Hello everyone! There are five NBA games tonight, including two nationally-televised matchups on TNT. Let’s take a look at the three games that feature some former University of Kentucky Wildcats this evening!
7:00pm ET on NBA League Pass: New York Knicks (5-6) at Washington Wizards (2-8). If you had told me a year ago that after 10 games, the Knicks would be ahead of the Wizards in the standings, I would not have believed you. But, here we are. John Wall and Bradley Beal are both TBD for tonight’s game; they may hold out Wall to rest him, and Beal has a hamstring issue. Let’s be honest: the Wizards are really struggling right now. Starting center Marcin Gortat even stated after a recent game that he thinks the Wiz have the worst bench in the NBA. It’s rough in Washington. We shall see what happens, but I don’t have any delusions… the Knicks should win this one easily.
8:00pm ET on TNT: Philadelphia 76ers (2-9) at Minnesota Timberwolves (3-7). If you had told me a year ago that the Sixers and T’Wolves would play the early game on a TNT Thursday, I would not have believed you. But, here we are. You won’t see Nerlens Noel, who’s still out after surgery on an inflamed plica, but you will see Jahlil Okafor, along with Joel Embiid, who is so grateful to finally be playing, and it shines through with every play. You will also see Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine. You know you get young emerging superstar talent with all of these players. This game should be fast paced, and a whole lot of fun to watch.
10:30pm ET on TNT: Chicago Bulls (7-4) at Utah Jazz (7-5). If you had told me a year ago that Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade would both be playing for the Bulls, I would not have believed you. But, here we are. Rondo is doubtful tonight, but Trey Lyles will come off the bench for the Jazz behind guys like Rudy Gobert and Boris Diaw. Jimmy Butler and Gordon Hayward are two other players who will impress you. Rudy Gobert and Robin Lopez will battle in the paint. The Jazz are a bit short-handed due to injuries to a few key players, but so are the Bulls without Rondo, so we’ll see how it goes.
A non-Kentucky-related note: During NBA on TNT and Inside the NBA, the guest on Area 21 with Kevin Garnett will be Nate Robinson.
There you have it, a little info to help you plan your evening. Enjoy!