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NHL Morning Skate – March 22, 2023

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NHL Morning Skate – March 22, 2023

* Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky to claim an NHL record – shortly after being honored for overtaking Gordie Howe on the all-time goals list earlier this season – but the Blue Jackets staged a three-goal comeback to win a thriller in D.C.

* The Hurricanes hit 100 points as they pursue Jim Montgomery and the League-leading Bruins, who claimed their 54th win of the season and inched closer to another division title.


* Three of four clubs that entered Tuesday in a Wild Card spot won to strengthen their push for a playoff spot, while contenders Calgary and Nashville won to keep pace in the West.

* The stars will be shining bright tonight as Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Clayton Keller all hit the ice during a doubleheader on TNT, Sportsnet and TVA Sports.


COLUMBUS PLAYS SPOILER ON NIGHT OVECHKIN SETS RECORD FOR 40-GOAL SEASONS
On a night the Capitals honored their captain for passing Gordie Howe (801) on the NHL’s all-time goals list on Dec. 23, Alex Ovechkin scored and set the League record for the most 40-goal seasons, surpassing Wayne Gretzky (12x). Washington (33-31-8, 74 points), which got off to an early 3-0 lead but eventually fell to Columbus in overtime, salvaged a point and remained in the race for a Wild Card spot.


* Ovechkin (age 37) became the fifth player in NHL history to score 40 goals in a season at age 37 or older (age at time of 40th goal), following Howe (age 40 in 1968-69), Johnny Bucyk (age 37 in 1972-73), Brendan Shanahan (age 37 in 2005-06) and Phil Esposito (age 37 in 1978-79).



* The Blue Jackets (22-41-7, 51 points) became the 10th team in NHL history to overcome a deficit of three-plus goals and win while entering the game last in the standings (min. 50 GP). Three other teams have achieved the feat since 2009-10: the Coyotes (Feb. 8, 2018 at. MIN), Avalanche (April 4, 2017 vs. CHI) and Oilers (April 7, 2010 vs. COL).



STARS, HURRICANES HOLD ONTO TOP SPOT IN RESPECTIVE DIVISIONS
There was a chance a new No. 1 seed would emerge in either the Metropolitan or Central Division following Tuesday’s action, but in the end, it was status quo as both the Stars and Hurricanes rallied to maintain their spot.

* Despite falling to the Kraken in overtime, Miro Heiskanen and Wyatt Johnston each found the back of the net to extend their point and goal streaks, respectively, while Jamie Benn scored the tying tally with one second remaining in regulation to help the Stars (38-19-14, 90 points) secure a point – Dallas has now held first place in its division for 62 straight days. Colorado (41-22-6, 88 points) will have a shot at the top spot – a position they’ve held for one day so far in 2022-23 (Nov. 12) – when they host Pittsburgh tonight.

* The Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes (46-15-8, 100 points) first erased a third-period deficit to become the first to score a goal against the Rangers since March 16 and tied the game once again 49 seconds later to set the stage for Teuvo Teravainen’s game-winning goal with 2:32 remaining in regulation. Carolina (69 GP) reached the 100-point mark in a season for the third time in franchise history (71 GP in 2021-22 & 2005-06) and joined Boston as the second team to do so in 2022-23.

* The Hurricanes, who captured 10 third-period comeback wins in a single season for the first time in franchise history, are tied with the Canucks and Golden Knights for the most among all teams in 2022-23.


WILD CARD HOPEFULS COLLECT VICTORIES TO BENEFIT PLAYOFF CHANCES

Three of four Wild Card clubs won Tuesday, with contenders in the Western Conference also claiming victories to keep pace.


* Adam Larsson scored in overtime to help the Kraken (39-24-7, 85 points) fend off a comeback attempt by the Stars and move within three points of the idle Oilers (40-23-8, 88 points) for third place in the Pacific Division. Seattle, which now sits two shy of the highest win increase from a franchise’s first to second season, became the fourth club in NHL history to produce a 25-point improvement from their inaugural campaign to their sophomore one, joining the Islanders (26; 30 in 1972-73 & 56 in 1973-74), Bruins (26; 12 in 1924-25 & 38 in 1925-26) and Maroons (25; 20 in 1924-25 & 45 in 1925-26).
 

