Celtics Aiming For Home Win, Face Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The Wizards (4-1) have looked impressive of late, winning 80 percent of their games and going 2-0 at home so far. They're coming off a 122-111 against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists and one block. Montrezl Harrell posted a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated matching 21-point, eight-rebound tallies. Davis Bertans led the bench with 10 points. Washington has scored at least 115 points in three of their last four games.
The Celtics (2-3) have gone 2-1 on the road this season. Boston is coming off a 116-107 loss against the Wizards earlier this week, and while that ended a two-game winning streak, they've gone 2-3 thus far. Jayson Tatum had 23 points to lead the losing cause against Washington, and he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Al Horford had 16 points and Robert Williams III chipped in with 13 points -- both added 11 rebounds as well, and it's worth highlighting that Williams also mustered four blocks. Dennis Schroder contributed 22 points while coming off the bench, and Jaylen Brown supplied 13 points with four boards.
The Wizards (4-1) have looked impressive of late, winning 80 percent of their games and going 2-0 at home so far. They're coming off a 122-111 against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this week. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists and one block. Montrezl Harrell posted a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated matching 21-point, eight-rebound tallies. Davis Bertans led the bench with 10 points. Washington has scored at least 115 points in three of their last four games.
The Celtics (2-3) have gone 2-1 on the road this season. Boston is coming off a 116-107 loss against the Wizards earlier this week, and while that ended a two-game winning streak, they've gone 2-3 thus far. Jayson Tatum had 23 points to lead the losing cause against Washington, and he also added seven rebounds and two assists. Al Horford had 16 points and Robert Williams III chipped in with 13 points -- both added 11 rebounds as well, and it's worth highlighting that Williams also mustered four blocks. Dennis Schroder contributed 22 points while coming off the bench, and Jaylen Brown supplied 13 points with four boards.
Knicks and Pelicans Tussle in Big Easy
The New York Knicks take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Saturday night.
The Knicks (4-1) have gotten off to a strong start in the new season, and they'll come into Saturday's contest with two straight victories. Their most success came Thursday night, when they edged the Chicago Bulls by a 104-103 score. Kemba Walker led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. R.J. Barrett furnished 20 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Julius Randle produced a 13-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and one steal. Derrick Rose delivered 12 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Knicks will list Nerlens Noel (knee) as out for Saturday's contest.
The Pelicans (1-5) have had about as difficult a time as their record implies, and they'll come into Saturday's game with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a narrow 113-109 decision to the Sacramento Kings. Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram delivered 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Devonte Graham registered 16 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Herbert Jones poured in 12 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Pelicans will likely list Garrett Temple (ankle) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Pelicans.
The Knicks (4-1) have gotten off to a strong start in the new season, and they'll come into Saturday's contest with two straight victories. Their most success came Thursday night, when they edged the Chicago Bulls by a 104-103 score. Kemba Walker led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. R.J. Barrett furnished 20 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Julius Randle produced a 13-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and one steal. Derrick Rose delivered 12 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Knicks will list Nerlens Noel (knee) as out for Saturday's contest.
The Pelicans (1-5) have had about as difficult a time as their record implies, and they'll come into Saturday's game with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a narrow 113-109 decision to the Sacramento Kings. Jonas Valanciunas paced the Pelicans with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram delivered 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Devonte Graham registered 16 points, three boards, two assists and two steals. Herbert Jones poured in 12 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker managed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Pelicans will likely list Garrett Temple (ankle) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Pelicans.
Pistons Host Magic Looking For First Win
The Detroit Pistons will host the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
The Pistons (0-4) remain winless and they've gone 0-1 at home so far. They're coming off a 110-102 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. Saddiq Bey was the best scorer for the Pistons since he ended with 19 points and six rebounds, while Jerami Grant chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, three assists and a block in what was a complete performance from him. Kelly Olynyk came off the bench and scored in double digits once again, pouring 14 points while adding five boards, three assists, two steals and a block. Killian Hayes had nine points but shot 4-for-11 from the field.
The Magic (1-5) are coming off a loss against the Charlotte Hornets (120-111) earlier this week, and they've dropped two games in a row while losing four of their last five. Cole Anthony carried the Magic offensively once again and finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Suggs impressed with 21 points and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. ended with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he ended with 14 points and 18 rebounds to go along with five assists as well. Franz Wagner had 10 points and Gary Harris ended with 11 points off the bench. Orlando has gone 1-3 on the road this season.
The Pistons (0-4) remain winless and they've gone 0-1 at home so far. They're coming off a 110-102 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. Saddiq Bey was the best scorer for the Pistons since he ended with 19 points and six rebounds, while Jerami Grant chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, three assists and a block in what was a complete performance from him. Kelly Olynyk came off the bench and scored in double digits once again, pouring 14 points while adding five boards, three assists, two steals and a block. Killian Hayes had nine points but shot 4-for-11 from the field.
