Nets Host Streaking Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Los Angeles Clippers, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (7-9), who are coming off an impressive home win over the Wizards on Friday night. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes off the bench, while D'Angelo Russell also had a big night, with 23 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, on Friday night. Additionally, Jarrett Allen ensured the Nets' inside presence, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in the win. The Nets were dealt a blow with the loss of Caris LeVert (ankle), but as displayed in their last win, they still have a few guys who are capable of stepping up to win games. The Nets have dropped two of their last three games at home, where they are 3-3 so far.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (9-5) have been super impressive lately, as they have won their last three games in a row, over some of the top teams in the league, including the Bucks, Warriors and Spurs. Lou Williams has been an incredible closer for the Clippers, as he seems to be able to accomplish just about anything in crunch time. The Clippers' three wins came at home however, but this contest marks the first game of a three-game road trip. The Clippers are just 2-4 on the road so far, but have a chance to keep themselves rolling, as al three of their upcoming opponents have records well below .500. Lou Williams is averaging 19.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds, in 26 minutes per game, while Tobias Harris is averaging 20.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. Danilo Gallinari has also been playing well, averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (7-9), who are coming off an impressive home win over the Wizards on Friday night. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes off the bench, while D'Angelo Russell also had a big night, with 23 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, on Friday night. Additionally, Jarrett Allen ensured the Nets' inside presence, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in the win. The Nets were dealt a blow with the loss of Caris LeVert (ankle), but as displayed in their last win, they still have a few guys who are capable of stepping up to win games. The Nets have dropped two of their last three games at home, where they are 3-3 so far.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (9-5) have been super impressive lately, as they have won their last three games in a row, over some of the top teams in the league, including the Bucks, Warriors and Spurs. Lou Williams has been an incredible closer for the Clippers, as he seems to be able to accomplish just about anything in crunch time. The Clippers' three wins came at home however, but this contest marks the first game of a three-game road trip. The Clippers are just 2-4 on the road so far, but have a chance to keep themselves rolling, as al three of their upcoming opponents have records well below .500. Lou Williams is averaging 19.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds, in 26 minutes per game, while Tobias Harris is averaging 20.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. Danilo Gallinari has also been playing well, averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Nuggets Face Off With Pelicans in Saturday Night Showdown
The Denver Nuggets take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena on Saturday evening.
The Nuggets (10-5) have an aesthetically pleasing record, even if wins have been somewhat hard to come by recent. Denver had opened the season with a 9-1 record before hitting the skids, dropping four consecutive contests, including three on their home floor. They were able to snap that streak in their most recent game, as they took out their frustrations on the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of a 138-93 score on Thursday night. Juancho Hernangomez led the way with 25 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gary Harris and Paul Millsap each produced 18-point tallies. Millsap added nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks against his old club. The bench saw plenty of run in the blowout, with Malik Beasley (15 points), Jamal Murray (14 points) and Trey Lyles (14 points) leading the way.
The Nuggets will continue to be without Will Barton (abdomen), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Michael Porter, Jr. (back) for Saturday's game. Torrey Craig (hamstring) will be listed as questionable.
The Pelicans (8-7) have had their share of ups and downs over the first 15 games of their season, but they'll come into Saturday's game trending in the right direction. New Orleans has now won four of their last five games, with their most recent success a hard-fought 129-124 win over the New York Knicks on Friday night. The Pelicans clawed back from a 32-16 first-quarter deficit and finally sealed the game in the closing minute. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 43-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday pitched in 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. E'Twaun Moore poured in 13 points. Nikola Mirotic contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Julius Randle led the bench with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Pelicans will list Elfrid Payton as questionable at best for Saturday's game as a result of the fractured pinky finger he suffered in Friday's contest.
The Nuggets won the one earlier meeting this season between the teams by a 116-111 margin.
The Nuggets (10-5) have an aesthetically pleasing record, even if wins have been somewhat hard to come by recent. Denver had opened the season with a 9-1 record before hitting the skids, dropping four consecutive contests, including three on their home floor. They were able to snap that streak in their most recent game, as they took out their frustrations on the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of a 138-93 score on Thursday night. Juancho Hernangomez led the way with 25 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gary Harris and Paul Millsap each produced 18-point tallies. Millsap added nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks against his old club. The bench saw plenty of run in the blowout, with Malik Beasley (15 points), Jamal Murray (14 points) and Trey Lyles (14 points) leading the way.
