NBA Rookies: Top Matchups on Saturday, Nov. 18

A trio of 7-footers headlines the top rookies matchups in today’s NBA slate.

While most of the 2023 NBA Draft class are still working to assimilate themselves into the league as a whole, a select few lottery picks are making massive impacts for their team.

A trio of 7-footers — Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren and Dereck Lively — headline the NBA's Saturday night slate:

Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace Take on the Warriors Again

Thunder rookies Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace will take on the Warriors for the third time this season, and the second game in a row.

In Thursday’s game, the pair stayed true to their hyper-efficient ways, combining to score 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting overall in the 19-point blowout.

With Steph Curry potentially playing tonight’s matchup, the duo — along with rookie Vasilije Micic, who’s begun getting more minutes — will have to be on their A-game again.

Victor Wembanyama Versus the Spiraling Grizzlies

The top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, has been the epicenter of the Spurs for the last five games, averaging 19.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

But his performances have been marred by inefficiency and turnover-prone stretches. And it hasn’t helped that the Spurs are among the league’s worst in record.

On Saturday, they’ll take on the Grizzlies, who have even less wins on the season with just two.

Dereck Lively, Mavericks Take on Milwaukee Bucks

Dallas’ center Dereck Lively has been one of the top rookie surprises on the year so far, shooting 73% overall and frequenting the teams starting lineup.

Today, however, he’ll take on one of the more forceful interiors in the entire league with center Brook Lopez and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

How he fares against those two could very well be the difference in if the Mavericks come away with a win or not.

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