Clippers Back Home After Successful Road Trip
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers, at Staples Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Clippers (45-31), who are 23-13 at home this season. The Clippers are coming off a four-game road trip, where they went 3-1, with wins in Cleveland, New York and Minnesota, followed by a loss in Milwaukee in their most recent contest. The Clippers are 8-2 in their last 10 games over all and have moved up to the sixth spot in the West as they continue to surpass expectations. The Clippers' bench is their best advantage, as Lou Williams leads the team with an average of 20.3 points, in 27 minutes per game. Williams (rest) did not play in the Clippers' most recent contest, but is expected to be back in action on Saturday. Montrezl Harrell is another major influence off the bench for L.A., as he is averaging 16.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks, in 26 minutes per game. Danilo Gallinari has been the most influential starter, averaging 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a five-game road trip for the Cavaliers (19-57), which began with a loss in San Antonio on Thursday. The Cavs have lost their last seven road games, and are 6-31 on the road this season. The Cavs are averaging 104.5 points per game, which is second least in the league. Collin Sexton has been playing well since the all-star break, and is averaging 24.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists over his last 10 games. Kevin Love has played well since returning to action and is averaging 15.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists over his last 10 games. Cedi Osman has had a good season in terms of his development, and is averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, in 32 minutes per game.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Clippers (45-31), who are 23-13 at home this season. The Clippers are coming off a four-game road trip, where they went 3-1, with wins in Cleveland, New York and Minnesota, followed by a loss in Milwaukee in their most recent contest. The Clippers are 8-2 in their last 10 games over all and have moved up to the sixth spot in the West as they continue to surpass expectations. The Clippers' bench is their best advantage, as Lou Williams leads the team with an average of 20.3 points, in 27 minutes per game. Williams (rest) did not play in the Clippers' most recent contest, but is expected to be back in action on Saturday. Montrezl Harrell is another major influence off the bench for L.A., as he is averaging 16.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks, in 26 minutes per game. Danilo Gallinari has been the most influential starter, averaging 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a five-game road trip for the Cavaliers (19-57), which began with a loss in San Antonio on Thursday. The Cavs have lost their last seven road games, and are 6-31 on the road this season. The Cavs are averaging 104.5 points per game, which is second least in the league. Collin Sexton has been playing well since the all-star break, and is averaging 24.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists over his last 10 games. Kevin Love has played well since returning to action and is averaging 15.5 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists over his last 10 games. Cedi Osman has had a good season in terms of his development, and is averaging 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, in 32 minutes per game.
Rockets Host Kings on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings travel to Texas to play the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Saturday.
The Kings (37-38) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 20 games, as that has put an end to any playoff hopes they once had. The fact that this club even battled for a playoff berth is impressive in itself though, as many experts had this team pegged to finish bottom-five at the beginning of the season. What's really changed this team is the development of their youngsters, with players like De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and Bogdan Bogdanovic all taking major strides this season. That's a fantastic core for the future and this is definitely a team to fear for the next few years
The Rockets (48-28) come into this matchup winning 15 of their last 19 games, as that has catapulted them all the way up to third in the west. That's an amazing run, especially considering this club was barely .500 after the opening month of the season. James Harden has just taken this team on his shoulders and carried them to this point. Not only is he leading the NBA with 36.2 points per game, but he's also providing 6.5 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game as well. That's why he's one of the favorites for MVP honors and it would be a travesty if he didn't land that award at this point. In any case, this club looks like a guarantee to land homecourt in the first-round and that alone is a nice achievement.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with Houston winning the first two matchups. The Rockets are actually averaging 130 points per game in those two matchups.
The Kings (37-38) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 20 games, as that has put an end to any playoff hopes they once had. The fact that this club even battled for a playoff berth is impressive in itself though, as many experts had this team pegged to finish bottom-five at the beginning of the season. What's really changed this team is the development of their youngsters, with players like De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Marvin Bagley III and Bogdan Bogdanovic all taking major strides this season. That's a fantastic core for the future and this is definitely a team to fear for the next few years
The Rockets (48-28) come into this matchup winning 15 of their last 19 games, as that has catapulted them all the way up to third in the west. That's an amazing run, especially considering this club was barely .500 after the opening month of the season. James Harden has just taken this team on his shoulders and carried them to this point. Not only is he leading the NBA with 36.2 points per game, but he's also providing 6.5 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game as well. That's why he's one of the favorites for MVP honors and it would be a travesty if he didn't land that award at this point. In any case, this club looks like a guarantee to land homecourt in the first-round and that alone is a nice achievement.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with Houston winning the first two matchups. The Rockets are actually averaging 130 points per game in those two matchups.
