Lakers face Pacers in NBA In-Season Finals rematch Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers continue their six-game road trip Friday when they take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Lakers (41-32) won their fifth game in a row Wednesday when they took down the Memphis Grizzlies, 136-124, in a game that saw LeBron James notch his fourth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Los Angeles was without Anthony Davis (knee), but Rui Hachimura stepped up, tallying a game-high 32 points along with 10 rebounds and two blocks. Thanks to their win streak, the Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings and are 2.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors. If the Lakers can string together more wins down the stretch, they may be able to sneak into the seventh or eighth seed and get two chances at making the postseason via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
James (ankle) and Davis (knee) are both questionable for Friday’s contest.
Meanwhile the Pacers (41-33) are coming off a disappointing 125-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, in a game that saw Andrew Nembhard lead the way with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton, who was the talk of the NBA for the first half of the season, has struggled since he missed 10 games in January due to a hamstring injury. Since the All-Star break, Haliburton is averaging 16.5 points on 43.4 percent shooting (including 27.5 percent from three on 7.3 attempts per game), 3.8 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals over 32.8 minutes per game. The Pacers sit precariously in sixth place in the East, and if they wish to avoid the NBA Play-In tournament, they will have to put some wins together to fend off the Bulls and Miami Heat.
This is the third and last time the Lakers and Pacers will face each other this season. The Lakers holds a 2-0 season series lead thanks to their victory in the NBA In-Season Tournament Finals on Dec. 9, and their 150-145 win over Indiana on March 24.
The Lakers (41-32) won their fifth game in a row Wednesday when they took down the Memphis Grizzlies, 136-124, in a game that saw LeBron James notch his fourth triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Los Angeles was without Anthony Davis (knee), but Rui Hachimura stepped up, tallying a game-high 32 points along with 10 rebounds and two blocks. Thanks to their win streak, the Lakers are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings and are 2.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors. If the Lakers can string together more wins down the stretch, they may be able to sneak into the seventh or eighth seed and get two chances at making the postseason via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
James (ankle) and Davis (knee) are both questionable for Friday’s contest.
Meanwhile the Pacers (41-33) are coming off a disappointing 125-99 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, in a game that saw Andrew Nembhard lead the way with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton, who was the talk of the NBA for the first half of the season, has struggled since he missed 10 games in January due to a hamstring injury. Since the All-Star break, Haliburton is averaging 16.5 points on 43.4 percent shooting (including 27.5 percent from three on 7.3 attempts per game), 3.8 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals over 32.8 minutes per game. The Pacers sit precariously in sixth place in the East, and if they wish to avoid the NBA Play-In tournament, they will have to put some wins together to fend off the Bulls and Miami Heat.
This is the third and last time the Lakers and Pacers will face each other this season. The Lakers holds a 2-0 season series lead thanks to their victory in the NBA In-Season Tournament Finals on Dec. 9, and their 150-145 win over Indiana on March 24.
Clippers, Magic Tangle In Orlando
The Orlando Magic will host the Los Angeles Clippers at Kia Center on Friday.
The Magic (42-30) will remain home and aim to bounce back following two straight losses against Western Conference opponents. They lost to the Sacramento Kings (109-107) and the Golden State Warriors (101-93), and now the Magic face another potential playoff team in the Clippers. Orlando has been stumbling of late, but the team still holds a decent 25-11 mark when playing at home. The Magic have also gone 3-2 over their last five contests, so they simply need to stop their losing streak, but that’s easier said than done. Orlando will probably rely on Paolo Banchero to carry them to victory. The second-year forward has been playing at a very high level in recent weeks and currently leads the Magic in points (22.5) and assists (5.4) per game.
The Magic are not listing players in their injury report for Friday’s contest.
It’s not a secret that the Clippers (45-27) are playoff-bound in a highly competitive Western Conference. However, their seeding remains to be determined, and the Clippers will look to end up as higher as possible to have home-field advantage for as long as possible. However, it’s not like the Clippers have been struggling on the road in recent weeks. They enter this game having won their last three on the road, though two of those wins came against the Portland Trail Blazers, and the most recent one came against the Philadelphia 76ers (108-107) on Wednesday. The Clippers own a 23-14 mark on the road this season. To keep that streak alive, though, their star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George must play better. They went a combined 14-for-37 from the field in Wednesday’s win over Philadelphia.
