Struggling Wizards Welcome Magic to Capital One Arena
The Washington Wizards play host to the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena on Monday.
The Magic (6-7) come into this matchup winning four of their last six games, as the early-season slump appears to be a thing of the past. What's really changed this team is their offense, with Orlando averaging 113 points per game in those four victories. This club still sits bottom-five in points scored, as that really shows just how much of a struggle it was early on. It's weird that this team was so bad offensively, considering they have a ton of talent on that end of the floor. Nikola Vucevic has been especially good, as he's leading this team with 17.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Many experts speculated that this would be Vucevic's last season in Orlando but it'll be hard to move him when he's posting numbers like these. That's why it's hard to understand the drafting of Mo Bamba, as this team is in desperate need of a point guard. D.J. Augustin has filled-in admirably as the starting point guard but they need address that position in the draft sooner rather than later.
The Wizards (3-9) picked up a 116-110 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday, as that victory was much needed for this struggling team. It actually marked their second win in four games, after starting the season with an ugly 1-7 mark. It's clear what the issue is, as the defense has been downright dreadful. In fact, Washington is allowing 119.3 points per game, which is the worst mark in the NBA. This team has too much talent to play that poorly and it's just a matter of time before these pieces start clicking. If they don't, things might bet blown up and players like John Wall, Bradley Beal or Otto Porter might be on the move. That's the last thing Washington fans want to see but you can only be stagnant for so long before management changes everything.
These teams just played on November 9, with Orlando prevailing, 117-108. Prior to that, Washington won four of their previous five games over Orlando.
The Magic (6-7) come into this matchup winning four of their last six games, as the early-season slump appears to be a thing of the past. What's really changed this team is their offense, with Orlando averaging 113 points per game in those four victories. This club still sits bottom-five in points scored, as that really shows just how much of a struggle it was early on. It's weird that this team was so bad offensively, considering they have a ton of talent on that end of the floor. Nikola Vucevic has been especially good, as he's leading this team with 17.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Many experts speculated that this would be Vucevic's last season in Orlando but it'll be hard to move him when he's posting numbers like these. That's why it's hard to understand the drafting of Mo Bamba, as this team is in desperate need of a point guard. D.J. Augustin has filled-in admirably as the starting point guard but they need address that position in the draft sooner rather than later.
The Wizards (3-9) picked up a 116-110 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday, as that victory was much needed for this struggling team. It actually marked their second win in four games, after starting the season with an ugly 1-7 mark. It's clear what the issue is, as the defense has been downright dreadful. In fact, Washington is allowing 119.3 points per game, which is the worst mark in the NBA. This team has too much talent to play that poorly and it's just a matter of time before these pieces start clicking. If they don't, things might bet blown up and players like John Wall, Bradley Beal or Otto Porter might be on the move. That's the last thing Washington fans want to see but you can only be stagnant for so long before management changes everything.
These teams just played on November 9, with Orlando prevailing, 117-108. Prior to that, Washington won four of their previous five games over Orlando.
Sixers Add Butler for Matchup Against Heat
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to South Beach to play the Miami Heat at American Airlines on Monday.
The Sixers (8-6) haven't quite lived up to expectations this season but they made one of the biggest splashes by adding Jimmy Butler. That acquisition can't be understated either, as Butler is one of the best two-way players in the league. It did hurt Philly's depth though, as they had to part ways with Robert Covington and Dario Saric in that trade. Those are solid wing players and it's going to be hard to fill that void. One thing this team needs to focus on going forward is their home/road splits though too, as that's really killed them thus far. In fact, the Sixers are currently 1-6 away from Philly this season and 7-0 at home. That is usually a stat that you see from a young team but a contender like this simply can't post splits like that if they want to battle for an Eastern Conference crown.
The Heat (5-7) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games, as they're having a hard time dealing with all of the absences. Not only is Dwyane Wade gone for a week due to the birth of a child, Miami is also missing James Johnson and Dion Waiters to injuries of their own. Where that's really hurt this team is on the defensive end, with Miami allowing 120 points per game across their last six losses. That's a strange stat to see from a vaunted defense like this and it's just a matter of time before they get back to playing some elite defense. It's no fault of Hassan Whiteside though, as he's in the midst of the best stretch of his career. In fact, Whiteside is averaging 18.3 points, 18 rebounds and 5.7 blocks across his last three games. Those are downright gaudy numbers and he'll vie for a Defensive Player of the Year Award if he continues to play like this.
