Hawks Play Host to Bucks on Sunday
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Georgia to play the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Bucks (57-19) come into this matchup winning four-straight games, as they've all but locked up the best record in the NBA. With just six games remaining, Milwaukee owns a four-game lead on the Toronto Raptors in second. No Western Conference is even close and the Bucks need just two wins to lock up homecourt throughout the postseason. Having homecourt for this club would be a huge advantage too, with the Bucks owning a 32-6 record at Fiserv Forum this season. This is simply the best team in basketball at this point and it's going to be tough to beat them in any seven-game series. With that said, Giannis Antetokounmpo comes into this matchup questionable and it would be surprising to see him suit up with bigger goals in the Bucks future.
The Hawks (27-49) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as they've seen some of the biggest development of any team this season. While the record doesn't show that, it's a simple fact that these youngsters are getting better. Trae Young and John Collins have been incredible, with both players looking like potential future all-stars. That's all you can ask for from your top picks and this franchise appears to be in great hands for the coming years. What they do need to work on is their defense though, with Atlanta ranking dead-last in points allowed for the majority of the season.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with Milwaukee winning the first two matchups. In fact, both games were decided by 19 points or more, with Milwaukee averaging nearly 140 points per game.
The Bucks (57-19) come into this matchup winning four-straight games, as they've all but locked up the best record in the NBA. With just six games remaining, Milwaukee owns a four-game lead on the Toronto Raptors in second. No Western Conference is even close and the Bucks need just two wins to lock up homecourt throughout the postseason. Having homecourt for this club would be a huge advantage too, with the Bucks owning a 32-6 record at Fiserv Forum this season. This is simply the best team in basketball at this point and it's going to be tough to beat them in any seven-game series. With that said, Giannis Antetokounmpo comes into this matchup questionable and it would be surprising to see him suit up with bigger goals in the Bucks future.
The Hawks (27-49) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as they've seen some of the biggest development of any team this season. While the record doesn't show that, it's a simple fact that these youngsters are getting better. Trae Young and John Collins have been incredible, with both players looking like potential future all-stars. That's all you can ask for from your top picks and this franchise appears to be in great hands for the coming years. What they do need to work on is their defense though, with Atlanta ranking dead-last in points allowed for the majority of the season.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with Milwaukee winning the first two matchups. In fact, both games were decided by 19 points or more, with Milwaukee averaging nearly 140 points per game.
Thunder Play Host to Mavericks on Sunday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday.
The Mavericks (29-46) have just three wins across their last 20 games and it's clear their eyes are on next season. The future is extremely bright for this organization though, with Luka Doncic looking like one of the best players in the league. He's doing that despite being just 20-years-old and the sky is the limit for this youngster. It's not just him though, as they've gotten some great seasons from players like Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson. We're burying the lead though, as the return of Kristaps Porzingis next season is what fans are really looking forward too. That means one more piece could make this team a serious threat and this will certainly be a team to watch next season. With that said, Doncic has already been ruled out for this game, as Dallas will monitor his minutes the final few weeks to prevent any injuries.
The Thunder (44-32) have been a huge disappointment recently, as they come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 20 games. It's hard to understand why they have fallen off so badly but it's free-falling them right down the standings. Oklahoma City now finds themselves eighth in the west, which is quite the collapse from a team who sat third at one point. The good news is that they can still move up, as they're just two games back of the Utah Jazz in fifth. That means a few wins could climb them up but it appears they'll be on the road in the playoffs no matter what. That's really discouraging for a team who owns a 20-19 road record and this season would be quite the disappointment if they were ousted in the first round of the playoffs.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Dallas winning two of three thus far. In fact, the home team has won all three meetings so far.
The Mavericks (29-46) have just three wins across their last 20 games and it's clear their eyes are on next season. The future is extremely bright for this organization though, with Luka Doncic looking like one of the best players in the league. He's doing that despite being just 20-years-old and the sky is the limit for this youngster. It's not just him though, as they've gotten some great seasons from players like Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson. We're burying the lead though, as the return of Kristaps Porzingis next season is what fans are really looking forward too. That means one more piece could make this team a serious threat and this will certainly be a team to watch next season. With that said, Doncic has already been ruled out for this game, as Dallas will monitor his minutes the final few weeks to prevent any injuries.
