Highlighting Monday’s best NBA player props with odds, analysis and picks.
Eight games tip-off Monday in the Association and the slate is lackluster with only two of the scheduled games featuring playoff teams. Good thing we can find some derivative bets to make this ho-hum NBA card more exciting. Here are some NBA player props you can fade or follow ahead of tonight’s action:
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 3:10 p.m. ET.
JRich needs to step up versus Hawks
(Photo credit: Adam Hunger – USA TODAY Sports)
Richardson is familiar with the Atlanta Hawks since he played with their Southeast Division rival, the Miami Heat, in his first four seasons in the NBA. He has scored 19 or more points in six of his 10 career starts against the Hawks.
Furthermore, it’ll be expected of Richardson to pick up the slack offensively since Ben Simmons is definitely out with injury and Tobias Harris is expected to miss the game against Atlanta. He should cash in on those opportunities because the Hawks surrender the seventh-most points per game to shooting guards in the NBA. This is the major reason I am not tripping about the 16.5-point price for Richardson against Atlanta. BetMGM oddsmakers know that he’s going to get more usage in this one and they are setting the line appropriately. Don’t be scared off by the price.
BET OVER Josh Richardson 16.5 points (-112)
Place a legal sports bet on these NBA prop bets or other games at BetMGM.
Nunn will Heat up against Cavs
(Photo credit: Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports)
Nunn scored 24 points in his last game, which was against these very Cavaliers, on February 22. Cleveland gives up the sixth-most points per game to point guards and three opposing starting point guards have scored 24 or more points against the Cavs in their last five games.
Also, Miami’s leading scorer, Jimmy Butler, is expected to be sidelined this game and it would be his 10th missed game of the season. In the previous nine games, Butler was out Nunn has scored 20+ in four of them and averages 18.2 points per game in those contests.
This prop is more about who Deandre Ayton is going against than he himself. He has scored 25+ points in four of his last six overall games, but Ayton averages just 10.3 points per game in his three career starts against the Utah Jazz.
Rudy Gobert is the defending, back-to-back, Defensive Player of the Year and hasn’t missed a beat this season. The Stifel Tower is eighth in defensive rating, second in defensive win shares, second in defensive rebounds per game and fifth in blocks per game. He and the Jazz have allowed just 14.9 points per game to starting centers over their past 10 games.
BET UNDER Deandre Ayton 18.5 points (-112)
Want some action on these NBA prop bets? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
The Rockets don’t have a traditional center for rim protection. But with 11 blocks in three games, Robert Covington is filling that void.
The Houston Rockets don’t have a traditional center in their smaller lineups, but that doesn’t mean they lack rim protection.
Newcomer Robert Covington, who happens to be Houston’s tallest player in the starting lineup at 6-foot-7, has blocked 11 shots combined over the team’s last three games — all wins by the Rockets.
In 48 games with Minnesota this season, Covington blocked just 0.9 shots per game. But with the Rockets in need of additional rim protection amid the absence of a true center, Covington has boosted his total to an average of 2.3 blocks over his six games to date in Houston.
[lawrence-related id=24287]
Utah big man Rudy Gobert was the victim Saturday, with Covington blocking him three times in a 10-point road win by the Rockets.
[lawrence-related id=25386]
There may not be a play that further exemplifies why the Rockets traded for Robert Covington.
He perfectly timed when to come from the weak side, and flat out met Rudy Gobert at the rim. Complete denial. Perfect defensive play. Look at how excited his teammates are. pic.twitter.com/fiI9GbrcIz
Covington also secured a game-high 12 rebounds, which helped the undersized lineup stay competitive on the glass with only a four-rebound deficit (46-42, Utah). Gobert had just six boards in 34 minutes.
Through six games with the Rockets, Covington is averaging 12.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game, and he remains one of the team’s best and most versatile defenders.
The reason RoCo feels underrated is because the scouting report on him in our conventional wisdom is just completely wrong. He’s not a “3 and D wing” the way he’s described. He’s a big man with weak side shot blocking ability who is just able to also shoot 3s and move laterally.
