Mavs and Hawks Tangle at State Farm Arena
The Dallas Mavericks (2-1) are undefeated at home a week into their 2018-19 campaign, spending Monday logging a victory over the visiting Chicago Bulls, 115-109, in a back-and-forth affair. The team made all but one of their 21 attempts from the foul line en route to victory, led in scoring by Wesley Matthews behind 20 points and four triples. Rookie Luka Doncic recorded 19 points, facilitating six assists in a 3-of-8 shooting night from the field, while new Maverick DeAndre Jordan brought his double-double proficiency with him to his new club, finishing with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith had 12 points and five boards. Sitting at second place in the Southwest Division, the Mavs face a tough task on Friday night when they visit the red hot Toronto Raptors.
Monday saw the Atlanta Hawks (1-2) etch their first W of the season with a decisive 133-111 road win over the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers. There was plenty of offensive firepower to go around, with six members of the roster finishing with double digits, including rookie Trae Young, who finished with 35 points and 11 dimes on his way to a double-double. Alex Len had a double-double of this own on the back of a 16-point, 11-rebound outing, shooting 7-of-12 from the paint in the process, while Kent Bazemore delivered 23 points, going 4-of-8 from deep and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Another Hawks rookie, Kevin Huerter, emerged off the pine to haul in 10 boards and score 9 points for a Hawks team that has a chance to end the week on a high note, as they host the equally anemic Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Monday saw the Atlanta Hawks (1-2) etch their first W of the season with a decisive 133-111 road win over the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers. There was plenty of offensive firepower to go around, with six members of the roster finishing with double digits, including rookie Trae Young, who finished with 35 points and 11 dimes on his way to a double-double. Alex Len had a double-double of this own on the back of a 16-point, 11-rebound outing, shooting 7-of-12 from the paint in the process, while Kent Bazemore delivered 23 points, going 4-of-8 from deep and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Another Hawks rookie, Kevin Huerter, emerged off the pine to haul in 10 boards and score 9 points for a Hawks team that has a chance to end the week on a high note, as they host the equally anemic Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Quicken Loans Arena Site for Nets and Cavs
Both teams enter Wednesday's match-up on the heels of lopsided losses, with the Brooklyn Nets (1-2) getting decimated on the road on Saturday at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, 132-112. Joe Harris and Caris LeVert dropped 19 points apiece in the defeat, with Harris shooting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc and LeVert grabbing four rebounds. Spence Dinwiddie had another productive showing off the bench in a reserve capacity, putting up 12 points and grabbing six boards, while starter D'Angelo Russell finished with 12 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Brooklyn falls to 0-2 on the road, but have a chance to right their shop against a Cavs team that appears on pace to finish in the Eastern Conference basement. Friday marks the last stop on the Nets' three-game road jaunt when the pay a visit to the white hot New Orleans Pelicans.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-3) were embarrassed by the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, 133-111, despite all members of the starting five posting double-digit offensive production. Kevin Love had 16 points and 17 rebounds, but was ice cold from range, making only one of his eight attempts from downtown. Jordan Clarkson had a team-best 19 points playing off the bench, going 7-of-12 from field goal range and 3-of-5 from deep. George Hill recorded 16 points and three assists for a Cavaliers team clearly in disarray following the departure of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers. In their three losses, the Cavs have allowed opponents to drop a combined 126.7 points per game, third worst in the NBA.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-3) were embarrassed by the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, 133-111, despite all members of the starting five posting double-digit offensive production. Kevin Love had 16 points and 17 rebounds, but was ice cold from range, making only one of his eight attempts from downtown. Jordan Clarkson had a team-best 19 points playing off the bench, going 7-of-12 from field goal range and 3-of-5 from deep. George Hill recorded 16 points and three assists for a Cavaliers team clearly in disarray following the departure of LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers. In their three losses, the Cavs have allowed opponents to drop a combined 126.7 points per game, third worst in the NBA.
