Pacers Play Host to Pistons on Monday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Detroit Pistons at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Monday,
The Pistons (39-37) own a 16-8 record across their last 24 games, as that stretch has essentially locked up a playoff berth. The recent form isn't quite as promising though, with Detroit owning a .500 record across their last 12 games. This is a team that needs to find some rhythm headed into the postseason and many people have this team projected as a darkhorse in the Eastern Conference. The major reason why is their frontcourt, with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond running the show. That's arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA and it'll be fascinating to see how they play come playoff time.
The Pacers (45-32) come into this matchup losing seven of their last eight games, as their reeling heading into the postseason. After sitting in third for most of the season, Indiana has fallen down to fifth. While that's not a huge drop, it likely has cost them homecourt advantage in the first-round and a matchup with the Boston Celtics. That's a scary proposition for a club without Victor Oladipo(knee) and one would have to believe a quick exit is in their future if they don't start playing better. The fact that this team has stayed so competitive without Oladipo shows just how good of a team they are though, with players like Bojan Bogdanovic, Myles Turner and Darren Collison stepping up in his absence. That core has the Pacers with the best defense in the league and that's what's going to have to carry them in the postseason.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with these clubs splitting the first two meetings. In fact, the home team has prevailed in both outings.
The Pistons (39-37) own a 16-8 record across their last 24 games, as that stretch has essentially locked up a playoff berth. The recent form isn't quite as promising though, with Detroit owning a .500 record across their last 12 games. This is a team that needs to find some rhythm headed into the postseason and many people have this team projected as a darkhorse in the Eastern Conference. The major reason why is their frontcourt, with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond running the show. That's arguably the best frontcourt in the NBA and it'll be fascinating to see how they play come playoff time.
The Pacers (45-32) come into this matchup losing seven of their last eight games, as their reeling heading into the postseason. After sitting in third for most of the season, Indiana has fallen down to fifth. While that's not a huge drop, it likely has cost them homecourt advantage in the first-round and a matchup with the Boston Celtics. That's a scary proposition for a club without Victor Oladipo(knee) and one would have to believe a quick exit is in their future if they don't start playing better. The fact that this team has stayed so competitive without Oladipo shows just how good of a team they are though, with players like Bojan Bogdanovic, Myles Turner and Darren Collison stepping up in his absence. That core has the Pacers with the best defense in the league and that's what's going to have to carry them in the postseason.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with these clubs splitting the first two meetings. In fact, the home team has prevailed in both outings.
Celtics Play Host to Heat on Monday
The Miami Heat travel to Beantown to play the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Monday.
The Heat (38-38) come into this matchup winning 11 of their last 16 games, as that has them in the playoffs for the time being. With that said, Miami is just half-a-game up on the Orlando Magic in ninth and both these clubs are leaving it all on the floor right now. The Brooklyn Nets are just one game up of Orlando too in seventh, so it's anyone's to have at this point. The return of Goran Dragic is the direct correlation to this positive stretch. He's added a dynamic that this team has been missing all season, as they've been in desperate need of a playmaker and a ball-handler. Dwyane Wade has done all he can to make up for that and he's truly having a magical season in his farewell campaign.
The Celtics (45-32) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games and no one can really figure out what's going on with this team. Finishing fourth in the east is a nice accomplishment but it's simply not good enough for a team with this sort of talent. What's strange is the fact that so many players have struggled this season. Players like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have actually been worse this season and they need more from that bench if they want to get anywhere in the postseason. Even with the recent struggles, this team is one of the favorites to get through the east, as any team can be beaten in that conference. Resting players like Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will hopefully help them achieve that goal because that definitely hasn't helped their losing ways either.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the home team prevailing in each of the first two outings.
The Heat (38-38) come into this matchup winning 11 of their last 16 games, as that has them in the playoffs for the time being. With that said, Miami is just half-a-game up on the Orlando Magic in ninth and both these clubs are leaving it all on the floor right now. The Brooklyn Nets are just one game up of Orlando too in seventh, so it's anyone's to have at this point. The return of Goran Dragic is the direct correlation to this positive stretch. He's added a dynamic that this team has been missing all season, as they've been in desperate need of a playmaker and a ball-handler. Dwyane Wade has done all he can to make up for that and he's truly having a magical season in his farewell campaign.