Nets Begin Tough Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Boston Celtics, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the first game back home after a grueling seven-game road trip for the Nets (38-38), where they went 2-5, picking up wins in Sacramento and in L.A. over the Lakers. This marks the first game of a tough three-game home stand for the Nets, where they host the Celtics, Bucks and Raptors. D'Angelo Russell continues to lead the Nets in his impressive M.I.P.-candidate season, averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Joe Harris is a player that flies under the radar, as he dropped 22 points in the Nets' last outing, and is averaging 13.6 points on 50 percent shooting, in 30 minutes per game. Caris LeVert has been solid since returning from injury, and is averaging 9.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 24 minutes per game over his last 10 games. The Nets sit seventh place in the East, 0.5 games out of sixth, and 1.0 games over ninth.
Meanwhile, the marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Celtics (45-31), who are coming off a hard-fought home win over the Pacers on Friday. The contest came down to the final seconds, as Kyrie Irving drained the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds on the clock. the Celtics have won two in a row, and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. With the win on Friday, the Celtics moved to fourth place in the East, tied with the Pacers, and 3.5 games behind third place. Irving led the Celtics with 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting on Friday, and leads the team with an average of 23.8 points, 7.1 assists 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Al Horford continues to play well, as he tallied 19 points and seven rebounds on Friday night, and is averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Although Jayson Tatum has not had a big game for a while, he is still quietly producing, averaging 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last eight games.
This marks the first game back home after a grueling seven-game road trip for the Nets (38-38), where they went 2-5, picking up wins in Sacramento and in L.A. over the Lakers. This marks the first game of a tough three-game home stand for the Nets, where they host the Celtics, Bucks and Raptors. D'Angelo Russell continues to lead the Nets in his impressive M.I.P.-candidate season, averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Joe Harris is a player that flies under the radar, as he dropped 22 points in the Nets' last outing, and is averaging 13.6 points on 50 percent shooting, in 30 minutes per game. Caris LeVert has been solid since returning from injury, and is averaging 9.4 points, 3.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 24 minutes per game over his last 10 games. The Nets sit seventh place in the East, 0.5 games out of sixth, and 1.0 games over ninth.
Meanwhile, the marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Celtics (45-31), who are coming off a hard-fought home win over the Pacers on Friday. The contest came down to the final seconds, as Kyrie Irving drained the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds on the clock. the Celtics have won two in a row, and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. With the win on Friday, the Celtics moved to fourth place in the East, tied with the Pacers, and 3.5 games behind third place. Irving led the Celtics with 30 points on 11-of-22 shooting on Friday, and leads the team with an average of 23.8 points, 7.1 assists 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Al Horford continues to play well, as he tallied 19 points and seven rebounds on Friday night, and is averaging 13.3 points, 4.1 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Although Jayson Tatum has not had a big game for a while, he is still quietly producing, averaging 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last eight games.
Trail Blazers and Pistons Tangle In Motown
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The Trail Blazers (48-27) are a team peaking at the right time of the season, as they've notched six straight wins. Their most recent success came in an impressive display versus the high-octane Atlanta Hawks, which they toppled by a 118-98 margin on Friday night. Damian Lillard led the way for the Trail Blazers with 36 points, adding seven assists and three rebounds. Al-Farouq Aminu generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and a block. Enes Kanter furnished 14 points, eight rebounds and one block. Seth Curry poured in 12 points to lead the bench. Jake Layman and Zach Collins posted matching nine-point tallies, with Collins also hauling in nine boards.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without C.J. McCollum (knee) on Saturday.
The Pistons (38-37) have been jeopardizing their playoff positioning with an ill-timed skid recently, as they'll come into Saturday's game having dropped four of their last six games. However, one of the two wins during that sample came in their most recent time on the court, as they toppled the Orlando Magic by a 115-98 score on Thursday night. Wayne Ellington paced the Pistons with 25 points, adding three steals. Blake Griffin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one steal. Andre Drummond put up 18 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, six blocks and one steal. Ish Smith paced the Detroit bench with 15 points while also dishing out six assists and hauling in four rebounds. Langston Galloway turned in 12 points, two assists and one steal.
The Pistons come into Saturday's contest without any injuries to report.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers own a 1-0 series lead, having just notched a 117-112 win on March 23.
The Trail Blazers (48-27) are a team peaking at the right time of the season, as they've notched six straight wins. Their most recent success came in an impressive display versus the high-octane Atlanta Hawks, which they toppled by a 118-98 margin on Friday night. Damian Lillard led the way for the Trail Blazers with 36 points, adding seven assists and three rebounds. Al-Farouq Aminu generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and a block. Enes Kanter furnished 14 points, eight rebounds and one block. Seth Curry poured in 12 points to lead the bench. Jake Layman and Zach Collins posted matching nine-point tallies, with Collins also hauling in nine boards.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without C.J. McCollum (knee) on Saturday.
