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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong delivers thoughts on Russell Westbrook entering Thursday's game in Toronto, Kevin Love's return, the Lakers tanking move and more.

1. RUSSELL WESTBROOK (Thunder): When I reflect back on Kevin Durant's departure for the Warriors last summer the thing that jumps out at me is how much it damaged the Thunder’s ability to contend for a title. That is still the case, yet when you evaluate the positive stories of this season, Westbrook’s play has been one of the leading topics. His dominant play, with triple-doubles and double-doubles becoming an almost expected part of his game every night, has created a buzz around the league. Toronto fans get to see it in person on Thursday night. The man brings it every night and is worth the price of admission.

2. KEVIN LOVE (Cavs): The Cleveland forward is expected to make his return to the lineup on the team’s upcoming road trip. With the addition of new acquisition Larry Sanders, the team will need plenty of game action to work out the kinks before the playoffs. The Cavs have looked vulnerable at times this season, but I think that’s because of injuries more than anything else. They're still the best team in the Eastern Conference. A team is going to have to play its absolute best basketball to beat a fully healthy Cleveland roster. This is the time of year when you want to start hitting your peak performance. The Cavs are getting into that zone. Watch out.

3. LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng are reportedly being shut down – despite being healthy – for the remainder of the season. The Lakers obviously want to do hold on to their top-three protected draft pick. It’s another situation where healthy players are being ‘rested.’ The Lakers have a much different agenda than teams like the Spurs and Warriors, but it’s still not a good precedent to set in the supposed spirit of competition and always trying to put your best foot forward. I guess it's for greater minds to sort out.

4. NCAA UPSETS: I always enjoy a good tournament upset. The combination of games being played on neutral courts and the sudden pressure of the one-game season scenario creates an environment for interesting things to happen. It’s always a fun dynamic to watch unfold.

5. JIM BOEHEIM (Syracuse): Really liked how the Hall of Fame Coach carried himself after being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament committee. He stated the facts he felt supported his team’s case, yet offered the reasons why he understood the team not making the tournament. He made a solid argument, yet didn't whine about it. What has to hurt the most is the way Syracuse barely got in the tournament last year before going on a wonderful run. Someone is always unhappy this time of year. I thought he handled himself the right way: honest, yet fair to all viewpoints.