Mike D’Antoni on the #Rockets swapping Capela for Covington:
“We just look and see how we can maximize this team. It's doesn't have to do with 'they're making a statement, they're trying something crazy.' We play better this way.” pic.twitter.com/g5rlRp84ml
With Saturday’s victory, the Rockets (36-20) have won seven of their last nine games overall, and they’ve moved into the top four of the Western Conference standings — which would mean home-court advantage in at least the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs.
Covington and the Rockets will look to keep their momentum rolling when they host the New York Knicks (17-39) on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time.
[lawrence-related id=25249,24287]
In 215 shared possessions, the quartet of Westbrook/Harden/Covington/Tucker is now scoring 123.3 points per 100 possessions and giving up 97.6 points per 100 possessions.
Houston’s MVP backcourt had 72 points (55.1% FG) as the Rockets (36-20) clinched the season series and potential tiebreaker over Utah.
Superstar guards James Harden and Russell Westbrook combined for 72 points on 55.1% shooting as the Houston Rockets secured a huge victory on Saturday night in Utah, 120-110 (box score).
Both guards excelled on drives and from 3-point range, with Harden’s 38 points coming on 6-of-11 (54.5%) shooting from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Westbrook hit 2-of-4 (50.0%) on 3-pointers, representing his first game since Jan. 15 with multiple 3-point makes. The former MVPs and 2020 All-Stars also combined for 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
For the team, it’s the seventh win in nine games by the Rockets (36-20), and it clinched the season series and potential tiebreaker versus the Jazz (36-20). The victory moved Houston past Utah for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings, which would mean home-court advantage in at least the first round of the 2020 NBA playoffs.
The Rockets are now within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) for the No. 3 spot and within two games of the Denver Nuggets (38-18) for No. 2. Both teams lost their first game after the All-Star break.
Reserve guards Eric Gordon and Ben McLemore each scored 12 points off the Houston bench, with McLemore making all four of his 3-point attempts. The Jazz were led by 31 points from Donovan Mitchell.
[lawrence-related id=25363]
Though the smaller Rockets were undersized on paper with 6-foot-5 P.J. Tucker starting at center against 7-foot-1 Rudy Gobert, they only lost the rebounding battle by a 46-42 margin.
Houston continues to throw teams out of their element on both ends. Offensively the floor is spaced, they have taken away automatic reads/rotations. Defensively they switch and take you out of rhythm. It’s not perfect but they make you play different than you want to.
Houston made 20-of-48 shots from 3-point range (41.7%) as a team, while the Jazz hit just 7-of-31 on 3-pointers (22.6%).
In addition to the benefits of floor spacing on offense, the versatile frontcourt of Covington and Tucker allowed the Rockets to contest more perimeter shots on defense, as well.
Covington also had a game-high three blocks, representing his third consecutive game with at least three blocked shots.
And on the other end, Robert Covington continues his run as an elite rim protector. pic.twitter.com/yB28vluwwD
The Rockets will look to keep their momentum rolling when they host the New York Knicks (17-39) on Monday night at Toyota Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time.
FINAL: Rockets 120, Jazz 110. Huge win as Houston earns tiebreaker over Utah, and these two teams are tied (36-20). Harden, Westbrook terrorized the Jazz, combining for 72 points on 27-49 FG. The Jazz? They're gonna need a bigger center.
Previewing Saturday’s Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz sports betting odds, picks and stats.
The Houston Rockets (35-20) will travel to the Vivint Smart Home Arena to take on the Utah Jazz (36-19) on Saturday night. Tipoff for this potential Western Conference playoff matchup is set for 9:00 p.m. E.T. We analyze the Rockets-Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Rockets vs. Jazz: Key injuries
ROCKETS
SG Eric Gordon (leg) questionable
JAZZ
C Ed Davis (ankle) questionable
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.
Rockets vs. Jazz: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:15 p.m. ET.
The Jazz (-125) are slight home favorites over the ROCKETS (+105) on Saturday night. While Utah has been great at home this season (20-6), Houston has been one of the league’s better teams on the road. They’ve also had a lot of success against the Jazz, winning seven of their previous nine meetings. Given the value here, I like the Rockets to upset the Jazz on Saturday night.
