Knicks Looking To Build Off Win When Facing Magic
The New York Knicks will host the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Knicks (6-8) recently ended a five-game skid following a strong 30-point win over the Celtics on Sunday, defeating their Conference rivals by a 105-75 score. The Knicks shot 47.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range during Sunday's win, and Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds with three assists. Reggie Bullock posted 11 points as a starter, while Obi Toppin posted 12 points off the bench. Immanuel Quickley delivered 17 points and eight assists while playing 21 minutes off the bench.
The Knicks are listing Alec Burks (ankle) as a game-time decision, while Frank Ntilikina (knee) has been ruled out.
The Magic (6-7) are trending in the wrong direction and arrive into this game on a five-game losing run while allowing at least 112 points in each one of those defeats. They shot 46.3 percent from the field but only a meager 30.4 percent from beyond the arc during Saturday's loss against the Nets. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a strong performance across the board, as he ended with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Cole Anthony contributed 16 points and eight assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross snapped his cold streak by scoring 23 points off the bench.
The Magic are listing Fultz (knee) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) as out for the season, while Chuma Okeke and Al-Farouq Aminu (both knee) are out as well. Mo Bamba (COVID-19), Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Evan Fournier (back) are all out as well.
The Knicks (6-8) recently ended a five-game skid following a strong 30-point win over the Celtics on Sunday, defeating their Conference rivals by a 105-75 score. The Knicks shot 47.5 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range during Sunday's win, and Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and ended with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds with three assists. Reggie Bullock posted 11 points as a starter, while Obi Toppin posted 12 points off the bench. Immanuel Quickley delivered 17 points and eight assists while playing 21 minutes off the bench.
The Knicks are listing Alec Burks (ankle) as a game-time decision, while Frank Ntilikina (knee) has been ruled out.
The Magic (6-7) are trending in the wrong direction and arrive into this game on a five-game losing run while allowing at least 112 points in each one of those defeats. They shot 46.3 percent from the field but only a meager 30.4 percent from beyond the arc during Saturday's loss against the Nets. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a strong performance across the board, as he ended with 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Cole Anthony contributed 16 points and eight assists, while Aaron Gordon finished with 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross snapped his cold streak by scoring 23 points off the bench.
The Magic are listing Fultz (knee) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) as out for the season, while Chuma Okeke and Al-Farouq Aminu (both knee) are out as well. Mo Bamba (COVID-19), Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Evan Fournier (back) are all out as well.
Cavaliers-Wizards Postponed Monday
The game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena scheduled for Monday afternoon at Capital One Arena has been postponed due to the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Timberwolves Looking To Stop Skid Against Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Philips Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Timberwolves' loss to Memphis on Wednesday marked their eighth in the last nine games, making their 2-0 start to the season a distant memory as they now own a Conference-worst 3-8 record. Malik Beasley paced the Timberwolves with 28 points in that loss, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell posted matching 25-point tallies, with Towns pulling down 14 rebounds and Russell dishing out eight assists. Naz Reid led the second unit with nine points. They were scheduled to play Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies, but that game got postponed.
Josh Okogie (hamstring) is a game-time call for this game, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Juancho Hernangomez and Ricky Rubio (all COVID-19) have been ruled out.
The Hawks (5-7) are coming off a 112-106 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers the last time out, and that result means they have now dropped two games in a row while losing three of their last four contests. They were led by Trae Young, who provided 26 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists on 7-of-23 from the field. Clint Capela totaled 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. DeAndre Hunter had 15 points and six boards while Kevin Huerter tallied 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Danilo Gallinari (ankle) and Cam Reddish (knee) are both game-time calls for this game, while Kris Dunn (ankle) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) have both been ruled out.
The Timberwolves' loss to Memphis on Wednesday marked their eighth in the last nine games, making their 2-0 start to the season a distant memory as they now own a Conference-worst 3-8 record. Malik Beasley paced the Timberwolves with 28 points in that loss, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell posted matching 25-point tallies, with Towns pulling down 14 rebounds and Russell dishing out eight assists. Naz Reid led the second unit with nine points. They were scheduled to play Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies, but that game got postponed.
Josh Okogie (hamstring) is a game-time call for this game, while Karl-Anthony Towns, Juancho Hernangomez and Ricky Rubio (all COVID-19) have been ruled out.
