Pacers, Raptors Collide In Eastern Conference Matchup
The Indiana Pacers will host the Toronto Raptors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
The Pacers (9-6) are coming off a 120-118 overtime win over the Orlando Magic on Friday evening, a result that allowed them to bounce back from what was an ugly loss against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week. During Friday's win, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, while the returning Myles Turner contributed 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb also had 22 points off the bench, while Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt with 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Doug McDermott had 13 points. The Pacers have gone 5-4 at home this season and own a 3-2 mark over their last five games.
Indiana is listing T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (abdomen) as out for this contest.
The Raptors (6-9) are coming off one of their best performances of the season since they registered a 20-point win over the Miami Heat the last time out (101-81), and that victory means they have gone 4-1 over their last five games, slowly ending their poor start to the campaign. During the win over Miami, Norman Powell's 23 points, which he supplemented with three rebounds and two steals, led the Canada-based franchise. OG Anunoby's contributions included 21 points and four boards. Pascal Siakam generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Fred VanVleet delivered 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis recorded 11 points. The Raptors have gone 1-6 on the road.
The Raptors are listing Kyle Lowry (toe) as a game-time decision, while Patrick McCaw (knee) has been ruled out.
The Pacers (9-6) are coming off a 120-118 overtime win over the Orlando Magic on Friday evening, a result that allowed them to bounce back from what was an ugly loss against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week. During Friday's win, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, while the returning Myles Turner contributed 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Jeremy Lamb also had 22 points off the bench, while Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt with 18 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. Doug McDermott had 13 points. The Pacers have gone 5-4 at home this season and own a 3-2 mark over their last five games.
Indiana is listing T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (abdomen) as out for this contest.
The Raptors (6-9) are coming off one of their best performances of the season since they registered a 20-point win over the Miami Heat the last time out (101-81), and that victory means they have gone 4-1 over their last five games, slowly ending their poor start to the campaign. During the win over Miami, Norman Powell's 23 points, which he supplemented with three rebounds and two steals, led the Canada-based franchise. OG Anunoby's contributions included 21 points and four boards. Pascal Siakam generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Fred VanVleet delivered 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis recorded 11 points. The Raptors have gone 1-6 on the road.
The Raptors are listing Kyle Lowry (toe) as a game-time decision, while Patrick McCaw (knee) has been ruled out.
Thunder and Clippers Tussle Out West
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Thunder (6-8) came into this season as a team in transition, and accordingly, they've experienced much of the inconsistencies expected in such a phase. Oklahoma City will check into Sunday's game having dropped four of its last five contests, with its most recent stumble coming against these same Clippers by a 120-106 score Friday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort supplied 19 points, three boards and one assist. George Hill furnished 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Mike Muscala finished with 11 points.
The Thunder are slated to continue without Al Horford (personal), Trevor Ariza (personal) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Sunday's game.
The Clippers (12-4) were an acceptable 6-4 over their first 10 games, but they've subsequently taken their play to another level. Los Angeles' aforementioned 120-106 win over the Thunder on Friday night was their sixth consecutive victory. In that contest, Kawhi Leonard paced the Clippers with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Paul George delivered 29 points, seven rebounds, five assist and one steal. Serge Ibaka generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Nicolas Batum contributed 14 points.
The Clippers will come into Sunday's contest without any injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead courtesy of Friday's win.
The Thunder (6-8) came into this season as a team in transition, and accordingly, they've experienced much of the inconsistencies expected in such a phase. Oklahoma City will check into Sunday's game having dropped four of its last five contests, with its most recent stumble coming against these same Clippers by a 120-106 score Friday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 30 points, complementing them with eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort supplied 19 points, three boards and one assist. George Hill furnished 12 points, five rebounds and one assist. Mike Muscala finished with 11 points.
The Thunder are slated to continue without Al Horford (personal), Trevor Ariza (personal) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Sunday's game.
The Clippers (12-4) were an acceptable 6-4 over their first 10 games, but they've subsequently taken their play to another level. Los Angeles' aforementioned 120-106 win over the Thunder on Friday night was their sixth consecutive victory. In that contest, Kawhi Leonard paced the Clippers with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks. Paul George delivered 29 points, seven rebounds, five assist and one steal. Serge Ibaka generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Nicolas Batum contributed 14 points.
The Clippers will come into Sunday's contest without any injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead courtesy of Friday's win.