* Connor Hellebuyck made 29 saves to help Winnipeg (40-29-3, 83 points) maintain its four-point lead on the second Wild Card position. The Jets have held a playoff spot every day since the last week of October, including an active run of nine straight days as holders of the second Wild Card. Their advantage on the first team outside the bracket has been three or four points for the past eight days.

* Calgary (32-25-15, 79 points) and Nashville (35-26-8, 78 points) also won to keep their playoff hopes alive, with the latter holding three games in hand on both the Flames and Jets. Predators forward Luke Evangelista (2-2—4) tied a franchise record for points in a period – exactly one year after Filip Forsberg set the benchmark – and tallied three of those points in a span of just 6:01 (the fastest three points ever by a Nashville rookie).


* The Islanders potted seven goals for the second time this season and Ilya Sorokin stopped 25 shots – including a highlight-reel save in the opening frame with his team already trailing 1-0 – to help general manager Lou Lamoriello earn his 1,400th win. New York (37-27-8, 82 points) strengthened its grip on the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. Since Feb. 1, Sorokin’s .928 save percentage ranks third (min. 10 GP) behind Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson (.944) and Boston’s Linus Ullmark (.937).


QUICK’S 375TH CAREER WIN FEATURED IN NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
The Tuesday edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates saw notes from all 26 teams in action, including the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights, whose goaltender Jonathan Quick earned the 375th win of his career to move into sole possession of second place all-time by a U.S.-born goaltender.



QUICK CLICKS

* Fanatics to become NHL official on-ice uniform outfitter in 2024-25
* Difficult decisions during stretch run before Stanley Cup Playoffs

* Flames assistant GM Chris Snow, Punjabi announcer Harnarayan Singh on ‘Real Sports’
* Jason Robertson gives back to military families

* Jared Bednar signs 3-year contract to remain Avalanche coach


NATIONALLY BROADCAST DOUBLEHEADER ON TAP WEDNESDAY
Wednesday features a doubleheader broadcast nationally on TNT, Sportsnet and TVA Sports, beginning with the Penguins visiting the defending Stanley Cup-champion Avalanche and concluding with Connor McDavid looking for his 60th goal of the season when the Oilers host the Coyotes at Rogers Place.

NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (36-36) at Minnesota Timberwolves (36-37)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Atlanta Hawks (36-36) at Minnesota Timberwolves (36-37)

The return of star players Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards to the starting lineup for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday could boost their chances of making the playoffs.

On Friday, Edwards, who is averaging 24.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, injured his right ankle in a game against the Chicago Bulls and needed assistance getting off the court. He was out of the last two games.

Towns has been out with a right calf strain since late November, and he was injured again while rehabbing in January. In 21 games this season, Towns is averaging 20.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

Chris Finch, the head coach of Minnesota, played down the possibility that both players would play on Wednesday.

Finch stated, “Ant always wants to play” regarding Edwards. He never feels hurt, so let’s hope it’s feeling better, as he claims it is. In any case, as far as agony resistance, scope of development, security, everything, I believe we’re attempting to sort out where that truly is with him.”

In the injury report that was submitted on Tuesday, the team listed both players as questionable. Previously, towns were listed as out.

On March 13, the Timberwolves defeated Atlanta 136-115 to earn their first victory of the season. Trae Young of Atlanta scored 41 points, his third game this season with 40 or more. Minnesota received 32 points from Edwards.

On their just-completed road trip, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost two of three games and defeated the New York Knicks 140-134 on Monday. Minnesota plays the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns on the road following their home game against Atlanta.

The Western Conference’s ninth-ranked team, Minnesota (36-37), is only one game behind sixth-place Golden State, which holds the final guaranteed playoff spot.

The Hawks (36-36) are coming off a 129-107 victory on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, who are currently in last place.

Atlanta scored 100 or more points for the 47th consecutive game, the longest active streak in the NBA and the second-longest streak in franchise history (behind a 53-game stretch from 1969 to 1970). All five starters scored in double figures.

