Pistons, Rockets Collide Friday
The Detroit Pistons will host the Houston Rockets at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.
The Pistons (3-11) continue to struggle and have been one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference by a wide margin, though that isn't surprising -- head coach Dwayne Casey expected the growing pains due to the fact they've been forced to give younger players a bigger role than expected due to the circumstances of the season. During their Wednesday overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks, Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Brake Griffin followed with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Wayne Ellington and Derrick Rose poured in 16 and 14 points, respectively. Mason Plumlee delivered 10 points, nine boards and one assist. The Pistons have gone 2-5 at home this season.
The Suns are listing Dario Saric, Damian Jones and Jalen Smith as questionable. All three players are dealing with COVID-19 and all three will be game-time decisions.
The Rockets (4-9) are coming off a 109-103 loss at home against the Phoenix Suns the last time out, and this game against the Pistons signals the start of a short two-game road trip. However, it must be said the Rockets will play six of their upcoming eight games on the road -- and Houston has gone 1-5 away from home in 2020-21. During Wednesday's loss against the Suns, the Rockets were led by Eric Gordon, amassing 22 points, two rebounds and two assists. Victor Oladipo accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Christian Wood finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. No other player reached double figures in scoring and none of them had more than three assists.
The Rockets are listing P.J. Tucker as a game-time call due to an abdomen injury. John Wall (knee), Danuel House (COVID-19), Dante Exum (calf) and Chris Clemons (Achilles) are all ruled out, with Clemons set to miss the remainder of the season.
The Pistons (3-11) continue to struggle and have been one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference by a wide margin, though that isn't surprising -- head coach Dwayne Casey expected the growing pains due to the fact they've been forced to give younger players a bigger role than expected due to the circumstances of the season. During their Wednesday overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks, Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with six rebounds and five assists. Brake Griffin followed with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Wayne Ellington and Derrick Rose poured in 16 and 14 points, respectively. Mason Plumlee delivered 10 points, nine boards and one assist. The Pistons have gone 2-5 at home this season.
The Suns are listing Dario Saric, Damian Jones and Jalen Smith as questionable. All three players are dealing with COVID-19 and all three will be game-time decisions.
The Rockets (4-9) are coming off a 109-103 loss at home against the Phoenix Suns the last time out, and this game against the Pistons signals the start of a short two-game road trip. However, it must be said the Rockets will play six of their upcoming eight games on the road -- and Houston has gone 1-5 away from home in 2020-21. During Wednesday's loss against the Suns, the Rockets were led by Eric Gordon, amassing 22 points, two rebounds and two assists. Victor Oladipo accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Christian Wood finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. No other player reached double figures in scoring and none of them had more than three assists.
The Rockets are listing P.J. Tucker as a game-time call due to an abdomen injury. John Wall (knee), Danuel House (COVID-19), Dante Exum (calf) and Chris Clemons (Achilles) are all ruled out, with Clemons set to miss the remainder of the season.
Pacers Hosts Magic In Eastern-Conference Matchup
The Indiana Pacers will host the Orlando Magic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
The Pacers (8-6) are dealing with quite a few absences due to injury in recent games and their performances have reflected their lack of depth, as they're coming off a 124-112 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, a result that pushed their losing streak to two games while also meaning they've gone 2-4 in their last six contests. The Pacers converted 44.6 percent of their shots and 41 percent of their three-point shots during Wednesday's loss against Dallas, a game in which Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers in scoring with 26 points and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis had another double-double of 25 points and 10 boards. Doug McDermott chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jrue Holiday added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Aaron Holiday (13 points) and Jeremy Lamb (10 points) delivered good performances off the bench. The Pacers have gone 4-4 at home this season and this game will be the second of a four-game homestand for them.
Indiana is listing Myles Turner (hand) as a game-time decision for Friday, while T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (abdomen) are both out.