Celtics Looking To Snap Losing Run, Host Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (8-6) suffered a lengthy layoff due to a COVID-19 outbreak that forced them to postpone three games in a row and things have not looked good since then, as they are coming off back-to-back losses against the Philadelphia 76ers the last time out. In that game, Jaylen Brown had one of the best performances of his career en route to 42 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Celtics. Marcus Smart had 20 points and seven assists, while Kemba Walker posted decent numbers with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. They were the only three Boston players that scored in double digits, though.Boston owns a 2-3 record over their last five games and is currently riding a three-game losing streak, however, so things are far from quiet at TD Garden. The Celtics have gone 4-2 at home this season, though, and they hope that can allow them to turn things around.
Boston is listing Jayson Tatum (COVID-19), Romeo Langford (wrist) and Payton Pritchard (knee) as out for this game, while Carsen Edwards (COVID-19) and Aaron Nesmith (back) are both listed as game-time calls.
The Cavaliers (8-7) are looking dangerous once again and are coming off a 125-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets the last time out -- that gave them back-to-back wins over Brooklyn and three games in a row, as they've jumped over the .500 threshold once again. During Friday's win over Brooklyn, Collin Sexton's 25 points, which he partly supplemented with nine assists, led the Cavaliers. Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen generated matching 19-point tallies, with Drummond also recording 16 rebounds. Larry Nance's line included 15 points and 10 rebounds. Taurean Prince registered 14 points. Darius Garland returned from injury and furnished 11 points and three assists in 22 minutes off the bench. It's worth mentioning the Cavaliers are 3-4 when playing on the road this season and enter this game posting a 3-2 record over their last five contests. It's undeniable that they're trending in the right direction following their recent results.
Cleveland is listing Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) as questionable for this game, while Kevin Love (calf) is out. The rest of the team is fit and available.
The Celtics (8-6) suffered a lengthy layoff due to a COVID-19 outbreak that forced them to postpone three games in a row and things have not looked good since then, as they are coming off back-to-back losses against the Philadelphia 76ers the last time out. In that game, Jaylen Brown had one of the best performances of his career en route to 42 points, nine rebounds and three assists, but his efforts were not enough to carry the Celtics. Marcus Smart had 20 points and seven assists, while Kemba Walker posted decent numbers with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. They were the only three Boston players that scored in double digits, though.Boston owns a 2-3 record over their last five games and is currently riding a three-game losing streak, however, so things are far from quiet at TD Garden. The Celtics have gone 4-2 at home this season, though, and they hope that can allow them to turn things around.
Boston is listing Jayson Tatum (COVID-19), Romeo Langford (wrist) and Payton Pritchard (knee) as out for this game, while Carsen Edwards (COVID-19) and Aaron Nesmith (back) are both listed as game-time calls.
The Cavaliers (8-7) are looking dangerous once again and are coming off a 125-113 win over the Brooklyn Nets the last time out -- that gave them back-to-back wins over Brooklyn and three games in a row, as they've jumped over the .500 threshold once again. During Friday's win over Brooklyn, Collin Sexton's 25 points, which he partly supplemented with nine assists, led the Cavaliers. Andre Drummond and Jarrett Allen generated matching 19-point tallies, with Drummond also recording 16 rebounds. Larry Nance's line included 15 points and 10 rebounds. Taurean Prince registered 14 points. Darius Garland returned from injury and furnished 11 points and three assists in 22 minutes off the bench. It's worth mentioning the Cavaliers are 3-4 when playing on the road this season and enter this game posting a 3-2 record over their last five contests. It's undeniable that they're trending in the right direction following their recent results.
Cleveland is listing Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) as questionable for this game, while Kevin Love (calf) is out. The rest of the team is fit and available.
Hornets and Magic Face Off in Central Florida Battle
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday night.
The Hornets (6-9) continue to endure the swings of a rollercoaster season, as they'll enter Sunday's contest on a four-game losing streak that has come in the wake of four straight wins. Their most recent stumble came against the Chicago Bulls, which toppled them by a 123-110 score Friday night. Gordon Hayward paced the Hornets with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Devonte' Graham compiled 24 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
The Hornets come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (7-9) have had their fair share of troubles recently as well, as they check into Sunday's game having dropped seven of their last eight games. Their most loss was a heartbreaking, narrow 120-118 defeat in overtime at the hands of the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Evan Fournier led the way for the Magic with 26 points, adding nine assists and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic posted a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon furnished 17 points, nine boards, nine assists and two blocks. Dwayne Bacon poured in 16 points. Terrance Ross supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Magic will continue without Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Chuma Okeke (knee) for Sunday's game. Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Magic swept the two-game 2019-20 season series from the Hornets.
