Magic Play Nets on Tuesday
The Orlando Magic play host to the Brooklyn Nets in Orlando on Tuesday.
The Nets (34-36) have been one of the biggest surprises of this Orlando restart, winning four of their first six games. What makes then even more surprising is the fact that they have wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks in their last seven games. That's an amazing run and what makes it even crazier is the fact that they're playing without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince. That says a lot about the perseverance of this team and it's been quite the fight of adversity to get to this point. They have now secured a playoff spot in the east and this matchup will go a long way into seeing whether they'll face the Bucks or Raptors in the playoffs.
The Magic (32-39) come into this matchup losing four-straight, which happened to follow up a five-game winning streak. That nine-game stretch tells you everything you need to know, as this team is impossible to predict. Players like Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Markelle Fultz mark them as dangerous as anyone but it's not enough superstar talent to shoo away the good teams. Where they are scary is on the defensive end, allowing the sixth-fewest points in the NBA. Where they struggle is on the offensive end though, ranked just 25th in points scored. That makes this game as unpredictable as the rest but Orlando will surely be motivated to end their current slide.
This marks the fourth matchup between these teams, with Orlando winning all three so far.
The Nets (34-36) have been one of the biggest surprises of this Orlando restart, winning four of their first six games. What makes then even more surprising is the fact that they have wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks in their last seven games. That's an amazing run and what makes it even crazier is the fact that they're playing without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince. That says a lot about the perseverance of this team and it's been quite the fight of adversity to get to this point. They have now secured a playoff spot in the east and this matchup will go a long way into seeing whether they'll face the Bucks or Raptors in the playoffs.
The Magic (32-39) come into this matchup losing four-straight, which happened to follow up a five-game winning streak. That nine-game stretch tells you everything you need to know, as this team is impossible to predict. Players like Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Markelle Fultz mark them as dangerous as anyone but it's not enough superstar talent to shoo away the good teams. Where they are scary is on the defensive end, allowing the sixth-fewest points in the NBA. Where they struggle is on the offensive end though, ranked just 25th in points scored. That makes this game as unpredictable as the rest but Orlando will surely be motivated to end their current slide.
This marks the fourth matchup between these teams, with Orlando winning all three so far.
Spurs and Rockets Face Off in Orlando
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Houston Rockets in Orlando on Tuesday.
The Rockets (44-25) have developed into one of the scariest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning five of their last six games. This might be the most entertaining team to watch too, running at an unruly pace while firing up three's at will. This Rockets team has also turned into a bunch of animals on the defensive end, causing turnovers like your local baker. When people criticize Houston, they always talk about how they are too small to compete. They've proven time and time again that they can win despite being dominated on the boards and it's about time that people start realizing that their opponent is at just as big of a disadvantage.
The Spurs (31-38) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games, nearly securing a chance to reach the playoffs. Rules say that you need to finish within four games of eighth to get into a play-in tournament and that looks like a near guarantee, sitting just one game back of the Memphis Grizzlies. If this team somehow reaches the postseason, it'll mark their 21st-straight season getting there. That's a heck of an accomplishment from this organization and they're still getting it done with Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Duncan Robinson long gone. It's now DeMar DeRozan's team and he's making a beautiful pairing with youngsters like Dejounte Murray and Derrick White.
These teams have played twice this season, splitting the two meetings. In fact, the home team won both of those outings and each game was decided by a two-point margin.
The Rockets (44-25) have developed into one of the scariest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning five of their last six games. This might be the most entertaining team to watch too, running at an unruly pace while firing up three's at will. This Rockets team has also turned into a bunch of animals on the defensive end, causing turnovers like your local baker. When people criticize Houston, they always talk about how they are too small to compete. They've proven time and time again that they can win despite being dominated on the boards and it's about time that people start realizing that their opponent is at just as big of a disadvantage.
The Spurs (31-38) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games, nearly securing a chance to reach the playoffs. Rules say that you need to finish within four games of eighth to get into a play-in tournament and that looks like a near guarantee, sitting just one game back of the Memphis Grizzlies. If this team somehow reaches the postseason, it'll mark their 21st-straight season getting there. That's a heck of an accomplishment from this organization and they're still getting it done with Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Duncan Robinson long gone. It's now DeMar DeRozan's team and he's making a beautiful pairing with youngsters like Dejounte Murray and Derrick White.
These teams have played twice this season, splitting the two meetings. In fact, the home team won both of those outings and each game was decided by a two-point margin.
Suns Aim To Extend Undefeated Run Against 76ers
The Phoenix Suns will play the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at Orlando.
