Heat and 76ers Meet in Philly
The Miami Heat takes on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Arena on Tuesday night.
The Heat (4-4) is one of multiple teams that's currently affected significantly by the league's health and safety protocols, with their most recent scheduled game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday being postponed as a result. Miami's most recent time on the court did result in a victory, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 128-124 score Saturday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 31 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler followed with 26 points, 10 boards, nine assists, two steals and one block. Goran Dragic checked in with 21 points, five assists and two rebounds. Kelly Olynyk supplied 18 points, six boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo mustered nine points, 16 rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Heat project to continue without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Avery Bradley, Kendrick Nunn, KZ Okpala and Maurice Harkless due to health and safety protocols Tuesday. Goran Dragic (knee) will also be unavailable, while Meyers Leonard (shoulder) will carry a questionable tag. Kelly Olynyk (groin) is probable.
The 76ers (7-4) have been equally affected by personnel shortage in recent games, which has played a pivotal part in the three-game losing streak they'll head into Tuesday's game with. Philadelphia's most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 112-94 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Isaiah Joe furnished 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Tyrese Maxey supplied 15 points, six boards, four assists and two blocks. Dakota Mathias managed 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
The 76ers project to continue without Seth Curry and Shake Milton for Tuesday's game do to health and safety protocols. Furkan Korkmaz (thigh) will also remain out. Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris and Terrance Ferguson will likely be listed as game-time calls due to health and safety protocols as well, while Ben Simmons (knee) is considered probable.
Tuesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat prevailed in the four-game 2019-20 season series with the 76ers by a 3-1 margin.
The Heat (4-4) is one of multiple teams that's currently affected significantly by the league's health and safety protocols, with their most recent scheduled game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday being postponed as a result. Miami's most recent time on the court did result in a victory, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 128-124 score Saturday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 31 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler followed with 26 points, 10 boards, nine assists, two steals and one block. Goran Dragic checked in with 21 points, five assists and two rebounds. Kelly Olynyk supplied 18 points, six boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo mustered nine points, 16 rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Heat project to continue without Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Avery Bradley, Kendrick Nunn, KZ Okpala and Maurice Harkless due to health and safety protocols Tuesday. Goran Dragic (knee) will also be unavailable, while Meyers Leonard (shoulder) will carry a questionable tag. Kelly Olynyk (groin) is probable.
The 76ers (7-4) have been equally affected by personnel shortage in recent games, which has played a pivotal part in the three-game losing streak they'll head into Tuesday's game with. Philadelphia's most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 112-94 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Isaiah Joe furnished 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Tyrese Maxey supplied 15 points, six boards, four assists and two blocks. Dakota Mathias managed 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and two blocks.
The 76ers project to continue without Seth Curry and Shake Milton for Tuesday's game do to health and safety protocols. Furkan Korkmaz (thigh) will also remain out. Matisse Thybulle, Tobias Harris and Terrance Ferguson will likely be listed as game-time calls due to health and safety protocols as well, while Ben Simmons (knee) is considered probable.
Tuesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat prevailed in the four-game 2019-20 season series with the 76ers by a 3-1 margin.
Cavaliers Looking To Bounce Back Against Jazz
The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Utah Jazz at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday evening.
The Cavaliers (5-6) are coming off a 101-91 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, and that means they have lost two games in a row while dropping four of their last five. Cleveland shot 45.1 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three-point range in Monday's contest, but that wasn't enough to secure the win. They didn't have Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Love, among others, so they've been quite shorthanded when it comes to depth and that could explain their sudden drop in form. Andre Drummond carried the Cavaliers once again with 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Cedi Osman and Damyean Dotson each added 14 points. Larry Nance Jr. contributed 13 points, and Isaac Okoro notched 12 points. With some of their best players out, it remains to be seen whether the Cavaliers might be able to snap their two-game losing run here.
Collin Sexton (ankle) and Darius Garland (shoulder) have been listed as questionable for this game. Meanwhile, Dylan Windler (hand), Kevin Porter (personal), Kevin Love (calf), Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) and Dante Exum (calf) have all been ruled out.