The Hawks (5-7) are coming off a 112-106 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers the last time out, and that result means they have now dropped two games in a row while losing three of their last four contests. They were led by Trae Young, who provided 26 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists on 7-of-23 from the field. Clint Capela totaled 25 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks on 11-of-16 shooting. DeAndre Hunter had 15 points and six boards while Kevin Huerter tallied 13 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Danilo Gallinari (ankle) and Cam Reddish (knee) are both game-time calls for this game, while Kris Dunn (ankle) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) have both been ruled out.
Trail Blazers Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on Monday afternoon.
This marks the third game of a seven-game home stand for the Trail Blazers (8-5), as they have a great opportunity to build on their 4-3 home record. They have won five of their last six contests and will look to stay on track to kick off the home stand. Damian Lillard continues to lead the Trail Blazers, averaging team highs of 27.6 points and 6.8 assists per game. C.J. McCollum (foot) has been the team's next-best offensive player but remains questionable for action on Monday after he was forced to sit out the second half of the Trail Blazers' most recent contest. Since Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has been sidelined, Enes Kanter is taking over the starting center role, and he finished with 12 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and two steals, in the most recent contest. The Trail Blazers are averaging 115.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 115.2 points against, which is also sixth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a two-game trip for the Spurs (7-6), as they look to build on their, 5-2, road record. DeMar DeRozan has been the Spurs' best player this season, averaging team highs with 20.7 points and 6.7 assists, to go with 5.7 assists and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Dejounte Murray has also been playing well, averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 assists and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has not really found his rhythm yet, as he is averaging 13.6 points on 42 percent shooting, and 5.0 rebounds, in 28 minutes per game. The Spurs have been doing a great job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging a league-low 9.7 turnovers per game. However, they are giving up a league-high 50.5 rebounds per game.
This marks the third game of a seven-game home stand for the Trail Blazers (8-5), as they have a great opportunity to build on their 4-3 home record. They have won five of their last six contests and will look to stay on track to kick off the home stand. Damian Lillard continues to lead the Trail Blazers, averaging team highs of 27.6 points and 6.8 assists per game. C.J. McCollum (foot) has been the team's next-best offensive player but remains questionable for action on Monday after he was forced to sit out the second half of the Trail Blazers' most recent contest. Since Jusuf Nurkic (wrist) has been sidelined, Enes Kanter is taking over the starting center role, and he finished with 12 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, three assists and two steals, in the most recent contest. The Trail Blazers are averaging 115.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 115.2 points against, which is also sixth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a two-game trip for the Spurs (7-6), as they look to build on their, 5-2, road record. DeMar DeRozan has been the Spurs' best player this season, averaging team highs with 20.7 points and 6.7 assists, to go with 5.7 assists and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Dejounte Murray has also been playing well, averaging 15.8 points, 5.2 assists and a team-high 7.3 rebounds per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has not really found his rhythm yet, as he is averaging 13.6 points on 42 percent shooting, and 5.0 rebounds, in 28 minutes per game. The Spurs have been doing a great job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging a league-low 9.7 turnovers per game. However, they are giving up a league-high 50.5 rebounds per game.
Suns Back In Action After Last Three Contests Postponed
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Phoenix Suns at FedEx Forum on Monday evening.
The Suns (7-4) finally get back in action after their last three contests were postponed due to health and safety protocols. They last played on January 11th, when they fell short in Washington. They will resume action on the road with the first game of a two-game road trip, where they will look to build on their, 4-3, road record. Devin Booker is the Suns' leading scorer, averaging 23.0 points on 49 percent shooting, in 35 minutes per game. Chris Paul has been solid, averaging 13.3 points, 8.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Deandre Ayton is averaging 12.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. The Suns are averaging 110.5 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting from the field, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (6-6) have won four straight. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, which they began with a win over the 76ers on Saturday, to improve to 2-5 at home. Ja Morant made his return to action in the Grizzlies' most recent contest after he missed a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. Morant came back strong as he totaled 17 points, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes in the win. The Grizzlies average 106.5 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they shooting 32.7 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. They are giving up an average of 107. points against, but they are averaging a league-best 10.2 steals per game. Kyle Anderson has been a strong contributor, averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists, in 30 minutes per game. Jonas Valanciunas continues to do a solid job at the center position, averaging 14.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.0 bocks per game.