No. 1 is Atlanta. 8 in the East, three games behind No. 6 Brooklyn, and one game in front of No. 9 Toronto with ten remaining games.

Dejounte Murray, who missed Tuesday’s game due to a non-COVID illness, and reserve Jalen Johnson, who has missed three games with a left hamstring and groin sprain, are both out for the Hawks. Starting in Murray’s place, Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 18 points and made a team-high four 3-pointers.

Young, who scored just nine points Sunday in Atlanta’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs, recorded his 35th double-double at Detroit, scoring 30 points and dishing out 12 assists. His 24th game with more than 30 points.

NBA Preview: San Antonio Spurs (19-53) at Milwaukee Bucks (51-20)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: San Antonio Spurs (19-53) at Milwaukee Bucks (51-20)

The Milwaukee Bucks will host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, a matchup of two teams at opposite ends of the standings.

Milwaukee (51-20) has won 22 of its last 25 games and has the best NBA record, while San Antonio (19-53) is tied for the league’s worst record with the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets.

Following San Antonio’s victory over the Bucks on Nov. 11 at home, 111-93, the Bucks want to split the season series. Playing without harmed stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Occasion and Khris Middleton, the Bucks were held to 32.7 percent shooting in the misfortune. Jevon Carter led Milwaukee with 21 points, while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 29 points.

Milwaukee is in a lot better spot for the rematch. The Big Three are back, and Joe Ingles, who was also absent for the meeting in November, has emerged as a crucial cog in the Bucks’ charge toward the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

In Milwaukee’s 118-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Middleton and Ingles scored 26 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and provided 10 assists.

Middleton is shooting 51.2% from the field overall and 47.6% from three-point range in his last three games, averaging 22.3 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.

Brook Lopez, Milwaukee’s center, gave another outstanding performance against the Raptors, scoring a team-high 26 points. The veteran is shooting 56.9% and averaging 20.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks since the All-Star break.

The short-handed Spurs, who have lost six of their last nine games, are Lopez’s ideal opponent. On Tuesday, San Antonio suffered a 119-84 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans to kick off a four-game road trip.

Johnson didn’t play because of a neck injury, and the Spurs also didn’t have Charles Bassey, Khem Birch, Jeremy Sochan, or Devin Vassell because of knee injuries. Additionally, San Antonio was without center Zach Collins, who was granted a rest day.

One bright spot was the play of forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, who made 7 of 14 shots and scored a team-high 20 points.

After missing two games because of soreness in his left quad tendon, guard Devonte’ Graham came back and played 24 minutes off the bench and scored 15 points.

Graham was acquired from the Pelicans on February 9 and has played seven games this month, averaging 17.6 points and 4.3 assists.

NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (48-24) at Washington Wizards (32-40)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (48-24) at Washington Wizards (32-40)

When they come to Washington on Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets, who lead the Western Conference, want to finish their five-game road trip with a winning record.

During the first four games of the trip, Denver (48-24) lost and won alternately. On Sunday, they defeated the Brooklyn Nets 108-102.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Nuggets had a 20-point lead that had reached 22 points. However, they only managed to score 17 points during the period, which caused the lead to be reduced to six points at the final buzzer.

In the victory, reigning two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic had 22 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 28th triple-double of the season.

The Nuggets’ most recent meeting with Washington was not one of those 28 games in which Jokic had a triple-double; however, on Dec. 14, he scored 43 points, which was his season high against the Wizards.

The Nuggets won 141-128 at home thanks to Jokic’s season-high five steals, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. The last time Denver played Washington, Michael Porter Jr., who scored a game-high 28 points Sunday in Brooklyn, did not play.

Washington (32-40) plays at home on Wednesday, concluding a back-to-back set. Tuesday’s road loss to the Orlando Magic, 122-112, proved to be too much for the Wizards.

After missing the Wizards’ previous game against Sacramento on Saturday due to illness, Kristaps Porzingis returned to the lineup and scored a game-high 30 points. However, Washington was without Kyle Kuzma because of an ankle injury, and the Wizards were outscored 35-24 in the fourth quarter, even though they had a one-point lead going into it.