The Celtics (45-32) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games and no one can really figure out what's going on with this team. Finishing fourth in the east is a nice accomplishment but it's simply not good enough for a team with this sort of talent. What's strange is the fact that so many players have struggled this season. Players like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have actually been worse this season and they need more from that bench if they want to get anywhere in the postseason. Even with the recent struggles, this team is one of the favorites to get through the east, as any team can be beaten in that conference. Resting players like Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will hopefully help them achieve that goal because that definitely hasn't helped their losing ways either.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the home team prevailing in each of the first two outings.
Bucks Take On Nets In Big Apple
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Bucks (57-20) have a slew of injuries at the moment, but they've impressively managed to play through them and continue winning the majority of their contests. Milwaukee enters Monday's game having prevailed in four of their last five contests, and their one loss during that spell came in a heartbreaking 136-135 overtime defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon. Sterling Brown led the way for the Bucks with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Tim Frazier stepped up with a 20-point, 15-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and one steal. Brook Lopez provided 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. George Hill led the bench with 18 points and added six rebounds, one assist and one block. Patrick Connaughton posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Bonzie Colson contributed 15 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. D.J. Wilson turned in 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks will likely list Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) as questionable at best for Monday's game and could hold him out again considering their comfortable lead for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Khris Middleton (groin) is likely to share the same designation, while Nikola Mirotic (thumb), Tony Snell (ankle) and Pau Gasol (ankle) will remain out.
The Nets (39-38) continue to battle for playoff positioning, and they check into Monday's game slotted into the seventh seed after having won three of their last five games. Brooklyn's most recent success came against the Boston Celtics, which they toppled by a 110-96 score on Saturday night. D'Angelo Russell led the way with 29 point and also dished out 10 assists, pulled down three rebounds and recorded two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 15 points. Joe Harris and DeMarre Carroll generated matching 13-point tallies while hauling in eight and four rebounds, respectively. Jarrett Allen turned in 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Nets will continue to be without Allen Crabbe (knee) on Monday. Rodions Kurucs (knee) is considered doubtful.
Monday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 129-115 and 113-94 wins on Dec. 29 and Feb. 4, respectively.
The Bucks (57-20) have a slew of injuries at the moment, but they've impressively managed to play through them and continue winning the majority of their contests. Milwaukee enters Monday's game having prevailed in four of their last five contests, and their one loss during that spell came in a heartbreaking 136-135 overtime defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon. Sterling Brown led the way for the Bucks with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Tim Frazier stepped up with a 20-point, 15-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and one steal. Brook Lopez provided 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. George Hill led the bench with 18 points and added six rebounds, one assist and one block. Patrick Connaughton posted a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Bonzie Colson contributed 15 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. D.J. Wilson turned in 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks will likely list Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) as questionable at best for Monday's game and could hold him out again considering their comfortable lead for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Khris Middleton (groin) is likely to share the same designation, while Nikola Mirotic (thumb), Tony Snell (ankle) and Pau Gasol (ankle) will remain out.
The Nets (39-38) continue to battle for playoff positioning, and they check into Monday's game slotted into the seventh seed after having won three of their last five games. Brooklyn's most recent success came against the Boston Celtics, which they toppled by a 110-96 score on Saturday night. D'Angelo Russell led the way with 29 point and also dished out 10 assists, pulled down three rebounds and recorded two steals. Caris LeVert led the bench with 15 points. Joe Harris and DeMarre Carroll generated matching 13-point tallies while hauling in eight and four rebounds, respectively. Jarrett Allen turned in 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Nets will continue to be without Allen Crabbe (knee) on Monday. Rodions Kurucs (knee) is considered doubtful.
Monday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 129-115 and 113-94 wins on Dec. 29 and Feb. 4, respectively.
Bulls and Knicks Battle In Big Apple
The Chicago Bulls take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The Bulls (21-56) come into Monday's game in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped four straight contests. They most recently fell to the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 124-101 score on Saturday night. Walt Lemon, Jr. paced the Bulls with 19 points, six assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrott followed with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Shaquille Harrison furnished 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Antonio Blakeney posted 12 points and five rebounds.
The Bulls will continue to be without Kris Dunn (back), Zach LaVine (thigh) and Otto Porter, Jr. (shoulder) in Monday's game.
The Knicks (14-62) come into Monday's game reeling as well, as they've dropped six straight contests. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Miami Heat, which edged them by a 100-92 score on Saturday night. Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 24 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Luke Kornet delivered 17 points, eight boards, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Kevin Knox managed 16 points, one rebound and one steal. Dennis Smith, Jr. tallied 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Mitchell Robinson furnished nine points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
The Knicks are slated to be without Allonzo Trier (calf) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) on Monday.