The Jazz -1.5 (-115) are less than a basket favorite over the ROCKETS +1.5 (+106) on Saturday night. While Utah’s record is fantastic at home this season, they haven’t fared well against the spread, as of late. They have failed to cover the spread in Utah in four of their last five games. Meanwhile, Houston is getting hot at the right time, covering in five of their last seven games. Given how even these teams are, give me Houston and the points on Saturday night.
The total for this Western Conference matchup is set for 233.5 points, which actually feels a little bit too high despite this game involving the Houston Rockets. Utah has one of the best defenses in the NBA, allowing just over 107 points per game. While the Rockets always have the potential to score 120 or more points, expect the Jazz to slow down the pace of this game and for the UNDER (-115) to hit in Utah.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.
Previewing Friday’s San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz sports betting odds, picks and best bets.
The San Antonio Spurs (23-31) will travel to the Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday night to take on the Utah Jazz (36-18). Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. E.T. We analyze the Spurs-Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.
Spurs vs. Jazz: Key injuries
Spurs
SG Demar DeRozan (back) probable
Jazz
PG Mike Conley (rest) out
C Ed Davis (ankle) probable
Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.
Spurs vs. Jazz: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips
NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The Jazz (-304) are a decent-sized home favorites over the Spurs (+240) on Friday night. Utah has been fantastic at home this season, winning 11 of their last 13 games at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. Meanwhile, the Spurs are just 9-19 on the road this season, and they have lost five-straight games in Utah. However, PASS on this moneyline bet as the odds just aren’t attractive enough to bet on either side.
The JAZZ -7.5 (even) are big favorites against the Spurs +7.5 (-121) against the spread on Friday night. While Utah has actually struggled ATS as of late (3-6 in their previous nine contests), the Spurs (23-30-1 on the season) haven’t been much better. But given how well Utah has played at home this season, take the Jazz to cover this spread as they should win by double-digits over San Antonio.
The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 223.5 points, which feels just about right. Utah has the No. 6 ranked scoring defense this season, allowing only 107 points per game. However, their home defense is even better as they are allowing only 104 points per game in Utah. With the recent scoring woes for the Spurs, expect the UNDER (-115) to hit in Utah on Friday night.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.
The Houston Rockets reportedly signed the journeyman forward to a 10-day contract on Tuesday. Green played for Seattle/OKC from 2007-2011.
The Houston Rockets have reportedly signed journeyman forward Jeff Green to a 10-day contract.
According to ESPN, Green was set to sign on Tuesday after being waived by the Utah Jazz late in December. Green signed a one-year free-agent deal with Utah in July and averaged 7.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 30 games for the Jazz.
The deal allowed him to reunite for his former Oklahoma City teammates, James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Drafted by the fifth overall by the Seattle Supersonics in 2007, he played for the team for one year before the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.
In total, Green played three and a half seasons for Seattle/OKC before he was traded to the Celtics in a deadline deal on Feb. 24, 2011, for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.
In 289 games between the Supersonics and Thunder, Green averaged 14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
He played just 26 games for the Celtics before missing the entire 2011-12 season with a heart condition.
He returned the following year to play 81 games for Boston during the 2012-13 season.
Now in his 12th year, Green has played for eight different franchises during his career, averaging 13.0 points and 4.4 rebounds in 890 career games.
The Rockets (34-20) haven’t played since Tuesday, but they benefited from a pair of losses by the Nuggets (38-17) and Clippers (37-18).
The Rockets finished up their schedule before the 2020 NBA All-Star break with Tuesday’s 116-105 home victory over Boston. It was Houston’s fifth win in seven games, lifting them to 34-20 overall and maintaining their position at No. 5 in the Western Conference playoff race.
But even though the Rockets didn’t play Wednesday or Thursday, they still improved their relative position in the standings.
Of the four teams in front of Houston in the West, two of them lost their final games heading into the All-Star break. Denver (38-17) lost at home Wednesday to the Lakers, while the Clippers (37-18) lost Thursday at Boston. That brings the Rockets within two games in the loss column of the No. 3 seed, and three games of the No. 2 seed.