The Pistons (38-37) have been jeopardizing their playoff positioning with an ill-timed skid recently, as they'll come into Saturday's game having dropped four of their last six games. However, one of the two wins during that sample came in their most recent time on the court, as they toppled the Orlando Magic by a 115-98 score on Thursday night. Wayne Ellington paced the Pistons with 25 points, adding three steals. Blake Griffin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one steal. Andre Drummond put up 18 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, six blocks and one steal. Ish Smith paced the Detroit bench with 15 points while also dishing out six assists and hauling in four rebounds. Langston Galloway turned in 12 points, two assists and one steal.
The Pistons come into Saturday's contest without any injuries to report.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers own a 1-0 series lead, having just notched a 117-112 win on March 23.
Pacers Looking To Bounce Back From Tough Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Orlando Magic, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (45-31), as they are coming off a heart-breaking loss in Boston on Friday night. The Pacers did a great job to tie the score with a minute left, but they fell short at the final buzzer, as they gave up the game-winning bucket with 0.5 seconds on the clock. The loss put the Pacers tied for fourth in the East, as they sit 3.5 games behind the third seed. The Pacers are in the midst of a rough patch, as they have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Pacers have won their last four home games, and are 28-9 at home this season. In the absence of Victor Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic has stepped up to lead the team in scoring on a few occasions, while he is averaging 18.0 points on 49 percent shooting. Darren Collison has been solid at the point, and is averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last seven games. The Pacers are one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they hold their opponents to a league-low average of 104.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Magic (37-39), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a win in Miami, followed by a loss in Detroit in their most recent contest. The Magic are 14-23 on the road this season. They have won seven of their last 10 games overall, and sit ninth place in the East, 0.5 games out of eighth place. Terrence Ross continues to play well, as he is averaging 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals over his last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic, averaging 20.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (45-31), as they are coming off a heart-breaking loss in Boston on Friday night. The Pacers did a great job to tie the score with a minute left, but they fell short at the final buzzer, as they gave up the game-winning bucket with 0.5 seconds on the clock. The loss put the Pacers tied for fourth in the East, as they sit 3.5 games behind the third seed. The Pacers are in the midst of a rough patch, as they have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Pacers have won their last four home games, and are 28-9 at home this season. In the absence of Victor Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic has stepped up to lead the team in scoring on a few occasions, while he is averaging 18.0 points on 49 percent shooting. Darren Collison has been solid at the point, and is averaging 12.9 points, 6.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last seven games. The Pacers are one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they hold their opponents to a league-low average of 104.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Magic (37-39), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a win in Miami, followed by a loss in Detroit in their most recent contest. The Magic are 14-23 on the road this season. They have won seven of their last 10 games overall, and sit ninth place in the East, 0.5 games out of eighth place. Terrence Ross continues to play well, as he is averaging 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals over his last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic, averaging 20.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
Heat Hit Big Apple To Battle Knicks
The Miami Heat takes on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The Heat (37-38) has seen its playoff chances fluctuate in recent games, as they'd actually dropped out of the eighth seed earlier in the week after a loss to the Orlando Magic. However, Miami has vaulted back into the last spot in the Eastern Conference courtesy of a 105-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, their fifth victory in seven games. Goran Dragic drew the start and led the way with a 23-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Dion Waiters followed with 17 points, two rebounds and one assist. Hassan Whiteside had a near double-double with 12 points and nine boards. Bam Adebayo generated an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Dwyane Wade matched Adebayo's scoring total off the bench.
The Heat comes play Saturday's game without the services of Justise Winslow (thigh), Rodney McGruder (knee) and Josh Richardson (heel).
The Knicks (14-61) are looking to get the final seven games of the season out of the way after what has been a tough rebuilding campaign overall. New York has dropped five straight games, their latest extended losing stretch. Their most recent stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which dominated them by a 117-92 margin on Thursday night. Pascal Siakam led the way with 31 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet and Jeremy Lin generated matching 12-point tallies while dishing out eight assists and bringing down five rebounds, respectively. Norman Powell poured in 11 points. Serge Ibaka contributed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
The Knicks will be without Allonzo Trier (calf) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) on Saturday. Frank Ntilikina (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 2-0 series lead, having notched 110-87 and 106-97 wins on Oct. 24 and Jan. 27, respectively.