Monday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-115 overtime win on Nov. 5.
The Bulls (21-56) come into Monday's game in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped four straight contests. They most recently fell to the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 124-101 score on Saturday night. Walt Lemon, Jr. paced the Bulls with 19 points, six assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrott followed with an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Shaquille Harrison furnished 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Antonio Blakeney posted 12 points and five rebounds.
The Bulls will continue to be without Kris Dunn (back), Zach LaVine (thigh) and Otto Porter, Jr. (shoulder) in Monday's game.
The Knicks (14-62) come into Monday's game reeling as well, as they've dropped six straight contests. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Miami Heat, which edged them by a 100-92 score on Saturday night. Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 24 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Luke Kornet delivered 17 points, eight boards, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Kevin Knox managed 16 points, one rebound and one steal. Dennis Smith, Jr. tallied 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals. Mitchell Robinson furnished nine points, 14 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
The Knicks are slated to be without Allonzo Trier (calf) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) on Monday.
Monday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-115 overtime win on Nov. 5.
Magic Tangle With Raptors North of Border
The Orlando Magic take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night.
The Magic (38-39) have kept themselves within striking distance of the playoffs with a recent excellent stretch of play, as they've notched wins in seven of their last eight games. They remain just a half-game behind the eighth-seeded Miami Heat going into Monday's contest, and they most recently triumphed over the Indiana Pacers by a 121-116 score on Saturday night. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic posted 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Terrence Ross poured in 16 points to lead the bench. Jonathan Isaac furnished 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. D.J. Augustin contributed 11 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. Michael Carter-Williams and Khem Birch produced matching 10-point, two-block tallies while dishing out five assists and bringing down four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic will continue to be without Isaiah Briscoe (knee), Markelle Fultz (shoulder) and Mo Bamba (leg) on Monday.
The Raptors (54-23) come into Monday's contest with a three-game winning streak in tow, and a firm hold of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Toronto's most recent success came at the expense of the Chicago Bulls, which they toppled by a 124-101 score on Saturday night. Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with 23 points, with Ibaka notably hauling in 12 rebounds as well. Marc Gasol contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Norman Powell and Jodie Meeks contributed 15 and 14 points off the bench, respectively.
The Raptors will continue to be without Patrick McCaw (thumb) on Monday. OG Anunoby (concussion) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's contest marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 116-87 and 113-98 wins on Dec. 28 and Feb. 24, respectively.
The Magic (38-39) have kept themselves within striking distance of the playoffs with a recent excellent stretch of play, as they've notched wins in seven of their last eight games. They remain just a half-game behind the eighth-seeded Miami Heat going into Monday's contest, and they most recently triumphed over the Indiana Pacers by a 121-116 score on Saturday night. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic posted 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Terrence Ross poured in 16 points to lead the bench. Jonathan Isaac furnished 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. D.J. Augustin contributed 11 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. Michael Carter-Williams and Khem Birch produced matching 10-point, two-block tallies while dishing out five assists and bringing down four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic will continue to be without Isaiah Briscoe (knee), Markelle Fultz (shoulder) and Mo Bamba (leg) on Monday.
The Raptors (54-23) come into Monday's contest with a three-game winning streak in tow, and a firm hold of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Toronto's most recent success came at the expense of the Chicago Bulls, which they toppled by a 124-101 score on Saturday night. Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with 23 points, with Ibaka notably hauling in 12 rebounds as well. Marc Gasol contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Norman Powell and Jodie Meeks contributed 15 and 14 points off the bench, respectively.
The Raptors will continue to be without Patrick McCaw (thumb) on Monday. OG Anunoby (concussion) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's contest marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 116-87 and 113-98 wins on Dec. 28 and Feb. 24, respectively.
