
via Imago
Jan 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

via Imago
Jan 15, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Wednesday night was very busy for the league. The evening kicked off with an electrifying battle between the Nets and the Cavaliers and concluded with a 96-97 nail biter between the Timberwolves and the Magic. Also, the Warriors continued their winning momentum from the Lakers game and defeated the Spurs.
Amidst many games getting postponed because of health and safety protocols, Thursday night will witness three important games. Take a look at the most notable details from those games and what to expect from them.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (7) and Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) fight for a jump ball during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After LeBron James vs Stephen Curry, it is time for Bron vs Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both the Lakers and Bucks tasted a 2-point defeat in their last games. This upcoming matchup will be a game between two teams that are both great at defense. The Lakers would want their bench to continue the same performance, while the Bucks will want to again register a high-margin win.
The men in Golden and Purple are 7-0 on the road, and they will do everything in their might to make it 8-0. The key players of the game will be Bron and Giannis, the two men who fought very closely for last year’s MVP award that finally went to the Greek player.
Jared Dudley (calf) and Kostas Antetokounmpo (knee) are ruled out of the game. The match will begin at 7 PM ET in Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI.
Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 19, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) runs into Utah Jazz forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
This will be a rematch from the last game that the Jazz (118-102) comfortably won. Utah scored 21 three-pointers in the game that saw Donovan Mitchell leading the pack with 28 points. Rudy Gobert also played well from both ends and registered a double-double in points (13) and boards (18).
Zion Williamson was a sheer force in the first half and ended up scoring 32 points. Still, their defense remained the weak area and that cost them the game. If they want to win the next game, the trio of Zion, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball must deliver hugely.
Derrick Favors (knee) is questionable, while Elijah Hughes (ankle) is listed out. The match will start at 10 PM ET in Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT.
Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) during the first quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The GSW bench is pumped up after a memorable turnaround game against the Lakers. The Dubs enjoyed a tremendous fourth quarter where they closed the 14-point deficit as Curry closed the game with a three. Now, they will face the NY Knicks who are coming off a two-game win.
The Knicks are 7-8 and are in a better position than most people expected. Both RJ Barrett and Julius Randle are playing exceptionally well. The fact that they restricted the Celtics to a meager 75 is proof of what they can achieve as a unit.
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Frank Ntilikina (knee) and Alec Burks (ankle) are doubtful for the game. The match will begin at 10 PM ET in Chase Center, San Francisco, CA.
NBA 2020-21 season standings
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- Los Angeles Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Utah Jazz
- Phoenix Suns
- Golden State Warriors
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- San Antonio Spurs
- Dallas Mavericks
- Denver Nuggets
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Sacramento Kings
- Houston Rockets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Eastern Conference
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