Credit: Bailey Hillesheim / Associated Press
Darren's Takes, NBA Week 1/6/25
Published: Monday, January 6, 2025
by Darren Worrell
Welcome back to Darren’s Takes! After a busy Week 11 with key games on New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day, we saw numerous standout performances, especially Austin Reaves’ 35 points against the Cavaliers. With Week 12 underway, it is time to dive into fresh takes and predictions.
Monday’s Key Games
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Battle of the 7th vs. 10th Seed)
The Timberwolves are at .500 with a 17-17 record and are currently 10th in the West. They are coming off a tough 119-105 loss to the Detroit Pistons, despite Anthony Edwards’ career-high 53 points. Edwards continues to lead the team with 25.3 PPG, with Julius Randle contributing 20.1 PPG and Rudy Gobert anchoring the defense with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
The Clippers hold a 20-15 record and are seventh in the West. After a solid 131-105 victory over the Hawks, the Clippers welcomed Kawhi Leonard back from injury. Leonard contributed 12 points in his return, but Norman Powell was the standout, scoring 20 points. Powell, averaging 23.1 PPG, has stepped up in Leonard’s absence. With James Harden’s playmaking and Ivica Zubac’s rebounding, the Clippers are looking dangerous.
Key Matchup: Kawhi Leonard vs. Julius Randle
While it remains uncertain if Leonard will play, if he does, this battle will be crucial. Leonard’s two-way ability versus Randle’s scoring and rebounding could determine the outcome.
Darren’s Prediction: The Timberwolves may have the home-court edge, but with Kawhi back for the Clippers, this game will be closely contested. I will give the slight edge to the Timberwolves in a high-scoring game. Final Score: Timberwolves 120, Clippers 117.
Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers (The Valley vs. The City of Brotherly Love)
The Phoenix Suns are 15-18 and sitting 12th in the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, they have relied on solid defense and the all-around play of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Durant leads the team with 27.6 PPG, and Booker’s elite playmaking has been key. Jusuf Nurkic’s solid contributions in the paint have helped stabilize their frontcourt.
The 76ers are 14-19, ranked 11th in the East, but have been better recently, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. Joel Embiid has been playing like an MVP, and Tyrese Maxey’s strong play has dominated their offense. In their latest win over the Raptors, Embiid dropped 40 points.
Key Matchup: Kevin Durant vs. Joel Embiid
Durant’s scoring and versatility will be key to Phoenix’s success, while Embiid will look to dominate the paint. If Durant can stretch the floor, it will force Embiid to defend on the perimeter, opening opportunities for the Suns.
Darren’s Prediction: Despite Embiid’s dominance, the Suns have too much firepower with Booker and Durant, and they will outlast the 76ers in this one. Final Score: Suns 115, 76ers 109.
Tuesday’s Key Games
Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets (Possible NBA Finals?)
The Boston Celtics hold a 26-10 record and are second in the Eastern conference. Their balance between offense and defense has been key to their success. Jayson Tatum leads the way with 28.2 PPG, while Jaylen Brown’s 24.4 PPG makes the Celtics one of the deepest teams in the league. Their strong defense, led by Marcus Smart and Robert Williams, has been a major factor in their ability to win in multiple ways.
The Denver Nuggets, with a 20-14 record, sit fourth in the West. The Nuggets are led by MVP-caliber center Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 31.5 PPG. Jokic continues to dominate with his playmaking and scoring. Jamal Murray, averaging 19.4 PPG, is also key to Denver’s offensive success.
Key Matchup: Jayson Tatum vs. Nikola Jokic
Tatum will look to exploit Denver’s defense with his scoring and shooting range, while Jokic’s ability to control the game with his passing and post moves will be crucial for Denver.
Darren’s Prediction: While Jokic’s brilliance is undeniable, the Celtics’ depth and defensive strength give them the edge. I believe they will outlast the Nuggets in a high-scoring contest. Final Score: Celtics 125, Nuggets 120.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks (Battle of the 5th and 7th Seeds)
The Los Angeles Lakers are 20-15, currently fifth in the West. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been playing at a high level, and their supporting cast has stepped up as well. The Lakers’ defense, anchored by Davis, continues to be a key factor in their success.
The Mavericks are also 20-15 but have been inconsistent. Luka Dončić has been the driving force, putting up MVP-level numbers, but he will miss this game. Without Dončić, Dallas will rely heavily on Kyrie Irving, who will need to step up in a big way.
Key Matchup: LeBron James vs. Kyrie Irving
LeBron James will continue to carry the Lakers with his all-around brilliance. Irving will take on a larger offensive role with Dončić sidelined, and the game will hinge on whether he can elevate his teammates.
Darren’s Prediction: With Dončić out, the Lakers will have the advantage with LeBron and Davis leading the way. The Mavericks will have a tough time keeping up without their star player. Final Score: Lakers 115, Mavericks 105.
That is it for this week’s Darren’s Takes! Be sure to check back next week for more key matchups, predictions, and insights. Have a wonderful week.
Darren Worrell can be reached at darren.worrell@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,