Knicks and Heat Meet In Divisional Battle
The New York Knicks take on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks (1-3) have seen a strong regular-season opener give way to a three-game losing streak. New York dropped a pair of tough two-point decisions to the Nets and Celtics before succumbing to the Milwaukee Bucks by a 124-113 score on Monday night. Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the way with 24 points, three assists and two rebounds. Trey Burke followed with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mario Hezonja turned in a bench-leading 18 points. Dewayne Dotson and Enes Kanter posted matching 14-point tallies, with Dotson also hauling in eight boards and Kanter bringing down 13 rebounds of his own.
The Knicks will list Courtney Lee (back) and Kevin Knox (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) and Ron Baker (face) will carry a questionable designation, while Lance Thomas (knee) will be listed as probable.
The Heat (1-2) have been highly competitive in each of their three games, with their two losses coming by a combined four points and their sole victory coming by one. They came up on the short end of a 113-112 score against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, despite putting together a furious rally in the second half that saw them come back from a 72-52 deficit. Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 21 points off the bench, adding three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Rodney McGruder continued his productive start to the season with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. and Bam Adebayo -- the latter another key bench performer -- mustered matching 12-point tallies. Hassan Whiteside contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Heat will list Wayne Ellington (ankle) and James Johnson (abdomen) as out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Dion Waiters (ankle) and Derrick Jones, Jr. (foot) are headed for questionable designations, while Justise Winslow (hamstring) and Hassan Whiteside (hip) are probable.
The Knicks and the Heat split last year's season series, 2-2.
The Knicks (1-3) have seen a strong regular-season opener give way to a three-game losing streak. New York dropped a pair of tough two-point decisions to the Nets and Celtics before succumbing to the Milwaukee Bucks by a 124-113 score on Monday night. Tim Hardaway, Jr. led the way with 24 points, three assists and two rebounds. Trey Burke followed with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mario Hezonja turned in a bench-leading 18 points. Dewayne Dotson and Enes Kanter posted matching 14-point tallies, with Dotson also hauling in eight boards and Kanter bringing down 13 rebounds of his own.
The Knicks will list Courtney Lee (back) and Kevin Knox (ankle) is out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) and Ron Baker (face) will carry a questionable designation, while Lance Thomas (knee) will be listed as probable.
The Heat (1-2) have been highly competitive in each of their three games, with their two losses coming by a combined four points and their sole victory coming by one. They came up on the short end of a 113-112 score against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, despite putting together a furious rally in the second half that saw them come back from a 72-52 deficit. Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 21 points off the bench, adding three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Rodney McGruder continued his productive start to the season with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. and Bam Adebayo -- the latter another key bench performer -- mustered matching 12-point tallies. Hassan Whiteside contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Heat will list Wayne Ellington (ankle) and James Johnson (abdomen) as out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Dion Waiters (ankle) and Derrick Jones, Jr. (foot) are headed for questionable designations, while Justise Winslow (hamstring) and Hassan Whiteside (hip) are probable.
The Knicks and the Heat split last year's season series, 2-2.
Timberwolves Visit First-Place Raptors
By Oscar Heanue
The Minnesota Timberwolves will visit the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Center on Wednesday evening.
Toronto (4-0) is currently sitting at first place in the Eastern Conference after winning its first four games of the season. Most recently, the Raptors took down the Charlotte Hornets in an easy 127-106 win. The team's leading scorer was newly-acquired superstar Kawhi Leonard, who scored 22. The former Spur has made the most of his first few games as a Raptor, averaging 25.7 points and 8.7 rebounds through three appearances thus far. Toronto's other All-Star, Kyle Lowry, has also been a major factor in the team's success. Lowry is averaging 21.5 points and 10.0 assists per game through his first four appearances. He led the team with 14 assists in Charlotte.
Minnesota (2-2), meanwhile, is recovering from its late offseason drama surrounding All-Star Jimmy Butler. Despite requesting a trade just two weeks before the start of the season, Butler has appeared in three games for the Wolves thus far. Butler's 20 points led Minnesota in their most recent campaign, a 101-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The win also saw a change of pace for Minnesota defensively, as the team allowed only 91 points after letting up an average of 127 in its previous three contests. 11 blocks and nine steals helped fuel the strong defensive effort, which the Wolves will look to continue against the red-hot Raptors in Toronto.
