Tonight's NBA schedule: Has Brandon Jennings grown up?
Three story lines to follow during Saturday night's nine-game NBA slate (all times p.m. Eastern):
Is Brandon Jennings all grown up?
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks, 8:30: The Bucks point guard matches up tonight against the NBA's assist leader, Rajon Rondo. Last season, it would have been a clash of styles. But Jennings is shooting less and passing more. He has jumped from 5.5 assists a game last season to 9.5 through four games this year. With Monta Ellis in his first full season with the Bucks, Jennings is no longer the go-to scorer. But it's more than that. Jennings was immature when he went to Italy instead of college for a year out of high school. He was immature when he went to Milwaukee, the 10th pick of the 2009 draft. He was immature when he dropped 55 points against the Golden State Warriors as a rookie. Jennings is a gifted passer, shown in his nine-assist McDonald's All-American Game performance. His shot selection noticably improved after Ellis arrived last season, and his passing has caught up this year. Jennings never will defer like Rondo, but he is becoming a real point guard.
Who wins first, the Washington Wizards or Detroit Pistons?
Wizards at Indiana Pacers, 7; Pistons at Houston Rockets, 8: The Pacers and Rockets both have lost three in a row. Whether you view that as good or bad for the 0-6 Pistons and 0-4 Wizards depends on your view of momentum. Things are going poorly in both places, but the Wizards at least have an excuse with John Wall sidelined. The Pistons have struggled to build on anything they did well last season. Center Greg Monroe serves as a single bright light in a cloud of darkness. Shooting guard Rodney Stuckey, a former 16-points-per-game scorer, is shooting 21.7% from the field. The good news is both teams will have at least one favorable matchup this week. The Pistons host the Orlando Magic on Nov. 16, and the Wizards play Tuesday at the Charlotte Bobcats. The best bet is on the Wizards because of the Bobcats' own problems, but at least they have a win.
Why won't the Bobcats start a(nother) veteran?
Dallas Mavericks at Bobcats, 7:30, NBATV: Charlotte's starters Friday in a loss at the New Orleans Hornets averaged out to 21.4 years old. Veteran center Brendan Haywood was out with a family emergency. But first-year coach Mike Dunlap has made a bold move to entrust his youngest players with the opening tip. Ben Gordon, Ramon Sessions and Tyrus Thomas are as good or better than the players starting in their places. The move is a good one, though, because it puts the game in the hands of the team's future. Trading for Ben Gordon and his massive contract and signing Ramon Sessions never made much sense for the rebuilding Bobcats, and they seem even more now, with both veterans coming off the bench, like moves made to create the illusion of improvement after the worst season in NBA history. Dunlap is looking to 2015. Haywood should be back in the starting lineup tonight. But Gordon will continue his high-scoring role from the bench. And no, we have no idea why this game is the only one nationally televised tonight.
Saturday's other games:
Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors, 7
Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls, 8
Phoenix Suns at Utah Jazz, 9
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers, 10
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors, 10:30