Pulse of the Night: NBA News & Highlights from March 13

Giannis Antetokounmpo opens the scoring for Milwaukee with the first four points of the game. Despite the Lakers' impressive defensive performance over the last two weeks, they are missing the defensive presence of LeBron James, making them more vulnerable on that end of the court.

5-game slate of Thursday hoops

Washington vs. Detroit (Live on League Pass)Loss Angeles Lakers vs. Milwaukee (Live on TNT/TRUTV/MAX)Orlando vs. New Orleans (8 ET on League Pass)Brooklyn vs. Chicago (8 ET on League Pass)Sacramento vs. Golden state (10 ET on TNT/TRUTV/MAX)

Giannis doing Giannis things

Antetokounmpo’s 227 dunk attempts entering Thursday’s game leads the NBA, with Detroit’s Jalen Duren in second with 205.

Key Storylines for the Night

Milwaukee looks to bounce back after being heartbroken by Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning, four-point play on Tuesday. A formidable challenge awaits with the 40-23 Lakers, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games — although Thursday will mark the second consecutive game of LeBron James ongoing day-to-day absence due to a groin injury.Golden State will look to improve to 13-1 with Jimmy Butler this season. The Warriors have boomed for 121.2 points per game over that span.The Pistons will look to beat Washington to tip off the night. If they succeed, Detroit can move into sole possession of fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a Milwaukee loss.