Unseld stated that Kuzma’s sprain was “pretty significant” prior to Tuesday’s game. The Wizards’ trying time is made even more difficult by the possibility of Kuzma’s continued absence.

Washington’s sixth defeat in seven games and third in a row came against the Magic. The Wizards had surrendered more than their season average of 113.6 points per game during that time period for the fifth time.

In the East, Washington and the Indiana Pacers (32-40) are tied for 11th place, two and a half games behind the 10th-place Chicago Bulls (34-37) in the race for the East’s play-in tournament.

MMA Preview: Chidi Njokuani (22-8-0) vs Albert Duraev (15-4-0)

Fight Editor
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MMA Preview: Chidi Njokuani (22-8-0) vs Albert Duraev (15-4-0)

Duraev vs. Njokuani is a wrestler vs. striker matchup. While 60% of Machete’s career victories come via submission, Chidi Bang Bang has a KO/TKO rate of 63.63%. The most important question is which fighting style will prevail on Saturday. We will attempt to answer that question right now.

Chidi Njokuani vs. Albert Duraev Odds
Moneyline Odds
Chidi Njokuani -194
Albert Duraev +150
*Odds taken from Sports Odds Direct on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Time: ~10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN

Chidi Njokuani is a KO expert. Chidi Bang Bang has a record of 22-8-1, with 14 of his victories coming via KO or TKO, including both of his victories in the UFC. Prior to getting paperwork done for this advancement, Njokuani dazzled in Dana White’s Competitor series in 2021, and before that, he battled eight sessions in Bellator.

Moreover, this man is accustomed to chasing opponents around in large cages like those used by Bellator. He has an easier time finding the target with his punches and kicks because he is now fighting in the smaller Octagon of the UFC.

The bad news is that his opponents can also attack back, as Gregory Rodrigues did in his most recent fight, which he lost by TKO. Can Albert Duraev perform similarly? Highly unlikely. It’s not just that the Russian striker isn’t very good; Additionally, he prefers to attempt to subdue the conflict.

In his professional career, Albert Duraev to Try and Take Chidi Down Machete is 15-4, with all four losses coming via KO or TKO. This indicates that he has a weak chin, which should cause him concern going into the fight with Njokuani.

He can’t be outboxed by Duraev. He also cannot stand the constant punching from Njokuani throughout the three five-minute rounds. The difficulty lies in the fact that the American fighter lands 4.28 significant strikes per minute. Duraev will have to absorb over 60 strikes, something he hasn’t done before if Njokuani lands as many on Saturday.

However, his only viable strategy is to attempt to subdue the conflict. He wrestles well and knows how to knock out his opponents on the floor. This is shown by the fact that nine of his 15 victories were won by submission. However, it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to eliminate Njokuani.

MMA Preview: Marlon Vera (20-7-1) vs. Cory Sandhagen (15-4-0)

Fight Editor
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MMA Preview: Marlon Vera (20-7-1) vs. Cory Sandhagen (15-4-0)

Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen headlines the next UFC event known as UFC on ESPN 43, which will take place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX

Marlon “Chito” Vera and Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen were originally scheduled to fight at bantamweight. The fight was supposed to take place at UFC Apex in Vegas, where only a few hundred people could watch it from close by.

The UFC decided to move the fight to Texas and reschedule it after a significant backlash on social media. UFC on ESPN will be held at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, an arena with more than 18,000 seats: versus Sandhagen, also known as ESPN 43: UFC

Marlon Vera vs. Cory Sandhagen Odds
Moneyline Odds
Marlon Vera +134
Cory Sandhagen -172
*Odds taken from Sports Odds Direct on Monday, March 20, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Time: ~10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN

Marlon Vera Striking for a Tenth Finish Marlon Vera, a 20-7-1 fighter, holds the record for most UFC Bantamweight division finishes with 10. He has won 16 fights by way of finish, including eight by KO/TKO and eight by submission. When it comes to finishes, he has never lost before the bell rang; all seven of his defeats were decided by decision.