The Suns (7-4) finally get back in action after their last three contests were postponed due to health and safety protocols. They last played on January 11th, when they fell short in Washington. They will resume action on the road with the first game of a two-game road trip, where they will look to build on their, 4-3, road record. Devin Booker is the Suns' leading scorer, averaging 23.0 points on 49 percent shooting, in 35 minutes per game. Chris Paul has been solid, averaging 13.3 points, 8.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Deandre Ayton is averaging 12.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. The Suns are averaging 110.5 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting from the field, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (6-6) have won four straight. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, which they began with a win over the 76ers on Saturday, to improve to 2-5 at home. Ja Morant made his return to action in the Grizzlies' most recent contest after he missed a couple of weeks with an ankle injury. Morant came back strong as he totaled 17 points, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes in the win. The Grizzlies average 106.5 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they shooting 32.7 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. They are giving up an average of 107. points against, but they are averaging a league-best 10.2 steals per game. Kyle Anderson has been a strong contributor, averaging 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists, in 30 minutes per game. Jonas Valanciunas continues to do a solid job at the center position, averaging 14.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.0 bocks per game.
Nets Host Bucks on MLK Day
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to The Big Apple to face the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center on Monday.
The Bucks (9-4) started off the season as a bit of a disappointment but winning seven of their last eight games is the team we expected to see. Much like most seasons, this club just dominates on both ends of the floor. That's evident by the fact that they rank second in offensive efficiency and seventh in defensive efficiency. It's scary that they've been doing this for years now but adding Jrue Holiday might have made them better on both ends of the floor. One thing that has developed this year is the game of Khris Middleton. He's always been an amazing player but averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists show just how much he's improved. If he can play like that with Holiday providing his elite guard play, this is the team to beat in the east behind two-time MVP winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Nets (8-6) are probably the most fascinating team in the NBA and they certainly spiced things up this week. Adding any player to your team is a nice feeling but acquiring a guy like James Harden has the league on fire. We're talking about a guy who led the league with nearly 40 points per game last season and drops triple-doubles at ease. That's what he did in his Nets debut on Saturday, providing 32 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists and four steals. Many people were worried about how he would gel with Kevin Durant but KD tallying 42 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks of his own tells you everything you need to know. That doesn't even take into consideration Kyrie Irving and his 30 points per game but nobody has any clue when or if he will return.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the road team winning both outings. Prior to that, the Bucks won 14 of their previous 16 games over the Nets.
The Bucks (9-4) started off the season as a bit of a disappointment but winning seven of their last eight games is the team we expected to see. Much like most seasons, this club just dominates on both ends of the floor. That's evident by the fact that they rank second in offensive efficiency and seventh in defensive efficiency. It's scary that they've been doing this for years now but adding Jrue Holiday might have made them better on both ends of the floor. One thing that has developed this year is the game of Khris Middleton. He's always been an amazing player but averaging 21.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists show just how much he's improved. If he can play like that with Holiday providing his elite guard play, this is the team to beat in the east behind two-time MVP winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Nets (8-6) are probably the most fascinating team in the NBA and they certainly spiced things up this week. Adding any player to your team is a nice feeling but acquiring a guy like James Harden has the league on fire. We're talking about a guy who led the league with nearly 40 points per game last season and drops triple-doubles at ease. That's what he did in his Nets debut on Saturday, providing 32 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists and four steals. Many people were worried about how he would gel with Kevin Durant but KD tallying 42 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks of his own tells you everything you need to know. That doesn't even take into consideration Kyrie Irving and his 30 points per game but nobody has any clue when or if he will return.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the road team winning both outings. Prior to that, the Bucks won 14 of their previous 16 games over the Nets.
Mavericks and Raptors Clash in Tampa
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on Monday evening.
The Mavericks (6-6) had appeared to be trending in the right direction with a 5-1 mark over a recent six-game stretch and the season debut of Kristaps Porzingis, but they've followed up that surge with consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble took place Sunday, when they dropped a 117-100 decision to the Chicago Bulls. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 36-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two steals. Kristaps Porzings totaled 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson turned in matching 10-point tallies while also pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks will list Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell as out for Monday's game due to COVID-19 protocols. Tim Hardaway (groin) will carry a questionable designation.
The Raptors (4-8) started the season in dismal fashion, but they've offered some reason for optimism recently with a 3-2 mark over their last five games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they defeated by a 116-113 margin on Saturday night. Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 24 points complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Boucher posted 20 points, nine boards, one assist and two blocks. Kyle Lowry furnished 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. OG Anunoby delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals.