The Jazz (6-4) are coming off a 96-86 win at the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, and that means they've started their second two-game winning run of the season -- they'll look to win three in a row here. Utah shot 42.2 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range during Sunday's win, and Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley led the Jazz in this game, as both combined for 50 points -- Mitchell ended with 28 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Conley chipped in with 22 points, five boards, six assists, and two steals. Rudy Gobert contributed just four points but made his presence felt defensively with 20 rebounds and four blocks. Jordan Clarkson added 18 points while logging 25 minutes off the bench. Utah are undoubtedly trending in the right direction following a slow start to the season and will aim to clinch their third straight win here.
Utah has Derrick Favors (knee) and Joe Ingles (Achilles) as game-time decisions for Tuesday's contest, while Juwan Morgan (COVID-19) and Jarrell Brantley (undisclosed) are out.
The Cavaliers (5-6) are coming off a 101-91 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, and that means they have lost two games in a row while dropping four of their last five. Cleveland shot 45.1 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from three-point range in Monday's contest, but that wasn't enough to secure the win. They didn't have Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Love, among others, so they've been quite shorthanded when it comes to depth and that could explain their sudden drop in form. Andre Drummond carried the Cavaliers once again with 19 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Cedi Osman and Damyean Dotson each added 14 points. Larry Nance Jr. contributed 13 points, and Isaac Okoro notched 12 points. With some of their best players out, it remains to be seen whether the Cavaliers might be able to snap their two-game losing run here.
Collin Sexton (ankle) and Darius Garland (shoulder) have been listed as questionable for this game. Meanwhile, Dylan Windler (hand), Kevin Porter (personal), Kevin Love (calf), Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) and Dante Exum (calf) have all been ruled out.
The Jazz (6-4) are coming off a 96-86 win at the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, and that means they've started their second two-game winning run of the season -- they'll look to win three in a row here. Utah shot 42.2 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range during Sunday's win, and Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley led the Jazz in this game, as both combined for 50 points -- Mitchell ended with 28 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Conley chipped in with 22 points, five boards, six assists, and two steals. Rudy Gobert contributed just four points but made his presence felt defensively with 20 rebounds and four blocks. Jordan Clarkson added 18 points while logging 25 minutes off the bench. Utah are undoubtedly trending in the right direction following a slow start to the season and will aim to clinch their third straight win here.
Utah has Derrick Favors (knee) and Joe Ingles (Achilles) as game-time decisions for Tuesday's contest, while Juwan Morgan (COVID-19) and Jarrell Brantley (undisclosed) are out.
Nets Host Nuggets on Tuesday
The Denver Nuggets travel to The Big Apple to face the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center on Tuesday.
The Nuggets (5-5) got off to a really disappointing start to the season but entering this matchup with two-straight wins is certainly a promising sign. What's also nice is that both of those games were won in dominating fashion, holding the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks to a combined 192 points. That turned one of the worst defenses in the NBA into a league-average one and that's where this team really surprised people last season. The one guy who's not surprising anyone is Nikola Jokic, who's definitely earned some MVP consideration with his triple-double ways. He's now averaging 24.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game and continues to dominate whoever he faces.
The Nets (5-6) had some of the highest expectations of any team coming into the year and they've been fairly disappointing up to this point. What's really frustrating is that they can't seem to get Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant on the floor together. KD missed games last week because of COVID protocol and Irving is now missing games for personal reasons. Having those two superstars is the reason why this club was so highly touted and they simply won't be great until both guys are fully healthy and playing every night. What makes the poor start even more bizarre is the fact that Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen continue to have career years. That's a heck of a foursome and one has to believe a lengthy winning streak is on the horizon once these four guys get on the floor together. That won't happen here though, with Kyrie sitting yet again.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the home team winning both games. Prior to that, the Nets won eight of their previous 11 games over the Nuggets.
