Pistons Looking To End Negative Run, Host 76ers
The Detroit Pistons will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
The Pistons (3-12) have been one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference this season and have been forced to play younger players on a nightly basis -- that would explain their record despite having established veterans such as Wayne Ellington, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin on the roster. They're coming off a 103-102 loss against the Houston Rockets the last time out, in a game where Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points and eight rebounds while also adding three assists. Blake Griffin once again had a secondary role and posted seven points while grabbing 10 boards and dishing out three assists, and Wayne Ellington and Delon Wright each contributed 18 points -- though Wright filled out the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists and three steals as well. Josh Jackson had 12 points off the bench. The Pistons have gone 2-6 at home this season.
The Pistons are listing Killian Hayes (hip) as their lone injury concern for this game.
The 76ers (11-5) have confirmed their place as one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference following another strong performance Friday -- they defeated the Boston Celtics by a 12-point margin (122-110), and now they have topped Boston twice over the last three days. Joel Embiid had another monster performance and racked up 38 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and a steal across 30 minutes. Tobias Harris delivered 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 15 points, 11 assists, three boards, two steals and a block. Seth Curry also ended with 15 points while also making three of his five three-point attempts. The 76ers are also getting healthier following a COVID-19 outbreak and that could also be used as an explanation for their recent uptick in form.
The Sixers are listing Mike Scott (knee) and Vincent Poirier (COVID-19) as game-time calls for this contest. Both players missed Friday's win over Boston.
The Pistons (3-12) have been one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference this season and have been forced to play younger players on a nightly basis -- that would explain their record despite having established veterans such as Wayne Ellington, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin on the roster. They're coming off a 103-102 loss against the Houston Rockets the last time out, in a game where Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points and eight rebounds while also adding three assists. Blake Griffin once again had a secondary role and posted seven points while grabbing 10 boards and dishing out three assists, and Wayne Ellington and Delon Wright each contributed 18 points -- though Wright filled out the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists and three steals as well. Josh Jackson had 12 points off the bench. The Pistons have gone 2-6 at home this season.
The Pistons are listing Killian Hayes (hip) as their lone injury concern for this game.
The 76ers (11-5) have confirmed their place as one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference following another strong performance Friday -- they defeated the Boston Celtics by a 12-point margin (122-110), and now they have topped Boston twice over the last three days. Joel Embiid had another monster performance and racked up 38 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and a steal across 30 minutes. Tobias Harris delivered 23 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Ben Simmons chipped in with 15 points, 11 assists, three boards, two steals and a block. Seth Curry also ended with 15 points while also making three of his five three-point attempts. The 76ers are also getting healthier following a COVID-19 outbreak and that could also be used as an explanation for their recent uptick in form.
The Sixers are listing Mike Scott (knee) and Vincent Poirier (COVID-19) as game-time calls for this contest. Both players missed Friday's win over Boston.
Timberwolves Look To Avoid Fifth Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves (3-11), as they are coming off a home loss against the Hawks on Friday night. It marked their fourth consecutive loss, and it was not pretty as they trailed nearly the entire way and by as many as 28 points in the fourth. Malik Beasley was the high-point man for the Timberwolves with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Jarrett Culver followed up with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Naz Reid chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while D'Angelo Russell had a rough night, with nine points on 2-of-9 shooting, in 20 minutes of action. The Timberwolves remain one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, and their struggles are mirrored on the defensive end, as they are giving up the an average of 116.2 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (covid) and Juancho Hernangomez (covid) remain questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this marks the sixth and final game of a road trip for the Pelicans (5-9), where they have gone 1-4, so far, including coming off two straight losses. They are averaging 108.1 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league, but they are shooting 46.7 percent from the field. Their solid shooting percentage is a result of their inside scoring, while they are shooting just 33.4 percent from long range, which is fourth worst in the league. The Pelicans do a good job on the glass, as they average the sixth-most rebounds per game. Big men, Steven Adams and Zion Williamson are instrumental in controlling the boards, while Josh Hart is also a big contributor, as he averages 7.6 rebounds per game, which is a lot for a guard. Brandon Ingram is the Pelicans' leading scorer, averaging 22.9 points on 46 percent shooting.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves (3-11), as they are coming off a home loss against the Hawks on Friday night. It marked their fourth consecutive loss, and it was not pretty as they trailed nearly the entire way and by as many as 28 points in the fourth. Malik Beasley was the high-point man for the Timberwolves with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Jarrett Culver followed up with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Naz Reid chipped in 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while D'Angelo Russell had a rough night, with nine points on 2-of-9 shooting, in 20 minutes of action. The Timberwolves remain one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, and their struggles are mirrored on the defensive end, as they are giving up the an average of 116.2 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (covid) and Juancho Hernangomez (covid) remain questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this marks the sixth and final game of a road trip for the Pelicans (5-9), where they have gone 1-4, so far, including coming off two straight losses. They are averaging 108.1 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league, but they are shooting 46.7 percent from the field. Their solid shooting percentage is a result of their inside scoring, while they are shooting just 33.4 percent from long range, which is fourth worst in the league. The Pelicans do a good job on the glass, as they average the sixth-most rebounds per game. Big men, Steven Adams and Zion Williamson are instrumental in controlling the boards, while Josh Hart is also a big contributor, as he averages 7.6 rebounds per game, which is a lot for a guard. Brandon Ingram is the Pelicans' leading scorer, averaging 22.9 points on 46 percent shooting.