The Nuggets will continue to be without Will Barton (abdomen), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Michael Porter, Jr. (back) for Saturday's game. Torrey Craig (hamstring) will be listed as questionable.
The Pelicans (8-7) have had their share of ups and downs over the first 15 games of their season, but they'll come into Saturday's game trending in the right direction. New Orleans has now won four of their last five games, with their most recent success a hard-fought 129-124 win over the New York Knicks on Friday night. The Pelicans clawed back from a 32-16 first-quarter deficit and finally sealed the game in the closing minute. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 43-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday pitched in 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. E'Twaun Moore poured in 13 points. Nikola Mirotic contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Julius Randle led the bench with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Pelicans will list Elfrid Payton as questionable at best for Saturday's game as a result of the fractured pinky finger he suffered in Friday's contest.
The Nuggets won the one earlier meeting this season between the teams by a 116-111 margin.
Pacers Play Host to Struggling Hawks
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The Hawks (3-12) come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 11 games, as they've had some nightmare losses in that stretch. In fact, seven of those 10 losses have come by double-digit margins, as the 138-93 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday shows exactly where this team is at right now. There is one bit of good news though, as John Collins (ankle) is expected to make his season debut here. Collins was a breakout rookie last season and many experts have him pegged as an all-star candidate in years to come. Adding a young big man like that can't be understated, as his presence alone will be a huge boost for this club. What Atlanta really needs to work on is its defense though, with the Hawks allowing a league-worst 119 points per game. That's pretty standard from a young team like this, as the valleys will definitely outweigh the peaks as the season progresses.
The Pacers (9-6) have had a mini-slump over their last five games, as they have just two wins in that stretch. That's really nothing to be concerned with though, as the losses came against the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers. The two wins came against the Miami Heat though, as that's a club who's struggling badly themselves. What was encouraging about that most recent win over Miami was the play of Tyreke Evans and Myles Turner. Evans was especially good, as he provided season-highs with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the bench. He has really struggled with Indiana this season but lines like this should become more common the more he gets used to this system. Adding that sort of bench presence to this already dangerous team is all fans could ask for and it makes the Pacers a team to fear in the east going forward.
Indiana won their four-game season series over Atlanta last season, 3-1. In fact, the Pacers have beat the Hawks in five of their last six meetings in total.
The Hawks (3-12) come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 11 games, as they've had some nightmare losses in that stretch. In fact, seven of those 10 losses have come by double-digit margins, as the 138-93 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday shows exactly where this team is at right now. There is one bit of good news though, as John Collins (ankle) is expected to make his season debut here. Collins was a breakout rookie last season and many experts have him pegged as an all-star candidate in years to come. Adding a young big man like that can't be understated, as his presence alone will be a huge boost for this club. What Atlanta really needs to work on is its defense though, with the Hawks allowing a league-worst 119 points per game. That's pretty standard from a young team like this, as the valleys will definitely outweigh the peaks as the season progresses.
The Pacers (9-6) have had a mini-slump over their last five games, as they have just two wins in that stretch. That's really nothing to be concerned with though, as the losses came against the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers. The two wins came against the Miami Heat though, as that's a club who's struggling badly themselves. What was encouraging about that most recent win over Miami was the play of Tyreke Evans and Myles Turner. Evans was especially good, as he provided season-highs with 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the bench. He has really struggled with Indiana this season but lines like this should become more common the more he gets used to this system. Adding that sort of bench presence to this already dangerous team is all fans could ask for and it makes the Pacers a team to fear in the east going forward.
Indiana won their four-game season series over Atlanta last season, 3-1. In fact, the Pacers have beat the Hawks in five of their last six meetings in total.
Lakers Make Cross-Country Trek To Tangle With Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Saturday evening.
The Lakers (8-6) got the LeBron James era off to a rocky start, but recently, it's looked like business as usual for The King in his new digs. Los Angeles has rattled off four straight wins -- and six of seven overall -- heading into Saturday's game. Their most recent success was against one of the Western Conference's elite, as they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 126-117 score on Wednesday night. James took over the game in vintage fashion and led the way with 44 points, a total he supplemented with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and one steal. JaVale McGee turned in 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram registered 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope supplied 13 points to lead the bench, while Lonzo Ball managed 11 points and six rebounds.
The Lakers will be without Rajon Rondo (hand), as the veteran fractured his third right metacarpal during Wednesday's game.