The Thunder (44-32) have been a huge disappointment recently, as they come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 20 games. It's hard to understand why they have fallen off so badly but it's free-falling them right down the standings. Oklahoma City now finds themselves eighth in the west, which is quite the collapse from a team who sat third at one point. The good news is that they can still move up, as they're just two games back of the Utah Jazz in fifth. That means a few wins could climb them up but it appears they'll be on the road in the playoffs no matter what. That's really discouraging for a team who owns a 20-19 road record and this season would be quite the disappointment if they were ousted in the first round of the playoffs.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Dallas winning two of three thus far. In fact, the home team has won all three meetings so far.
Lakers and Pelicans Meet In Big Easy
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Arena on Sunday evening.
The Lakers (34-42) come into Sunday's game in the midst of a modest late-season surge, as they've notched wins in three of the last four games. However, LeBron James has now been shut down for the remainder of the season, which when combined with the slew of other key absences Los Angeles has suffered over the course of the campaign, could certainly affect the team's effectiveness the rest of the way. The Lakers' latest success came against the Charlotte Hornets by a 129-115 score on Friday night. James led the way with 27 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma managed 20 points, three rebounds and one assist. Lance Stephenson contributed a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
In addition to James, the Lakers will list Reggie Bullock (foot) and Tyson Chandler (illness) as game-time decisions for Sunday's game.
The Pelicans (32-45) are in the midst of a late-season stretch of ineptitude, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having dropped nine of their last 11 games. However, New Orleans was successful its most recent time on the court, notching a 121-118 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 27 points. De'Aaron Fox followed with a 25-point, 12-assist double-double. Willie Cauley-Stein turned in 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 14 points.
The Pelicans will be without Frank Jackson (concussion), E'Twaun Moore (quadriceps) and Darius Miller (adductor) on Sunday. Anthony Davis (back) will be listed as a game-time decision.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 112-104 and 125-119 wins on Dec. 21 and Feb. 27, respectively.
The Lakers (34-42) come into Sunday's game in the midst of a modest late-season surge, as they've notched wins in three of the last four games. However, LeBron James has now been shut down for the remainder of the season, which when combined with the slew of other key absences Los Angeles has suffered over the course of the campaign, could certainly affect the team's effectiveness the rest of the way. The Lakers' latest success came against the Charlotte Hornets by a 129-115 score on Friday night. James led the way with 27 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma managed 20 points, three rebounds and one assist. Lance Stephenson contributed a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
In addition to James, the Lakers will list Reggie Bullock (foot) and Tyson Chandler (illness) as game-time decisions for Sunday's game.
The Pelicans (32-45) are in the midst of a late-season stretch of ineptitude, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having dropped nine of their last 11 games. However, New Orleans was successful its most recent time on the court, notching a 121-118 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 27 points. De'Aaron Fox followed with a 25-point, 12-assist double-double. Willie Cauley-Stein turned in 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 14 points.
The Pelicans will be without Frank Jackson (concussion), E'Twaun Moore (quadriceps) and Darius Miller (adductor) on Sunday. Anthony Davis (back) will be listed as a game-time decision.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 112-104 and 125-119 wins on Dec. 21 and Feb. 27, respectively.
Kings Tangle With Spurs in Lone Star State Battle
The Sacramento Kings take on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings (37-39) had the look of a possible Western Conference playoff contender at one point, but a late-season spiral derailed those plans. Sacramento now finds itself a full seven games behind the eighth-seeded OKC Thunder with eight games to play. The Kings have dropped three of their past four games coming into Sunday, with their latest defeat a 119-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening. Buddy Hield led the way with 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. Marvin Bagley III finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accumulated 18 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings will likely list Nemanja Bjelica (illness) as questionable at best for Sunday's game. Harry Giles (thigh) is likely to carry the same designation.