The Clippers are not listing any regulars in their injury report ahead of this matchup.
The Magic (42-30) will remain home and aim to bounce back following two straight losses against Western Conference opponents. They lost to the Sacramento Kings (109-107) and the Golden State Warriors (101-93), and now the Magic face another potential playoff team in the Clippers. Orlando has been stumbling of late, but the team still holds a decent 25-11 mark when playing at home. The Magic have also gone 3-2 over their last five contests, so they simply need to stop their losing streak, but that’s easier said than done. Orlando will probably rely on Paolo Banchero to carry them to victory. The second-year forward has been playing at a very high level in recent weeks and currently leads the Magic in points (22.5) and assists (5.4) per game.
The Magic are not listing players in their injury report for Friday’s contest.
It’s not a secret that the Clippers (45-27) are playoff-bound in a highly competitive Western Conference. However, their seeding remains to be determined, and the Clippers will look to end up as higher as possible to have home-field advantage for as long as possible. However, it’s not like the Clippers have been struggling on the road in recent weeks. They enter this game having won their last three on the road, though two of those wins came against the Portland Trail Blazers, and the most recent one came against the Philadelphia 76ers (108-107) on Wednesday. The Clippers own a 23-14 mark on the road this season. To keep that streak alive, though, their star duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George must play better. They went a combined 14-for-37 from the field in Wednesday’s win over Philadelphia.
The Clippers are not listing any regulars in their injury report ahead of this matchup.
Wizards Tangle With Pistons In DC
The Washington Wizards will host the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (14-59) have nine games left in the schedule, and their goal seems to be just one: to not end the season as the worst team in the Eastern Conference. However, they’re also shooting for a high draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Wizards are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, but they’ve been playing well in recent weeks. That loss to Brooklyn snapped a three-game winning run, and the Wizards have gone a respectable 5-6 over their last 11 games. That says a lot since the Wizards have only won 14 games all season long. Washington also owns a poor 6-29 mark when playing at home, and they lost the previous home matchup against the Pistons.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out.
The Pistons (12-61) sit two games behind the Wizards in the race to avoid last place in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has been one of the worst teams in the league all season long, but the team has shown some signs of life in recent months, particularly after snapping a losing streak that almost reached 30 games. Detroit is not ending the season on a good note, however. They enter this game on an eight-game losing skid following their 106-91 road loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. Detroit has also lost five in a row on the road, where the team owns a negative 5-30 mark.
The Pistons are listing Cade Cunningham (knee) and Jaden Ivey (knee) as questionable. Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio (toe), Quentin Grimes (knee), Taj Gibson (hamstring), Isaiah Stewart (hamstring), Stanley Umude (ankle) and Ausar Thompson (illness) as out.
The Wizards (14-59) have nine games left in the schedule, and their goal seems to be just one: to not end the season as the worst team in the Eastern Conference. However, they’re also shooting for a high draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Wizards are coming off a disappointing overtime loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, but they’ve been playing well in recent weeks. That loss to Brooklyn snapped a three-game winning run, and the Wizards have gone a respectable 5-6 over their last 11 games. That says a lot since the Wizards have only won 14 games all season long. Washington also owns a poor 6-29 mark when playing at home, and they lost the previous home matchup against the Pistons.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out.
The Pistons (12-61) sit two games behind the Wizards in the race to avoid last place in the Eastern Conference. Detroit has been one of the worst teams in the league all season long, but the team has shown some signs of life in recent months, particularly after snapping a losing streak that almost reached 30 games. Detroit is not ending the season on a good note, however. They enter this game on an eight-game losing skid following their 106-91 road loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. Detroit has also lost five in a row on the road, where the team owns a negative 5-30 mark.
The Pistons are listing Cade Cunningham (knee) and Jaden Ivey (knee) as questionable. Meanwhile, Simone Fontecchio (toe), Quentin Grimes (knee), Taj Gibson (hamstring), Isaiah Stewart (hamstring), Stanley Umude (ankle) and Ausar Thompson (illness) as out.
Warriors and Hornets Poised for Interconference Battle
The Golden State Warriors take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Warriors (38-34) are fighting to retain a hold of the 10th and final postseason spot in the Western Conference, and they've helped themselves in that regard with back-to-back wins this week. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Orlando Magic by a 101-93 score. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 23 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Stephen Curry generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Klay Thompson netted 15 points and two assists. Moses Moody supplied 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Gary Payton II furnished 10 points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and one block.
