One bellwether stat for every NBA team
By Luke Anton
What are the key stats for NBA teams in the Atlantic Division?
Boston Celtics: Is Tatum cooking?
When Jayson Tatum scores 30+ points, the Celtics are 17-3 this season. Perhaps even more pronounced: When Derrick White scores 7+ points, the Celtics are 23-5. And lastly: When Al Horford scores double digits, the C’s are 11-2.
Brooklyn Nets: Is Kyrie Uncle Drew?
Since Kyrie Irving returned from his suspension on Nov. 20, the Nets are 20-4, the best record in the league in that span. And when Kyrie scores 22+ points, the Nets are 16-6.
Bonus: When KD scores 30+ points, the Nets are only a shade over .500 at 10-9.
Double bonus: With Seth Curry in the lineup, the Nets are 21-7.
Philadelphia 76ers: Is the Beard facilitating?
When James Harden has 11+ assists, the 76ers are 9-3 this season.
Bonus: When Tobias Harris scores 20+ points, the Sixers are 9-4.
New York Knicks: Is the defense getting stops?
When the Knicks hold opponents to 110 points or fewer, they are almost perfect at 16-1. In all other games, the Knicks are 6-17.
Bonus: When Quentin Grimes scores 10+ points, the Knicks are 10-3, and when Julius Randle scores 30+ points, the Knicks are 8-3.
Toronto Raptors: Is the defense Jurassic park?
Just like the Knicks, the key number for Toronto is 110: When the Raptors hold opponents to 110 points or fewer, they are 15-3 this season. In all other games, the Raptors are a horrendous 2-20.