Toronto (4-0) is currently sitting at first place in the Eastern Conference after winning its first four games of the season. Most recently, the Raptors took down the Charlotte Hornets in an easy 127-106 win. The team's leading scorer was newly-acquired superstar Kawhi Leonard, who scored 22. The former Spur has made the most of his first few games as a Raptor, averaging 25.7 points and 8.7 rebounds through three appearances thus far. Toronto's other All-Star, Kyle Lowry, has also been a major factor in the team's success. Lowry is averaging 21.5 points and 10.0 assists per game through his first four appearances. He led the team with 14 assists in Charlotte.
Minnesota (2-2), meanwhile, is recovering from its late offseason drama surrounding All-Star Jimmy Butler. Despite requesting a trade just two weeks before the start of the season, Butler has appeared in three games for the Wolves thus far. Butler's 20 points led Minnesota in their most recent campaign, a 101-91 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The win also saw a change of pace for Minnesota defensively, as the team allowed only 91 points after letting up an average of 127 in its previous three contests. 11 blocks and nine steals helped fuel the strong defensive effort, which the Wolves will look to continue against the red-hot Raptors in Toronto.
Hornets, Bulls Square Off in Chicago
By Oscar Heanue
The Charlotte Hornets will visit the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday evening.
Charlotte (2-2) is coming off a tough 127-106 loss to the Toronto Raptors, but has still had plenty to feel good about early in the season. Most notably, All-Star point guard Kemba Walker has begun the new year with a career-defining tear, averaging 33 points per game and hitting 21 three-pointers through his first four appearances. Walker led all scorers with 26 points in Monday's loss to Toronto. A one-point loss to Milwaukee in the season opener is the only other knock against Charlotte's record thus far. The team will hope to move above .500 as it visits Chicago on Wednesday.
The Bulls (0-3) have struggled mightily to start the season. Chicago lost its most recent contest to the Mavericks, 115-109, despite trimming a 14-point deficit down to just five points in the fourth quarter. Thing haven't been all bad in Chicago, though. Fourth-year guard Zach LaVine has impressed early on, scoring 30 or more points in each of his first three games. LaVine led the Bulls with 34 against Dallas. Seventh overall pick Wendell Carter, Jr. has also made an impression. He notched nine rebounds in Chicago's last game.
Charlotte (2-2) is coming off a tough 127-106 loss to the Toronto Raptors, but has still had plenty to feel good about early in the season. Most notably, All-Star point guard Kemba Walker has begun the new year with a career-defining tear, averaging 33 points per game and hitting 21 three-pointers through his first four appearances. Walker led all scorers with 26 points in Monday's loss to Toronto. A one-point loss to Milwaukee in the season opener is the only other knock against Charlotte's record thus far. The team will hope to move above .500 as it visits Chicago on Wednesday.
The Bulls (0-3) have struggled mightily to start the season. Chicago lost its most recent contest to the Mavericks, 115-109, despite trimming a 14-point deficit down to just five points in the fourth quarter. Thing haven't been all bad in Chicago, though. Fourth-year guard Zach LaVine has impressed early on, scoring 30 or more points in each of his first three games. LaVine led the Bulls with 34 against Dallas. Seventh overall pick Wendell Carter, Jr. has also made an impression. He notched nine rebounds in Chicago's last game.
Rockets Host Jazz With Both Teams Below .500
The Houston Rockets welcome the Utah Jazz to Toyota Center on Wednesday.
The Jazz (1-2) are coming off one of their worst losses in two years, as they took a home defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in their most recent game. That's simply an unacceptable loss for a team projected to finish top-four in the west, as the Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the NBA. It's the fact that their offense struggled so badly that makes that loss really discouraging, as they scored 123 points in each of their first two games while dropping just 84 points in that defeat to the Grizzlies. The offensive struggles are no surprise when looking at the individual numbers though, as the backcourt is really slumping right now. In fact, Donovan Mitchell is shooting just 34 percent from the field while Ricky Rubio is averaging just 6.7 points and 6.3 assists per game. That's obviously not good enough from their two most valuable offensive players, as they need to get those guys going to get out of this minor rut.