The Warriors will list Kuminga (knee) and Dario Saric (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Hornets (18-54) continue to barrel to the end of another disappointing season, but they'll go into Friday's game having just snapped a five-game skid with a surprising 118-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one block. Miles Bridges and Tre Mann produced matching 17-point tallies, with Bridges adding five boards, three assists and three steals and Mann dishing out eight assists. Grant Williams finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Nick Richards and Vasilije Micic turned in matching 11-point efforts while also posting 10 rebounds and 12 assists, respectively.
The Hornets will list Davis Bertans (nose) as probable for Friday's game. Mark Williams (back) will remain out, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Seth Curry (ankle) have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Warriors (38-34) are fighting to retain a hold of the 10th and final postseason spot in the Western Conference, and they've helped themselves in that regard with back-to-back wins this week. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Orlando Magic by a 101-93 score. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 23 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Stephen Curry generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Klay Thompson netted 15 points and two assists. Moses Moody supplied 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Gary Payton II furnished 10 points, one rebound, one assist, three steals and one block.
The Warriors will list Kuminga (knee) and Dario Saric (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Hornets (18-54) continue to barrel to the end of another disappointing season, but they'll go into Friday's game having just snapped a five-game skid with a surprising 118-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Brandon Miller paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, one assist and one block. Miles Bridges and Tre Mann produced matching 17-point tallies, with Bridges adding five boards, three assists and three steals and Mann dishing out eight assists. Grant Williams finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Nick Richards and Vasilije Micic turned in matching 11-point efforts while also posting 10 rebounds and 12 assists, respectively.
The Hornets will list Davis Bertans (nose) as probable for Friday's game. Mark Williams (back) will remain out, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and Seth Curry (ankle) have been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 1-0 series lead.
76ers and Cavaliers Do Battle in Cleveland
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The 76ers (39-34) are currently slotted into the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining, but they've been trending in the wrong direction of late with six losses in the last 10 games, including four in the last five contests. Their most recent stumble came by the narrowest of margins, as they were edged by the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-107. Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Kelly Oubre and Buddy Hield generated matching 17-point efforts while collecting 11 and three rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris managed 14 points, seven boards, two assists and two blocks. Mo Bamba contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The 76ers will continue without Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Friday's game.
The Cavaliers (44-29) have had their fair share of problems recently, as they've come up short in four of the last five games. Cleveland's most recent stumble was especially alarming, as they fell to the struggling Charlotte Hornets by a 118-111 score Wednesday night. Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Max Strus supplied 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Merrill delivered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland and Georges Niang totaled 14 points apiece, with Garland adding 12 assists, five rebounds and one steal. Evan Mobley compiled 10 points, six rebounds, six assist and one steal.
The Cavaliers will list Donovan Mitchell (nose) as questionable and Darius Garland (ankle) as probable for Friday's contest. Ty Jerome (ankle) and Dean Wade (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 2-1 series lead.
The 76ers (39-34) are currently slotted into the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference with nine games remaining, but they've been trending in the wrong direction of late with six losses in the last 10 games, including four in the last five contests. Their most recent stumble came by the narrowest of margins, as they were edged by the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-107. Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Kelly Oubre and Buddy Hield generated matching 17-point efforts while collecting 11 and three rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris managed 14 points, seven boards, two assists and two blocks. Mo Bamba contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The 76ers will continue without Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Friday's game.
The Cavaliers (44-29) have had their fair share of problems recently, as they've come up short in four of the last five games. Cleveland's most recent stumble was especially alarming, as they fell to the struggling Charlotte Hornets by a 118-111 score Wednesday night. Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 24 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Max Strus supplied 19 points, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Merrill delivered 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland and Georges Niang totaled 14 points apiece, with Garland adding 12 assists, five rebounds and one steal. Evan Mobley compiled 10 points, six rebounds, six assist and one steal.
The Cavaliers will list Donovan Mitchell (nose) as questionable and Darius Garland (ankle) as probable for Friday's contest. Ty Jerome (ankle) and Dean Wade (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 2-1 series lead.
