Parity rules the NBA ahead of intriguing Christmas Day slate
Ric Bucher takes a microscopic look at an NBA season that has been defined solely by its unpredictability.DECEMBER 24, 2022
Clint Capela - Calf issue not considered seriousHawks head coach Nate McMillan said after Friday's 130-105 win over the Pistons that the right calf cramping that Capela experienced during the game isn't "anything serious," Brad...
ImpactAfter missing the Hawks' previous three games with a right calf strain, Capela was cleared to return to action Friday. He started and was in the midst of a solid game (10 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal) over his 25 minutes of court time, but he was pulled late in the contest when his calf began to cramp up. Given that the Hawks were comfortably in control of the game at the time of Capela's departure, McMillan said he opted to shut the center down early for the night. While it's less than ideal that Capela was nagged by another calf issue in his return to the lineup, the Hawks don't seem to believe his availability is in much jeopardy moving forward. Capela will have a few days to rest up before Atlanta returns to action Tuesday in Indiana.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Detroit Free PressThe Detroit Pistons have lost five of their past eight third quarters by at least nine points. The bench has thrived, but Dwane Casey can do better.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•FREEP.COM
Second-half push leads Hawks past PistonsThe Hawks were dominant in the second half and ran away from the Pistons for a 130-105 victory Friday at State Farm Arena.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•AJC.COM
Jalen Johnson - Low minutes againJohnson produced two points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one rebound across three minutes during Friday's 130-105 win over the Pistons.
ImpactJohnson seems to be almost completely out of the rotation at this point, now that John Collins has returned to the lineup (ankle). His three minutes of playing time Friday night marked a new season-low for the young backup.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Clint Capela - Returns from injuryCapela (calf) notched 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal over 25 minutes during Friday's 130-105 win over the Pistons.
ImpactCapela started after missing his last three games (calf) and managed yet another double-double before some cramping in his calf took him out for the remainder of the contest. Prior to that though, he was having an excellent game overall, even adding solid defensive stats. The 28-year-old center is averaging 13.6 points (on 69.4 percent shooting), 11.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game in the month of December.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•ROTOWIRE
Dejounte Murray - Leads team in scoringMurray logged 26 points (10-18 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, five assists and four steals in 37 minutes during Friday's 130-105 win over the Pistons.
ImpactMurray led all scorers with 26 points in Friday's win. He also recorded four steals, which marked the fourth time this season that he logged more than three in a game. The former Spurs guard is now averaging 20.6 points, 6.2 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game with his new team.
DECEMBER 24, 2022•ROTOWIRE