The Suns (32-39) extended their undefeated streak to six games in the Orlando bubble after Monday's 128-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game in which Devin Booker contributed with 35 points for the winning cause. The Suns are keeping their playoff chances alive with only a few games left in the schedule, which is incredible based on how far they were in the standings before the league resumed July 30. Phoenix has scored 110+ points in every bubble contest, and it's extremely hard to keep up with their pace with Ricky Rubio and Booker are running the show. Clearly, their formula is working but face another tough test in the 76ers on Tuesday, and a win here could prove they're more than ready to clinch a postseason spot if they chance arises.
Phoenix was without Kelly Oubre and Aron Baynes (both knee) for Monday's matchup, and both are extremely unlikely to play Tuesday. Elie Okobo (ankle) is questionable, and Tariq Owens (not injury related) is out for the remainder of the season.
The 76ers (42-28) are coming off a 124-121 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers the last time out, and it seems Philadelphia won't have enough time to make a push for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, meaning they'll get an extremely tough first-round matchup in the playoffs. However, the Sixers' focus is not on the final seeding games, as they have already clinched a playoff berth a while ago. Their real focus lies on recovering some of their star players, as Philadelphia will be extremely depleted for Tuesday's tilt.
Indeed, Philadelphia will be without Ben Simmons (kneecap), who might miss the remainder of the season, and Joel Embiid (ankle), who has already been ruled out though his injury is not deemed to be serious. As if that wasn't enough, Al Horford (knee) and Tobias Harris (ankle) are game-time decisions while Josh Richardson (rest) has also been ruled out.
This will be the second meeting between both franchises this season, and Phoenix secured a 114-109 win in their prior matchup on Nov. 4 last year.
The Suns (32-39) extended their undefeated streak to six games in the Orlando bubble after Monday's 128-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, a game in which Devin Booker contributed with 35 points for the winning cause. The Suns are keeping their playoff chances alive with only a few games left in the schedule, which is incredible based on how far they were in the standings before the league resumed July 30. Phoenix has scored 110+ points in every bubble contest, and it's extremely hard to keep up with their pace with Ricky Rubio and Booker are running the show. Clearly, their formula is working but face another tough test in the 76ers on Tuesday, and a win here could prove they're more than ready to clinch a postseason spot if they chance arises.
Phoenix was without Kelly Oubre and Aron Baynes (both knee) for Monday's matchup, and both are extremely unlikely to play Tuesday. Elie Okobo (ankle) is questionable, and Tariq Owens (not injury related) is out for the remainder of the season.
The 76ers (42-28) are coming off a 124-121 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers the last time out, and it seems Philadelphia won't have enough time to make a push for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, meaning they'll get an extremely tough first-round matchup in the playoffs. However, the Sixers' focus is not on the final seeding games, as they have already clinched a playoff berth a while ago. Their real focus lies on recovering some of their star players, as Philadelphia will be extremely depleted for Tuesday's tilt.
Indeed, Philadelphia will be without Ben Simmons (kneecap), who might miss the remainder of the season, and Joel Embiid (ankle), who has already been ruled out though his injury is not deemed to be serious. As if that wasn't enough, Al Horford (knee) and Tobias Harris (ankle) are game-time decisions while Josh Richardson (rest) has also been ruled out.
This will be the second meeting between both franchises this season, and Phoenix secured a 114-109 win in their prior matchup on Nov. 4 last year.
Grizzlies Play Celtics In Key Matchup
The Boston Celtics will play the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at Orlando.
The Celtics (47-23) have been finding a groove in Orlando and are getting hot at the perfect time, as Brad Stevens' men arrive into this contest riding a three-game winning run following Sunday's 122-119 overtime win over the Orlando Magic. The offense has been clicking for Boston of late, as they have scored at least 122 points in every contest during their ongoing three-game winning run, although the defense has left something to be desired at times. Either way, Boston will probably try to make as much adjustments as possible ahead of the playoff race, but they will attempt to push their winning streak to four games here against a struggling Memphis squad.
Boston will be close to full strength ahead of Tuesday's game, and the long potential absentee will be Daniel Theis who has been listed as a game-time decision due to a foot injury.
At the other end, there might not be a bigger game for the Grizzlies (33-38) this season than Tuesday's, as they are literally fighting for their lives in the seeding games. Memphis has struggled since the league restarted July 30, and they have stumbled to a 1-5 record that includes losses against direct opponents in the playoff race such as the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs. They are coming off a 108-99 defeat against the Toronto Raptors, and the Celtics do not present an easier matchup -- they also are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Memphis will have to play one of their best games of the season if they want to come out on top here.
Memphis will be without Jaren Jackson (knee) and Justise Winslow (hip), as both players have been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Tyus Jones has been listed as questionable due to a knee injury.
This will be the second meeting between both teams this season, and the prior contest between them finished with a 119-95 win for the Celtics back on Jan. 22.