The Rockets (1-2) are one of the shocks of the NBA, as they've really struggled in the early going. It's the defense that has really regressed, with Houston allowing over 120 points per game so far this season. The fact that Chris Paul is suspended due to a scuffle with Rajon Rondo just adds to the downfall, as it's truly been a nightmare start for this club. It's players like Trevor Ariza and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute that they're really missing, as defensive studs like those gave this team a presence they simply can't make up. Replacing those guys with a lackluster defender like Carmelo Anthony had fans questioning the decision making in the offseason and one has to wonder just how this defense will recover with limited options available. It's not all doom and gloom though, as a 65-win team from last season simply won't continue to lose games at this pace with the sort of weapons they possess.
Houston absolutely dominated Utah last season, sweeping their four-game season series while winning every game by double-digit margins.
The Jazz (1-2) are coming off one of their worst losses in two years, as they took a home defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in their most recent game. That's simply an unacceptable loss for a team projected to finish top-four in the west, as the Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the NBA. It's the fact that their offense struggled so badly that makes that loss really discouraging, as they scored 123 points in each of their first two games while dropping just 84 points in that defeat to the Grizzlies. The offensive struggles are no surprise when looking at the individual numbers though, as the backcourt is really slumping right now. In fact, Donovan Mitchell is shooting just 34 percent from the field while Ricky Rubio is averaging just 6.7 points and 6.3 assists per game. That's obviously not good enough from their two most valuable offensive players, as they need to get those guys going to get out of this minor rut.
The Rockets (1-2) are one of the shocks of the NBA, as they've really struggled in the early going. It's the defense that has really regressed, with Houston allowing over 120 points per game so far this season. The fact that Chris Paul is suspended due to a scuffle with Rajon Rondo just adds to the downfall, as it's truly been a nightmare start for this club. It's players like Trevor Ariza and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute that they're really missing, as defensive studs like those gave this team a presence they simply can't make up. Replacing those guys with a lackluster defender like Carmelo Anthony had fans questioning the decision making in the offseason and one has to wonder just how this defense will recover with limited options available. It's not all doom and gloom though, as a 65-win team from last season simply won't continue to lose games at this pace with the sort of weapons they possess.
Houston absolutely dominated Utah last season, sweeping their four-game season series while winning every game by double-digit margins.
Spurs Play Host to Pacers
The Indiana Pacers travel to Texas to play the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
The Pacers (2-2) come into this matchup losing both of their road games thus far, as they'll hope to break that trend here. Much of it has to do with the competition though, as the two wins came against the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets while the two losses came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. What's really been bizarre is the lack of competitiveness in the Pacers games, as not one of them have been decided by a single-digit margin. The fact that nearly every player on this roster has played below expectations has to be a great sign for Pacers fans too, as they'll regress back to where they should be. That includes Victor Oladipo, Darren Collison, Thaddeus Young, Myles Turner and Tyreke Evans, as this team should be in great shape once all of those valuable players get back on track.
The Spurs (2-1) have had to play three tough Western Conference opponents in their first three games, as they've come out on top against the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. That most recent win against the Lakers may be the most impressive win of the year, as they pulled out that victory on the road in overtime. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge have done a brilliant job of gelling and building a new core for the Spurs as well, with both players posting gaudy numbers thus far. In fact, Aldridge is averaging 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds while DeRozan is posting averages of 29.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game. That has overshadowed the fact that this team has a glaring hole at the point guard position and it's yet another dazzling display on how good of a coach Greg Popovich truly is.
Indiana surprisingly swept their two-game season series over San Antonio last year.
The Pacers (2-2) come into this matchup losing both of their road games thus far, as they'll hope to break that trend here. Much of it has to do with the competition though, as the two wins came against the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets while the two losses came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. What's really been bizarre is the lack of competitiveness in the Pacers games, as not one of them have been decided by a single-digit margin. The fact that nearly every player on this roster has played below expectations has to be a great sign for Pacers fans too, as they'll regress back to where they should be. That includes Victor Oladipo, Darren Collison, Thaddeus Young, Myles Turner and Tyreke Evans, as this team should be in great shape once all of those valuable players get back on track.