The Magic (1-5) are coming off a loss against the Charlotte Hornets (120-111) earlier this week, and they've dropped two games in a row while losing four of their last five. Cole Anthony carried the Magic offensively once again and finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Jalen Suggs impressed with 21 points and four assists. Wendell Carter Jr. ended with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he ended with 14 points and 18 rebounds to go along with five assists as well. Franz Wagner had 10 points and Gary Harris ended with 11 points off the bench. Orlando has gone 1-3 on the road this season.
Raptors and Pacers Set for Midwest Battle
The Toronto Raptors take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Raptors (3-3) got off to a rocky start this season with losses in three of their first four games, but they've bounced back notch victories in two straight. Toronto's most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 110-109 score on Friday night. Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 21 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent, Jr. posted matching 19-point tallies while dishing out six assists and three rebounds, respectively. OG Anunoby provided 16 points, five boards and three assists.
The Raptors will list Yuta Watanbe (calf) and Pascal Siakam (shoulder) as out for Saturday's contest.
The Pacers (1-5) started their season off with a narrow 123-122 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets, and matters have mostly only gotten worse. Indiana will come into Friday's contest having dropped three straight games, with their most recent stumble a 105-98 defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Torrey Craig led the way for the Pacers with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Chris Duarte supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis registered 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Jeremy Lamb contributed 12 points, while Myles Turner mustered nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Pacers will likely list Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring), Caris LeVert (back) and Kelan Martin (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Isaiah Jackson (knee) and T.J. Warren (foot) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-100 win Wednesday night. The Raptors won the 2020-21 season series with the Pacers by a 2-1 margin.
The Raptors (3-3) got off to a rocky start this season with losses in three of their first four games, but they've bounced back notch victories in two straight. Toronto's most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 110-109 score on Friday night. Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 21 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent, Jr. posted matching 19-point tallies while dishing out six assists and three rebounds, respectively. OG Anunoby provided 16 points, five boards and three assists.
The Raptors will list Yuta Watanbe (calf) and Pascal Siakam (shoulder) as out for Saturday's contest.
The Pacers (1-5) started their season off with a narrow 123-122 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets, and matters have mostly only gotten worse. Indiana will come into Friday's contest having dropped three straight games, with their most recent stumble a 105-98 defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Torrey Craig led the way for the Pacers with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Chris Duarte supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Domantas Sabonis registered 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Jeremy Lamb contributed 12 points, while Myles Turner mustered nine points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Pacers will likely list Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring), Caris LeVert (back) and Kelan Martin (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Isaiah Jackson (knee) and T.J. Warren (foot) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-100 win Wednesday night. The Raptors won the 2020-21 season series with the Pacers by a 2-1 margin.
Sixers Look To Stay Strong On Second Game Of Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a four game home stand for the Sixers (3-2), which they began with a win over the Pistons on Thursday. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on a, 1-1, home record. Joel Embiid (knee) remains questionable for action, however, he has been playing through his injury for the past few games and has still managed put up monster numbers. Embiid leads the 76ers, averaging 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Seth Curry is averaging 15.4 points on 62 percent shooting, including a blistering 65 percent from long range. The Sixers are averaging 110.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 105.6 points per game. They have been one of the most efficient teams in the league, as they are shooting an average of 47.9 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Hawks (3-2), where they have gone 1-1, so far, with a win in New Orleans, followed by a loss in Washington in their most recent contest. They will be looking to build off the win and add to their, 1-2, road record. Trae Young has been off to a great start, averaging 24.2 points, 10.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. John Collins has also been playing well, averaging 17.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals, while Clint Capela is averaging 8.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) is listed as probable for action. The Hawks are averaging 108.6 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 102.6 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of a four game home stand for the Sixers (3-2), which they began with a win over the Pistons on Thursday. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on a, 1-1, home record. Joel Embiid (knee) remains questionable for action, however, he has been playing through his injury for the past few games and has still managed put up monster numbers. Embiid leads the 76ers, averaging 21.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Seth Curry is averaging 15.4 points on 62 percent shooting, including a blistering 65 percent from long range. The Sixers are averaging 110.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 105.6 points per game. They have been one of the most efficient teams in the league, as they are shooting an average of 47.9 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Hawks (3-2), where they have gone 1-1, so far, with a win in New Orleans, followed by a loss in Washington in their most recent contest. They will be looking to build off the win and add to their, 1-2, road record. Trae Young has been off to a great start, averaging 24.2 points, 10.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. John Collins has also been playing well, averaging 17.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals, while Clint Capela is averaging 8.