The Magic (7-8) got their season off to an unsightly 4-7 start, but they'll come into Saturday's contest having won three of their past four games. Their most recent victory was one of their most notable, as they edged the Philadelphia 76ers by a 111-106 score on Wednesday night, spoiling Jimmy Butler's debut. Nikola Vucevic spearheaded Orlando with 30 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon produced 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ross poured in 15 points to lead the bench, while also adding six rebounds. Jonathon Simmons posted 12 points, while Wesley Iwundu tallied 11.
The Magic will come into Saturday's contest at full health, with the exception of Timofey Mozgov (knee), who's yet to play this season.
The two clubs split their two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Lakers (8-6) got the LeBron James era off to a rocky start, but recently, it's looked like business as usual for The King in his new digs. Los Angeles has rattled off four straight wins -- and six of seven overall -- heading into Saturday's game. Their most recent success was against one of the Western Conference's elite, as they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 126-117 score on Wednesday night. James took over the game in vintage fashion and led the way with 44 points, a total he supplemented with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and one steal. JaVale McGee turned in 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram registered 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope supplied 13 points to lead the bench, while Lonzo Ball managed 11 points and six rebounds.
The Lakers will be without Rajon Rondo (hand), as the veteran fractured his third right metacarpal during Wednesday's game.
The Magic (7-8) got their season off to an unsightly 4-7 start, but they'll come into Saturday's contest having won three of their past four games. Their most recent victory was one of their most notable, as they edged the Philadelphia 76ers by a 111-106 score on Wednesday night, spoiling Jimmy Butler's debut. Nikola Vucevic spearheaded Orlando with 30 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon produced 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ross poured in 15 points to lead the bench, while also adding six rebounds. Jonathon Simmons posted 12 points, while Wesley Iwundu tallied 11.
The Magic will come into Saturday's contest at full health, with the exception of Timofey Mozgov (knee), who's yet to play this season.
The two clubs split their two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Sixers Tangle With Hornets In Saturday Showdown
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Arena on Saturday evening.
The 76ers (10-7) have struggled some with consistency in the early going, although they're certainly hoping the recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler is the missing ingredient that takes them to the next level. Philadelphia scored its first win with Butler in the lineup Friday night, as they toppled the Utah Jazz by a 113-107 score in a game that they pulled out with a strong finish over the final minute-plus. Butler paced the Sixers with 28 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Embiid delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. J.J. Redick poured in 16 points. Simmons pitched in a full stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. Amir Johnson led the second unit with 11 points.
The 76ers will list Joel Embiid as questionable with a swollen hand for Saturday's contest. Justin Patton (foot) remains out.
The Hornets (7-7) have also had a challenging time stringing stretches of winning together, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped two of their last three games. Their most recent defeat may have been the most surprising yet, as they were walloped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-89, on Tuesday night. Jeremy Lamb led the way for Charlotte with 22 points, a total he supplemented with six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Nicolas Batum was the only other double-digit scorer on the night for Charlotte, posting 11 points, five boards and three assists. Cody Zeller produced nine points, while Kemba Walker shot just 2-for-16 on his way to seven points.
The Hornets will be without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
The Sixers swept the four-game season series from the Hornets during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 76ers (10-7) have struggled some with consistency in the early going, although they're certainly hoping the recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler is the missing ingredient that takes them to the next level. Philadelphia scored its first win with Butler in the lineup Friday night, as they toppled the Utah Jazz by a 113-107 score in a game that they pulled out with a strong finish over the final minute-plus. Butler paced the Sixers with 28 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Embiid delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. J.J. Redick poured in 16 points. Simmons pitched in a full stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. Amir Johnson led the second unit with 11 points.
The 76ers will list Joel Embiid as questionable with a swollen hand for Saturday's contest. Justin Patton (foot) remains out.
The Hornets (7-7) have also had a challenging time stringing stretches of winning together, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped two of their last three games. Their most recent defeat may have been the most surprising yet, as they were walloped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-89, on Tuesday night. Jeremy Lamb led the way for Charlotte with 22 points, a total he supplemented with six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Nicolas Batum was the only other double-digit scorer on the night for Charlotte, posting 11 points, five boards and three assists. Cody Zeller produced nine points, while Kemba Walker shot just 2-for-16 on his way to seven points.
The Hornets will be without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
The Sixers swept the four-game season series from the Hornets during the 2017-18 campaign.
Celtics Host Jazz in Defensive Showdown
The Utah Jazz travel to Beantown to play the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Saturday.