The Spurs (2-1) have had to play three tough Western Conference opponents in their first three games, as they've come out on top against the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers. That most recent win against the Lakers may be the most impressive win of the year, as they pulled out that victory on the road in overtime. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge have done a brilliant job of gelling and building a new core for the Spurs as well, with both players posting gaudy numbers thus far. In fact, Aldridge is averaging 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds while DeRozan is posting averages of 29.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game. That has overshadowed the fact that this team has a glaring hole at the point guard position and it's yet another dazzling display on how good of a coach Greg Popovich truly is.
Indiana surprisingly swept their two-game season series over San Antonio last year.
Undefeated Bucks Host Sixers
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Wednesday.
The Sixers (2-2) had a tough loss in their most recent game, as they took a 133-132 overtime loss at the hands of the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Philly had to play that game without Ben Simmons (back) and it's clear their defense really struggled without him. It's no fault of Joel Embiid though, as he's leading this team with averages of 29.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. The fact that he played 39 minutes in that overtime loss may be the most encouraging sign of those numbers, as the injury question marks appear to be behind the big man. That brings us back to Simmons though, as this team is simply not the same without him. Simmons was approaching triple-double averages for the season before departing the win over the Orlando Magic and fans have to hope that the injury is nothing serious. J.J. Redick has been a nice surprise in his new bench role though, as he has back-to-back 30-point games coming into this matchup. Many questioned Brett Brown's decision to bring him off the bench this season but it appears to be working wonders thus far.
The Bucks (3-0) perfect start has to make fans ecstatic about this talented young core but the wins need to be taken with a grain of salt. In fact, those three victories came against the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets. While those necessarily aren't terrible teams, it's a friendly schedule nonetheless. Milwaukee has taken care of business though and Giannis Antetokounmpo has definitely been the catalyst in the early going. Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 27.3 points, 16 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, as the MVP chase is undoubtedly on at this point. Where this group really improved is in the rebounding category, with Milwaukee sitting second in the league in rebounds per game. That's something that this team has really struggled with the past few years and Brook Lopez has made that a huge improvement. It's not that Lopez is grabbing the boards, it's the fact that he's keeping big men out of the paint, thus giving guys like Antetokounmpo an easy lane to grab the boards. Having a presence like that can't be overlooked and it pairs beautifully with role players like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, who are also playing brilliantly.
Despite the fact that these teams split their four-game season series last year, the Bucks have won 13 of their last 17 games over the Sixers dating back to 2013.
The Sixers (2-2) had a tough loss in their most recent game, as they took a 133-132 overtime loss at the hands of the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Philly had to play that game without Ben Simmons (back) and it's clear their defense really struggled without him. It's no fault of Joel Embiid though, as he's leading this team with averages of 29.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. The fact that he played 39 minutes in that overtime loss may be the most encouraging sign of those numbers, as the injury question marks appear to be behind the big man. That brings us back to Simmons though, as this team is simply not the same without him. Simmons was approaching triple-double averages for the season before departing the win over the Orlando Magic and fans have to hope that the injury is nothing serious. J.J. Redick has been a nice surprise in his new bench role though, as he has back-to-back 30-point games coming into this matchup. Many questioned Brett Brown's decision to bring him off the bench this season but it appears to be working wonders thus far.
The Bucks (3-0) perfect start has to make fans ecstatic about this talented young core but the wins need to be taken with a grain of salt. In fact, those three victories came against the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets. While those necessarily aren't terrible teams, it's a friendly schedule nonetheless. Milwaukee has taken care of business though and Giannis Antetokounmpo has definitely been the catalyst in the early going. Antetokounmpo is currently averaging 27.3 points, 16 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, as the MVP chase is undoubtedly on at this point. Where this group really improved is in the rebounding category, with Milwaukee sitting second in the league in rebounds per game. That's something that this team has really struggled with the past few years and Brook Lopez has made that a huge improvement. It's not that Lopez is grabbing the boards, it's the fact that he's keeping big men out of the paint, thus giving guys like Antetokounmpo an easy lane to grab the boards. Having a presence like that can't be overlooked and it pairs beautifully with role players like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, who are also playing brilliantly.
Despite the fact that these teams split their four-game season series last year, the Bucks have won 13 of their last 17 games over the Sixers dating back to 2013.
Suns Host Lakers Without Ingram and Rondo
By Jason Rubin
The Phoenix Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.
