The NBA’s preseason slate for October 15 had only three games, and two of them were lacking in star power. The Pistons-Sixers matchup had the likes of Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, Ben Simmons, and Al Horford missing, while the Boston Celtics rested all of their starters against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, the absence of the Celtics’ stars allowed a certain Carsen Edwards to shine. The Celtics rookie put on quite a show against the Cavs, one that could help earn him more playing time come the regular season.
Aside from Edwards, fellow rookie Tyler Herro has caught the eye with his impressive preseason performances. But the same cannot be said of Kristaps Porzingis, who is still rounding back into shape after missing all of last season while recovering from a knee injury.
Celtics’ Carsen Edwards catches fire with 8 3s in a quarter
Most SBOBET NBA fans may not know who Carsen Edwards is, but that could soon change if he has more games like the one he did against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Celtics rookie scored 26 points — including eight 3-pointers — in the third quarter of Boston’s 118-95 win. It’s right up there with Stephen Curry putting up 40 points in just 25 minutes as one the most impressive performances of the preseason thus far.
Edwards would finish with a Curry-esque line of 30 points in just 21 minutes, with nine of his 10 field goals coming from 3-point range.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens went so far as to say he’s never seen anything like Edwards’ “special” performance.
Edwards, who was a second-round pick (No. 33 overall) in this year’s draft, began making NBA 2019 highlights during Summer League. He averaged 18 points on 52 per cent shooting and over 40 per cent on 3-pointers, which helped earn him a guaranteed contract with the Celtics.
It remains to be seen how big a role Edwards will play in Boston this season. Veterans Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker are expected to take up most of the minutes backing up star point guard Kemba Walker.
But Edwards has continued to show he has the ability to put the ball in the basket, which is always useful. That alone should give him the opportunity to play and provide an impact for the Celtics during his rookie season.
Heat’s Tyler Herro continues to gain hype
All-Star Jimmy Butler may have arrived this offseason, but the Miami Heat’s new hero to replace the retired Dwyane Wade could be rookie Tyler Herro.
Like Edwards, Herro has continued his fine play in Summer League into the preseason. The Heat rookie, who was drafted No. 13 overall, is averaging 16.3 points while shooting 18 for 33 from the field over his first three preseason games.
Herro scored the Heat’s first 14 points in their most recent preseason outing against the Atlanta Hawks. He finished with a team-high 23 points with five 3-pointers to lead Miami to a 120-87 win.
Despite being just 19 years of age, Herro has a legitimate chance to start for the Heat ahead of veterans Dion Waiters and Justise Winslow. His 3-point shooting will be key to help the Heat space the floor.
There’s even been talk that the Heat — who reportedly remain interested in acquiring Chris Paul — have made Herro “untouchable” in trade talks.
The Heat are clearly high on Herro’s potential, which he’s shown flashes of early in preseason. And the hype surrounding him will only grow if he can put up more impressive performances.
Kristaps Porzingis still shaking off the rust
Kristaps Porzingis said recently that he feels better than he ever has in his life after recovering from a torn ACL.
However, the Latvian big man — who only just made his debut for the Dallas Mavericks — is still shaking off the rust that’s built up after missing over a year due to his knee injury.
Porzingis had 17 points and 13 rebounds but shot just 7 for 21 in the Mavs’ most recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Through his first three preseason games, Porzingis has averaged 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds but has shot just 18 for 52 (34.6 per cent) from the field and 7 for 25 (28 per cent) on 3-pointers.
Porzingis’ pairing with Luka Doncic has a lot of promise on paper, but that’s if Porzingis can rediscover the form he showed earlier in his career with the New York Knicks.
On the basis of his first few outings in the preseason, though, it could take some time for Porzingis to play his way back to his best.
But if Porzingis does progress to the point of returning to his All-Star-calibre play this season, the Mavericks’ NBA 2019 odds to make the playoffs should dramatically improve.
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