).
Both teams enter this game still looking for their first win in the SEC, holding 0-3 conference records. Oklahoma held the No. 17 spot in the AP Top 25 poll last week, but dropped out of the Top 25 after back-to-back losses to No. 11 Texas A&M and No. 23 Georgia.
Overall, the Sooners are 13-3, while the Longhorns are 11-5. Both teams also enter the first of two games against each other this season on three-game losing streaks. We’ll see which team can start to turn their fortune tonight.
Channel finder if you have cable: You can access the channel by using the channel finders online: Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish.
Since a historic season for Oklahoma City a year ago, this team has fortified itself on several fronts just under 40 games into the 2024-25 season.
From rounding out its defense with veteran Alex Caruso, bringing on Isaiah Hartenstein to provide some rebounding padding to letting the young guns grow and blossom into their game, the Thunder has many strengths.Another massive strength of theirs this season has given them many opportunities to come back from deficits and come out on top in tight games.
There are two ways to create more opportunities for shots on the basket outside of solid team defense. The first—rebounding. Without staying afloat on the defensive boards, that is a recipe for disaster and hands the opponent easy shots on goal after the rebound and deflates a defense if it’s repeated. The second—generating turnovers.
That is what Oklahoma CIty is excelling at this season. Their rebounding troubles a year ago eventually seeped in to its playoff performance and was a large part in its ultimate exit against the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder is still in the bottom half of the league in rebounds per game this season, but that’s a massive improvement from its bottom-four placement a year ago.
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With that improved, the Thunder already gain an upper hand. But coupled with how often this team generates turnovers defensively along with greatly limiting its own turnovers has landed them in the top five of field goals attempted per game.
Through 39 games, Oklahoma City has tallied just 474 turnovers to place second in the NBA in that category. Inversely, the Thunder comfortably lead the league in steals with 451 on the season, or 11.6 per game. Naturally, Oklahoma City leads the league in both points off turnovers and opponent points off turnovers.
It’s a game-changer to have this success in taking care of the ball while also the whole team acting as a ball hound. If the Thunder sustains this, it’s difficult to see anyone in the Western Conference besting them as of now.
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PROVO, Utah — Trevin Knell scored 13 of his 18 points before halftime and reserve Dallin Hall scored 14 points and BYU ended its three-game losing streak by beating Oklahoma State 85-69 on Tuesday night.
Richie Saunders scored 12 points and Egor Denim and Keba Keita each scored 10 points for the Cougars (11-5, 2-3 Big 12).
Jamyron Keller and Bryce Thompson scored 15 points apiece and Abou Ousmane 13 for Oklahoma State (9-7, 1-4).
The Cougars built a 17-6 lead and never trailed. BYU went on an offensive onslaught and outscored the Cowboys 25-9 in a 10-minute span and led 42-15 after Dawson Baker made two free throws with 3:23 before halftime. BYU went to the break shooting 15 for 25 and led 46-26.
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But after an 8-of-31 (25.8%) shooting performance in the first half, Oklahoma State started on a blistering 22-5 run in the first 6 1/2 minutes of the second half and drew within 51-48 on 8-for-10 shooting with Keller going 3 for 3 from 3-point range.
BYU regrouped and went on an 11-2 run for a 62-50 lead with 10:28 left and stayed ahead by double digits for the remainder.
Oklahoma State hosts Colorado on Saturday. BYU will make the 45-minute drive north on Interstate 15 to face Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday.
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