Vera absolutely deserves to be considered one of the best UFC fighters of the past decade with this resume. Given all of this, it is truly surprising that he was never offered the title. If he defeats Sandhagen on Saturday, especially, that could change in the future.

Problem is, Vera is seated in the No. 3rd place in the divisional rankings, with Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley ranking higher. Dvalishvili will get a shot at the title, which is currently held by Aljo Sterling, if he defeats O’Malley later in the year. Be that as it may, Dvalishvili has said a few times he has no expectation of battling his companion Real. The winner of Vera vs. Sandhagen may be asked to step in if he refuses to fight.

Cory Sandhagen Wants to Keep Impressing Cory Sandhagen is 15-4 overall, but he has not been embarrassed by any of his losses. The first one took place in 2017 when Jamall Emmers defeated him at LFA 5, winning by decision. Aljamain Sterling, who later went on to win the Bantamweight title, was his first opponent in the UFC. The aforementioned defeat remains Sandhagen’s sole loss within a reasonable distance; Aljo defeated him via submission in 2020.

He lost his third game of his career a year later. It took place as a result of a contentious split decision against T.J. Dillashaw. He suffered his fourth and, thus far, only loss a few months later. After Aljo withdrew, only five days were given to Sandhagen for the title fight with Petr Yan. The Sandman was able to stay on his feet until the final bell of the five-round fight, but the judges gave his opponent the victory.

With regards to Sandhagen’s successes, he has a few great ones – John Lineker, Marlon Moraes, Melody Yadong, etc.

MMA Preview: Holly Holm (14-6-0) vs Yana Santos (14-6-0)

Fight Editor
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MMA Preview: Holly Holm (14-6-0) vs Yana Santos (14-6-0)

Holly Holm vs. Yana Santos is the co-main event of UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen a.k.a. UFC on ESPN 43

The last time Holly Holm and Yana Santos, also known as Kunitskaya, fought, both of them lost. The fact that neither fighter has fought in a while suggests that they are not in their best physical condition, which is another similarity. Holm had kidney issues, and Santos gave birth relatively recently.

Holly Holm vs. Yana Santos Odds
Moneyline Odds
Holly Holm -220
Yana Santos +168
*Odds taken from Sports Odds Direct on Monday, March 20, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas
Date: Saturday, March 25, 2023
Time: ~10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN

Holly Holm, 41, Isn’t Giving Up Fighting professionally has been Holly’s passion since 2002. She also tried her hand at kickboxing and boxing during the early stages of her MMA career. And she did extremely well in those. She was, for instance, the world boxing champion several times in the early 2010s.

She also held the title in the UFC, winning the 2015 UFC Women’s Bantamweight title by knockout over Ronda Rousey. Things started to get worse for her after that. She won four UFC fights and lost six after beating Rousey.

She lost her most recent fight to Ketlen Vieira by split decision in the fight card’s main event. Holm, who was 40 at the time, appeared to be in good physical shape throughout the entire 25-minute fight. Given that The Preacher’s Daughter had been laid off for more than a year prior due to kidney issues, this came as a surprise to some.

Yana and Thiago Santos became parents in April, and Yana Santos is fighting her first fight since giving birth. The Russian fighter returns to the Octagon some 11 months after giving birth. She suffered her sixth defeat of her career when Irene Aldana knocked her out in round one (TKO).

In addition, she has 14 wins and one no contest in her portfolio. KO/TKO accounted for half of those victories, but she simply cannot do the same to Holm. Instead, Yana’s only chance of victory on Saturday is a point-by-point victory.

The bad news for her is that she can’t defeat Holm with her strongest weapon—striking. She could attempt to wrestle or grab Holm to the ground, but she is not very good at it. The confirmation is that her takedown precision is simply 53%. Holm’s TD defense, on the other hand, is 78%. There are three rounds in Antonio. Holm appears capable of fighting for 15 minutes even at 41.

