NBA Rookies: Ausar Thompson Hopes to Snap Streak, Victor Wembanyama Returns Thursday

Ausar Thompson will look to help snap the Piston’s losing streak and Victor Wembanyama will make his return in Thursday's NBA slate.
NBA Rookies: Ausar Thompson Hopes to Snap Streak, Victor Wembanyama Returns Thursday
NBA Rookies: Ausar Thompson Hopes to Snap Streak, Victor Wembanyama Returns Thursday /

There’s been a variety of storylines surrounding this year’s NBA rookie class.

From 7-foot titans battling it out for the Rookie of the Year and everything in between, there’s been plenty for fans to tune in for across the league.

Here are some of the top rookie matchups and performances to watch for in tonight’s NBA slate:

Ausar Thompson Hopes to Snap Losing Streak

The Pistons have currently lost 24 games in a row, and are just four games away from tying the all-time record.

Tonight, though, they’ll face a heavily depleted Jazz squad, who will likely be their best shot at a win in their last several and upcoming several games.

Rookie Ausar Thompson got off to a blisteringly hot start in his NBA career, but that’s tapered off following a minor injury and subsequently sporadic minutes in the lineup.

Tonight, he’ll likely play a key role in helping the Pistons not land on the wrong side of history.

Bilal Coulibaly vs. Scoot Henderson

The Portland Trail Blazers and the Washington Wizards have a bout tonight, featuring two rookies who’ve had fairly different starts to the year.

Scoot Henderson, the third overall pick, got off to a dreadfully slow one, but has come alive in his last handful of games, averaging 15.6 points on 45% shooting overall while tacking on 5.0 assists.

Bilal Coulibaly, the No. 7 overall pick, has been a breakout success so far for Washington, averaging 9.4 points on 52% shooting with patented defense.

Tonight’s game will not only give us a look at two talented rookies, it could also be a sneak peak of two teams battling for better lottery odds come late-season.

Victor Wembanyama vs. the Chicago Bulls

After missing his last few games due to soreness, No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama is listed as probable to play tonight against the Chicago Bulls.

A move to center has re-ignited Wemby’s already-historic season, and a game against the now-competitive Bulls will be a great chance to continue building on that.


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Derek Parker
DEREK PARKER

Derek is co-founder and publisher for Draft Digest and Inside The Thunder for Fan Nation, powered by Sports Illustrated. He has been a sports writer in the Oklahoma City market for five years now, primarily covering the NBA Draft and the Oklahoma City Thunder.