The Hornets (6-9) continue to endure the swings of a rollercoaster season, as they'll enter Sunday's contest on a four-game losing streak that has come in the wake of four straight wins. Their most recent stumble came against the Chicago Bulls, which toppled them by a 123-110 score Friday night. Gordon Hayward paced the Hornets with 34 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Devonte' Graham compiled 24 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, six assists, four boards and two steals.
The Hornets come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (7-9) have had their fair share of troubles recently as well, as they check into Sunday's game having dropped seven of their last eight games. Their most loss was a heartbreaking, narrow 120-118 defeat in overtime at the hands of the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Evan Fournier led the way for the Magic with 26 points, adding nine assists and four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic posted a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon furnished 17 points, nine boards, nine assists and two blocks. Dwayne Bacon poured in 16 points. Terrance Ross supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Magic will continue without Michael Carter-Williams (foot) and Chuma Okeke (knee) for Sunday's game. Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Magic swept the two-game 2019-20 season series from the Hornets.
Bucks Looking To Get Back On Track
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday evening.
The Bucks (9-6) are looking to get back on track after coming off two straight losses, first against the Nets in Brooklyn, followed by loss at home agains the Lakers in their most recent contest. They had a contest scheduled against the Wizards on Friday, but it was postponed, leaving them with a few extra days rest and a chance to refocus. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks, averaging team highs of 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Khris Middleton has also been consistently great, averaging 21.9 points on 52 percent shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Jrue Holiday is finding his rhythm with his new squad, as he is averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. The Bucks are averaging 119. points per game, which is third most in the league, while they are giving up an average of 110.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (8-6) have won three in a row and will look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a two-game road trip. Prior to their most recent win, the Hawks had dropped their last three road games, but they will look to stay on the right track and add to their, 4-4, road record. Trae Young is coming off an incredible, 43-point performance in the Hawks' most recent contest, and he continues to lead the team, averaging team-high with 25.3 points and 8.7 assists per game. Clint Capela also had a huge night in his most recent outing, as he tallied a rare triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks. Capela is averaging 14.2 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. De'Andre Hunter is averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, while John Collins is averaging 15.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Hawks are averaging 112.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.9 points.
The Bucks (9-6) are looking to get back on track after coming off two straight losses, first against the Nets in Brooklyn, followed by loss at home agains the Lakers in their most recent contest. They had a contest scheduled against the Wizards on Friday, but it was postponed, leaving them with a few extra days rest and a chance to refocus. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks, averaging team highs of 27.0 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Khris Middleton has also been consistently great, averaging 21.9 points on 52 percent shooting, 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Jrue Holiday is finding his rhythm with his new squad, as he is averaging 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. The Bucks are averaging 119. points per game, which is third most in the league, while they are giving up an average of 110.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (8-6) have won three in a row and will look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a two-game road trip. Prior to their most recent win, the Hawks had dropped their last three road games, but they will look to stay on the right track and add to their, 4-4, road record. Trae Young is coming off an incredible, 43-point performance in the Hawks' most recent contest, and he continues to lead the team, averaging team-high with 25.3 points and 8.7 assists per game. Clint Capela also had a huge night in his most recent outing, as he tallied a rare triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks. Capela is averaging 14.2 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. De'Andre Hunter is averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, while John Collins is averaging 15.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Hawks are averaging 112.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.9 points.