The Nuggets (5-5) got off to a really disappointing start to the season but entering this matchup with two-straight wins is certainly a promising sign. What's also nice is that both of those games were won in dominating fashion, holding the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks to a combined 192 points. That turned one of the worst defenses in the NBA into a league-average one and that's where this team really surprised people last season. The one guy who's not surprising anyone is Nikola Jokic, who's definitely earned some MVP consideration with his triple-double ways. He's now averaging 24.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game and continues to dominate whoever he faces.
The Nets (5-6) had some of the highest expectations of any team coming into the year and they've been fairly disappointing up to this point. What's really frustrating is that they can't seem to get Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant on the floor together. KD missed games last week because of COVID protocol and Irving is now missing games for personal reasons. Having those two superstars is the reason why this club was so highly touted and they simply won't be great until both guys are fully healthy and playing every night. What makes the poor start even more bizarre is the fact that Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen continue to have career years. That's a heck of a foursome and one has to believe a lengthy winning streak is on the horizon once these four guys get on the floor together. That won't happen here though, with Kyrie sitting yet again.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the home team winning both games. Prior to that, the Nets won eight of their previous 11 games over the Nuggets.
Celtics-Bulls postponed Tuesday
The game between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls scheduled for Tuesday night at United Center has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.
Rockets, Lakers Face Off For Second Straight Matchup In Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on Tuesday evening.
This marks the second consecutive contest between the Lakers (8-3) and Rockets (3-5) in Houston, as the Lakers came out on top on Sunday in their first meeting. The Lakers got out to a great start in the road win with a 19-point lead at halftime. They came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to 27, early in the quarter, but the Rockets cut it to a 13-point game heading into the final frame. The Lakers maintained their composure and kept control through the fourth on their way to their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, four rebounds and three blocks, in the win. LeBron James followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Montrezl Harrell added 16 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, off the bench. The Lakers have been one of the best offensive teams so far, as they are shooting an average of 49.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league. They are also very strong defensively, as they average 6.2 blocks per game and are holding opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting, while James Harden followed up with 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two blocks. John Wall tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in Sunday's loss. Wall (migraine) is listed as questionable for action on Tuesday. The Rockets will be looking to get back on track and add to their, 3-2, home record.
This marks the second consecutive contest between the Lakers (8-3) and Rockets (3-5) in Houston, as the Lakers came out on top on Sunday in their first meeting. The Lakers got out to a great start in the road win with a 19-point lead at halftime. They came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to 27, early in the quarter, but the Rockets cut it to a 13-point game heading into the final frame. The Lakers maintained their composure and kept control through the fourth on their way to their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting, four rebounds and three blocks, in the win. LeBron James followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Montrezl Harrell added 16 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block, off the bench. The Lakers have been one of the best offensive teams so far, as they are shooting an average of 49.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league. They are also very strong defensively, as they average 6.2 blocks per game and are holding opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting, while James Harden followed up with 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two blocks. John Wall tallied 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, in Sunday's loss. Wall (migraine) is listed as questionable for action on Tuesday. The Rockets will be looking to get back on track and add to their, 3-2, home record.
Thunder Still Searching For First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Tuesday evening.
This marks the first game back home after a five-game road trip for the Thunder (5-4), where they went 4-1, after they closed out the trip with three straight wins. Despite their success on the road, the Thunder are still searching for their first home win of the season, with a 0-3 home record. The Thunder are averaging 104.9 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 108.6 points against, leaving room for improvement on both ends of the floor. Shai GIlgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder with team highs of 21.0 points and 6.8 assists per game. Darius Bazley is averaging 11.2 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds per game, while Al Horford is averaging 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Spurs, (5-5), where they have gone 3-1, with wins in L.A., against the Clippers and the Lakers, followed by two contests in Minnesota, where they won the first and lost the second. The Spurs will be looking to get back on track to close out the road trip and add to their 4-2 road record. DeMar DeRozan (personal) has been the Spurs' best player so far, but he missed their most recent contest and is expected to remain sidelined for Tuesday's contest. Dejounte Murray has been playing well, averaging 16.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Keldon Johnson has also been playing well, averaging 13.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. The Spurs are averaging 111.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 113.1 points against. They are shooting an average of 39.2 percent from long range, which is third best in the league, but they are attempting just 30.9 threes per game, which is fifth fewest in the league.