Going by current winning percentage, the Rockets have the easiest remaining schedule of any current West playoff team. The Nuggets, who currently hold the No. 2 seed, have the hardest schedule by winning percentage of any team in the West’s top seven spots.
The Rockets also have an easier schedule on paper than No. 6 Oklahoma City and No. 7 Dallas, who are currently just two games behind Houston in the loss column. In particular, Houston needs to hold off the Mavericks, since winning the Southwest Division could give the Rockets a significant boost in potential tiebreaker scenarios.
By standings impact, Houston’s biggest remaining games are Saturday, Feb. 22 at Utah and Thursday, March 5 at home versus the Clippers.
The Rockets trail No. 4 Utah by two games, which means they could cut the deficit in half with a win in their second game after the All-Star break. Since eight teams make the playoffs in each conference, getting into the top four assures home-court advantage in at least one round.
Western Conference Loss Column
Nuggets 17 Clippers 18 Jazz 18 Rockets 20
This is going to be nuts. Does it impact how teams load manage? Each night is going to have so much on the line because no one wants to play 4 v. 5 with Lakers waiting
More importantly, because the Rockets and Jazz only play three times, the winner of that Feb. 22 game in Salt Lake City will secure the season series and potential tiebreaker between the teams. Both Houston and Utah have now won on the other’s home floor following Bojan Bogdanovic’s shocking buzzer-beater at Toyota Center earlier this week.
[lawrence-related id=24510]
There’s similar importance to the March 5 matchup with the Clippers. Based on current standings, it would be an opportunity to halve the deficit. Moreover, it could also determine the tiebreaker, since Houston currently leads Los Angeles in the season series by a 2-1 margin.
Great win by the Celtics.#Rockets will enter the All-Star break just two games back in the loss column of the Clippers for a Top 3 seed in the West, and Houston currently holds the tiebreaker (2-1 edge).
If the Rockets and Clippers split the season series at 2-2, as Houston already did with Denver, then winning the Southwest could prove critical — since the next tiebreaker in two-team scenarios after head-to-head results is whether a team won its division.
The Rockets are now 2.5 games back of the Clippers.
With George possibly missing extended time and the Rockets hitting their stride, it's definitely possible they overtake them in the standings.
Going by the all-important loss column, Houston leads the Southwest Division by two games over Dallas, while the Clippers trail the Lakers in the Pacific by a whopping six games. The Nuggets do have a lead in the Northwest, but only by a game over the Jazz.
Thus, whether the Rockets can hold off Dallas could prove critical in not only being ahead of the Mavs in the standings, but also with potential tiebreakers involving other teams. The Rockets and Mavs, who have split their two games so far, play March 23 and Apr. 7, both in Dallas.
Houston likely needs to win at least one of those games, since allowing the Mavs to take both would give them the head-to-head tiebreaker versus the Rockets while also making up the current two-game gap.
Rockets have 28 games remaining. Here are the most important ones: 2/22: @ Utah 3/5: Vs Clips 3/23: @ Dallas 4/7: @ allas Utah gives tiebreaker in a 4/5 series. Losing to the Clips will mean they're 4 games back w/out a tiebreaker advantage. Beating Mavs gives SW division.
The Rockets resume play next Thursday at Golden State (12-43), who has the NBA’s worst record this season. Tip-off is at 9:30 p.m. Central, with the game televised nationally on TNT.
If the Rockets can take care of business there, in a way that they did not on Christmas Day, that could give Houston a chance to continue its move up the standings — since other West playoff teams (such as Denver at Oklahoma City on Friday) have tougher games out of the break.
Many believe the NBA Draft will feature a stronger prospect pool in 2021 than what the 2020 class will offer. But it may get even deeper.
Many believe the NBA Draft will feature a stronger prospect pool in 2021 than what the 2020 class will offer. But it may get even deeper.
