Nuggets 104, Bucks 78

There continues to be a growing expectation that the Los Angeles Lakers will eventually hire J.J. Redick as head coach, but they have maintained a decision has not been reached and that they are still considering a number of candidates. While James Borrego is believed to be a serious candidate, the general expectation is that Redick will be hired.

“There’s a very strong attempt, maybe I’m giving away my feelings by saying an attempt,” said Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective Podcast. “There’s a very strong message coming out that the Lakers are still early in their process. That there’s still steps to be done. And that they’re being very thorough and there’s nothing to see here and don’t worry about that.

“Probably will have to wait until after The Finals,” interjected Tim MacMahon.

“Probably,” laughed Windhosrt. “I will report that is what I’m being told by multiple people. And Adrian Wojnarowski has reported the same thing: ‘We’re not at the checking the boxes, dotting the i’s and [crossing] the t’s. This is still very much a process and still up in the air.

“Then there is information out there otherwise involving J.J. Redick. I will just sit here and tell you my information on this is scattered. I have some people saying this is J.J. Redick’s job that I trust. I have some people saying this is a process that is not complete. I suspect I know something, but I’m just going to tell you that there’s multiple streams of information.

“James Borrego has had multiple meetings with the Lakers. I do think he’s a viable candidate for sure, but I think J.J. Redick is a very strong candidate. And he also is calling The Finals for our network on ABC and ESPN. So it is what it is.

“The Lakers knew for quite some time that they were going to probably change their coach. Rob Pelinka had a long time to evaluate what his situation and his candidates were. Wherever they are in their process, there’s no choice for them to put a lot of thought into this. I don’t think they have the most ideal set of candidates they may dream when replacing a head coach who has been successful. But I also think they have a pretty good idea of what they’re doing.”

Joel Embiid had a successful procedure on Tuesday to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. He will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.

The Philadelphia 76ers maintain hope that Embiid will be able to return this season.

Embiid is averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.7 blocks in 34 games this season.

Embiid was the clear leader in the ESPN MVP straw poll in December, but he now will not play in enough games to qualify for voting even if he returns this season.