Heat and Nets Tangle in Big Apple
The Miami Heat takes on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Saturday night.
The Heat (6-8) comes into Saturday's game on a downward trajectory, as the defending Eastern Conference champions have dropped four of their last six games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they were dealt a 101-81 throttling by the Toronto Raptors. Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 14 points, eight boards and four assists. Goran Dragic supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson poured in 11 points.
The Heat will continue without Tyler Herro (neck) and Avery Bradley (COVID-19 protocols) for Saturday's contest. Jimmy Butler (COVID-19 protocols) and Meyers Leonard (shoulder) project to be listed no better than questionable.
The Nets (9-8) have certainly been one of the more newsworthy teams in the league thus far this season given their star power, but they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped two straight following a four-game win streak. Brooklyn's most recent stumble came at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which defeated the Nets for a second straight game Friday night. In the 125-113 defeat, Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, one rebound and one block. James Harden generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds. Jeff Green managed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot poured in 11 points.
The Nets will remain without Nicolas Claxton (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat won the three-game 2019-20 season series from the Nets by a 2-1 margin.
The Heat (6-8) comes into Saturday's game on a downward trajectory, as the defending Eastern Conference champions have dropped four of their last six games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they were dealt a 101-81 throttling by the Toronto Raptors. Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 14 points, eight boards and four assists. Goran Dragic supplied 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Duncan Robinson poured in 11 points.
The Heat will continue without Tyler Herro (neck) and Avery Bradley (COVID-19 protocols) for Saturday's contest. Jimmy Butler (COVID-19 protocols) and Meyers Leonard (shoulder) project to be listed no better than questionable.
The Nets (9-8) have certainly been one of the more newsworthy teams in the league thus far this season given their star power, but they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped two straight following a four-game win streak. Brooklyn's most recent stumble came at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which defeated the Nets for a second straight game Friday night. In the 125-113 defeat, Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, one rebound and one block. James Harden generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds. Jeff Green managed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot poured in 11 points.
The Nets will remain without Nicolas Claxton (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat won the three-game 2019-20 season series from the Nets by a 2-1 margin.
Lakers and Bulls Face Off in Windy City
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday night.
The Lakers (12-4) have seemingly hit their stride after some early inconsistency this season, as they'll come into Saturday's contest having prevailed in six of their last seven games. Their most recent victory was certainly a quality one, as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-106, on the road Thursday night. LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 34 points, complementing them with eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope furnished 23 points, three rebounds and one block. Anthony Davis supplied 18 points, nine boards, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Montrezl Harrell delivered 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Lakers will list James (ankle) as questionable and Davis (ankle) as probable for Saturday's contest. Jared Dudley (calf) will remain out.
The Bulls (7-8) have been plagued by some up-and-down play in their own right, but they check into Saturday's game having won three straight following a four-game losing streak. Their most recent success came Friday night at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they toppled by a 123-110 score. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Lauri Markkanen furnished 23 points, two rebounds and one block. Coby White supplied 18 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and three steals. Otto Porter compiled 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Bulls will list Wendell Carter (thigh) as doubtful for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-115 win Jan. 8.