The Jazz (7-8) looked well out of their early-season swoon when they came into this week winning three-straight games but have regressed big time since. In fact, Utah has lost their last two games, with one of them being the worst defeat of the season. Utah actually dropped a season-low 68 points against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week, as their 50-point loss was one of the worst in franchise history. They did bounce-back by losing by a six-point margin at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, as that's one of the toughest matchups in the NBA. Where this team needs to improve is on the defensive end, as a 10th-ranked defense is not good enough for this team. This is a Utah club who should finish top-five rather easily, as they own a dominant defensive unit. Their struggles show much more in the defensive rating, with Utah sitting 20th in defensive efficieny. That's simply inexcusable, as one would have to bet that they'll improve on that number as the season progresses.
The Celtics (9-6) own a stringy defense of their own, as they currently sit second in points allowed and first in defensive efficiency. That's what you expect from this team though, as they finished top-three in both those statistics last season. Where they need to improve is on the offensive end, with Boston sitting 24th in points scored. Kyrie Irving has done all he can on that end but they need more from their role players. The fact that Gordon Hayward provided 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday is a huge start, as that's arguably his best line of the season. If they can get him back to playing at his Utah form, this could become the best team in the east.
Utah actually beat Boston earlier this season, 123-115, on November 9. With that said, the Celtics won four of their previous five games over the Jazz dating back to 2016.
The Jazz (7-8) looked well out of their early-season swoon when they came into this week winning three-straight games but have regressed big time since. In fact, Utah has lost their last two games, with one of them being the worst defeat of the season. Utah actually dropped a season-low 68 points against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week, as their 50-point loss was one of the worst in franchise history. They did bounce-back by losing by a six-point margin at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, as that's one of the toughest matchups in the NBA. Where this team needs to improve is on the defensive end, as a 10th-ranked defense is not good enough for this team. This is a Utah club who should finish top-five rather easily, as they own a dominant defensive unit. Their struggles show much more in the defensive rating, with Utah sitting 20th in defensive efficieny. That's simply inexcusable, as one would have to bet that they'll improve on that number as the season progresses.
The Celtics (9-6) own a stringy defense of their own, as they currently sit second in points allowed and first in defensive efficiency. That's what you expect from this team though, as they finished top-three in both those statistics last season. Where they need to improve is on the offensive end, with Boston sitting 24th in points scored. Kyrie Irving has done all he can on that end but they need more from their role players. The fact that Gordon Hayward provided 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday is a huge start, as that's arguably his best line of the season. If they can get him back to playing at his Utah form, this could become the best team in the east.
Utah actually beat Boston earlier this season, 123-115, on November 9. With that said, the Celtics won four of their previous five games over the Jazz dating back to 2016.
Raptors, Bulls Looking To Rebound On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Toronto Raptors, at United Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Raptors (12-4), who are coming off a hard-fought overtime loss in Boston on Friday evening. Despite having six players score in double digits, including 31 points and 15 rebounds from Kawhi Leonard, and 21 points from Serge Ibaka, the Raptors fell short for their third straight loss. They have dropped consecutive games to the Pelicans, Pistons and on Friday night, the Celtics. This marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Raptors, who are 5-2 on the road this season. The Raptors are averaging 116.5 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Leonard has been quiet effective for Toronto, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry has been the team's engine, averaging 16.1 points, 10.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this is also the second night of a back-to-back for the Bulls (4-12), who are coming off a tough home loss against the Bucks, where they were blown out despite a strong start. The Bulls gave up 46 points, and were outscored by 29, in the third quarter on Friday night, which put the game out of reach, resulting in their third straight loss. Zach LaVine was quiet, with just 15 points in the contest, but otherwise has been incredible this season. LaVine topped 20 points in each of his previous games, and is averaging 25.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Wendell Carter Jr. has had a great start to his rookie campaign, averaging 11.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. The Bulls are giving up an average of 112.7 points per game, which is 10th worst in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Raptors (12-4), who are coming off a hard-fought overtime loss in Boston on Friday evening. Despite having six players score in double digits, including 31 points and 15 rebounds from Kawhi Leonard, and 21 points from Serge Ibaka, the Raptors fell short for their third straight loss. They have dropped consecutive games to the Pelicans, Pistons and on Friday night, the Celtics. This marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Raptors, who are 5-2 on the road this season. The Raptors are averaging 116.5 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Leonard has been quiet effective for Toronto, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while Kyle Lowry has been the team's engine, averaging 16.1 points, 10.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this is also the second night of a back-to-back for the Bulls (4-12), who are coming off a tough home loss against the Bucks, where they were blown out despite a strong start. The Bulls gave up 46 points, and were outscored by 29, in the third quarter on Friday night, which put the game out of reach, resulting in their third straight loss. Zach LaVine was quiet, with just 15 points in the contest, but otherwise has been incredible this season. LaVine topped 20 points in each of his previous games, and is averaging 25.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Wendell Carter Jr. has had a great start to his rookie campaign, averaging 11.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. The Bulls are giving up an average of 112.7 points per game, which is 10th worst in the league.