The Magic (7-8) are coming off a massive, morale-boosting victory the last time out, as they needed a game-winning shot at the buzzer from Cole Anthony to edge the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 97-96 score on Wednesday night. That win also means they ended a six-game losing streak. Anthony finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 27 minutes, while Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and steal. Evan Fournier had a solid outing, with 24 points, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep. Orlando is 4-5 on the road this season and this game signals the end of a prolonged six-game road trip that also included a postponement against the Boston Celtics -- they are 1-3 in those contests so far.
Orlando is listing Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Mo Bamba (COVID-19) as game-time decisions for this contest. Al-Farouq Aminu, Chuma Okeke, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz have all been ruled out of this game due to knee injuries, with Fultz and Isaac set to miss the rest of the season.
The Pacers (8-6) are dealing with quite a few absences due to injury in recent games and their performances have reflected their lack of depth, as they're coming off a 124-112 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, a result that pushed their losing streak to two games while also meaning they've gone 2-4 in their last six contests. The Pacers converted 44.6 percent of their shots and 41 percent of their three-point shots during Wednesday's loss against Dallas, a game in which Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers in scoring with 26 points and five assists, while Domantas Sabonis had another double-double of 25 points and 10 boards. Doug McDermott chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jrue Holiday added 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. Aaron Holiday (13 points) and Jeremy Lamb (10 points) delivered good performances off the bench. The Pacers have gone 4-4 at home this season and this game will be the second of a four-game homestand for them.
Indiana is listing Myles Turner (hand) as a game-time decision for Friday, while T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (abdomen) are both out.
The Magic (7-8) are coming off a massive, morale-boosting victory the last time out, as they needed a game-winning shot at the buzzer from Cole Anthony to edge the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 97-96 score on Wednesday night. That win also means they ended a six-game losing streak. Anthony finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, in 27 minutes, while Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and steal. Evan Fournier had a solid outing, with 24 points, two assists and two steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from deep. Orlando is 4-5 on the road this season and this game signals the end of a prolonged six-game road trip that also included a postponement against the Boston Celtics -- they are 1-3 in those contests so far.
Orlando is listing Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Mo Bamba (COVID-19) as game-time decisions for this contest. Al-Farouq Aminu, Chuma Okeke, Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz have all been ruled out of this game due to knee injuries, with Fultz and Isaac set to miss the rest of the season.
Bulls and Hornets Clash in Charlotte
The Chicago Bulls take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (6-8) have been about as inconsistent as their record implies, but they'll enter Friday's contest trying to extend a modest two-game winning streak. Their most recent success came against the Houston Rockets, which they edged by a 125-120 score Monday night. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 33 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Lauri Markkanen delivered 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Denzel Valentine and Garrett Temple generated matching 13-point tallies, with Valentine also pulling down eight rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Wendell Carter and Coby White produced 10 points apiece, with Carter also recording eight boards and White contributing four rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls will list Carter (thigh) as doubtful for Friday's game, while Patrick Williams (hip) and Otto Porter (back) will carry a questionable designation. Tomas Satoransky and Chandler Hutchison will be listed as probable to clear COVID-19 protocols.
The Hornets (6-8) saw their most recent scheduled game against the Wizards postponed due to COVID-19 protocols, but prior to that, they'd dropped three consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 116-113 score on Saturday evening.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 25 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Rozier followed with 24 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. LaMelo Ball registered 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges compiled 10 points and four assists.
The Hornets will list Cody Zeller (hand) as probable to return from a 13-game absence.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Charlotte won the four-game 2019-20 season series over Chicago by a 3-1 margin.
The Bulls (6-8) have been about as inconsistent as their record implies, but they'll enter Friday's contest trying to extend a modest two-game winning streak. Their most recent success came against the Houston Rockets, which they edged by a 125-120 score Monday night. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 33 points, complementing them with seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Lauri Markkanen delivered 18 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Denzel Valentine and Garrett Temple generated matching 13-point tallies, with Valentine also pulling down eight rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Wendell Carter and Coby White produced 10 points apiece, with Carter also recording eight boards and White contributing four rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls will list Carter (thigh) as doubtful for Friday's game, while Patrick Williams (hip) and Otto Porter (back) will carry a questionable designation. Tomas Satoransky and Chandler Hutchison will be listed as probable to clear COVID-19 protocols.