The Raptors will be without Alex Len (COVID-19 protocols) and Patrick McCaw (knee) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the only meeting between the teams this season. Dallas and Toronto split the two-game 2019-20 season series.
The Mavericks (6-6) had appeared to be trending in the right direction with a 5-1 mark over a recent six-game stretch and the season debut of Kristaps Porzingis, but they've followed up that surge with consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble took place Sunday, when they dropped a 117-100 decision to the Chicago Bulls. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 36-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist triple-double that also included two steals. Kristaps Porzings totaled 20 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Willie Cauley-Stein and James Johnson turned in matching 10-point tallies while also pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks will list Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell as out for Monday's game due to COVID-19 protocols. Tim Hardaway (groin) will carry a questionable designation.
The Raptors (4-8) started the season in dismal fashion, but they've offered some reason for optimism recently with a 3-2 mark over their last five games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they defeated by a 116-113 margin on Saturday night. Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 24 points complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Chris Boucher posted 20 points, nine boards, one assist and two blocks. Kyle Lowry furnished 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. OG Anunoby delivered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist and four steals.
The Raptors will be without Alex Len (COVID-19 protocols) and Patrick McCaw (knee) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the only meeting between the teams this season. Dallas and Toronto split the two-game 2019-20 season series.
Rockets Face Bulls in Windy City Showdown
The Houston Rockets take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday night.
The Rockets (4-7) may be close to cellar dweller category in the Western Conference, but they've still made plenty of noise in recent days thanks to their trade of James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. Houston was able to win its first post-trade game, but they fell to the San Antonio Spurs by a 103-91 score their most recent time on the court Saturday afternoon. Christian Wood and Mason Jones co-led the Rockets with 24-point tallies with Wood adding 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 21 points and added three boards, one assist and two steals.
The Rockets will remain without John Wall (knee), Danuel House (COVID-19 protocol) and Dante Exum (calf) on Monday, while Sterling Brown (lower leg) will be listed as questionable. Eric Gordon (lower leg) and DeMarcus Cousins (ankle) will carry probable tags. Victor Oladipo is expected to be available to make his team debut.
The Bulls (5-8) went into a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with a four-game losing streak, but they were able to snap it with an impressive 117-100 road win. Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 21 points, three boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Thaddeus Young delivered 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Otto Porter Jr. compiled 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Zach LaVine generated a 10-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three steals.
The Bulls will likely list Tomas Satoransky and Chandler Hutchison as no better than questionable due to COVID-19 protocols.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Rockets defeated the Bulls by a 117-94 score in the only game with Chicago during the 2019-20 campaign.
The Rockets (4-7) may be close to cellar dweller category in the Western Conference, but they've still made plenty of noise in recent days thanks to their trade of James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. Houston was able to win its first post-trade game, but they fell to the San Antonio Spurs by a 103-91 score their most recent time on the court Saturday afternoon. Christian Wood and Mason Jones co-led the Rockets with 24-point tallies with Wood adding 18 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 21 points and added three boards, one assist and two steals.
The Rockets will remain without John Wall (knee), Danuel House (COVID-19 protocol) and Dante Exum (calf) on Monday, while Sterling Brown (lower leg) will be listed as questionable. Eric Gordon (lower leg) and DeMarcus Cousins (ankle) will carry probable tags. Victor Oladipo is expected to be available to make his team debut.
The Bulls (5-8) went into a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Dallas Mavericks with a four-game losing streak, but they were able to snap it with an impressive 117-100 road win. Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 29 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 21 points, three boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Thaddeus Young delivered 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Otto Porter Jr. compiled 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist, five steals and one block. Zach LaVine generated a 10-point, 10-assist double-double that also included three steals.
The Bulls will likely list Tomas Satoransky and Chandler Hutchison as no better than questionable due to COVID-19 protocols.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Rockets defeated the Bulls by a 117-94 score in the only game with Chicago during the 2019-20 campaign.
Pistons, Heat Face Off For Second Straight Contest In Miami
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Arena on Monday afternoon.
This marks the second game of two consecutive matchups between the Pistons and Heat, in Miami. The Pistons took the first contest on Saturday, where they topped the Heat by 20 points. Jerami Grant led the way for the Pistons with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Derrick Rose came up big with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, four steals and four assists, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Blake Griffin totaled 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range, and tallied 34 assists, with 11 turnovers. On the other hand, Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks, while Duncan Robinson added 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Goran Dragic had a solid game, with 12 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, in 30 minutes off the bench.