These teams split their four-game season series last year, with each game being decided by a single-digit margin. In addition, the home team won all four outings.
The Sixers (8-6) haven't quite lived up to expectations this season but they made one of the biggest splashes by adding Jimmy Butler. That acquisition can't be understated either, as Butler is one of the best two-way players in the league. It did hurt Philly's depth though, as they had to part ways with Robert Covington and Dario Saric in that trade. Those are solid wing players and it's going to be hard to fill that void. One thing this team needs to focus on going forward is their home/road splits though too, as that's really killed them thus far. In fact, the Sixers are currently 1-6 away from Philly this season and 7-0 at home. That is usually a stat that you see from a young team but a contender like this simply can't post splits like that if they want to battle for an Eastern Conference crown.
The Heat (5-7) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games, as they're having a hard time dealing with all of the absences. Not only is Dwyane Wade gone for a week due to the birth of a child, Miami is also missing James Johnson and Dion Waiters to injuries of their own. Where that's really hurt this team is on the defensive end, with Miami allowing 120 points per game across their last six losses. That's a strange stat to see from a vaunted defense like this and it's just a matter of time before they get back to playing some elite defense. It's no fault of Hassan Whiteside though, as he's in the midst of the best stretch of his career. In fact, Whiteside is averaging 18.3 points, 18 rebounds and 5.7 blocks across his last three games. Those are downright gaudy numbers and he'll vie for a Defensive Player of the Year Award if he continues to play like this.
These teams split their four-game season series last year, with each game being decided by a single-digit margin. In addition, the home team won all four outings.
Pelicans Travel North Of Border To Tangle With Raptors
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Pelicans (6-6) have had quite the rollercoaster of a season thus far, as they've already posted a four-game winning streak that was followed by a six-game losing stretch. New Orleans as on the upswing again, as they'll come into the Monday's contest having notched consecutive victories. Their latest success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they defeated by a 119-99 score on Saturday night. Anthony Davis led the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Julius Randle drew the start with Nikola Mirotic and posted a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Jrue Holiday tallied 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block. E'Twaun Moore contributed 17 points.
The Pelicans will list both Elfrid Payton and Nikola Mirotic as game-time decisions for Monday due to their respective ankle injuries.
The Raptors (12-1) are the unquestionably the class of the NBA thus far this season, as the offseason addition of Kawhi Leonard has helped propel them to a new level. Toronto's only loss came seven games ago to the Milwaukee Bucks, and they'll come into Monday's contest having most recently defeated the New York Knicks by a 128-112 score on Saturday night. Pascal Siakam led the way with 23 points, while Jonas Valanciunas posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench. O.G. Anunoby turned in 16 points. Serge Ibaka, Leonard and Delon Wright contributed 12 points apiece, while Kyle Lowry had 10 points and eight assists.
The Raptors will be without Norman Powell (shoulder) for Monday's game.
The Raptors swept the two-game series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Pelicans (6-6) have had quite the rollercoaster of a season thus far, as they've already posted a four-game winning streak that was followed by a six-game losing stretch. New Orleans as on the upswing again, as they'll come into the Monday's contest having notched consecutive victories. Their latest success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they defeated by a 119-99 score on Saturday night. Anthony Davis led the way with 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Julius Randle drew the start with Nikola Mirotic and posted a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Jrue Holiday tallied 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block. E'Twaun Moore contributed 17 points.
The Pelicans will list both Elfrid Payton and Nikola Mirotic as game-time decisions for Monday due to their respective ankle injuries.
The Raptors (12-1) are the unquestionably the class of the NBA thus far this season, as the offseason addition of Kawhi Leonard has helped propel them to a new level. Toronto's only loss came seven games ago to the Milwaukee Bucks, and they'll come into Monday's contest having most recently defeated the New York Knicks by a 128-112 score on Saturday night. Pascal Siakam led the way with 23 points, while Jonas Valanciunas posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench. O.G. Anunoby turned in 16 points. Serge Ibaka, Leonard and Delon Wright contributed 12 points apiece, while Kyle Lowry had 10 points and eight assists.
The Raptors will be without Norman Powell (shoulder) for Monday's game.
The Raptors swept the two-game series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.
Mavericks Pay Visit To Windy City For Interconference Battle With Bulls
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday evening.
