Sunday NBA schedule: Lakers finally win a game, Nuggets keep rolling

The Lakers dominated this one from the start, jumping out to a 37-20 lead after the first quarter. The Cavs (9-30) did trim the deficit to 12 by halftime and 10 early in the third quarter, but they would not get any closer the rest of the game.

Oklahoma City burst out of the gates quick and held a lead after the first quarter, but their normally high-powered offense struggled throughout the second quarter. Portland took advantage, grabbing a 43-42 lead at the break before Durant’s big second half and the Blazers’ late comeback attempt.

Denver (23-16) trailed 87-79 heading into the final frame after a back and forth first three quarters, but started the fourth on a 19-2 run to take control of the game. Golden State (23-13), who shot over 57 percent the first three quarters, went over three minutes without a point during the crucial stretch. Curry hit two three-pointers to trim the margin to three with just over six minutes left, but the Nuggets used a quick 8-0 spurt to help put the game away.

Ginobili started limping and grabbed his left leg. There wasn’t any contact or nasty fall that led to the injury; he just kind of got hurt on his own. The Spurs announced that the injury was a left hamstring strain and that Ginobili would not return to the game.

This game could very well come down to the pace. The Trail Blazers’ defense relies upon a controlled tempo that ranks 23rd in the NBA at 90.8 possessions per 48 minutes, according to Basketball-Reference.com. Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to push the pace to help their No. 1 overall offense; Oklahoma City is eighth in the NBA in pace.

Winning the turnover margin will be key for Portland to keep the Thunder out of transition and out of the fastbreak, as Oklahoma City leads the NBA in points off turnovers and fastbreak points per game.

Chandler played in four of the first eight games for the Nuggets this year after undergoing the surgery in the offseason, but ultimately decided he needed more rest and recovery. The 6’8, 225-pound swingman hasn’t played since Nov. 12.

That means Chandler is outside the rotation looking in. Head coach George Karl told the Denver Post it’ll be hard to find the forward minutes, but whether he’ll end up being trade bait or otherwise, Chandler immediately gives the Nuggets added depth.

Denver (22-16) hosts Golden State on Sunday night, and the meeting is of great importance in the shuffling of the Western Conference. It could also be a battle that is a part of what defines the near-future of the young NBA hierarchy.

The Nuggets have the Warriors’ number this year. Already having played three games this season, the meeting between the two teams is already chalking up to be a good one.

Anthony has played some power forward this season, and done so at a high level because his speed and ball-handling make him a tough cover for most of the league’s fours. Zach Lowe of Grantland did an in-depth look at Anthony’s production while playing that spot.

Lowe noted that with Anthony at power forward last season, the Knicks scored 110.6 points per 100 possessions and allowed 104.6 per 100 possessions.

Here is the entire NBA schedule for Sunday (all times Eastern):

Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, 8 p.m.