Surging Rockets Host Kings on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings travel to Texas to play the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Saturday.
The Kings (8-7) have traded off wins and losses across their last five games, as they come into this matchup losing four of their last six games in total. That's what many skeptics expected, as the 6-3 start appeared to be a miracle for a team who many anticipated would finish bottom-three in the league. That notion is way past this team at this point though, as many of their young players have had breakout seasons. Willie Cauley-Stein and De'Aaron Fox have been especially good, as they lead this team in scoring, rebounding and assists. It's also gotten this team up to ninth in scoring, as there's a ton of promise surrounding this team. They do sit 25th in points allowed though, as the ugly defense has been an issue for this team for nearly a decade now. It's hard to see that improving, as there's simply no defensive stoppers on this roster.
The Rockets (7-7) come into this matchup winning three-straight and six of their last eight games in total. Some of the wins recently have to make fans encouraged too, as the most recent victory was a blowout win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. That followed up a road win over the surprising Denver Nuggets, as this team appears to be fully back at this point. What's strange about this club is the fact that they're getting it done with defense, not offense. In fact, Houston ranks fifth in points allowed, while owning the second-slowest pace in the league. Those are surprising statistics but the offensive numbers are downright shocking. In fact, the Rockets sit 27th in scoring and 29th in assists. Those are baffling numbers considering this club ranked top-three in both those categories last season and it's hard to understand why. One has to figure that the offensive and defensive splits will regress, as this offense is too potent to post numbers like these.
Houston has won 10-straight games over Sacramento dating back to 2014, with an average margin north of 10 points per game.
The Kings (8-7) have traded off wins and losses across their last five games, as they come into this matchup losing four of their last six games in total. That's what many skeptics expected, as the 6-3 start appeared to be a miracle for a team who many anticipated would finish bottom-three in the league. That notion is way past this team at this point though, as many of their young players have had breakout seasons. Willie Cauley-Stein and De'Aaron Fox have been especially good, as they lead this team in scoring, rebounding and assists. It's also gotten this team up to ninth in scoring, as there's a ton of promise surrounding this team. They do sit 25th in points allowed though, as the ugly defense has been an issue for this team for nearly a decade now. It's hard to see that improving, as there's simply no defensive stoppers on this roster.
The Rockets (7-7) come into this matchup winning three-straight and six of their last eight games in total. Some of the wins recently have to make fans encouraged too, as the most recent victory was a blowout win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. That followed up a road win over the surprising Denver Nuggets, as this team appears to be fully back at this point. What's strange about this club is the fact that they're getting it done with defense, not offense. In fact, Houston ranks fifth in points allowed, while owning the second-slowest pace in the league. Those are surprising statistics but the offensive numbers are downright shocking. In fact, the Rockets sit 27th in scoring and 29th in assists. Those are baffling numbers considering this club ranked top-three in both those categories last season and it's hard to understand why. One has to figure that the offensive and defensive splits will regress, as this offense is too potent to post numbers like these.
Houston has won 10-straight games over Sacramento dating back to 2014, with an average margin north of 10 points per game.
Mavericks Look To Take Advantage Of Disheveled Warriors
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Golden State Warriors, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavericks (6-8) have won three in a row, over solid teams, including the Thunder and Jazz. Their rookie phenom, Luka Doncic has been playing great, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, in 33 minutes per game. Harrison Barnes had a slow start, but has picked it up, averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 rebounds per game. Dennis Smith Jr. is playing well off the ball, averaging 14.9 points on 48 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Mavericks have won their last three home games, and have a home record of 5-2 so far. They sit 13th place in the West, two games behind the eighth spot.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (12-4) are coming off a tough loss in the wake of their internal strife, which has plagued the team over the last couple of days. They have been shaky lately, as they have dropped three of their last five games, including the game where Draymond Green and Kevin Durant got into an altercation at the end of regulation, also the first game that the two played together again, after Green's one-game suspension. To make hard times worse, Stephen Curry (groin) has missed the last four games and is expected to remain out for at least a couple more. Klay Thompson has been the steady rock through the injuries and turmoil, and does a solid job to give his team a chance every night, averaging 21.1 points on 46 percent shooting. The Warriors still have on of the best offenses in the league, as they average 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league.