The Heat (37-38) has seen its playoff chances fluctuate in recent games, as they'd actually dropped out of the eighth seed earlier in the week after a loss to the Orlando Magic. However, Miami has vaulted back into the last spot in the Eastern Conference courtesy of a 105-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, their fifth victory in seven games. Goran Dragic drew the start and led the way with a 23-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Dion Waiters followed with 17 points, two rebounds and one assist. Hassan Whiteside had a near double-double with 12 points and nine boards. Bam Adebayo generated an 11-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Dwyane Wade matched Adebayo's scoring total off the bench.
The Heat comes play Saturday's game without the services of Justise Winslow (thigh), Rodney McGruder (knee) and Josh Richardson (heel).
The Knicks (14-61) are looking to get the final seven games of the season out of the way after what has been a tough rebuilding campaign overall. New York has dropped five straight games, their latest extended losing stretch. Their most recent stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which dominated them by a 117-92 margin on Thursday night. Pascal Siakam led the way with 31 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet and Jeremy Lin generated matching 12-point tallies while dishing out eight assists and bringing down five rebounds, respectively. Norman Powell poured in 11 points. Serge Ibaka contributed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
The Knicks will be without Allonzo Trier (calf) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) on Saturday. Frank Ntilikina (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 2-0 series lead, having notched 110-87 and 106-97 wins on Oct. 24 and Jan. 27, respectively.
Bulls Host Raptors on Saturday
The Toronto Raptors travel to Illinois to play the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday.
The Raptors (53-23) own a 7-6 record across their last 13 games, as they simply don't care about wins and losses at this point. That's evident by the fact that they've rested Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard on numerous occasions this season. Leonard is actually being rested for this game here but they probably don't even need him. The reason they're being rested is because the Raptors have essentially locked themselves into the two-seed. In fact, Toronto is four games back of the Milwaukee Bucks in first and 4.5 games up on the Philadelphia 76ers in third. That's a huge margin to make up in just six games and it's clear the Raptors will take every precaution possible to have Leonard and Lowry fully healthy heading into the postseason. Pascal Siakam will be just fine without them and he looks well on his way to a Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Bulls (21-55) have had a bad season for their standards but the roster they're putting out there right now simply can't compete. In fact, they're starting guys like Wayne Selden Jr, Shaquille Harrison, Antonio Blakeney and Brandon Sampson right now. That's a who's who of nobodies and it's no surprise their record is so poor when seeing that. You have to give these youngsters some credit though, as they've done well in the face of adversity. Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn are all injured right now and that makes this roster much easier to understand. It's simple though, this club is not good enough to compete. That's why they own the fourth-worst record in the league and many wonder if they'll win another game this year with all these young studs sidelined.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Toronto looking for the four-game season sweep.
The Raptors (53-23) own a 7-6 record across their last 13 games, as they simply don't care about wins and losses at this point. That's evident by the fact that they've rested Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard on numerous occasions this season. Leonard is actually being rested for this game here but they probably don't even need him. The reason they're being rested is because the Raptors have essentially locked themselves into the two-seed. In fact, Toronto is four games back of the Milwaukee Bucks in first and 4.5 games up on the Philadelphia 76ers in third. That's a huge margin to make up in just six games and it's clear the Raptors will take every precaution possible to have Leonard and Lowry fully healthy heading into the postseason. Pascal Siakam will be just fine without them and he looks well on his way to a Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Bulls (21-55) have had a bad season for their standards but the roster they're putting out there right now simply can't compete. In fact, they're starting guys like Wayne Selden Jr, Shaquille Harrison, Antonio Blakeney and Brandon Sampson right now. That's a who's who of nobodies and it's no surprise their record is so poor when seeing that. You have to give these youngsters some credit though, as they've done well in the face of adversity. Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn are all injured right now and that makes this roster much easier to understand. It's simple though, this club is not good enough to compete. That's why they own the fourth-worst record in the league and many wonder if they'll win another game this year with all these young studs sidelined.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Toronto looking for the four-game season sweep.
T'Wolves Host Sixers on Saturday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Target Center on Saturday.
The Sixers (48-27) come into this matchup winning seven of their last nine games, as that stretch has catapulted themselves all the way up to third in the east. They appear to have locked up that three-seed too, as they are now 3.5 games up on the Boston Celtics in fourth. That's simply too much ground to make up in seven games and it's clear that Philly knows this with their resting ways. That's why Joel Embiid will take a seat here and it'll all be on the shoulders of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Butler will be happy to run the show in this game too, as this is a huge revenge game for the former T'Wolf.