The Hornets (6-8) saw their most recent scheduled game against the Wizards postponed due to COVID-19 protocols, but prior to that, they'd dropped three consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 116-113 score on Saturday evening.
Gordon Hayward led the Hornets with 25 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Rozier followed with 24 points, nine boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. LaMelo Ball registered 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Miles Bridges compiled 10 points and four assists.
The Hornets will list Cody Zeller (hand) as probable to return from a 13-game absence.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Charlotte won the four-game 2019-20 season series over Chicago by a 3-1 margin.
Nets and Cavaliers Tangle in Cleveland
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at RocketMortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Nets (9-7) went into Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers with plenty of optimism, as they'd won four straight games and acquired James Harden within the previous week, and they were set to get Kyrie Irving back from a multi-game absence as well. However, Brooklyn ultimately fell to Cleveland, 147-135, in a double-overtime marathon. Kevin Durant led the way with 38 points, adding 12 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and one steal. Irving followed with 37 points, three assists, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Harden supplied 21 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. DeAndre Jordan posted 13 points, four boards and two blocks.
The Nets will continue without Nicolas Claxton (knee) for Friday's game.
The Cavaliers (7-7) had dropped five of their previous seven games before Wednesday's win, with the victory over Brooklyn marking their second straight. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 42 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Cedi Osman checked in with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Taurean Prince furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Larry Nance and Damyean Dotson generated matching 15-point tallies, with Nance also recording eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Andre Drummond finished with 13 points and seven boards, while Jarrett Allen's contributions included 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
The Cavaliers will list Darius Garland (shoulder) and Dylan Windler (hand) as probable to make their returns Friday. Kevin Love (calf) and Kevin Porter (personal) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season, with Wednesday's victory for the Cavaliers serving as the first.
The Nets (9-7) went into Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers with plenty of optimism, as they'd won four straight games and acquired James Harden within the previous week, and they were set to get Kyrie Irving back from a multi-game absence as well. However, Brooklyn ultimately fell to Cleveland, 147-135, in a double-overtime marathon. Kevin Durant led the way with 38 points, adding 12 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and one steal. Irving followed with 37 points, three assists, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Harden supplied 21 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green delivered 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. DeAndre Jordan posted 13 points, four boards and two blocks.
The Nets will continue without Nicolas Claxton (knee) for Friday's game.
The Cavaliers (7-7) had dropped five of their previous seven games before Wednesday's win, with the victory over Brooklyn marking their second straight. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 42 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Cedi Osman checked in with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Taurean Prince furnished 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Larry Nance and Damyean Dotson generated matching 15-point tallies, with Nance also recording eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. Andre Drummond finished with 13 points and seven boards, while Jarrett Allen's contributions included 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
The Cavaliers will list Darius Garland (shoulder) and Dylan Windler (hand) as probable to make their returns Friday. Kevin Love (calf) and Kevin Porter (personal) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season, with Wednesday's victory for the Cavaliers serving as the first.
76ers Host Celtics For Second Time In Three Days
The Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Celtics (8-5) will look to avenge Wednesday's 117-109 loss at Philadelphia, a result that pushed their losing streak to two games. The Celtics dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month and have gone just 1-2 since suffering three straight postponements, and that might have ended their groove since they were riding a four-game winning run before the aforementioned outbreak. During Wednesday's loss, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Kemba Walker furnished 19 points, six assists and two rebounds. Boston has gone 4-3 away from home this season.
The Celtics are listing Jayson Tatum (COVID-19) and Romeo Langford (wrist) as game-time calls for Friday's contest. Carsen Edwards (COVID-19) is out.
The 76ers (10-5) will try to win two games in a row against the Celtics following the 117-109 victory on Wednesday, a game in which Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton poured in 16 points, while Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards and one assist. Ben Simmons contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The 76ers have gone 8-1 at home this season and seem to be trending in the right direction after recovering several depth pieces following their own COVID-19 outbreak as well. The 76ers have also won three of their last four contests.
