QUARANTITLE - 8/3

1. Raptors (107) vs Heat (103)

• Toronto Favored to Come Out of the East? - My appreciation for Toronto grows as each day goes by. There's just so much versatility within that roster, especially emphasized under Nick Nurse. Their ability to throw a number of different looks at a team offensively and defensively is unlike any other squad in Orlando. They have a group for any given situation or opponent. While I acknowledge that Milwaukee beat the Raps in both of their two meetings this season, I can't get over Toronto's consistency in their system despite numerous injuries and setbacks. I'm not sure who'd win, but I'd bet on a Bucks-Raptors Conference Finals.

2. Pacers (111) vs Wizards (100)

• The TJ Warren Show - If you're not tuning into Pacers games, you're missing out on the best player in the bubble going ballistic for 40 minutes at a ridiculous efficiency. Hyperbole aside, TJ Warren has been unbelievable on both ends of the court for Indiana, scoring a combined 87 points over two games with 6 blocks on the defensive side. He qualifies for the Orlando Bubble All-Stars along with Grayson Allen, Brandon Ingram, and the entire Phoenix Suns roster.

• I Refuse to Address Washington - Notice how I only talked about TJ Warren's individual stats rather than this game as a whole. The Washington Wizards were only invited to ease disparity between the Eastern and Western conference. Fans knew that. Opposing teams knew that. Even Wizards players themselves knew that (Davis Bertans). Out of principle, I won't acknowledge their meaningless games, especially after they've been eliminated from playoff contention altogether.

3. Nuggets (121) vs Thunder (113)

• Jokic the Closer - Since their recent emergence as a young force in the West, Denver has lacked a consistent closer in late game scenarios. For all the credit we give Jokic, he isn't the most athletic specimen nor is he a confident scorer off the dribble. While both of those assertions remain true, Jokic still managed to take over the game in overtime and seal the win for the Nuggets. This should be a massive boost of confidence for Denver coaching and management to see him be so effective in crunch time against a serious opponent. We'll see if those flashes manifest themselves in the eventual playoff series.

• Playoff Preview? - As it currently stands, the Nuggets would face the Thunder in the playoffs at the 3/6 matchup. If tonight is any indication of how a 7 game series would play out, I'd be happy with it. The Jokic/Adams battle is fascinating to watch due to the noticeable stylistic difference between the two. Jamal Murray's return could also add an interesting wrinkle to OKC's defensive strategy in not being able to hide SGA on certain possessions. Lots to look forward to.

4. Pelicans (109) vs Grizzlies (99)

• Dillon Brooks is a Disaster - I've had it with Dillon Brooks. I'm done. Our already tumultuous relationship had somewhat eased prior to the bubble restart, after all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. You know what doesn't make my heart grow fonder? Perpetually awful decision making, shot selection, over-aggression, and general offensive black hole behavior. I could make a reasonable argument blaming Brooks for the Grizzlies' last two losses. He hurts the team anytime he steps onto the floor and stresses me out to the point where I audibly say "NO!" every time he touches the ball. I only say that because a Dillon Brooks possession typically consists of dribbling directly into multiple defenders and losing the ball or forcing up a heavily contested jumper seconds into the shot clock without even looking at teammates. Defensively, his obnoxious and unnecessary aggression has led him to lead the league in personal fouls. When he's not fouling on the defensive end, he's letting off-ball players blow by him on cuts while he ballwatches. It felt like JJ Redick and Josh Hart took advantage of his lack of focus with a backdoor cut at least 15 times throughout the game. Watching my beloved Grizzlies completely at the mercy of their own player's unpredictable performance is disheartening to say the least. Brooks has made me wondering if I was too harsh about Chandler Parsons.

• Unstoppable Brandon Ingram - Since the NBA resumed play, I haven't seen a team present any effective solution to Brandon Ingram's offense. He scores at will against any defender with the flair of old school Kevin Durant.

• Ugly Night for Ja - While I'd still place most of the blame for tonight's loss on Dillon Brooks, Ja's play shouldn't be excused. The majority of his 16 missed shots were good looks but just didn't fall. Because of that, I don't fault him for for continuing to shoot. If anything I applaud his confidence. However, those were shots that a player of his caliber should make with no problem.

5. 76ers (132) vs Spurs (130)

• Shake Milton Bails Philly Out - On paper, Philly should've dominated against the seemingly lowly San Antonio Spurs. They didn't. In fact, they nearly blew a 4th quarter lead to them. If it wasn't for the late game heroics of Shake Milton, San Antonio would've picked up their 3rd straight win and advance closer to the coveted 8th seed. Philly's struggles have nothing to do with talent. It's coaching and chemistry that has led them to near defeat once again.

• Is San Antonio Legit? - All the talk around Portland and New Orleans stealing the 8th seed from Memphis led many to outright disregard San Antonio from the race altogether. We should've known not to doubt Pop. Spurs are currently right behind Memphis for the 8th seed with a substantial lead on the other chasers. They've won two huge games so far and almost beat a confusing Philly team. Watch out.

6. Lakers (116) vs Jazz (108)

• Be Very Afraid of LA - Anthony Davis just dropped 40 points on the best defensive center in the league. That's it. That's the article. This team is scary.

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IMAGE CREDIT: Nelson Chenault