Our mock draft for 2021 featured blurbs on several high school juniors who have already reclassified to forego their senior seasons, including Terrence Clarke (Kentucky), Devin Askew (Kentucky) and JT Thor (uncommitted). Another high school junior who narrowly missed the cut was Cam Hayes, who committed to North Carolina State.
However, we believe that the topic of reclassification will become even more pressing in the coming few weeks and months. Perhaps one reason why high school juniors may want to join a class that is already loaded is the following year could become even more crowded.
It is fairly well known that the NBA may allow high school seniors to enter the draft in 2022 for the first time since Amir Johnson was selected in 2005. That means that the draft class will feature all of the usual college prospects as well as an influx of high school talent as well.
There would be an incentive, then, for top high school juniors to find a way to separate themselves by potentially showcasing what they are capable of when playing against NCAA talent. Scouts and executives are more familiar with evaluating college basketball players than high schoolers.
As such, here is what you need to know about the high school stars that are most rumored to join the ranks of the Class of 2020 and then potentially be eligible to be selected in the 2021 NBA Draft.
JONATHAN KUMINGA
Forward, 6-foot-8, The Patrick School (New Jersey)
Background: Jonathan Kuminga is considered, nearly unanimously, the best high school junior in the country. He averaged 20.8 points per game on the Nike EYBL Division B circuit in 2019, showing his prolific scoring ability. Kuminga also had the second-most points per game (27.4) among all players in the Peach Jam Tournament last year. As recently noted by SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell, the forward could be a top-five pick in the 2021 NBA Draft if he chooses to reclassify. He will participate at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp during All-Star Weekend in Chicago.
NCAA: Back in October, the top prospect announced that he was not going to reclassify. However, that has not quieted any of the speculations that he will forego his senior season and play college basketball next season. He narrowed his collegiate decision to ten schools in November 2019. Kuminga also had an official visit from Kentucky head coach John Calipari in January. Corey Evans of Rivals believes Duke could add Kuminga via reclassification to their Class of 2020. Evans has called his recruitment “fluid” so though the talk of him reclassifying was once silenced, it could easily change.
After the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline, the focus of basketball transaction rumors often shifts to the potential buyout market for contenders.
After the 2020 NBA trade deadline, the focus of basketball transaction rumors often shifts to the potential buyout market for contenders.
As noted by our own Frank Urbina, the buyout market “might actually be more interesting” than previously expected. While we recently collected a list of potential candidates for a buyout, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the last time a buyout addition played at least 100 playoff minutes for a team that won the title was in 2011. That would be Peja Stojakovic.
Aside from him, we broke down the biggest midseason free agency addition (via amnesty clause, buyout or otherwise) of the year each season since 2009-10.
2010: LARRY HUGHES, CHARLOTTE
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Near the end of his career, former NBA guard Larry Hughes was included in a deal that sent Tracy McGrady to the New York Knicks. After the move, he was waived by the Sacramento Kings and was subsequently picked up by the Charlotte Bobcats. He played 14 games with the franchise but made just two appearances in the starting lineup. Hughes scored just 8.1 points per game during the regular season. He played all four games for the team in the postseason, too, averaging 14.5 minutes per game. But he did not make much of an impact, scoring just 6.0 points per game.
2011: MIKE BIBBY, MIAMI
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
During his second-to-last season in the NBA, former NCAA champion Mike Bibby played for three different teams. He started the year with the Atlanta Hawks and was then moved to the Washington Wizards. After playing just two games, he and the organization agreed to a contract buyout and joined the Miami Heat. Bibby played 26.5 minutes per game for Miami, including 12 appearances in the starting lineup. The point guard connected on his personal-best 2.5 three-pointers per 36 minutes while shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc. He also started all 20 games during the playoffs for the Heat. However, Bibby averaged just 3.7 points and 1.2 assists per game during these contests.
2012: BORIS DIAW, SAN ANTONIO
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Among all of the midseason free agency additions during the 2010s, former first-round selection Boris Diaw perhaps made the largest impact during his time with the team that signed him. The forward was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats in March 2012. However, within two days, he was picked up by the San Antonio Spurs. He started in seven of 20 games for the Spurs in the regular season and then all 14 appearances for the team in the playoffs. During the postseason, he was 9-for-18 (50.0 percent) from the three-point line. Diaw, who was originally claimed in 2012, remained with San Antonio until 2016 (winning a title in 2013) and became one of the more consistent figures in their rotation.