The Mavericks (4-8) have seen a forgettable start to their season improve recently, as they'll come into Monday having won two of their last three games following a 2-7 start. Dallas most recently handled the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 111-96 score on Saturday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 22 points and added eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. J.J. Barea followed with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes and Dorian Finney-Smith posted matching 11-point tallies, while Dennis Smith, Jr. turned in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Mavericks will list Wesley Matthews (hamstring) as doubtful for Monday's contest, while Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) remains out.
Like their visitors, the Bulls (4-9) have also responded to an extended losing streak by winning two of their past three contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they clipped by a 99-98 score on Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ricky Arcidiacono and Wendell Carter, Jr. contributed matching 15-point tallies. Jabari Parker provided 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Bulls will continue to be without Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Bobby Portis (knee-MCL), Denzel Valentine (ankle) and Kris Dunn (knee-MCL) on Monday.
The Bulls swept the two-game series between the clubs during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Mavericks (4-8) have seen a forgettable start to their season improve recently, as they'll come into Monday having won two of their last three games following a 2-7 start. Dallas most recently handled the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 111-96 score on Saturday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 22 points and added eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. J.J. Barea followed with 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench. Harrison Barnes and Dorian Finney-Smith posted matching 11-point tallies, while Dennis Smith, Jr. turned in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Mavericks will list Wesley Matthews (hamstring) as doubtful for Monday's contest, while Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) remains out.
Like their visitors, the Bulls (4-9) have also responded to an extended losing streak by winning two of their past three contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they clipped by a 99-98 score on Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ricky Arcidiacono and Wendell Carter, Jr. contributed matching 15-point tallies. Jabari Parker provided 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Bulls will continue to be without Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Bobby Portis (knee-MCL), Denzel Valentine (ankle) and Kris Dunn (knee-MCL) on Monday.
The Bulls swept the two-game series between the clubs during the 2017-18 campaign.
Nets Travel to Minnesota
By Oscar Heanue
The Brooklyn Nets will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Monday evening.
Minnesota (4-9) will be debuting a new-look lineup on Monday, as the team finally fulfilled the trade request of All-Star wing Jimmy Butler over the weekend. On Saturday, the Timberwolves reportedly struck a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that would send Butler to Philly in exchange for forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington. With the trade likely to be announced officially on Monday, the Wolves may see two new additions to their starting five as they face off against Brooklyn. Covington could be a boon for Minnesota's inconsistent defense. He was named to the All-Defense Second Team last season and is currently averaging 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Regardless, though, Minnesota will look to snap its five-game losing streak on Monday. The matchup with Brooklyn marks the team's first home game since returning from a West Coast road trip in which it went 0-5. Minnesota will hope to see the strong play of Karl-Anthony Towns continue. The big man is coming off a season-best 39 points and 19 rebounds on Friday night.
Brooklyn (6-7) is currently on a road trip of its own. The team took down both Phoenix and Denver on their home courts, but took a loss in its most recent game against Golden State. Much of the team's success thus far can be attributed to breakout star Caris LeVert. LeVert is averaging 19.0 points on the season and has seven game of 20 or more. The former Michigan star has been part of a youth movement in Brooklyn, as the team has enjoyed plenty of strong performances from its young players this season. Sophomore big man Jarrett Allen has been one of Brooklyn's biggest bright spots, averaging 11.4 points and 1.9 blocks per game this season.
Minnesota (4-9) will be debuting a new-look lineup on Monday, as the team finally fulfilled the trade request of All-Star wing Jimmy Butler over the weekend. On Saturday, the Timberwolves reportedly struck a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers that would send Butler to Philly in exchange for forwards Dario Saric and Robert Covington. With the trade likely to be announced officially on Monday, the Wolves may see two new additions to their starting five as they face off against Brooklyn. Covington could be a boon for Minnesota's inconsistent defense. He was named to the All-Defense Second Team last season and is currently averaging 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Regardless, though, Minnesota will look to snap its five-game losing streak on Monday. The matchup with Brooklyn marks the team's first home game since returning from a West Coast road trip in which it went 0-5. Minnesota will hope to see the strong play of Karl-Anthony Towns continue. The big man is coming off a season-best 39 points and 19 rebounds on Friday night.
Brooklyn (6-7) is currently on a road trip of its own. The team took down both Phoenix and Denver on their home courts, but took a loss in its most recent game against Golden State. Much of the team's success thus far can be attributed to breakout star Caris LeVert. LeVert is averaging 19.0 points on the season and has seven game of 20 or more. The former Michigan star has been part of a youth movement in Brooklyn, as the team has enjoyed plenty of strong performances from its young players this season. Sophomore big man Jarrett Allen has been one of Brooklyn's biggest bright spots, averaging 11.4 points and 1.9 blocks per game this season.