The Lakers (12-4) have seemingly hit their stride after some early inconsistency this season, as they'll come into Saturday's contest having prevailed in six of their last seven games. Their most recent victory was certainly a quality one, as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-106, on the road Thursday night. LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 34 points, complementing them with eight assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope furnished 23 points, three rebounds and one block. Anthony Davis supplied 18 points, nine boards, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Montrezl Harrell delivered 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Lakers will list James (ankle) as questionable and Davis (ankle) as probable for Saturday's contest. Jared Dudley (calf) will remain out.
The Bulls (7-8) have been plagued by some up-and-down play in their own right, but they check into Saturday's game having won three straight following a four-game losing streak. Their most recent success came Friday night at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they toppled by a 123-110 score. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 25 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Lauri Markkanen furnished 23 points, two rebounds and one block. Coby White supplied 18 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, five boards, one assist and three steals. Otto Porter compiled 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
The Bulls will list Wendell Carter (thigh) as doubtful for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-115 win Jan. 8.
Mavericks Host Rockets on Saturday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on Saturday.
The Rockets (5-9) pulled off a miracle win on Friday, beating the Detroit Pistons, 103-102. What made that victory so miraculous was the fact that Jerami Grant seemingly hit a game-winning lay-up at the buzzer to down the Rockets. It was called off because it was after the buzzer though due to a review and that helped the Rockets snap their three-game losing streak. What made that win even more surprising is the fact that they did it without John Wall and Christian Wood. DeMarcus Cousins started in that Saturday win and provided 15 rebounds and seven assists, despite shooting just 2-of-16 from the field. He's shown that stat-stuffing ability all year and one has to wonder why he's not getting more playing time. A lot of it has to do with the emergence of Wood but it's time to get these guys on the floor together to see what they can do.
The Mavericks (8-7) had an impressive win themselves on Friday, beating the San Antonio Spurs, 122-117. That followed up an inspiring win over the Indiana Pacers too, with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis balling out. The next step is to get all the COVID guys back, with Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Richardson and Maxi Kleber still out. All of those absences have left this rotation very thin and it's been nearly two weeks since all of those guys started missing games. It's unclear when they will return but that should be right around the corner by doing sheer math. Getting hot before those guys show up is important and it makes this is a team to fear when all of them eventually do return.
These teams played once already this season, with Dallas prevailing, 113-100. Prior to that, the Rockets won four of their previous five games over the Mavs in this series.
The Rockets (5-9) pulled off a miracle win on Friday, beating the Detroit Pistons, 103-102. What made that victory so miraculous was the fact that Jerami Grant seemingly hit a game-winning lay-up at the buzzer to down the Rockets. It was called off because it was after the buzzer though due to a review and that helped the Rockets snap their three-game losing streak. What made that win even more surprising is the fact that they did it without John Wall and Christian Wood. DeMarcus Cousins started in that Saturday win and provided 15 rebounds and seven assists, despite shooting just 2-of-16 from the field. He's shown that stat-stuffing ability all year and one has to wonder why he's not getting more playing time. A lot of it has to do with the emergence of Wood but it's time to get these guys on the floor together to see what they can do.
The Mavericks (8-7) had an impressive win themselves on Friday, beating the San Antonio Spurs, 122-117. That followed up an inspiring win over the Indiana Pacers too, with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis balling out. The next step is to get all the COVID guys back, with Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Richardson and Maxi Kleber still out. All of those absences have left this rotation very thin and it's been nearly two weeks since all of those guys started missing games. It's unclear when they will return but that should be right around the corner by doing sheer math. Getting hot before those guys show up is important and it makes this is a team to fear when all of them eventually do return.
These teams played once already this season, with Dallas prevailing, 113-100. Prior to that, the Rockets won four of their previous five games over the Mavs in this series.
Nuggets, Suns Face Off For Second Of Back-To-Back Contests
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Denver Nuggets at PHX Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second of back-to-back contests between the Suns (8-6) and the Nuggets (8-7), as the Nuggets came out on top in an overtime win on Friday night in Phoenix.
