NBA Matchups: April 8

The last Matchups of the NBA season! It was fun grinding my face off for 3K-5K words on days where the games really came down to who matches up better in spots, but at this point of the season the matchups pretty much go out the window. It’s all about who wants to win and how many minutes we’re going to get from guys. I’m just going to focus on that today.

Playoffs next week, though! I’ll be going overboard there to break down which teams have an edge in certain areas. Can’t wait!

Here’s a quick breakdown of motivation today:

Definitely playing for a win: Nets, Cavs, Hawks, Hornets, Mavericks, Jazz

Could use a win: Bucks, Raptors, Bulls

Nothing to play for: Heat, Suns, Lakers (pick gone)

Incentive to lose: Pistons, Knicks, Wizards, Rockets, Blazers, Thunder

Milwaukee Bucks (back end) at Detroit Pistons

Team Totals: Bucks 116.5, Pistons 111.5

Injury Report: Cory Joseph (Q, back), Saben Lee (O, G League), Jamarko Pickett (O, G League); Bucks didn’t file yet, but it’s probably going to be ugly

Bucks projected starters: Jevon Carter, Rayjon Tucker, Pat Connaughton, Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka (expecting a lot of rest here)

Pistons projected starters: Killian Hayes, Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Rivers, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart

Stats and Notes: 

*The Bucks could be playing for the No. 2 seed, but why? Maybe they do want it, but the injury report should tell the story. The Pistons have ruined their chances for top lotto position, and another win could even move them out of the top three. If the Bucks rest guys, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some funny business. 

*We’ll see how heavy the Bucks go on rest, but we should see some heavy volume for Jordan Nwora. The Pistons play their defense up and close out well on 3-point shooters, so you would want the on-ball perimeter guys or the bigs. We’ll talk more about it later when we figure out who is playing.

*I think Cade Cunningham is going to be OK on minutes, but that one OKC eight-minute game is frightening. Although, he really was playing through a back injury he suffered three days before. I think he’s in a pretty decent spot here.

*With the G League guys playing for Motor City in the tourney, the minutes should be pretty safe for some guys. If Cory Joseph can’t go, Killian Hayes could be in play here.

*Isaiah Stewart’s minutes should be pretty decent with the G League guys out of town. He would be in play, especially if it’s a rest fest.

New York Knicks at Washington Wizards