Colorado Rockies agree to terms with outfielder Jurickson Profar

MLB Editor
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Colorado Rockies agree to terms with outfielder Jurickson Profar

Left-handed pitcher Lucas Gilbreath placed on the 60-day injured list

SCOTTSDALE – The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have agreed to terms with outfielder Jurickson Profar on a one-year contract that covers the 2023 season. To make room on the 40-man roster, left-handed pitcher Lucas Gilbreath has been placed on the 60-day injured list. Profar will wear #29.

Profar, 30, appeared in a career-high 152 games with San Diego in 2022 and batted .243 (140-for-575) with 36 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 58 RBI, a .331 on-base percentage and a .391 slugging percentage … the 140 hits and 36 doubles were also career-highs … the switch-hitting outfielder also appeared in 12 Postseason games with the Padres in 2022, slashing .250/.365/.318 with one home run, five RBI, eight walks and eight strikeouts … in 836 career games across parts of nine Major League seasons with Texas (2012-13, 2016-17), Oakland (2019-20) and San Diego (2020-22), the Willemstad, Curaçao native has batted .238 (648-for-2724) with 379 runs scored, 139 doubles, 15 triples, 78 home runs, 313 RBI, a .322 OBP and a .386 slugging percentage … originally signed by Texas a non-drafted international free agent on July 2, 2009, Profar was ranked as the #1 prospect in Major League Baseball prior to the 2013 season.

Colorado Rockies Spring Training transactions

MLB Editor
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Colorado Rockies Spring Training transactions

SCOTTSDALE – The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Nick Mears to Triple-A Albuquerque and have reassigned left-handed pitcher Josh Rogers to Minor League Camp.

Colorado has 43 players remaining in Major League Spring Training Camp, including nine non-roster players and two players on the 60-day injured list. The Rockies have a full 40-man roster.

NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (38-33) at Los Angeles Lakers (35-37)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns (38-33) at Los Angeles Lakers (35-37)

With 10 games remaining, the Los Angeles Lakers are outside the Western Conference play-in tournament race, and each loss feels like a double blow because of the small group of contenders.

The Lakers entered Tuesday’s play in eleventh spot in the West and will hope to take a vertical action when they have the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles is one of nine teams that are separated by a total of four games, led by the Suns (38-33) in fourth place in the West. Los Angeles is 35-37.

The Lakers will play Phoenix in the third game of a five-game homestand. Following that is a five-game road trip, making each Los Angeles home game extremely significant.

The Lakers split their first two games, losing to the Dallas Mavericks on a last-second 3-pointer before coming back to beat the Orlando Magic 111-105 on Sunday.

Against Orlando, the man known as “Hillbilly Kobe” saved the day. Austin Reaves scored a career-high 35 points, 13 of which came in the fourth.

The second-year undrafted player from an unassuming community in Arkansas was floored by getting “MVP, MVP” drones at the free-toss line.

Over the past three games, Reaves has been averaging 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists at a time when the Lakers needed someone to step up in the absence of LeBron James (foot).

The Phoenix Suns were hoping to tie Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies for second place in the West. However, Phoenix is currently attempting to stay ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently in fifth place, after losing four of their last five games.

As they prepare for the middle game of a three-game road trip, the Suns led the Clippers by half a game heading into Tuesday. After giving up a 15-point lead, Phoenix lost the first game 124-120 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

The Suns are still without Kevin Durant (ankle), and big man Deandre Ayton missed the game against Oklahoma City because of a hip injury.

Against the Thunder, Devin Booker scored 46 points on 18-of-28 shooting. Booker has scored more than 40 points seven times this season, is averaging 34.1 points per game and shooting 57.4% from the field in nine March games.

After missing 25 games in a row due to a left foot injury, backup guard Landry Shamet played in Oklahoma City and scored 10 points in 20 minutes. Shamet missed all four 3-point attempts.

Phoenix has won the last six meetings with the Lakers, going 2-0 against them this season. James didn’t play in any of the games this season.

On November 22, despite Anthony Davis’ monster performance of 37 points and 21 rebounds, the Suns prevailed 115-105 at home. When Davis and Booker joined James on the sidelines, Phoenix also won 130-104 at home on December 19.

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