By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lauri Markkanen posted a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double and Tomas Satoransky added 12 points for the Chicago Bulls that beat the Toronto Raptors, 105-91, at the Scotiabank Arena in Sunday preseason action. The other two Europeans of the winning side Ryan Arcidiacono and Adam Mokoka scored 2 points apiece complementing Zach LaVine’s game-high 26 points. OG Anunoby poured a team-high 15 points for the home team with Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka resting.
Ersan Ilyasova started for Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) and made 18 points for the Milwaukee Bucks in the 115-108 win against the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena. Dragan Bender scored 12 points to go along with his 8 boards and Thanasis Antetokounmpo added 8 points. On the losing side, Moritz Wagner notched 10 points, Isaac Bonga exited scoreless with a sprained left ankle and Ian Mahinmi (right Achilles) remained sidelined.
Nicolo Melli had 14 points and 9 rebounds, fellow European Kavell Bigby-Williams put in 3 points of his own and the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 123-114, at the AT&T Center. Marco Belinelli posted 11 points for the losing side, starting Jakob Poeltl finished with 6 points and 7 rebounds, but Luka Samanic did not get on the board in limited friendly action.
The Boston Celtics took down the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-72, at the TD Garden with Daniel Theis going for 10 points. Enes Kanter finished with 6 points and 7 boards, Vincent Poirier and Javonte Green added 2 points each. The losing side featured Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot with 3 points and Cedi Osman with 2, but Ante Zizic (left foot) was sidelined.
Another 2019 NBA preseason tilt saw Furkan Korkmaz put up 7 points for the Philadelphia 76ers in the 126-94 win versus the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center. Nikola Vucevic (left ankle) and Evan Fournier (back) were held out by the hosts.
Ivica Zubac ended up with 10 points to go along with his 8 rebounds for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 118-100 victory over Melbourne United at the Staples Center. Also, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat Maccabi Hunter Haifa, 131-101, at the Target Center.
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