Rockets Heat Up: Thompson Shines in Houstons 9th Straight Win, Clippers Keep Pace

Amen Thompson, a standout among the league’s promising talents, highlights the continuation of the hottest team’s winning streak, marking their ninth consecutive victory.

**5 TOP STORIES IN THIS EDITION 🏀 March 22, 2025**

**Fiery Rockets and Clippers:** Houston secures its ninth win in a row, while LA claims its fifth consecutive victory.

**Race for the 60-win Milestone:** The Thunder establish a two-game lead over the Cavaliers in the quest for the NBA’s top seed.

**Western Conference Roundup:** The Wolves bounce back, Ingles makes a statement, the Blazers maintain their momentum, and the Mavericks snap their losing streak.

**Eastern Conference Roundup:** Porziņģis and Paolo excel in victories for the Celtics and Magic, respectively.

**Saturday Preview:** The Hawks-Warriors and Bucks-Kings games feature prominently on this five-game slate, all set to air on NBA TV.

**AND NOW … ⏰ The 2025 NBA Playoffs are just four weeks away…**

Tonight’s NBA TV doubleheader kicks off in Atlanta, where the Hawks take on the surging Warriors (7 ET). Since adding Jimmy Butler III, Golden State boasts an impressive 16-3 record, but they’ll need to manage without Steph Curry, who is sidelined due to a pelvic injury sustained on Thursday.

Following that matchup, the Bucks will challenge the Kings (10 ET), with Milwaukee having dominated their recent encounters, boasting a record of 15-1 against Sacramento since the 2016-17 season.

**1. ROCKETS AND CLIPPERS CONTINUE WINNING STREAKS**

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**Rockets 102, Heat 98:** Fred VanVleet dominated the second half, scoring 25 of his 37 points as the Rockets came from behind against the Heat, outscoring them 51-39 in the latter half, marking their ninth straight victory while handing Miami its tenth consecutive loss. | Recap

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**Clippers 128, Grizzlies 108:** With James Harden (30 points, 9 assists, 5 three-pointers) and Kawhi Leonard (23 points, 10 rebounds) combining for 53 points, the Clippers secured their fifth consecutive win as they continue their pursuit of a top-six Playoff seed. | Recap

**2. THUNDER, CAVALIERS & THE RACE TO 60 WINS**

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The Thunder and Cavaliers have both been at the forefront of their conferences for several months, constantly measuring their success against each other. From splitting their two encounters in January to racing to 40 and 50 wins, clinching Playoff berths, and vying for the top seed in their respective conferences, their rivalry is palpable.

Currently, the race remains for which team will finish with the NBA’s best record to secure home-court advantage throughout the Playoffs. After Friday night, the Thunder hold a two-game advantage over the Cavaliers as they inch closer to achieving their first 60-win campaign in franchise history.

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**Thunder 141, Hornets 106:** After sitting out Wednesday’s match against Philadelphia, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned to lead OKC with his league-leading 44th 30+ point game, achieving this in just 29 minutes and guiding them to their 58th win of the season. | Recap

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**Suns 132, Cavaliers 112:** The Cavaliers struggled against Kevin Durant, who scored 42 points, marking his second-best scoring performance of the season as he propelled the Suns to their third consecutive victory while inflicting the Cavs’ first four-game losing streak this year. | Recap

**3. WESTERN CONFERENCE ROUNDUP: WOLVES RECOVER, INGLES STANDS OUT, BLAZERS CONTINUE TO THRIVE, MAVS BREAK LOSING STREAK**

**Wolves 134, Pelicans 93:** Julius Randle (20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) led a balanced Timberwolves offensive effort, with seven players in double figures, helping Minnesota end its two-game losing streak with a decisive 41-point victory. | Recap

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**Blazers 128, Nuggets 109:** Deni Avdija recorded back-to-back 30+ point games for the first time in his career, scoring 36 points and leading the Blazers to their fourth consecutive win as they finished the game on a 24-13 run. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 23 points. | Recap

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**Mavs 123, Pistons 117:** Spencer Dinwiddie (31 points, 7 assists) and P.J. Washington (27 points, 4 blocks) combined for 58 points to help the Mavericks emerge victorious over Cade Cunningham (35 points) and the Pistons, ending a four-game skid. | Recap

**4. EASTERN CONFERENCE ROUNDUP: PORZIŅĢIS AND PAOLO SHINE ON FRIDAY**

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**Celtics 121, Jazz 99:** Kristaps Porziņģis (27 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists) and Jayson Tatum (26 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) teamed up for 53 points, driving the Celtics to their fourth straight win. | Recap

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**Magic 120, Wizards 105:** Paolo Banchero marked his 30th career 30+ point game as he and Franz Wagner accounted for 51 points, leading the Magic to victory. Jordan Poole also surpassed 200 three-pointers this season, achieving this milestone for the third time in his career and first with the Wizards. | Recap

**Spurs 128, Sixers 120:** Kia Rookie Ladder leader Stephon Castle netted 17 points and dished out a personal-best 14 assists, contributing to seven Spurs scoring in double figures while fending off a late challenge from Quentin Grimes (25 points, 10 assists) and the Sixers. | Recap

**5. SATURDAY PREVIEW: WARRIORS SEEK TO KEEP WINNING WITHOUT STEPH CURRY**

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With Stephen Curry out due to a pelvic contusion, the Warriors will rely on Jimmy Butler III to rise to the occasion in his absence as the team faces the Hawks (7 ET, NBA TV).

The silver lining for Golden State is Butler’s knack for thriving under pressure. He showcased his leadership in Thursday’s victory over the Raptors, achieving his second triple-double as a Warrior (16 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists).

Now, the Warriors will focus on the chemistry between Butler and Draymond Green, who create a formidable defensive duo.

Meanwhile, Trae Young and the Hawks are vying to solidify their position in the Play-In round for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.

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Additionally, four other games are set to begin tonight, including a matchup featuring the 4th-place Pacers against the 5th-place Bucks, both fighting for favorable Playoff positioning, potentially leading to an Eastern Conference first-round rematch.