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) is listed as probable for action. The Hawks are averaging 108.6 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 102.6 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Bulls Play Host To Undefeated Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Utah Jazz at United Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Bulls (4-1), as they are coming off their first loss of the season on Thursday, where they fell short against the Knicks. The Bulls had three players score at least 20 points in the contest, as DeMar DeRozan finished with 20, Nikola Vucevic added 22 points, while Zach LaVine led the way with 25 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The Bulls will be looking to get back on track, but they will have their work cut out going up against the top-tier Jazz. The Bulls are averaging 106.6 points per game and shooting an average of 45.8 percent from the field, while they are holding opponents to an average of 98.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. They are attempting an average of just 28.8 three-pointers per game, which is the second fewest in the league, but they are shooting a respectable 34.0 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Jazz (4-0), which they began with a win in Houston on Thursday. The Jazz remain the only undefeated team in the league and will look to keep it rolling in Chicago. Mike Conley (knee) is expected to be sidelined through Saturday's contest as a precautionary measure. With Conley out the Jazz will likely look to Joe Ingles to step into the starting lineup, while Donovan Mitchell will have to pick up some of the point-guard duties. Mitchell has been off to a solid start to the season, averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Rudy Gobert has also been solid early on, averaging 18.0 points and 17.8 rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson continues to provide off the bench, averaging 17.0 points per game. The Jazz remain one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they are holding opponents to an average of 97.0 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Bulls (4-1), as they are coming off their first loss of the season on Thursday, where they fell short against the Knicks. The Bulls had three players score at least 20 points in the contest, as DeMar DeRozan finished with 20, Nikola Vucevic added 22 points, while Zach LaVine led the way with 25 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The Bulls will be looking to get back on track, but they will have their work cut out going up against the top-tier Jazz. The Bulls are averaging 106.6 points per game and shooting an average of 45.8 percent from the field, while they are holding opponents to an average of 98.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. They are attempting an average of just 28.8 three-pointers per game, which is the second fewest in the league, but they are shooting a respectable 34.0 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Jazz (4-0), which they began with a win in Houston on Thursday. The Jazz remain the only undefeated team in the league and will look to keep it rolling in Chicago. Mike Conley (knee) is expected to be sidelined through Saturday's contest as a precautionary measure. With Conley out the Jazz will likely look to Joe Ingles to step into the starting lineup, while Donovan Mitchell will have to pick up some of the point-guard duties. Mitchell has been off to a solid start to the season, averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. Rudy Gobert has also been solid early on, averaging 18.0 points and 17.8 rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson continues to provide off the bench, averaging 17.0 points per game. The Jazz remain one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they are holding opponents to an average of 97.0 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Bucks Host Spurs on Saturday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum on Saturday.
The Spurs (1-4) are incredibly unlucky to have just one win through five games, showing up in every game thus far. They've stayed within 10 points in all four defeats, and it's going to be tough for this club to recover after that. What makes the recent slide even more discouraging is the fact that they're getting career years from Jakob Poeltl and Dejounte Murray. Murray leads the team with 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while Poeltl provides 15.6 points and 11.2 rebounds. That doesn't even include the fact that they're combining for nearly five combined steals and blocks as well, giving this club an excellent core for the future. That's the one issue, though, with no one else performing. Those two can continue to post crazy numbers like these, but they won't be competitive unless some of the role players start playing better.
The Bucks (3-2) have been playing well, but a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday has fans concerned. That's a team that Milwaukee should handle with ease, and it's making fans miss Jrue Holiday. The playoff superstar has missed most of the season with a leg injury, and it looks like they're being cautious with him after such a deep championship run. That will probably be an issue all season for this club, resting Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo after the most minor ailments as well. That's what it takes to repeat as a champion, though, and it's a good indicator of how difficult that task can be, even for the most talented of teams.
These teams played a week ago, with Milwaukee prevailing, 121-111. With that said, these teams have traded off season series splits in each of the last two years.
The Spurs (1-4) are incredibly unlucky to have just one win through five games, showing up in every game thus far. They've stayed within 10 points in all four defeats, and it's going to be tough for this club to recover after that. What makes the recent slide even more discouraging is the fact that they're getting career years from Jakob Poeltl and Dejounte Murray. Murray leads the team with 16.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while Poeltl provides 15.6 points and 11.2 rebounds. That doesn't even include the fact that they're combining for nearly five combined steals and blocks as well, giving this club an excellent core for the future. That's the one issue, though, with no one else performing. Those two can continue to post crazy numbers like these, but they won't be competitive unless some of the role players start playing better.
The Bucks (3-2) have been playing well, but a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday has fans concerned. That's a team that Milwaukee should handle with ease, and it's making fans miss Jrue Holiday. The playoff superstar has missed most of the season with a leg injury, and it looks like they're being cautious with him after such a deep championship run. That will probably be an issue all season for this club, resting Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo after the most minor ailments as well. That's what it takes to repeat as a champion, though, and it's a good indicator of how difficult that task can be, even for the most talented of teams.
