Friday scores & links
Basketball, eh?
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A galaxy brain idea for the Spurs' starting five dilemma
Dylan Harper was set to start with Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox before the vet became a late scratch. What's the best path, and what's the path Mitch Johnson can actually take?
The miracle of the Celtics
Boston continues to win tons of games and tons of playoff series despite a changing cast, lots of disruptions and plenty of opportunity for hard resets. Here's to consistent excellence that doesn't always make sense.
Nikola Jokic's loyalty doesn't have to be a curse
The Joker verbally recommitted to the Nuggets last week, saying he'll re-sign next summer. That allows Denver to operate without fear but also takes his leverage off the table, which may result in that single championship he's already won. That's okay.
Watching for drop-outs
In the NBA's new lottery system, the biggest tanking risk is from teams who could make a run at the play-in but choose instead of fall out of the race and improve draft standing. How will we tell when teams do this?