The win marked the first road win of the season for the Pistons (3-9), and they will be looking to keep the momentum going to add to their 1-4 road record. They will need to keep up the same offensive efficiency they showed on Saturday, as their season average of 42 percent shooting from the field, is worst in the league.
The Heat were without Jimmy Butler (COVID-19) on Saturday, as they fell for a third consecutive loss. Butler remains questionable for action on Monday, but regardless of who is in the line up, the Heat need to do a better job taking care of the ball, as they gave up 22 turnovers, which led to 27 points in Saturday's loss.
This marks the second game of two consecutive matchups between the Pistons and Heat, in Miami. The Pistons took the first contest on Saturday, where they topped the Heat by 20 points. Jerami Grant led the way for the Pistons with 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting, nine rebounds, six assists, four blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Derrick Rose came up big with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, four steals and four assists, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Blake Griffin totaled 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. The Pistons shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range, and tallied 34 assists, with 11 turnovers. On the other hand, Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks, while Duncan Robinson added 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Goran Dragic had a solid game, with 12 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, in 30 minutes off the bench.
The win marked the first road win of the season for the Pistons (3-9), and they will be looking to keep the momentum going to add to their 1-4 road record. They will need to keep up the same offensive efficiency they showed on Saturday, as their season average of 42 percent shooting from the field, is worst in the league.
The Heat were without Jimmy Butler (COVID-19) on Saturday, as they fell for a third consecutive loss. Butler remains questionable for action on Monday, but regardless of who is in the line up, the Heat need to do a better job taking care of the ball, as they gave up 22 turnovers, which led to 27 points in Saturday's loss.
Lakers Host Warriors on MLK Day
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Monday.
The Warriors (6-6) come into this matchup in the midst of a two-game losing streak, taking defeats at the hands of the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets. Those are certainly not losses to be ashamed of either, with Golden State playing great the week prior. In fact, the Warriors won six of their previous eight games before that and Stephen Curry was the talk of the league. The former MVP is currently averaging 28.4 points and 6.8 assists per game, garnering him consideration for that award this season. Many people really weren't sure what to think of this team at the beginning of the season but having Curry play like this is an extremely encouraging sign. What makes it even juicier is the fact that James Wiseman appears to be the steal of the draft and Klay Thompson is finally doing rehab. So, while this might not be their season, this is a team to look out for next year.
The Lakers (11-3) took care of business by taking home the title last season and they appear to be in form once again. After starting off the season with a disappointing 2-2 record, they've gone on to win nine of 10 since. What's really impressive is that they've been killing teams on both ends of the floor, ranked seventh in points scored, second in points allowed and third in total rebounding. What makes that even more wild is the fact that they haven't even been playing their best ball, coasting at times in some of their wins. That's the nature of being a great team though and as long as they continue to bombard their opponents, this club will remain the favorites to repeat.
These teams played three times last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the season series. In fact, they won by an average of 20.3 points per game, despite the Warriors winning their previous three over the Lakers.
The Warriors (6-6) come into this matchup in the midst of a two-game losing streak, taking defeats at the hands of the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets. Those are certainly not losses to be ashamed of either, with Golden State playing great the week prior. In fact, the Warriors won six of their previous eight games before that and Stephen Curry was the talk of the league. The former MVP is currently averaging 28.4 points and 6.8 assists per game, garnering him consideration for that award this season. Many people really weren't sure what to think of this team at the beginning of the season but having Curry play like this is an extremely encouraging sign. What makes it even juicier is the fact that James Wiseman appears to be the steal of the draft and Klay Thompson is finally doing rehab. So, while this might not be their season, this is a team to look out for next year.
The Lakers (11-3) took care of business by taking home the title last season and they appear to be in form once again. After starting off the season with a disappointing 2-2 record, they've gone on to win nine of 10 since. What's really impressive is that they've been killing teams on both ends of the floor, ranked seventh in points scored, second in points allowed and third in total rebounding. What makes that even more wild is the fact that they haven't even been playing their best ball, coasting at times in some of their wins. That's the nature of being a great team though and as long as they continue to bombard their opponents, this club will remain the favorites to repeat.
These teams played three times last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the season series. In fact, they won by an average of 20.3 points per game, despite the Warriors winning their previous three over the Lakers.