The Suns got out to a strong start in the contest and led by 14 points at halftime. The Nuggets came out stronger in the third, but the Suns maintained a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets kept fighting and took the edge early in the fourth, but after a few lead changes, the score was tied at the end of regulation. The Nuggets scored four straight points to start the extra frame, but the Suns caught up and grabbed a one-point lead with just under two minutes to go. However, the Nuggets outscored the hosts, 8-3, in the remaining time to close out the road win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points on 15-of-27 shooting, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jamal Murray added 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block, while Will Barton and Monte Morris chipped in 17 points each. Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, five rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal. Deandre Ayton followed up with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Miles Bridges added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Suns shot 50 percent from the field and 15-of-15 from the foul line on Friday, but their shooting was not the problem, as they gave up 15 turnovers and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 52 percent from the field.
This marks the second of back-to-back contests between the Suns (8-6) and the Nuggets (8-7), as the Nuggets came out on top in an overtime win on Friday night in Phoenix.
The Suns got out to a strong start in the contest and led by 14 points at halftime. The Nuggets came out stronger in the third, but the Suns maintained a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets kept fighting and took the edge early in the fourth, but after a few lead changes, the score was tied at the end of regulation. The Nuggets scored four straight points to start the extra frame, but the Suns caught up and grabbed a one-point lead with just under two minutes to go. However, the Nuggets outscored the hosts, 8-3, in the remaining time to close out the road win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 31 points on 15-of-27 shooting, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jamal Murray added 18 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block, while Will Barton and Monte Morris chipped in 17 points each. Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting, five rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal. Deandre Ayton followed up with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Miles Bridges added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.
The Suns shot 50 percent from the field and 15-of-15 from the foul line on Friday, but their shooting was not the problem, as they gave up 15 turnovers and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 52 percent from the field.
Jazz Looking To Extend Streak Against Warriors
The Golden State Warriors will visit the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Thursday.
The Warriors (8-7) are coming off a disappointing performance Thursday when they lost at home against the New York Knicks by a 119-104 score, in a game where Golden State looked outmatched at times. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 30 points on 9-of-19 shooting, in 34 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while James Wiseman totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green was ejected from the contest after receiving two technical fouls in the first half, but the league office admitted his ejection was a mistake so he'll be available for this contest. The Warriors shot 38.4 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from three-point range during Thursday's loss, two numbers that don't do justice to the shooting talent in this team. The Warriors are 3-3 on the road this season.
The Warriors announced Alen Smailagic (knee) has been ruled out for this contest, while Marquese Chriss (lower leg) and Klay Thompson (Achilles) are already out for the remainder of the season.
The Jazz (11-4) have been one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference in recent weeks and enter this matchup on the heels of a seven-game winning run that has them near the top of the standings. The Jazz were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 36 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 11-of-19 from the field, Mike Conley compiled 20 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two steals while Rudy Gobert had 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and two steals. It's also worth noting the Jazz are 4-2 at home this season.
When it comes to injuries for the Jazz, Derrick Favors (knee) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup, while Elijah Hughes (ankle) will also be a game-time decision.
The Warriors (8-7) are coming off a disappointing performance Thursday when they lost at home against the New York Knicks by a 119-104 score, in a game where Golden State looked outmatched at times. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 30 points on 9-of-19 shooting, in 34 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, while James Wiseman totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green was ejected from the contest after receiving two technical fouls in the first half, but the league office admitted his ejection was a mistake so he'll be available for this contest. The Warriors shot 38.4 percent from the field and 23.7 percent from three-point range during Thursday's loss, two numbers that don't do justice to the shooting talent in this team. The Warriors are 3-3 on the road this season.
The Warriors announced Alen Smailagic (knee) has been ruled out for this contest, while Marquese Chriss (lower leg) and Klay Thompson (Achilles) are already out for the remainder of the season.
The Jazz (11-4) have been one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference in recent weeks and enter this matchup on the heels of a seven-game winning run that has them near the top of the standings. The Jazz were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 36 points, seven rebounds and five assists on 11-of-19 from the field, Mike Conley compiled 20 points, two rebounds, six assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two steals while Rudy Gobert had 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and two steals. It's also worth noting the Jazz are 4-2 at home this season.
When it comes to injuries for the Jazz, Derrick Favors (knee) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup, while Elijah Hughes (ankle) will also be a game-time decision.