The Lakers will head to the desert still eyeing their first win of the season after a disappointing OT loss to the Spurs on Monday. LeBron James has yet to pick up his first win in Los Angeles (0-3), but he had the opportunity in the OT loss where he missed a pair of free throws with 12.8 seconds remaining. To be fair to King James, he did drop in a 28-foot three pointer to tie the game at the end of regulation, marking his first major moment in the purple and gold.
The Lakers will still be without Brandon Ingram (suspension) and Rajon Rondo (suspension) following the Chris Paul-Rajon Rondo brawl that ensued on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. Needless to say, it has been an eventful start to the Lakers season. With Ingram and Rondo out, Los Angeles will once again turn to Kyle Kuzma for scoring support and have him start at PF. Kuzma was instrumental on Monday after he finished with 37 points on a lights out 15-of-25 shooting. Josh Hart pitched in a stellar bench performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds across 39 minutes of action as well.
The Suns (1-2) opened their season with a 121-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a game that featured the No. 1 overall pick, DeAndre Ayton, take on the No. 3 overall pick, Luka Doncic. Since then, a pair of road losses to two high caliber Western Conference teams, the Nuggets and Warriors, have appropriately placed the Suns back down to Earth. Devin Booker is averaging nearly 30 points per game across the three contests, and poured in 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting against the Warriors, while Ayton has been off to a very strong start in his starting Center role. Entering the fourth game of the season for Phoenix on Wednesday, Ayton will take a double-double average of 14.3 points and 10.7 rebounds and will give JaVale McGee a handful in the big man matchup.
The Lakers will head to the desert still eyeing their first win of the season after a disappointing OT loss to the Spurs on Monday. LeBron James has yet to pick up his first win in Los Angeles (0-3), but he had the opportunity in the OT loss where he missed a pair of free throws with 12.8 seconds remaining. To be fair to King James, he did drop in a 28-foot three pointer to tie the game at the end of regulation, marking his first major moment in the purple and gold.
The Lakers will still be without Brandon Ingram (suspension) and Rajon Rondo (suspension) following the Chris Paul-Rajon Rondo brawl that ensued on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. Needless to say, it has been an eventful start to the Lakers season. With Ingram and Rondo out, Los Angeles will once again turn to Kyle Kuzma for scoring support and have him start at PF. Kuzma was instrumental on Monday after he finished with 37 points on a lights out 15-of-25 shooting. Josh Hart pitched in a stellar bench performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds across 39 minutes of action as well.
The Suns (1-2) opened their season with a 121-100 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a game that featured the No. 1 overall pick, DeAndre Ayton, take on the No. 3 overall pick, Luka Doncic. Since then, a pair of road losses to two high caliber Western Conference teams, the Nuggets and Warriors, have appropriately placed the Suns back down to Earth. Devin Booker is averaging nearly 30 points per game across the three contests, and poured in 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting against the Warriors, while Ayton has been off to a very strong start in his starting Center role. Entering the fourth game of the season for Phoenix on Wednesday, Ayton will take a double-double average of 14.3 points and 10.7 rebounds and will give JaVale McGee a handful in the big man matchup.
Grizzlies Head West to Battle Kings
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies (2-1) have bounced back from a 111-83 trouncing at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in their opener by notching victories over the Atlanta Hawks and most recently, the Utah Jazz. Memphis upended Utah by a 92-84 score on Monday night, impressively limiting the Jazz to 35.4 percent shooting. Mike Conley, who's been solid in his return from last season's heel injury, led the way with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marc Gasol followed with an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Shelvin Mack paced the bench with 12 points, Rookie Jaren Jackson, Jr. continued the solid start to his career with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Grizzlies will list Chandler Parsons (knee) and JaMychal Green (jaw) as out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks (foot) is doubtful, while Garrett Temple (groin) will be listed as questionable.
The Kings (1-3) have started the new season with a considerably improved offense, one that's averaging over 120 points a game even after their latest defeat -- a 126-112 loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday evening. Marvin Bagley III led the Kings with 20 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Justin Jackson was strong off the bench as well, posting 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. Frank Mason III turned in a full line of 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Iman Shumpert drew a second straight start and contributed 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Willie Cauley-Stein and Yogi Ferrell generated matching 11-point tallies.