Timberwolves Look To Close Out Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Portland Trail Blazers, at Target Center on Monday evening.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Timberwolves (34-42), where they have gone 1-2 so far. The T-Wolves are 24-13 at home this season but have dropped seven of their last 10 games overall. Karl-Anthony Towns continues to put up solid numbers, averaging 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 blocks over his last nine games. Jeff Teague (foot) and Derrick Rose (elbow) are done for the season, leaving most of the point guard duties to Tyus Jones. Jone is averaging 11.1 points, 6.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 29 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Andrew Wiggins has been playing well recently, averaging 20.0 points on 44.5 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists over his last eight games.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Trail Blazers (48-28), where they have gone 2-1, so far, with wins in Chicago and Atlanta, followed by a loss in Detroit in their most recent contest. The Trail Blazers are 19-19 on the road this season. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and sit fourth place in the West, 0.5 games out of third and 4.0 games out of first. Additionally, the Blazers will have to use their remaining games of the season to find a way to adapt to the loss of Jusuf Nurkic. C.J. McCollum (knee) has missed the last seven games, and did not travel with the team on their road trip. Damian Lillard continues to lead the team, and is averaging 27.0 points, 8.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Enes Kanter has started at center in the last three games, and is averaging 15.7 points and 9.7 rebounds during that stretch.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Timberwolves (34-42), where they have gone 1-2 so far. The T-Wolves are 24-13 at home this season but have dropped seven of their last 10 games overall. Karl-Anthony Towns continues to put up solid numbers, averaging 24.7 points, 13.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 blocks over his last nine games. Jeff Teague (foot) and Derrick Rose (elbow) are done for the season, leaving most of the point guard duties to Tyus Jones. Jone is averaging 11.1 points, 6.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 29 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Andrew Wiggins has been playing well recently, averaging 20.0 points on 44.5 percent shooting, 5.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists over his last eight games.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Trail Blazers (48-28), where they have gone 2-1, so far, with wins in Chicago and Atlanta, followed by a loss in Detroit in their most recent contest. The Trail Blazers are 19-19 on the road this season. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games, and sit fourth place in the West, 0.5 games out of third and 4.0 games out of first. Additionally, the Blazers will have to use their remaining games of the season to find a way to adapt to the loss of Jusuf Nurkic. C.J. McCollum (knee) has missed the last seven games, and did not travel with the team on their road trip. Damian Lillard continues to lead the team, and is averaging 27.0 points, 8.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Enes Kanter has started at center in the last three games, and is averaging 15.7 points and 9.7 rebounds during that stretch.
Mavericks Look To Build Off Big Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Philadelphia 76ers, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (30-46), who are coming off an impressive win in Oklahoma City on Sunday evening. Despite missing Luka Doncic (thigh) the Mavericks managed to pull off an impressive road win, behind 25 points and eight assists from Trey Burke. Jalen Brunson also came up big in the contest, with 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Mavs, who are 22-15 at home this season, which is one of the best home records for a non-playoff team. Dwight Powell has been playing well lately, averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 blocks over his last 10 games. Doncic remains questionable for action on Monday.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the 76ers (49-27), which they kicked off with a win in Minnesota on Saturday evening. The Sixers have been playing well lately, winning eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They sit third place in the East, 4.5 games behind second place. Joel Embiid (load management) is not with the team for their road trip. Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in their most recent win, and is averaging 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last 10 games. Ben Simmons continues to dominate in his own right, averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Despite all the firepower on Philly, J.J. Redick manages to produce at a high rate, averaging 17.6 point on 43 percent shooting, in 31 minutes per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (30-46), who are coming off an impressive win in Oklahoma City on Sunday evening. Despite missing Luka Doncic (thigh) the Mavericks managed to pull off an impressive road win, behind 25 points and eight assists from Trey Burke. Jalen Brunson also came up big in the contest, with 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Mavs, who are 22-15 at home this season, which is one of the best home records for a non-playoff team. Dwight Powell has been playing well lately, averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 blocks over his last 10 games. Doncic remains questionable for action on Monday.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the 76ers (49-27), which they kicked off with a win in Minnesota on Saturday evening. The Sixers have been playing well lately, winning eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They sit third place in the East, 4.5 games behind second place. Joel Embiid (load management) is not with the team for their road trip. Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in their most recent win, and is averaging 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last 10 games. Ben Simmons continues to dominate in his own right, averaging 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Despite all the firepower on Philly, J.J. Redick manages to produce at a high rate, averaging 17.6 point on 43 percent shooting, in 31 minutes per game.
Hornets Continue Road Trip With Visit to Utah
By Oscar Heanue
The Charlotte Hornets will visit the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday evening.
Charlotte (35-41) seemed to be surging late in the season after winning four straight games before kicking off their West Coast trip. The Hornets' current trip has been a difficult one, though, as the team has lost both games by a considerable margin. On Sunday, Charlotte took a season-worst 47-point loss to the Warriors at Oracle Arena. No Charlotte starter scored more than nine points in the win. Willy Hernangomez provided a lone bright spot, scoring 22 points off the bench. The Hornets will likely need to play perfect basketball to close out the season if they hope to remain in playoff contention. They currently sit at tenth in the Eastern Conference and trail the eighth-place Miami Heat by three games.