The Mavericks (6-8) have won three in a row, over solid teams, including the Thunder and Jazz. Their rookie phenom, Luka Doncic has been playing great, averaging 19.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, in 33 minutes per game. Harrison Barnes had a slow start, but has picked it up, averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 rebounds per game. Dennis Smith Jr. is playing well off the ball, averaging 14.9 points on 48 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Mavericks have won their last three home games, and have a home record of 5-2 so far. They sit 13th place in the West, two games behind the eighth spot.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (12-4) are coming off a tough loss in the wake of their internal strife, which has plagued the team over the last couple of days. They have been shaky lately, as they have dropped three of their last five games, including the game where Draymond Green and Kevin Durant got into an altercation at the end of regulation, also the first game that the two played together again, after Green's one-game suspension. To make hard times worse, Stephen Curry (groin) has missed the last four games and is expected to remain out for at least a couple more. Klay Thompson has been the steady rock through the injuries and turmoil, and does a solid job to give his team a chance every night, averaging 21.1 points on 46 percent shooting. The Warriors still have on of the best offenses in the league, as they average 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Suns Host Red-Hot Thunder
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday.
The Thunder (9-5) have been one of the surprises of the NBA over recent weeks, as they continue to succeed without Russell Westbrook (ankle). In fact, Oklahoma City comes into this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games, as the news just keeps getting better. After going through practice the last two days, beat writers believe that Westbrook will make his return in this fixture. That makes an already hot team even more dangerous and the sky's the limit for this talented group. The Dennis Schroder acquisition was key, as he's filled-in seamlessly for Westbrook in his absence. Schroder is currently averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. While he's expected to return to the bench when Westbrook returns, it'll give this team a scoring presence off the bench that they're desperately missing.
The Suns (3-11) come into this matchup off a huge win against the San Antonio Spurs, as that broke a downright ugly stretch. In fact, Phoenix lost 11 of their previous 12 games, with all 11 losses being decided by seven points or more. Both ends of the floor have been ugly, with this team sitting 30th in points scored and 24th in points allowed. That defensive ranking is actually an improvement on the past few years, as that offensive number is hard to understand. With players like Devin Booker, T.J. Warren and DeAndre Ayton at the helm, there's no excuse for this club to rank dead-last in scoring. This team wasn't expected to win this year though, which makes the acquisitions of Jamal Crawford, Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson all the more bizarre. Those moves were supposed to show fans that they plan on staying competitive but it's clear at this point that this simply won't happen. It's all about development and the duo of Booker and Ayton has to give Phoenix fans something to get excited about despite the struggles.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Oklahoma City prevailing in both outings. In fact, the Thunder are averaging 117.5 points per game in those wins, as they've won four-straight over the Suns in total.
The Thunder (9-5) have been one of the surprises of the NBA over recent weeks, as they continue to succeed without Russell Westbrook (ankle). In fact, Oklahoma City comes into this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games, as the news just keeps getting better. After going through practice the last two days, beat writers believe that Westbrook will make his return in this fixture. That makes an already hot team even more dangerous and the sky's the limit for this talented group. The Dennis Schroder acquisition was key, as he's filled-in seamlessly for Westbrook in his absence. Schroder is currently averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. While he's expected to return to the bench when Westbrook returns, it'll give this team a scoring presence off the bench that they're desperately missing.
The Suns (3-11) come into this matchup off a huge win against the San Antonio Spurs, as that broke a downright ugly stretch. In fact, Phoenix lost 11 of their previous 12 games, with all 11 losses being decided by seven points or more. Both ends of the floor have been ugly, with this team sitting 30th in points scored and 24th in points allowed. That defensive ranking is actually an improvement on the past few years, as that offensive number is hard to understand. With players like Devin Booker, T.J. Warren and DeAndre Ayton at the helm, there's no excuse for this club to rank dead-last in scoring. This team wasn't expected to win this year though, which makes the acquisitions of Jamal Crawford, Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson all the more bizarre. Those moves were supposed to show fans that they plan on staying competitive but it's clear at this point that this simply won't happen. It's all about development and the duo of Booker and Ayton has to give Phoenix fans something to get excited about despite the struggles.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Oklahoma City prevailing in both outings. In fact, the Thunder are averaging 117.5 points per game in those wins, as they've won four-straight over the Suns in total.