The Kings will list Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) and Kosta Koufos (hamstring) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Grizzlies took the season series from the Kings, 2-1, during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Grizzlies (2-1) have bounced back from a 111-83 trouncing at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in their opener by notching victories over the Atlanta Hawks and most recently, the Utah Jazz. Memphis upended Utah by a 92-84 score on Monday night, impressively limiting the Jazz to 35.4 percent shooting. Mike Conley, who's been solid in his return from last season's heel injury, led the way with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marc Gasol followed with an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Shelvin Mack paced the bench with 12 points, Rookie Jaren Jackson, Jr. continued the solid start to his career with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Grizzlies will list Chandler Parsons (knee) and JaMychal Green (jaw) as out for Wednesday's game. Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks (foot) is doubtful, while Garrett Temple (groin) will be listed as questionable.
The Kings (1-3) have started the new season with a considerably improved offense, one that's averaging over 120 points a game even after their latest defeat -- a 126-112 loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday evening. Marvin Bagley III led the Kings with 20 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Justin Jackson was strong off the bench as well, posting 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. Frank Mason III turned in a full line of 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Iman Shumpert drew a second straight start and contributed 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Willie Cauley-Stein and Yogi Ferrell generated matching 11-point tallies.
The Kings will list Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) and Kosta Koufos (hamstring) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Grizzlies took the season series from the Kings, 2-1, during the 2017-18 campaign.
Warriors Host Wizards
By Jason Rubin
The Golden State Warriors will host the Washington Wizards at Oracle Arena on Wednesday.
The defending champion Warriors look to continue their strong start to the season and welcome their first Eastern Conference opponent in the Wizards. Golden State (3-1) are coming off 123–103 victory over the Suns where they saw little resistance against one of the leagues youngest teams. Six Warriors players finished in double figures in the effort, with Stephen Curry leading the way after he poured in 29 points, to go with 8 assists and four rebounds. Only the Denver Nuggets have handed the Warriors a loss across four games played this season, and given the expectations when you boast four all-stars in the starting lineup, few teams will have the answers.
The Wizards (1-2) may get a break from one half of the splash brothers as Klay Thompson (ankle) is listed as probable following a mild ankle sprain in the win over Phoenix on Monday.
Washington grabbed their first win of the season with a thrilling OT victory over the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday. The early West Coast road trip is daunting for the Wizards, but Bradley Beal and Markief Morris had no problem carrying the team to the win. Morris led his team with 28 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block, while Beal poured in five treys on his way to 25 points in 43 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr played the sixth man role efficiently after he scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting across 39 minutes off the bench.
Dwight Howard (back) has yet to make his debut with the Wizards and did not travel with the team on the road trip. Washington’s team dynamic is likely to change when they welcome Howard into the starting lineup in early November, until then, Ian Maninmi will see starters minutes.
The defending champion Warriors look to continue their strong start to the season and welcome their first Eastern Conference opponent in the Wizards. Golden State (3-1) are coming off 123–103 victory over the Suns where they saw little resistance against one of the leagues youngest teams. Six Warriors players finished in double figures in the effort, with Stephen Curry leading the way after he poured in 29 points, to go with 8 assists and four rebounds. Only the Denver Nuggets have handed the Warriors a loss across four games played this season, and given the expectations when you boast four all-stars in the starting lineup, few teams will have the answers.
The Wizards (1-2) may get a break from one half of the splash brothers as Klay Thompson (ankle) is listed as probable following a mild ankle sprain in the win over Phoenix on Monday.
Washington grabbed their first win of the season with a thrilling OT victory over the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday. The early West Coast road trip is daunting for the Wizards, but Bradley Beal and Markief Morris had no problem carrying the team to the win. Morris led his team with 28 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block, while Beal poured in five treys on his way to 25 points in 43 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr played the sixth man role efficiently after he scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting across 39 minutes off the bench.
Dwight Howard (back) has yet to make his debut with the Wizards and did not travel with the team on the road trip. Washington’s team dynamic is likely to change when they welcome Howard into the starting lineup in early November, until then, Ian Maninmi will see starters minutes.