Bulls and Nets Do Battle in Big Apple
The Chicago Bulls take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (35-38) are slotted into the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference with nine games to go, and they'll enter Friday's contest having just snapped a three-game skid with a resounding 125-99 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Coby White delivered 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Andre Drummond contributed a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and three steals. Alex Caruso finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Bulls will list Dosunmu (illness) and Caruso (ankle) as probable for Friday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
The Nets (28-45) were recently mired in a six-game losing streak, but they bounced back from that with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they edged the Washington Wizards by a 122-119 score in overtime. Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 38 points, supplementing them with seven assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Dennis Schroder provided 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 19 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Nic Claxton contributed a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Trendon Watford offered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Nets will remain without Cameron Johnson (toe) for Friday's game. Dennis Smith (hip) and Noah Clowney (back) will carry probable tags.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 2-0 series lead.
The Bulls (35-38) are slotted into the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference with nine games to go, and they'll enter Friday's contest having just snapped a three-game skid with a resounding 125-99 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic generated a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists and one block. Coby White delivered 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Andre Drummond contributed a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and three steals. Alex Caruso finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Bulls will list Dosunmu (illness) and Caruso (ankle) as probable for Friday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
The Nets (28-45) were recently mired in a six-game losing streak, but they bounced back from that with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they edged the Washington Wizards by a 122-119 score in overtime. Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 38 points, supplementing them with seven assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Dennis Schroder provided 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 19 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Nic Claxton contributed a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Trendon Watford offered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Nets will remain without Cameron Johnson (toe) for Friday's game. Dennis Smith (hip) and Noah Clowney (back) will carry probable tags.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 2-0 series lead.
Heat Host Struggling Trail Blazers
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Kaseya Center on Friday evening.
The Heat (39-33) have dropped two of their last three games but hope to get back on track on the fourth and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to improve on their, 18-17, home record. Jimmy Butler (illness) leads the team, averaging 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game and is listed as probable for action, after he missed the last game. Jaime Jaquez (ankle), Kevin Love (heel) and Caleb Martin (ankle) are also listed as probable for action. Tyler Herro (foot) and Duncan Robinson (back) will be sidelined. Terry Rozier continues to play well, averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Bam Adebayo averages 19.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (19-54) have dropped eight in a row and look to end the slide as the face the third game of a seven-game road trip with a chance to build on their, 8-27, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a pile of injury trouble, as Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, Jerami Grant (hamstring) is listed as doubtful, while Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Toumani Camara (ribs) and Anfernee Simons (knee) will be sidelined. On a better note, Scoot Henderson has been playing well, averaging 18.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. Jabari Walker is averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Kris Murray is averaging 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the same five-game span.
The Heat (39-33) have dropped two of their last three games but hope to get back on track on the fourth and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to improve on their, 18-17, home record. Jimmy Butler (illness) leads the team, averaging 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game and is listed as probable for action, after he missed the last game. Jaime Jaquez (ankle), Kevin Love (heel) and Caleb Martin (ankle) are also listed as probable for action. Tyler Herro (foot) and Duncan Robinson (back) will be sidelined. Terry Rozier continues to play well, averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Bam Adebayo averages 19.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (19-54) have dropped eight in a row and look to end the slide as the face the third game of a seven-game road trip with a chance to build on their, 8-27, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a pile of injury trouble, as Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, Jerami Grant (hamstring) is listed as doubtful, while Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Toumani Camara (ribs) and Anfernee Simons (knee) will be sidelined. On a better note, Scoot Henderson has been playing well, averaging 18.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. Jabari Walker is averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Kris Murray is averaging 10.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the same five-game span.
Spurs Host Rolling Knicks
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs (17-56) have won two in a row and hope to stay on track as they kick off a two-game home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 9-27, home record. Victor Wembanyama leads the squad, averaging 20.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.5 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jeremy Sochan averages 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game. The Spurs average 111.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Keldon Johnson (knee) missed the last game and remains listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (44-28) have won three in a row and will look to keep rolling as the face the second and final game of a road trip with the chance to build on their, 20-15, road record. Jalen Brunson continues his impressive play, averaging 26.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists over the last five games. Donte DiVincenzo came up huge with a 40-point effort in the game-before last, and he is averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals across the last 10 games. Josh Hart continues to offer a solid contribution, averaging 8.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.9 steals on the season. Alec Burks (shoulder) is listed as questionable for action, while Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) remain out.