The 76ers are listing Mike Scott (knee), Seth Curry (not injury related) and Vincent Poirier (COVID-19) as game-time decisions for Friday's tilt, though they don't have any players ruled out so far.
The Celtics (8-5) will look to avenge Wednesday's 117-109 loss at Philadelphia, a result that pushed their losing streak to two games. The Celtics dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month and have gone just 1-2 since suffering three straight postponements, and that might have ended their groove since they were riding a four-game winning run before the aforementioned outbreak. During Wednesday's loss, Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Kemba Walker furnished 19 points, six assists and two rebounds. Boston has gone 4-3 away from home this season.
The Celtics are listing Jayson Tatum (COVID-19) and Romeo Langford (wrist) as game-time calls for Friday's contest. Carsen Edwards (COVID-19) is out.
The 76ers (10-5) will try to win two games in a row against the Celtics following the 117-109 victory on Wednesday, a game in which Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris delivered 22 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton poured in 16 points, while Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards and one assist. Ben Simmons contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The 76ers have gone 8-1 at home this season and seem to be trending in the right direction after recovering several depth pieces following their own COVID-19 outbreak as well. The 76ers have also won three of their last four contests.
The 76ers are listing Mike Scott (knee), Seth Curry (not injury related) and Vincent Poirier (COVID-19) as game-time decisions for Friday's tilt, though they don't have any players ruled out so far.
Raptors Host Heat on Friday
The Miami Heat travel to face the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena on Friday.
The Heat (6-7) enter this matchup winning their last two games, with the most recent victory coming against these Raptors. The best news about this recent run is the fact that they've been doing it with Jimmy Butler sidelined. The perennial All-Star continues to miss games due to COVID protocols but there's some thought that he'll return by the end of the week. What his absence has done is open up opportunities for Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic. The thing that has held them back is their 24th-ranked defense though and that's something you just don't see from a Miami team. Getting Butler back in the fold will eventually help on that end of the floor and one has to believe that a winning streak is right around the corner for a talented team like this.
The Raptors (5-9) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA but they've been playing better recently. That loss to Miami actually snapped a three-game winning streak for Toronto and it looks like things are turning around despite the loss. What's hard to understand is why Chris Boucher continues to come off the bench. Aron Baynes has five combined points over the last six games and has started all of them. Boucher is averaging 18.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks over his last nine games and is coming off the bench. If you can understand why they are doing this while posting a 5-9 record, you're smarter than me. In any case, a team with Boucher, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam will eventually get out of this hole, making this a team to fear in the second half.
These teams played on Wednesday, with Miami prevailing, 111-102. Prior to that, the Raptors won five of their previous seven games over the Heat dating back three years.
The Heat (6-7) enter this matchup winning their last two games, with the most recent victory coming against these Raptors. The best news about this recent run is the fact that they've been doing it with Jimmy Butler sidelined. The perennial All-Star continues to miss games due to COVID protocols but there's some thought that he'll return by the end of the week. What his absence has done is open up opportunities for Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn and Goran Dragic. The thing that has held them back is their 24th-ranked defense though and that's something you just don't see from a Miami team. Getting Butler back in the fold will eventually help on that end of the floor and one has to believe that a winning streak is right around the corner for a talented team like this.
The Raptors (5-9) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA but they've been playing better recently. That loss to Miami actually snapped a three-game winning streak for Toronto and it looks like things are turning around despite the loss. What's hard to understand is why Chris Boucher continues to come off the bench. Aron Baynes has five combined points over the last six games and has started all of them. Boucher is averaging 18.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.6 blocks over his last nine games and is coming off the bench. If you can understand why they are doing this while posting a 5-9 record, you're smarter than me. In any case, a team with Boucher, Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam will eventually get out of this hole, making this a team to fear in the second half.
These teams played on Wednesday, with Miami prevailing, 111-102. Prior to that, the Raptors won five of their previous seven games over the Heat dating back three years.