Spurs Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Washington Wizards at At&T Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Spurs (8-8), as they look to bounce back from two straight losses. They have dropped five of their last six home games and have a 2-5 home record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the team, averaging team highs of 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game. Dejounte Murray has been strong to start the season, averaging 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, in 30 minutes per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has been off to a bit of a slow start, averaging 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds, in 28 minutes per game. The Spurs are averaging 110.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.3 points against. However, the Spurs do a good job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging a league-low 9.7 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (3-8) have had their last six games postponed due to health protocols. The last time they played was back on January 11th, when they topped the Suns in a home win, but prior to that they had three straight losses. The Wizards may have to shake off some rust from the extended break, but they will be looking to build on a 3-7 road record. Bradley Beal is the team's leading scorer, averaging 34.9 points on 49 percent shooting, in 36 minutes per game. Russell Westbrook has only played seven games so far but has been solid with the new squad, averaging 19.3 points, 11.3 assists and 9.7 rebounds, in 37 minutes per game. Thomas Bryant is averaging 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, as he patrols the paint. The Wizards are averaging a league-high 120.5 points per game, but their troubles have been on the defensive end, where they are giving up a league-high average of 121. 3 points against.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Spurs (8-8), as they look to bounce back from two straight losses. They have dropped five of their last six home games and have a 2-5 home record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the team, averaging team highs of 20.9 points and 6.7 assists per game. Dejounte Murray has been strong to start the season, averaging 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, in 30 minutes per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has been off to a bit of a slow start, averaging 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds, in 28 minutes per game. The Spurs are averaging 110.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.3 points against. However, the Spurs do a good job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging a league-low 9.7 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (3-8) have had their last six games postponed due to health protocols. The last time they played was back on January 11th, when they topped the Suns in a home win, but prior to that they had three straight losses. The Wizards may have to shake off some rust from the extended break, but they will be looking to build on a 3-7 road record. Bradley Beal is the team's leading scorer, averaging 34.9 points on 49 percent shooting, in 36 minutes per game. Russell Westbrook has only played seven games so far but has been solid with the new squad, averaging 19.3 points, 11.3 assists and 9.7 rebounds, in 37 minutes per game. Thomas Bryant is averaging 14.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, as he patrols the paint. The Wizards are averaging a league-high 120.5 points per game, but their troubles have been on the defensive end, where they are giving up a league-high average of 121. 3 points against.
This game has been postponed due to COVID protocols.
Trail Blazers Host Knicks on Sunday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the New York Knicks at Moda Center on Sunday.
The Knicks (8-9) had a three-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game, losing to the Sacramento Kings on Friday, 103-94. It's pretty clear what the issue was in that game and it's been the offense all year. This is a club that has the lowest scoring total in the NBA right now while ranked 29th in assists. Part of that has to do with their pace but it's concerning nonetheless. What is a pleasant surprise is their defense, allowing the fewest points in the league. That's shocking with how bad they were on that end of the floor last season and it's clear that Tom Thibideau has them playing all out. That makes Knicks games far from pretty but it's made them a competitive team for the first time in years.
The Trail Blazers (8-6) had two games scheduled with the Memphis Grizzlies this week but a COVID breakout in Memphis got both of those games postponed. That means the Trail Blazers haven't played since Monday, in which they lost, 125-104, against the San Antonio Spurs. That's an ugly loss but it's really no surprise when you see that Jusuf Nurkic and C.J. McCollum are both out. The small break is giving those guys some extra time to get healthy but neither is expected back for at least a month. That's a long time to play without your leading scorer and leading rebounder but Damian Lillard will do everything possible to keep their heads above water until that time eventually comes.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the home team winning each game. In fact, both clubs won by at least 24 points apiece. Prior to that, the Blazers won five-straight in this series.
The Knicks (8-9) had a three-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game, losing to the Sacramento Kings on Friday, 103-94. It's pretty clear what the issue was in that game and it's been the offense all year. This is a club that has the lowest scoring total in the NBA right now while ranked 29th in assists. Part of that has to do with their pace but it's concerning nonetheless. What is a pleasant surprise is their defense, allowing the fewest points in the league. That's shocking with how bad they were on that end of the floor last season and it's clear that Tom Thibideau has them playing all out. That makes Knicks games far from pretty but it's made them a competitive team for the first time in years.
The Trail Blazers (8-6) had two games scheduled with the Memphis Grizzlies this week but a COVID breakout in Memphis got both of those games postponed. That means the Trail Blazers haven't played since Monday, in which they lost, 125-104, against the San Antonio Spurs. That's an ugly loss but it's really no surprise when you see that Jusuf Nurkic and C.J. McCollum are both out. The small break is giving those guys some extra time to get healthy but neither is expected back for at least a month. That's a long time to play without your leading scorer and leading rebounder but Damian Lillard will do everything possible to keep their heads above water until that time eventually comes.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the home team winning each game. In fact, both clubs won by at least 24 points apiece. Prior to that, the Blazers won five-straight in this series.