The Celtics (47-23) have been finding a groove in Orlando and are getting hot at the perfect time, as Brad Stevens' men arrive into this contest riding a three-game winning run following Sunday's 122-119 overtime win over the Orlando Magic. The offense has been clicking for Boston of late, as they have scored at least 122 points in every contest during their ongoing three-game winning run, although the defense has left something to be desired at times. Either way, Boston will probably try to make as much adjustments as possible ahead of the playoff race, but they will attempt to push their winning streak to four games here against a struggling Memphis squad.
Boston will be close to full strength ahead of Tuesday's game, and the long potential absentee will be Daniel Theis who has been listed as a game-time decision due to a foot injury.
At the other end, there might not be a bigger game for the Grizzlies (33-38) this season than Tuesday's, as they are literally fighting for their lives in the seeding games. Memphis has struggled since the league restarted July 30, and they have stumbled to a 1-5 record that includes losses against direct opponents in the playoff race such as the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs. They are coming off a 108-99 defeat against the Toronto Raptors, and the Celtics do not present an easier matchup -- they also are one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Memphis will have to play one of their best games of the season if they want to come out on top here.
Memphis will be without Jaren Jackson (knee) and Justise Winslow (hip), as both players have been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Tyus Jones has been listed as questionable due to a knee injury.
This will be the second meeting between both teams this season, and the prior contest between them finished with a 119-95 win for the Celtics back on Jan. 22.
Trail Blazers Look To Continue Push For Eighth
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers play the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday evening at Orlando.
The Blazers came up with huge win in their last contest to keep their playoff push alive. Damian Lillard fueled the win over the 76ers with 51 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 40 minutes of action. The clutch performance brought Portland within 0.5 games of eighth in the West, as the Grizzlies have dropped five of their six games in the bubble, and the Trail Blazers have been trending upwards with a 4-2 record in the bubble. If Portland wins and Memphis loses on Tuesday, then the Trail Blazers will overtake the eighth seed. Lillard has been playing great lately, averaging 33.8 points and 9.6 assists over the last five games. Jusuf Nurkic has given a major boost to the Blazers in the restart, averaging 19.0 points and 10.8 rebounds through the last five games. Hassan Whiteside (hip) has missed the last two games but is considered probable for Tuesday's contest.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavs, as they are coming off an impressive win over the Jazz on Monday. Despite Luka Doncic (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee) being sidelined for the contest, the Mavs came out on top thanks to a few big performances, led by Tim Hardaway Jr., who finished with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Boban Marjanovic added 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Seth Curry totaled 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Three other players scored in double digits in the win, showcasing the depth of the Mavericks. Doncic and Porzingis remain questionable for action on Tuesday. Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) also missed Monday's contest and is questionable for action on Tuesday. The Mavericks sit seventh in the West but only 1.0 game out of sixth, and 1.5 games out of fifth.
The Blazers came up with huge win in their last contest to keep their playoff push alive. Damian Lillard fueled the win over the 76ers with 51 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 40 minutes of action. The clutch performance brought Portland within 0.5 games of eighth in the West, as the Grizzlies have dropped five of their six games in the bubble, and the Trail Blazers have been trending upwards with a 4-2 record in the bubble. If Portland wins and Memphis loses on Tuesday, then the Trail Blazers will overtake the eighth seed. Lillard has been playing great lately, averaging 33.8 points and 9.6 assists over the last five games. Jusuf Nurkic has given a major boost to the Blazers in the restart, averaging 19.0 points and 10.8 rebounds through the last five games. Hassan Whiteside (hip) has missed the last two games but is considered probable for Tuesday's contest.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavs, as they are coming off an impressive win over the Jazz on Monday. Despite Luka Doncic (ankle) and Kristaps Porzingis (knee) being sidelined for the contest, the Mavs came out on top thanks to a few big performances, led by Tim Hardaway Jr., who finished with 27 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Boban Marjanovic added 20 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, while Seth Curry totaled 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Three other players scored in double digits in the win, showcasing the depth of the Mavericks. Doncic and Porzingis remain questionable for action on Tuesday. Dorian Finney-Smith (hip) also missed Monday's contest and is questionable for action on Tuesday. The Mavericks sit seventh in the West but only 1.0 game out of sixth, and 1.5 games out of fifth.
Pelicans, Kings Face Off Without Playoff Hopes
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at Orlando.
Both teams are coming off losses and have been eliminated from playoff contention, and therefore go head-to-head with nothing but pride on the line. The last few games of the season may also provide an opportunity for some guys to show what they can do.