Westbrook Out As Thunder Host Suns
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Phoenix Suns, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday evening.
The Thunder (7-5) are coming off a loss in Dallas in their last contest, however prior to that they had won seven in a row. Russell Westbrook (ankle) has missed the last three games, and is expected to remain sidelined through Monday's action. Paul George has been playing very well for OKC, averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a league-best 2.8 steals per game. Steven Adams has also been great so far, averaging 14.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while Dennis Schroder has proven to be a great addition, especially when he is available to fill in for Westbrook, allowing the Thunder to maintain a high level of point guard play, even without their all-star. Schroder is averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Thunder sit seventh place in the West, 3.5 games behind the first spot.
Meanwhile, the Suns (2-10) could not be having a much worse start, as they have barely been able to stay in game, as their losses are coming by an average of double-digit margins. Devin Booker has been doing is best to lead the Suns, averaging 24.9 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 36 minutes per game. Rookie, Deandre Ayton has been putting up solid numbers, averaging 16.1 points and 10.9 rebounds, in 32.5 minutes per game. The Suns are averaging 101.2 points a game, which is not only the lowest in the league, but compares terribly to the 114.4 points they give up on average per game. The Suns are 0-5 on the road this season, and have lost three in a row overall.
The Thunder (7-5) are coming off a loss in Dallas in their last contest, however prior to that they had won seven in a row. Russell Westbrook (ankle) has missed the last three games, and is expected to remain sidelined through Monday's action. Paul George has been playing very well for OKC, averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and a league-best 2.8 steals per game. Steven Adams has also been great so far, averaging 14.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while Dennis Schroder has proven to be a great addition, especially when he is available to fill in for Westbrook, allowing the Thunder to maintain a high level of point guard play, even without their all-star. Schroder is averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Thunder sit seventh place in the West, 3.5 games behind the first spot.
Meanwhile, the Suns (2-10) could not be having a much worse start, as they have barely been able to stay in game, as their losses are coming by an average of double-digit margins. Devin Booker has been doing is best to lead the Suns, averaging 24.9 points, 6.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 36 minutes per game. Rookie, Deandre Ayton has been putting up solid numbers, averaging 16.1 points and 10.9 rebounds, in 32.5 minutes per game. The Suns are averaging 101.2 points a game, which is not only the lowest in the league, but compares terribly to the 114.4 points they give up on average per game. The Suns are 0-5 on the road this season, and have lost three in a row overall.
Jazz Pay Visit to Grizzlies
By Oscar Heanue
The Utah Jazz will visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
Utah (6-6) turned its luck around last week, winning consecutive games after an 0-4 slide. The Jazz are coming off an impressive win over the Boston Celtics which featured a 27-point performance from small forward Joe Ingles. The game was also another in a long string of stellar performances for Rudy Gobert, who had 17 points to go with 15 rebounds. The French All-Star is averaging 16.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game on the season thus far. All in all, the Utah has had plenty to be happy about despite the team's shaky start to the season. Kicking off a five-game road trip in Memphis will not be counted among the positives, though, as the Jazz are already 0-2 in matchups against the Grizzlies this season.
Memphis (7-4) has been one of the league's early surprises this season, bouncing back from a 22-60 season last year to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference early on. Veteran center Marc Gasol has bounced back after injuries cost him most of his 2017-18 campaign. He is averaging 14.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. Memphis has also benefited from the addition of rookie big man Jaren Jackson, Jr. The Michigan State product has averaged 11.6 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game thus far this season.
Utah (6-6) turned its luck around last week, winning consecutive games after an 0-4 slide. The Jazz are coming off an impressive win over the Boston Celtics which featured a 27-point performance from small forward Joe Ingles. The game was also another in a long string of stellar performances for Rudy Gobert, who had 17 points to go with 15 rebounds. The French All-Star is averaging 16.4 points and 13.2 rebounds per game on the season thus far. All in all, the Utah has had plenty to be happy about despite the team's shaky start to the season. Kicking off a five-game road trip in Memphis will not be counted among the positives, though, as the Jazz are already 0-2 in matchups against the Grizzlies this season.
Memphis (7-4) has been one of the league's early surprises this season, bouncing back from a 22-60 season last year to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference early on. Veteran center Marc Gasol has bounced back after injuries cost him most of his 2017-18 campaign. He is averaging 14.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. Memphis has also benefited from the addition of rookie big man Jaren Jackson, Jr. The Michigan State product has averaged 11.6 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steal per game thus far this season.