Wizards-Bucks Postponed Friday
The game between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks scheduled for Friday night at Fiserv Forum has been postponed due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Timberwolves Look To End Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Target Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves (3-10), as they look to get back on track and end a three-game slide. They are 2-5 at home this season and have lost their last two home games. The Timberwolves are averaging 106.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they are shooting just 43.9 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league. On the other hand, their defense has not been good, as they are giving up an average of 116.2 points against, which is fourth most in the league, while their opponents are shooting 47.6 percent from the field, which is sixth highest in the league. D'Angelo Russell leads the Timberwolves with 21.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Malik Beasley is averaging 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Naz Reid is averaging 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns (covid) remains questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (7-7) have won two in a row and will look to keep the momentum going as they begin a two-game road trip. The Hawks have lost their last two road games and have a 3-4 road record. They are averaging 112.0 points per game but are shooting 43.8 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league. They have been keeping things under control on the defensive end, holding opponents to an average of 109.6 points per game and 43.7 percent shooting, which is the second-lowest opponent field-goal percentage in the league. Trae Young continues to lead the Hawks, averaging 24.0 points, 9.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. John Collins is averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, while Clint Capela is averaging 14.3 points, 14.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves (3-10), as they look to get back on track and end a three-game slide. They are 2-5 at home this season and have lost their last two home games. The Timberwolves are averaging 106.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they are shooting just 43.9 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league. On the other hand, their defense has not been good, as they are giving up an average of 116.2 points against, which is fourth most in the league, while their opponents are shooting 47.6 percent from the field, which is sixth highest in the league. D'Angelo Russell leads the Timberwolves with 21.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Malik Beasley is averaging 19.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Naz Reid is averaging 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns (covid) remains questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (7-7) have won two in a row and will look to keep the momentum going as they begin a two-game road trip. The Hawks have lost their last two road games and have a 3-4 road record. They are averaging 112.0 points per game but are shooting 43.8 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league. They have been keeping things under control on the defensive end, holding opponents to an average of 109.6 points per game and 43.7 percent shooting, which is the second-lowest opponent field-goal percentage in the league. Trae Young continues to lead the Hawks, averaging 24.0 points, 9.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game. John Collins is averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, while Clint Capela is averaging 14.3 points, 14.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
Spurs Host Mavericks on Friday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Dallas Mavericks at AT&T Center on Friday.
The Mavericks (7-7) snapped a three-game losing streak in their most recent game, beating the Indiana Pacers on the road, 124-112. The direct correlation with that poor stretch is the COVID chaos that ran through this team just last week. They've been missing Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber for nearly two weeks now and while those aren't any big-name players, it's hard to be successful with three rotation players out of the mix. The good news is that Kristaps Porzingis is back and fully healthy, providing at least 20 points and eight rebounds in each of his last three games. That's the stud we've been waiting for and dropping 27 points and 13 rebounds on 12-of-15 shooting in the most recent win shows just how healthy he is. That makes this a scary team when all of these guys eventually return and it makes the 7-7 record nothing to worry about.
The Spurs (8-7) just suffered an ugly loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, taking a 121-99 beatdown. That ended a stretch in which San Antonio won six of their previous eight games though and the ticker appears to be pointing up despite that ugly loss on Wednesday. What's not pointing up is the play of LaMarcus Aldridge, who had just four points and three rebounds in that defeat. That brings his season averages to just 14.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game which is simply unacceptable from a former All-Star like this. There is some young talent to get excited about though, with Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV all having career seasons. That's a good core for the future and it has many people believing that Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are trade candidates to keep the youth movement rolling.
These teams played four times last season, with Dallas prevailing in three of four. Prior to that, the Spurs won 25 of their previous 29 games over the Mavericks dating back to 2012.
The Mavericks (7-7) snapped a three-game losing streak in their most recent game, beating the Indiana Pacers on the road, 124-112. The direct correlation with that poor stretch is the COVID chaos that ran through this team just last week. They've been missing Josh Richardson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber for nearly two weeks now and while those aren't any big-name players, it's hard to be successful with three rotation players out of the mix. The good news is that Kristaps Porzingis is back and fully healthy, providing at least 20 points and eight rebounds in each of his last three games. That's the stud we've been waiting for and dropping 27 points and 13 rebounds on 12-of-15 shooting in the most recent win shows just how healthy he is. That makes this a scary team when all of these guys eventually return and it makes the 7-7 record nothing to worry about.