The Timberwolves (34-41) pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season on Friday, as they beat the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 131-130. That ended a stretch in which Minnesota lost six of their previous seven games, as it's been a hugely disappointing season for the Minnesota faithful. What's really killed them is the fact that they can't stay healthy, as their point guard position has specifically been a nightmare. Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague have been in and out of the lineup all year and it's simply impossible to win in today's NBA without a consistent point guard running the show. What makes it even sadder is the fact that Karl-Anthony Towns is having a breakout season. The star center has been arguably the best player in the league since the break and one has to wonder where this franchise is headed with him in the fold.
Philadelphia absolutely obliterated Minnesota in their first meeting, 149-107. This actually marks Jimmy Butler's first game back in Minnesota since causing the ruckus that got him traded.
The Sixers (48-27) come into this matchup winning seven of their last nine games, as that stretch has catapulted themselves all the way up to third in the east. They appear to have locked up that three-seed too, as they are now 3.5 games up on the Boston Celtics in fourth. That's simply too much ground to make up in seven games and it's clear that Philly knows this with their resting ways. That's why Joel Embiid will take a seat here and it'll all be on the shoulders of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. Butler will be happy to run the show in this game too, as this is a huge revenge game for the former T'Wolf.
The Timberwolves (34-41) pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season on Friday, as they beat the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 131-130. That ended a stretch in which Minnesota lost six of their previous seven games, as it's been a hugely disappointing season for the Minnesota faithful. What's really killed them is the fact that they can't stay healthy, as their point guard position has specifically been a nightmare. Derrick Rose and Jeff Teague have been in and out of the lineup all year and it's simply impossible to win in today's NBA without a consistent point guard running the show. What makes it even sadder is the fact that Karl-Anthony Towns is having a breakout season. The star center has been arguably the best player in the league since the break and one has to wonder where this franchise is headed with him in the fold.
Philadelphia absolutely obliterated Minnesota in their first meeting, 149-107. This actually marks Jimmy Butler's first game back in Minnesota since causing the ruckus that got him traded.
Grizzlies and Suns Face Off in Desert Showdown
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (30-45) showed some signs of life shortly after the All-Star break, but the wins have once again started to become increasingly infrequent as the end of the season draws near. Most recently, Memphis has dropped five of its last seven games, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of the Golden State Warriors by a 118-103 score on Wednesday night. Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the Grizzlies with a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Mike Conley turned in 22 points, eight assists and one rebound. Bruno Caboclo generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double. Chandler Parsons led the second unit with 13 points and added five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Grizzlies will be without Avery Bradley (lower leg) and Joakim Noah (knee) on Saturday. Valanciunas (abdomen) is considered probable.
The Suns (17-59) also come into Saturday's contest in the midst of a stretch of a poor play, as they've dropped five straight games. Phoenix's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Washington Wizards, which toppled them by a 124-121 score on Wednesday night. Devin Booker once again turned in a spectacular performance, providing 50 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Troy Daniels supplied 15 points and five rebounds. Deandre Ayton posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Dragan Bender and Jamal Crawford managed matching 12-point tallies while hauling in six rebounds and dishing out seven assists, respectively.
The Suns will continue to be without Tyler Johnson (knee) and T.J. Warren (ankle) on Saturday. Josh Jackson (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Grizzlies notching a 117-96 win on Oct. 27 and the Suns countering with a 102-100 victory on Nov. 4.
The Grizzlies (30-45) showed some signs of life shortly after the All-Star break, but the wins have once again started to become increasingly infrequent as the end of the season draws near. Most recently, Memphis has dropped five of its last seven games, with their most recent defeat coming at the hands of the Golden State Warriors by a 118-103 score on Wednesday night. Jonas Valanciunas led the way for the Grizzlies with a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Mike Conley turned in 22 points, eight assists and one rebound. Bruno Caboclo generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double. Chandler Parsons led the second unit with 13 points and added five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Grizzlies will be without Avery Bradley (lower leg) and Joakim Noah (knee) on Saturday. Valanciunas (abdomen) is considered probable.
The Suns (17-59) also come into Saturday's contest in the midst of a stretch of a poor play, as they've dropped five straight games. Phoenix's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Washington Wizards, which toppled them by a 124-121 score on Wednesday night. Devin Booker once again turned in a spectacular performance, providing 50 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Troy Daniels supplied 15 points and five rebounds. Deandre Ayton posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Dragan Bender and Jamal Crawford managed matching 12-point tallies while hauling in six rebounds and dishing out seven assists, respectively.
The Suns will continue to be without Tyler Johnson (knee) and T.J. Warren (ankle) on Saturday. Josh Jackson (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Grizzlies notching a 117-96 win on Oct. 27 and the Suns countering with a 102-100 victory on Nov. 4.