Kings Looking To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the San Antonio Spurs, at Golden 1 Center on Monday evening.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Kings (7-6), where they have gone 1-2 so far, with losses to the Raptors and the Lakers, and a win over the Timberwolves. The Kings sit eighth place in the West, just four games back from the top spot. They are averaging 115.3 points per game, which is ninth in the league, however, they are giving up an average of 116.8 points, which is fifth worst in the league. De'Aaron Fox has been playing very well, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Willie Cauley-Stein has also been playing very well, averaging 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Kings are 3-3 at home this season.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (7-4) have gotten off to a solid start to the season, with minimal issues integrating their new superstar, DeMar DeRozan, into the mix. DeRozan is averaging 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals, in 37 minutes per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has been holding up his end of the bargain, averaging 19.4 points, 9.8 rebounds 2.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. In the absence of Dejounte Murray, the Spurs experimented by starting Derrick White at the point in their last contest, and it worked out well, as White finished with 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes of action. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Spurs, while they are 2-2 on the road this season.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Kings (7-6), where they have gone 1-2 so far, with losses to the Raptors and the Lakers, and a win over the Timberwolves. The Kings sit eighth place in the West, just four games back from the top spot. They are averaging 115.3 points per game, which is ninth in the league, however, they are giving up an average of 116.8 points, which is fifth worst in the league. De'Aaron Fox has been playing very well, averaging 18.7 points, 7.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Willie Cauley-Stein has also been playing very well, averaging 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Kings are 3-3 at home this season.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (7-4) have gotten off to a solid start to the season, with minimal issues integrating their new superstar, DeMar DeRozan, into the mix. DeRozan is averaging 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals, in 37 minutes per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has been holding up his end of the bargain, averaging 19.4 points, 9.8 rebounds 2.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. In the absence of Dejounte Murray, the Spurs experimented by starting Derrick White at the point in their last contest, and it worked out well, as White finished with 14 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes of action. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Spurs, while they are 2-2 on the road this season.
Clippers Host Warriors
By Jason Rubin
The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Monday.
Both the Clippers and Warriors are dealing with an onslaught of injuries. Los Angeles (7-5) has listed Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) and Avery Bradley (ankle) as questionable, which is a shot to their depth ahead of a showdown with the NBA's reigning champs. The Warriors (11-2) will be without Stephen Curry (groin) and might see Draymond Green (toe) and Shaun Livingston (foot) return to action.
Injuries aside, the Clippers are coming off one of their best wins of the season after they took down the Bucks in OT. The 128-126 victory had some stand out performances, which included Montrezl Harrell's beastly 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench across 32 minutes. Rookie Shae Gilgeous-Alexander has flashed brilliant slashing potential and Doc Rivers said he would be the starter in Bradley's absence. The Kentucky product scored 16 points, to go with six rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks.
The Warriors were stifled by that same Bucks team, but bounced back with 116-100 win against the Nets at home. Quinn Cook started in Curry's absence and scored 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, which included 3-of-5 from behind the arc. Jordan Bell has picked up minutes with Green sidelined, while he did not get the start, he registered 27 minutes and added five points on four shots to go with eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
Both the Clippers and Warriors are dealing with an onslaught of injuries. Los Angeles (7-5) has listed Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) and Avery Bradley (ankle) as questionable, which is a shot to their depth ahead of a showdown with the NBA's reigning champs. The Warriors (11-2) will be without Stephen Curry (groin) and might see Draymond Green (toe) and Shaun Livingston (foot) return to action.
Injuries aside, the Clippers are coming off one of their best wins of the season after they took down the Bucks in OT. The 128-126 victory had some stand out performances, which included Montrezl Harrell's beastly 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting off the bench across 32 minutes. Rookie Shae Gilgeous-Alexander has flashed brilliant slashing potential and Doc Rivers said he would be the starter in Bradley's absence. The Kentucky product scored 16 points, to go with six rebounds, four assists, a steal and three blocks.
The Warriors were stifled by that same Bucks team, but bounced back with 116-100 win against the Nets at home. Quinn Cook started in Curry's absence and scored 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting, which included 3-of-5 from behind the arc. Jordan Bell has picked up minutes with Green sidelined, while he did not get the start, he registered 27 minutes and added five points on four shots to go with eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.