2013: CHRIS ANDERSEN, MIAMI
(Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
More famously known by his nickname Birdman, former NBA big man Chris Andersen was waived and amnestied by the Denver Nuggets in 2012 so that the franchise could avoid the dreaded luxury tax bill. After some push by head coach Erik Spoelstra, the Miami Heat signed the 6-foot-10 veteran. He played on two ten-day contracts before eventually getting a deal for the remainder of the season in 2012-13. He played in just over half of the games (42) for the team in that campaign, averaging 14.9 minutes off the bench. He helped Miami go on a 27-game win streak shortly after he was signed. But most notable was his performance in the postseason in which he made all 15 of his first field goal attempts in Game 1 through Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. Overall, he shot a postseason-best 80.4 percent from the field en route to the Heat winning the title in 2013.
2014: DREW GOODEN, WASHINGTON
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Former NBA forward Drew Gooden signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2010. However, he was waived by the team using an amnesty clause back in July 2013. Gooden was picked up by the Washington Wizards in February 2014. After two ten-day contracts, he was signed for the remainder of the season by the Wizards. Gooden played 18.0 minutes off the bench for Washington, scoring 8.3 points and grabbing 5.2 rebounds per game. After playing 10 contests in the postseason for the team, he signed a new deal with the Wizards and briefly became the starting power forward in 2014-15.
2015: AMARE STOUDEMIRE, DALLAS
(Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
Six-time NBA All-Star Amare Stoudemire was once a fixture for the New York Knicks. However, his role began to diminish during his final few years with the team. During his final 180 games with the Knicks, the big man was in the starting lineup just 50 times. He was waived by New York and was picked up by the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 10.8 points per game in 23 appearances during the regular season with his new team. The big then scored 7.8 points per game for Dallas during the playoffs.
2016: JOE JOHNSON, MIAMI
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Seven-time NBA All-Star wing Joe Johnson was a major pickup by the Brooklyn Nets in 2012. But the franchise began to change its identity during the offseason leading into the 2015-16 campaign, letting longtime point guard Deron Williams test the open market and eventually sign with the Dallas Mavericks. Johnson, who had previously scored a field goal in a record 937 straight games, did not score against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 10, 2016. He played just three more games with the Nets before his contract was bought out on February 25. Johnson was fantastic on the Heat, scoring 13.4 points per game during the regular season and 12.1 points per game in the postseason.
2017: DERON WILLIAMS, CLEVELAND
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Three-time NBA All-Star guard Deron Williams signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2015. He re-signed with Dallas the following season, though Williams missed time with a toe injury. Williams was waived by the team in February 2017 and was then picked up by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams averaged 20.3 minutes per game in 24 appearances during the regular season for Cleveland. His best performance was a near-triple double in April, putting up 35 points with 7 rebounds and 9 assists. This ended up being his final year in the NBA, retiring after losing in the Finals to the Golden State Warriors.
2018: MARCO BELINELLI, PHILADELPHIA
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former first-rounder Marco Belinelli signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2015 after winning the NBA championship and three-point contest with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 2016 and then to the Atlanta Hawks in 2017. The wing was waived by Atlanta in February 2018 and then claimed by the Philadelphia 76ers. Belinelli then put up a career-high 13.6 points and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He then scored 25 points against the Miami Heat in the postseason. He also hit a game-tying buzzer-beater to send a game against the Boston Celtics to overtime.
2019 WESLEY MATTHEWS, INDIANA
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
After an impressive tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2010 until 2015, Wesley Matthews signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks. He was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played just two games for the team before he was waived in February 2019. Matthews was picked up by the Indiana Pacers, then connecting on six three-pointers against the New Orleans Pelicans later in the month. He played 31.5 minutes per game in his 23 appearances during the regular season, starting in each contest. Matthews also started all four games he played in the postseason for Indiana.
HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report