The Spurs (44-32) have now officially clinched a playoff spot, but they'll be looking to generate some momentum heading into the postseason after having lost three of their past five games. San Antonio was successful its most recent time on the court, however, posting a 116-110 win on Thursday night. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 25 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes generated 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marco Belinelli led the bench with 16 points. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Rudy Gay turned in 12 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Spurs come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 104-99 and 127-112 wins on Nov. 12 and Feb. 4, respectively.
The Kings (37-39) had the look of a possible Western Conference playoff contender at one point, but a late-season spiral derailed those plans. Sacramento now finds itself a full seven games behind the eighth-seeded OKC Thunder with eight games to play. The Kings have dropped three of their past four games coming into Sunday, with their latest defeat a 119-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday evening. Buddy Hield led the way with 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. Marvin Bagley III finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accumulated 18 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists, while Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
The Kings will likely list Nemanja Bjelica (illness) as questionable at best for Sunday's game. Harry Giles (thigh) is likely to carry the same designation.
The Spurs (44-32) have now officially clinched a playoff spot, but they'll be looking to generate some momentum heading into the postseason after having lost three of their past five games. San Antonio was successful its most recent time on the court, however, posting a 116-110 win on Thursday night. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 25 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes generated 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Marco Belinelli led the bench with 16 points. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Rudy Gay turned in 12 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Spurs come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 104-99 and 127-112 wins on Nov. 12 and Feb. 4, respectively.
Wizards Continue Trip Through Western Conference Against Nuggets
The Washington Wizards take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Sunday night.
The Wizards (31-46) come into Sunday's game spiraling as their non-playoff season winds down, as they've dropped six of the last seven contests. Their most recent defeat came against the Utah Jazz, which toppled them by a 128-124 score on Friday night. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 34 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis followed with 28 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Troy Brown, Jr. and Jabari Parker generated matching 15-point, four-rebound tallies, Thomas Bryant added 11 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block.
The Wizards will list Trevor Ariza (groin) as out for Sunday's game.
The Nuggets (51-24) continue to own a share of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference alongside the Golden State Warriors, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent win came against the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 115-105 margin on Friday night. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Paul Millsap totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Will Barton poured in 12 points. Mason Plumlee finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-108 victory on March 21.
The Wizards (31-46) come into Sunday's game spiraling as their non-playoff season winds down, as they've dropped six of the last seven contests. Their most recent defeat came against the Utah Jazz, which toppled them by a 128-124 score on Friday night. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 34 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Bobby Portis followed with 28 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Troy Brown, Jr. and Jabari Parker generated matching 15-point, four-rebound tallies, Thomas Bryant added 11 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a block.
The Wizards will list Trevor Ariza (groin) as out for Sunday's game.
The Nuggets (51-24) continue to own a share of the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference alongside the Golden State Warriors, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent win came against the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 115-105 margin on Friday night. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 27 points, adding nine assists, five rebounds and one steal. Nikola Jokic generated a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Paul Millsap totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Will Barton poured in 12 points. Mason Plumlee finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-108 victory on March 21.
Warriors Looking To Bounce Back From Tough Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Charlotte Hornets, at Oracle Arena on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (51-24) are coming off a hard-fought loss in their most recent contest, as they fell short by one point in overtime, in Minnesota on Friday evening. After a three by Stephen Curry to tie it up in the final second, the Warriors lost the game as their opponent was fouled on a last-second play, and made 1-of-2 shots from the free throw line. The Warriors are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are tied with the Nuggets for first place in the West. Curry leads the Warriors, averaging 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and1.4 steals per game. Kevin Durant is averaging very similar numbers, with 26.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. DeMarcus Cousins has looked quite good so far since returning to action, and is averaging 15.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals, in 26 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (35-40), which began with a loss in L.A., against the Lakers on Friday night. The Hornets are 11-25 on the road this season, but need to put the past behind them, as the need every inch they can get to help make a push for eighth in the East. The Hornets sit 10th place heading into Sunday. Kemba Walker continues to give his team everything he has, averaging 25.2 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Miles Bridges played well, with 17 points, five assists and three rebounds, in the Hornets' most recent contest, and is averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals over his last 10 games. Nicolas Batum has not played in the last four games, and was a healthy DNP in the Hornets' most recent contest.