The Spurs (17-56) have won two in a row and hope to stay on track as they kick off a two-game home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 9-27, home record. Victor Wembanyama leads the squad, averaging 20.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.5 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jeremy Sochan averages 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game. The Spurs average 111.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Keldon Johnson (knee) missed the last game and remains listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (44-28) have won three in a row and will look to keep rolling as the face the second and final game of a road trip with the chance to build on their, 20-15, road record. Jalen Brunson continues his impressive play, averaging 26.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists over the last five games. Donte DiVincenzo came up huge with a 40-point effort in the game-before last, and he is averaging 18.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals across the last 10 games. Josh Hart continues to offer a solid contribution, averaging 8.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 0.9 steals on the season. Alec Burks (shoulder) is listed as questionable for action, while Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) remain out.
Thunder Host High-Powered Suns
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Phoenix Suns at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The Thunder (50-22) have dropped two of their last three games and look to get back on track as they face the second and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to add to their, 28-8, home record. They are likely to remain at a significant disadvantage, as their leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) missed the last game and is listed as doubtful for action on Friday. Jalen Williams is the team's next leading scorer, averaging 19.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Chet Holmgren averages 16.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 blocks on the season. Josh Giddey has done a great job of stepping up recently, reaching the 25-point mark in the last two games and is averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists over the last five games. Cason Wallace will likely pick up a second consecutive start if Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Suns (43-30) have won four of their last five games and hope to stay on track as they face the fourth game of a five-game road trip with the hopes to build on their, 20-16, road record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 27.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) missed the last game and remains questionable for action. The Suns average 116.9 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.9 points per game.
The Thunder (50-22) have dropped two of their last three games and look to get back on track as they face the second and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to add to their, 28-8, home record. They are likely to remain at a significant disadvantage, as their leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) missed the last game and is listed as doubtful for action on Friday. Jalen Williams is the team's next leading scorer, averaging 19.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Chet Holmgren averages 16.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 blocks on the season. Josh Giddey has done a great job of stepping up recently, reaching the 25-point mark in the last two games and is averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists over the last five games. Cason Wallace will likely pick up a second consecutive start if Gilgeous-Alexander is sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Suns (43-30) have won four of their last five games and hope to stay on track as they face the fourth game of a five-game road trip with the hopes to build on their, 20-16, road record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 27.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) missed the last game and remains questionable for action. The Suns average 116.9 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.9 points per game.
Nuggets and T'Wolves Battle Atop the West
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on Friday.
The Timberwolves (50-22) hit a bit of a wall after the All-Star break but they come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games. The slide actually moved them to third in the Western Conference, but they're just one game within the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of them. It'll be a battle between those teams to see who gets homecourt throughout the Western Conference Playoffs, but Minnesota has to be considered the underdog. This is a team that hasn't been in this position in two decades, and they're playing without one of their All-Stars. That's Karl-Anthony Towns, who will miss the remainder of the regular season after knee surgery a few weeks back.
The Nuggets (51-22) suffered a tough loss on Wednesday, being beaten at home by the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix actually held the lead for all but a few seconds in that game, marking Denver's third defeat over the last month. That hot stretch before the defeat had Denver climbing up to the top seed in the Western Conference, but it looks like they'll have to hold off Minnesota and Oklahoma City for the final two weeks. What's most important is to get Jamal Murray back from his ankle issue. He's one of the most underrated guards in the NBA, and it'll be tough for Denver to repeat as champions if Murray continues to miss time.
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with Denver winning the most recent meeting two weeks ago.
The Timberwolves (50-22) hit a bit of a wall after the All-Star break but they come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games. The slide actually moved them to third in the Western Conference, but they're just one game within the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of them. It'll be a battle between those teams to see who gets homecourt throughout the Western Conference Playoffs, but Minnesota has to be considered the underdog. This is a team that hasn't been in this position in two decades, and they're playing without one of their All-Stars. That's Karl-Anthony Towns, who will miss the remainder of the regular season after knee surgery a few weeks back.
The Nuggets (51-22) suffered a tough loss on Wednesday, being beaten at home by the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix actually held the lead for all but a few seconds in that game, marking Denver's third defeat over the last month. That hot stretch before the defeat had Denver climbing up to the top seed in the Western Conference, but it looks like they'll have to hold off Minnesota and Oklahoma City for the final two weeks. What's most important is to get Jamal Murray back from his ankle issue. He's one of the most underrated guards in the NBA, and it'll be tough for Denver to repeat as champions if Murray continues to miss time.