J.J. Redick did everything he could to keep his streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances alive, as he led the Pelicans with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting, in the Pelicans most recent contest, but it was not enough, as they fell to a very determined Spurs team that is fighting to keep their own playoff streak alive. Zion Williamson added 25 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Ingram totaled in 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. The Pelicans will be shorthanded on Tuesday, as Brandon Ingram (knee), Jrue Holiday (elbow) and Zion Williamson (knee) are listed as out. The Pelicans average 115.8 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they have been giving up 117.0 points against, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kings are coming off a tough loss against the Rockets, where they were blown out after leading early on. De'Aaron Fox led the way with 26 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield followed up with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, in 25 minutes off the bench, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 13 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Richaun Holmes (hip) missed the last contest and remains questionable for action on Tuesday. The Kings average 109.7 points per game, which is second lowest among teams in the bubble. They average 42.5 rebounds per game, which is fifth lowest in the league, third lowest among teams in the bubble.
Both teams are coming off losses and have been eliminated from playoff contention, and therefore go head-to-head with nothing but pride on the line. The last few games of the season may also provide an opportunity for some guys to show what they can do.
J.J. Redick did everything he could to keep his streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances alive, as he led the Pelicans with 31 points on 10-of-16 shooting, in the Pelicans most recent contest, but it was not enough, as they fell to a very determined Spurs team that is fighting to keep their own playoff streak alive. Zion Williamson added 25 points and seven rebounds, while Brandon Ingram totaled in 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal. The Pelicans will be shorthanded on Tuesday, as Brandon Ingram (knee), Jrue Holiday (elbow) and Zion Williamson (knee) are listed as out. The Pelicans average 115.8 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they have been giving up 117.0 points against, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kings are coming off a tough loss against the Rockets, where they were blown out after leading early on. De'Aaron Fox led the way with 26 points, nine assists, two rebounds and two steals. Buddy Hield followed up with 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, in 25 minutes off the bench, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 13 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Richaun Holmes (hip) missed the last contest and remains questionable for action on Tuesday. The Kings average 109.7 points per game, which is second lowest among teams in the bubble. They average 42.5 rebounds per game, which is fifth lowest in the league, third lowest among teams in the bubble.
Bucks and Wizards Tangle In Nightcap
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Washington Wizards in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (55-16) check into Tuesday's second game of a back-to-back set having already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference but having lost four of their last five seeding games as well. Milwaukee's most recent stumble, which occurred Monday against the Toronto Raptors by a 114-106 score, came without Giannis Antetokounmpo (mouth) available. Chris Boucher paced the Raptors with 25 points off the bench, adding 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Matt Thomas supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Norman Powell registered 21 points, eight boards, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Pascal Siakam furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Hollis-Jefferson contributed 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Terence Davis managed 10 points, three rebounds and one steal.
The Bucks will likely list Antetokounmpo (mouth) as questionable at best for Tuesday's contest.
The Wizards (24-46) have suffered the indignity of not winning a single game in the Orlando restart bubble, dropping all six of their decisions to get eliminated from postseason contention. Washington's latest stumble came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which dropped them by a 121-103 score Sunday afternoon. Jerome Robinson led the Wizards with 19 points, adding six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Isaac Bonga supplied 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Moritz Wagner posted matching 12-point tallies, with Brown adding eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rui Hachimura delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Ish Smith registered 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will list Shabazz Napier (ankle) as questionable for Tuesdays' game, while Garrison Mathews (personal) remains away from Orlando.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 151-131 and 137-134 victories, the latter in overtime, on Jan. 28 and Feb. 24, respectively.
The Bucks (55-16) check into Tuesday's second game of a back-to-back set having already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference but having lost four of their last five seeding games as well. Milwaukee's most recent stumble, which occurred Monday against the Toronto Raptors by a 114-106 score, came without Giannis Antetokounmpo (mouth) available. Chris Boucher paced the Raptors with 25 points off the bench, adding 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Matt Thomas supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Norman Powell registered 21 points, eight boards, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Pascal Siakam furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Hollis-Jefferson contributed 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Terence Davis managed 10 points, three rebounds and one steal.
The Bucks will likely list Antetokounmpo (mouth) as questionable at best for Tuesday's contest.
The Wizards (24-46) have suffered the indignity of not winning a single game in the Orlando restart bubble, dropping all six of their decisions to get eliminated from postseason contention. Washington's latest stumble came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which dropped them by a 121-103 score Sunday afternoon. Jerome Robinson led the Wizards with 19 points, adding six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Isaac Bonga supplied 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Moritz Wagner posted matching 12-point tallies, with Brown adding eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rui Hachimura delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Ish Smith registered 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will list Shabazz Napier (ankle) as questionable for Tuesdays' game, while Garrison Mathews (personal) remains away from Orlando.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 151-131 and 137-134 victories, the latter in overtime, on Jan. 28 and Feb. 24, respectively.