Utah (46-30) will not make it easy for Charlotte to bounce back, though. The Jazz are the league's hottest team, having won nine out of ten games heading into Monday's matchup. The Jazz most recently took down the Wizards, 128-124, on Friday. While it wasn't the type of lockdown defensive performance that has become a hallmark of Quin Snyder's teams, Utah scored at an impressive clip in the win. Donovan Mitchell led the way, pouring in 35 points to snap a streak of mediocre sub-20 point nights. The Jazz are fifth in the Western Conference and trail the fourth-place Portland Trail Blazers by two games.
Utah won the first meeting between the two teams, 119-111, in November. Mitchell scored 30 points to lead all scorers in that win.
Charlotte (35-41) seemed to be surging late in the season after winning four straight games before kicking off their West Coast trip. The Hornets' current trip has been a difficult one, though, as the team has lost both games by a considerable margin. On Sunday, Charlotte took a season-worst 47-point loss to the Warriors at Oracle Arena. No Charlotte starter scored more than nine points in the win. Willy Hernangomez provided a lone bright spot, scoring 22 points off the bench. The Hornets will likely need to play perfect basketball to close out the season if they hope to remain in playoff contention. They currently sit at tenth in the Eastern Conference and trail the eighth-place Miami Heat by three games.
Utah (46-30) will not make it easy for Charlotte to bounce back, though. The Jazz are the league's hottest team, having won nine out of ten games heading into Monday's matchup. The Jazz most recently took down the Wizards, 128-124, on Friday. While it wasn't the type of lockdown defensive performance that has become a hallmark of Quin Snyder's teams, Utah scored at an impressive clip in the win. Donovan Mitchell led the way, pouring in 35 points to snap a streak of mediocre sub-20 point nights. The Jazz are fifth in the Western Conference and trail the fourth-place Portland Trail Blazers by two games.
Utah won the first meeting between the two teams, 119-111, in November. Mitchell scored 30 points to lead all scorers in that win.
Cavaliers, Suns Clash Amidst Struggles
By Oscar Heanue
The Cleveland Cavaliers will visit the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday evening.
Cleveland (19-58) is destined for the lottery in its first season since the departure of LeBron James in free agency. The Cavaliers are in the middle of yet another rough patch, as they have dropped five straight games heading into Monday's contest. Monday's trip to Phoenix will be the third game in a West Coast road trip that most recently took the Cavs to Los Angeles to face the Clippers. Cleveland lost by 24, but did see an impressive 21-point performance from rookie guard Colin Sexton. Sexton has come alive since the All-Star Break, averaging 20.9 points per game and shooting 43.5 percent from three-point range. While Sexton's play has impressed, it has not translated into many wins for the Cavaliers, who currently occupy 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix (17-60) is in the middle of a five-game losing streak of its own. The team has lost its last three despite the historic play of shooting guard Devin Booker. Booker scored 59 in a loss to the Jazz last week, and has since followed up with two more big scoring nights. Booker scored 50 against the Wizards and 48 against the Grizzlies, making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to score 45 or more points in three straight games and lose all three. Booker is averaging a career-best 26.9 points per game on 58.3 percent true shooting. Booker's heroics have not been enough to salvage Phoenix's season, though, as the team is in last place in the West for the third straight year.
Cleveland earned a blowout win when these teams first met back in late February.
Cleveland (19-58) is destined for the lottery in its first season since the departure of LeBron James in free agency. The Cavaliers are in the middle of yet another rough patch, as they have dropped five straight games heading into Monday's contest. Monday's trip to Phoenix will be the third game in a West Coast road trip that most recently took the Cavs to Los Angeles to face the Clippers. Cleveland lost by 24, but did see an impressive 21-point performance from rookie guard Colin Sexton. Sexton has come alive since the All-Star Break, averaging 20.9 points per game and shooting 43.5 percent from three-point range. While Sexton's play has impressed, it has not translated into many wins for the Cavaliers, who currently occupy 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
Phoenix (17-60) is in the middle of a five-game losing streak of its own. The team has lost its last three despite the historic play of shooting guard Devin Booker. Booker scored 59 in a loss to the Jazz last week, and has since followed up with two more big scoring nights. Booker scored 50 against the Wizards and 48 against the Grizzlies, making him the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to score 45 or more points in three straight games and lose all three. Booker is averaging a career-best 26.9 points per game on 58.3 percent true shooting. Booker's heroics have not been enough to salvage Phoenix's season, though, as the team is in last place in the West for the third straight year.
Cleveland earned a blowout win when these teams first met back in late February.