The Warriors (51-24) are coming off a hard-fought loss in their most recent contest, as they fell short by one point in overtime, in Minnesota on Friday evening. After a three by Stephen Curry to tie it up in the final second, the Warriors lost the game as their opponent was fouled on a last-second play, and made 1-of-2 shots from the free throw line. The Warriors are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and are tied with the Nuggets for first place in the West. Curry leads the Warriors, averaging 27.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and1.4 steals per game. Kevin Durant is averaging very similar numbers, with 26.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. DeMarcus Cousins has looked quite good so far since returning to action, and is averaging 15.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals, in 26 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (35-40), which began with a loss in L.A., against the Lakers on Friday night. The Hornets are 11-25 on the road this season, but need to put the past behind them, as the need every inch they can get to help make a push for eighth in the East. The Hornets sit 10th place heading into Sunday. Kemba Walker continues to give his team everything he has, averaging 25.2 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Miles Bridges played well, with 17 points, five assists and three rebounds, in the Hornets' most recent contest, and is averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals over his last 10 games. Nicolas Batum has not played in the last four games, and was a healthy DNP in the Hornets' most recent contest.
Clippers, Grizzlies Both Face Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Memphis Grizzlies, at Staples Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Clippers (46-31) and also the second night of a back-to-back, which they kicked off with a win over the Cavs on Saturday. Montrezl Harrell led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench, while Shai Gilgeous -Alexander followed up with 22 points, eight assists, two rebounds and a steal, in the win. The Clippers have won four in a row at home, and are 24-13 at home this season. They have won eight of their last 10 games overall, and sit sixth place in the West, 0.5 games out of fourth and 0.5 games ahead of seventh. Lou Williams leads the team in scoring, averaging 20.3 points, in 26 minutes off the bench per game. Danilo Gallinari averages 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game, however, he missed the Clippers' last contest with a sore ankle.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (31-45), who are coming off an impressive win in Phoenix on Saturday, where Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 34 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Mike Conley also came up huge in the win, with 33 points. Valanciunas has been great since joining the Grizzlies, averaging 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 blocks over his last 10 games. This marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Grizzlies, who are 11-26 on the road this season. Mike Conley leads the Grizzlies, averaging 21.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Despite all the changes, Memphis has managed to stick to its defensive ways, holding opponents to an average of 105.3 points per game, which is second lowest in the NBA.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Clippers (46-31) and also the second night of a back-to-back, which they kicked off with a win over the Cavs on Saturday. Montrezl Harrell led the way with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench, while Shai Gilgeous -Alexander followed up with 22 points, eight assists, two rebounds and a steal, in the win. The Clippers have won four in a row at home, and are 24-13 at home this season. They have won eight of their last 10 games overall, and sit sixth place in the West, 0.5 games out of fourth and 0.5 games ahead of seventh. Lou Williams leads the team in scoring, averaging 20.3 points, in 26 minutes off the bench per game. Danilo Gallinari averages 19.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game, however, he missed the Clippers' last contest with a sore ankle.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (31-45), who are coming off an impressive win in Phoenix on Saturday, where Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 34 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Mike Conley also came up huge in the win, with 33 points. Valanciunas has been great since joining the Grizzlies, averaging 20.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 blocks over his last 10 games. This marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Grizzlies, who are 11-26 on the road this season. Mike Conley leads the Grizzlies, averaging 21.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Despite all the changes, Memphis has managed to stick to its defensive ways, holding opponents to an average of 105.3 points per game, which is second lowest in the NBA.