The Spurs (8-7) just suffered an ugly loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, taking a 121-99 beatdown. That ended a stretch in which San Antonio won six of their previous eight games though and the ticker appears to be pointing up despite that ugly loss on Wednesday. What's not pointing up is the play of LaMarcus Aldridge, who had just four points and three rebounds in that defeat. That brings his season averages to just 14.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game which is simply unacceptable from a former All-Star like this. There is some young talent to get excited about though, with Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV all having career seasons. That's a good core for the future and it has many people believing that Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are trade candidates to keep the youth movement rolling.
These teams played four times last season, with Dallas prevailing in three of four. Prior to that, the Spurs won 25 of their previous 29 games over the Mavericks dating back to 2012.
Clippers Look To Build On Five-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on Friday evening.
The Clippers (11-4) will look to keep it rolling as they have won five straight. This marks their third game of a four-game home stand, which will wrap up with two consecutive games against the Thunder. The Clippers have won their last four home games and are 6-2 at home this season. They are averaging 114.9 points per game are shooting a league-best 44.1 percent from long range. They have been strong defensively, holding opponents to an average of 107.8 points per game, while they also limit opponents to a league-low 40.3 rebounds per game. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers, averaging 24.9 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Paul George has also been playing great, averaging 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Thunder (6-7), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and build on their 5-2 road record. The Thunder are averaging 105.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are shooting 33 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 112.6 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46 percent from the field. Shai Gilegeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with team highs of 21.0 points and 6.2 assists per game, while shooting an efficient, 50.5 percent from the field. Darius Bazley has slowed down after a strong start to the season, as he is averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, over the last five games. Al Horford (personal) remains questionable for action, after missing the last three games.
The Clippers (11-4) will look to keep it rolling as they have won five straight. This marks their third game of a four-game home stand, which will wrap up with two consecutive games against the Thunder. The Clippers have won their last four home games and are 6-2 at home this season. They are averaging 114.9 points per game are shooting a league-best 44.1 percent from long range. They have been strong defensively, holding opponents to an average of 107.8 points per game, while they also limit opponents to a league-low 40.3 rebounds per game. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers, averaging 24.9 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Paul George has also been playing great, averaging 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Thunder (6-7), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and build on their 5-2 road record. The Thunder are averaging 105.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are shooting 33 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 112.6 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46 percent from the field. Shai Gilegeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with team highs of 21.0 points and 6.2 assists per game, while shooting an efficient, 50.5 percent from the field. Darius Bazley has slowed down after a strong start to the season, as he is averaging 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, over the last five games. Al Horford (personal) remains questionable for action, after missing the last three games.
Suns Host Nuggets on Friday
The Denver Nuggets travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on Friday.
The Nuggets (7-7) have traded off wins and losses in their last five games but come into this matchup winning six of their last nine. That's the team we expected to see after their incredible bubble run last year and it finally got them back to .500. The guy who carried them in the bubble run was Jamal Murray and he's been terrible to start the season. He's currently averaging just 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. While that doesn't sound bad, it's discouraging to see such a young player regress after such an impressive run just three months ago. The good news is that Nikola Jokic continues to ball out. The big man is currently leading the NBA in assists, averaging 25.1 points, 11.4 rebounds. 10 assists and 1.9 steals per game. That has him strictly in the MVP discussion and just a little better play from Murray could put this team right on track to get back to where they were last season.
The Suns (8-5) pulled off a 109-103 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday but they nearly blew a 20-point lead in that victory. That close win over a shorthanded Rockets team emphasizes how much this team is struggling right now, owning a 3-4 record over their last seven games. That's a disappointing run after a 5-1 start and they simply need more from their star players. The good news is that Deandre Ayton appears to be hitting his stride, collecting 44 points, 33 rebounds, six assists and six blocks over the last two games combined. That's the stud top-pick that everyone has been waiting for and he seems likely to continue those numbers considering how much success he's had against Denver throughout his career.