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with Denver winning the most recent meeting two weeks ago.
Jazz Host Rockets on Friday
The Houston Rockets travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Rockets (37-35) season appeared to be over when they lost Alperen Sengun earlier in the month, but they've been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since then. In fact, Houston comes into this matchup winning 10 straight games. Most of those wins were against inferior competition, but beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in their most recent game shows just how truly hot they are right now. Jalen Green is the guy who's taken his game to another level, averaging over 30 points per game in that span. We've been waiting for that kid to show his true potential, and it looks like a small silver lining in the absence of Sengun because that's forcing Green to run the show. With all that said, an 11-24 road record is truly embarrassing, and they won't reach the postseason if that poor road form continues.
The Jazz (29-44) come into this matchup losing seven straight games, losing 18 of their last 21 games in total. That horrific stretch is hard to fathom, especially since they were flirting with .500 before it. This franchise announced that they were going in this direction when they parted ways with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, but no one could've seen a stretch like this. What makes it more bizarre is that this team has some great young talent. Keyonte George has been one of the best rookie guards in the NBA, while Lauri Markkanen has developed into an All-Star player. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here because there are still many changes on the horizon in what's going to be a lengthy rebuild.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Houston winning the first two.
The Rockets (37-35) season appeared to be over when they lost Alperen Sengun earlier in the month, but they've been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since then. In fact, Houston comes into this matchup winning 10 straight games. Most of those wins were against inferior competition, but beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in their most recent game shows just how truly hot they are right now. Jalen Green is the guy who's taken his game to another level, averaging over 30 points per game in that span. We've been waiting for that kid to show his true potential, and it looks like a small silver lining in the absence of Sengun because that's forcing Green to run the show. With all that said, an 11-24 road record is truly embarrassing, and they won't reach the postseason if that poor road form continues.
The Jazz (29-44) come into this matchup losing seven straight games, losing 18 of their last 21 games in total. That horrific stretch is hard to fathom, especially since they were flirting with .500 before it. This franchise announced that they were going in this direction when they parted ways with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, but no one could've seen a stretch like this. What makes it more bizarre is that this team has some great young talent. Keyonte George has been one of the best rookie guards in the NBA, while Lauri Markkanen has developed into an All-Star player. It'll be interesting to see where they go from here because there are still many changes on the horizon in what's going to be a lengthy rebuild.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Houston winning the first two.
Kings Host Mavs on Friday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Golden One Center on Friday.
The Mavericks (43-29) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games. That's the form we expected to see from this club all season but the moves at the deadline have clearly had a positive impact. Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington have been phenomenal additions in the frontcourt, and that's all this club needed, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving dominating in the backcourt. Luka isn't getting enough MVP consideration for what he's doing this season, averaging 33.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As long as that continues, Dallas should be able to maintain their top 6 spot in the West.
The Kings (42-30) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 12 games, doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. That recent run has Sacramento sitting eighth in the West, but they're nipping at the heels of everyone ahead of them. The Los Angeles Clippers are only three games head in fourth place, with the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns and Mavericks in the middle of those teams. All of those clubs are going to do everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tourney because a date with the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors in an elimination game is a nightmare. Sacramento has to be one of the favorites to avoid it, finishing third in the Western Conference last year.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning two of three.
The Mavericks (43-29) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games. That's the form we expected to see from this club all season but the moves at the deadline have clearly had a positive impact. Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington have been phenomenal additions in the frontcourt, and that's all this club needed, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving dominating in the backcourt. Luka isn't getting enough MVP consideration for what he's doing this season, averaging 33.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As long as that continues, Dallas should be able to maintain their top 6 spot in the West.
The Kings (42-30) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 12 games, doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. That recent run has Sacramento sitting eighth in the West, but they're nipping at the heels of everyone ahead of them. The Los Angeles Clippers are only three games head in fourth place, with the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns and Mavericks in the middle of those teams. All of those clubs are going to do everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tourney because a date with the Los Angeles Lakers or Golden State Warriors in an elimination game is a nightmare. Sacramento has to be one of the favorites to avoid it, finishing third in the Western Conference last year.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning two of three.