This marks the first game back home after a five-game road trip for the Thunder (5-4), where they went 4-1, after they closed out the trip with three straight wins. Despite their success on the road, the Thunder are still searching for their first home win of the season, with a 0-3 home record. The Thunder are averaging 104.9 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 108.6 points against, leaving room for improvement on both ends of the floor. Shai GIlgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder with team highs of 21.0 points and 6.8 assists per game. Darius Bazley is averaging 11.2 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds per game, while Al Horford is averaging 11.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Spurs, (5-5), where they have gone 3-1, with wins in L.A., against the Clippers and the Lakers, followed by two contests in Minnesota, where they won the first and lost the second. The Spurs will be looking to get back on track to close out the road trip and add to their 4-2 road record. DeMar DeRozan (personal) has been the Spurs' best player so far, but he missed their most recent contest and is expected to remain sidelined for Tuesday's contest. Dejounte Murray has been playing well, averaging 16.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Keldon Johnson has also been playing well, averaging 13.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. The Spurs are averaging 111.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 113.1 points against. They are shooting an average of 39.2 percent from long range, which is third best in the league, but they are attempting just 30.9 threes per game, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Warriors Host Pacers on Tuesday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The Pacers (6-4) come into this matchup losing their last two ballgames, with the most recent one coming on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. That followed up a defeat against the Phoenix Suns over the weekend and it's commonplace for a team to struggle on their West Coast road trips with so many good teams on that side of the country. That trip does continue here though and they have the Los Angeles Clippers to look forward to later in the week. The good news is that this team continues to get elite production from their players. Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon both had great games on Monday while Victor Oladipo continued his bounceback campaign. All three of those guys are definitely in consideration to reach the All-Star game this season and that says a lot about this club.
The Warriors (6-4) got off to an inauspicious start to the season with two blowout losses but have gone on to win six of their eight games since. Most recently, they've won two straight, beating the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. Those are two of the most talented teams in the NBA and it says a lot that they've been able to prevail against such good competition. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that they got Sunday's win despite Stephen Curry shooting just 2-of-16 from the field. It's a rare sight for this team to play well when Curry is struggling and it's great to see all of the guys around him getting better. Draymond Green's near triple-double was definitely the most promising thing in that victory and if he can get back to the stud Draymond we remember, Golden State might make the playoffs after all.
These teams played just once last season, with Indiana prevailing, 129-118. Prior to that, the Warriors won eight of their previous 11 games over the Pacers dating back to 2014.
The Pacers (6-4) come into this matchup losing their last two ballgames, with the most recent one coming on Monday against the Sacramento Kings. That followed up a defeat against the Phoenix Suns over the weekend and it's commonplace for a team to struggle on their West Coast road trips with so many good teams on that side of the country. That trip does continue here though and they have the Los Angeles Clippers to look forward to later in the week. The good news is that this team continues to get elite production from their players. Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon both had great games on Monday while Victor Oladipo continued his bounceback campaign. All three of those guys are definitely in consideration to reach the All-Star game this season and that says a lot about this club.
The Warriors (6-4) got off to an inauspicious start to the season with two blowout losses but have gone on to win six of their eight games since. Most recently, they've won two straight, beating the Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors. Those are two of the most talented teams in the NBA and it says a lot that they've been able to prevail against such good competition. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that they got Sunday's win despite Stephen Curry shooting just 2-of-16 from the field. It's a rare sight for this team to play well when Curry is struggling and it's great to see all of the guys around him getting better. Draymond Green's near triple-double was definitely the most promising thing in that victory and if he can get back to the stud Draymond we remember, Golden State might make the playoffs after all.
These teams played just once last season, with Indiana prevailing, 129-118. Prior to that, the Warriors won eight of their previous 11 games over the Pacers dating back to 2014.