These teams played on New Years Day, with Phoenix prevailing, 106-103. Prior to that, the Nuggets won 15 of their previous 17 games over the Suns dating back five seasons.
The Nuggets (7-7) have traded off wins and losses in their last five games but come into this matchup winning six of their last nine. That's the team we expected to see after their incredible bubble run last year and it finally got them back to .500. The guy who carried them in the bubble run was Jamal Murray and he's been terrible to start the season. He's currently averaging just 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. While that doesn't sound bad, it's discouraging to see such a young player regress after such an impressive run just three months ago. The good news is that Nikola Jokic continues to ball out. The big man is currently leading the NBA in assists, averaging 25.1 points, 11.4 rebounds. 10 assists and 1.9 steals per game. That has him strictly in the MVP discussion and just a little better play from Murray could put this team right on track to get back to where they were last season.
The Suns (8-5) pulled off a 109-103 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday but they nearly blew a 20-point lead in that victory. That close win over a shorthanded Rockets team emphasizes how much this team is struggling right now, owning a 3-4 record over their last seven games. That's a disappointing run after a 5-1 start and they simply need more from their star players. The good news is that Deandre Ayton appears to be hitting his stride, collecting 44 points, 33 rebounds, six assists and six blocks over the last two games combined. That's the stud top-pick that everyone has been waiting for and he seems likely to continue those numbers considering how much success he's had against Denver throughout his career.
These teams played on New Years Day, with Phoenix prevailing, 106-103. Prior to that, the Nuggets won 15 of their previous 17 games over the Suns dating back five seasons.
This game has been postponed due to COVID protocols.
Knicks Look To Keep Rolling
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Knicks (8-8), as they are coming off an impressive road win over the Warriors on Thursday, where they pushed their lead as high as 19 points in the fourth quarter to earn their third straight win. Six players scored in double digits for the Knicks in the win, led by R.J. Barrett, who finished with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 36 minutes. Julius Randle added 16 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Mitchell Robinson totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, two bocks and a steal. The Knicks will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 5-4, road record, as they face the second game of a four-game road trip. The Knicks remain solid on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to a league-low average of 102.8 points per game, while also holding them to a league-low 42.9 percent shooting.
Meanwhile, the Kings (5-10) desperately need to get back on track, as they have lost their last four games. They have dropped their last three home games but are 4-6 at home this season. The Kings are averaging 113.1 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.3 percent from the field. However, their struggles are more so on the defensive end, as they are giving up a league-worst 123.0 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 50.1 percent from the field, which is also worst in the league. De'Aaron Fox is leading the team, averaging 20.8 points on 48 percent shooting, 5.9 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Harrison Barnes is averaging 15.6 points on 48 percent shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while Buddy Hield is averaging 15.2 points on 37 percent shooting.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Knicks (8-8), as they are coming off an impressive road win over the Warriors on Thursday, where they pushed their lead as high as 19 points in the fourth quarter to earn their third straight win. Six players scored in double digits for the Knicks in the win, led by R.J. Barrett, who finished with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 36 minutes. Julius Randle added 16 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while Mitchell Robinson totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, two bocks and a steal. The Knicks will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 5-4, road record, as they face the second game of a four-game road trip. The Knicks remain solid on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to a league-low average of 102.8 points per game, while also holding them to a league-low 42.9 percent shooting.
Meanwhile, the Kings (5-10) desperately need to get back on track, as they have lost their last four games. They have dropped their last three home games but are 4-6 at home this season. The Kings are averaging 113.1 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.3 percent from the field. However, their struggles are more so on the defensive end, as they are giving up a league-worst 123.0 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 50.1 percent from the field, which is also worst in the league. De'Aaron Fox is leading the team, averaging 20.8 points on 48 percent shooting, 5.9 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Harrison Barnes is averaging 15.6 points on 48 percent shooting, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while Buddy Hield is averaging 15.2 points on 37 percent shooting.