These teams played a week ago, with Milwaukee prevailing, 121-111. With that said, these teams have traded off season series splits in each of the last two years.
Heat Aiming For Another Win, Visit Grizzlies
The Miami Heat will host the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Saturday evening.
The Grizzlies (3-2) have gone 1-0 at home this season, and while they've struggled with consistency, they're coming off a 104-101 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors the last time out. The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant in that win, as the star point guard tallied 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Desmond Bane amassed 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 15 points and eight rebounds while De'Anthony Melton collected seven points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks.
The Heat (4-1) have gone 1-1 on the road and they're coming off a solid win over the Charlotte Hornets (114-99) on Friday. Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had five assists. Bam Adebayo also posted a double-double since he ended with 26 points and 19 points but also added two assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 10 points, while Tyler Herro had an excellent game off the bench since he ended with 26 points, six assists and five rebounds.
The Grizzlies (3-2) have gone 1-0 at home this season, and while they've struggled with consistency, they're coming off a 104-101 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors the last time out. The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant in that win, as the star point guard tallied 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Desmond Bane amassed 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 15 points and eight rebounds while De'Anthony Melton collected seven points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks.
The Heat (4-1) have gone 1-1 on the road and they're coming off a solid win over the Charlotte Hornets (114-99) on Friday. Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat since he ended with 32 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had five assists. Bam Adebayo also posted a double-double since he ended with 26 points and 19 points but also added two assists. Duncan Robinson finished with 10 points, while Tyler Herro had an excellent game off the bench since he ended with 26 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Warriors Host Thunder on Saturday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on Saturday.
The Thunder (1-4) looked like one of the worst teams in the NBA coming into the season, and not much has changed since then. They could easily be 0-5, but they were able to grab a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in their most recent victory. A game like that is a perfect recipe for a young team to get going, and hopefully, that's what will happen for this growing team. That's the essential thing when talking about this club, with guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey looking like the core in the future. That's a good start in a long rebuild, and it's expected to be years before this club becomes competitive.
The Warriors (4-1) got off to their best start since the 73-win season by winning their first four games but were unable to capitalize on a fifth straight victory on Thursday. They took the Memphis Grizzlies to overtime but missed their final seven shots in that extra session to accept their first defeat. Stephen Curry was fantastic through three quarters of that game but could not score in the fourth quarter or the overtime. It's his third straight game without scoring in the fourth quarter, but it's hard to blame him since he dropped 37 points in that OT defeat. He's been playing at an MVP level all season long, and he has this club looking as good as ever since the Kevin Durant era.
These teams just played on October 26, with Golden State prevailing, 106-98. That gives the Warriors four straight wins in this series which includes a season sweep last year.
The Thunder (1-4) looked like one of the worst teams in the NBA coming into the season, and not much has changed since then. They could easily be 0-5, but they were able to grab a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in their most recent victory. A game like that is a perfect recipe for a young team to get going, and hopefully, that's what will happen for this growing team. That's the essential thing when talking about this club, with guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey looking like the core in the future. That's a good start in a long rebuild, and it's expected to be years before this club becomes competitive.
The Warriors (4-1) got off to their best start since the 73-win season by winning their first four games but were unable to capitalize on a fifth straight victory on Thursday. They took the Memphis Grizzlies to overtime but missed their final seven shots in that extra session to accept their first defeat. Stephen Curry was fantastic through three quarters of that game but could not score in the fourth quarter or the overtime. It's his third straight game without scoring in the fourth quarter, but it's hard to blame him since he dropped 37 points in that OT defeat. He's been playing at an MVP level all season long, and he has this club looking as good as ever since the Kevin Durant era.
These teams just played on October 26, with Golden State prevailing, 106-98. That gives the Warriors four straight wins in this series which includes a season sweep last year.
Nuggets Look To Keep Rolling On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (3-2), as they are coming off a blowout home win over the Mavs on Friday. The Nuggets led by as many as 35 points in the contest and were able to cruise to the win, putting an end to a two-game slide. Will Barton led the way with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. Jeff Green followed up with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, and Nikola Jokic totaled 11 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, in 25 minutes of action. The Nuggets will look to carry the momentum into Minnesota, where they will face the first game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their, 1-1, road record.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Timberwolves (3-1), who will look to build on their, 2-1, home record. The Timberwolves are coming off a very impressive win in Milwaukee in their most recent contest, where they topped the defending champs, 113-108, behind 29 points on 12-of-25 shooting from D'Angelo Russell. Anthony Edwards came up large, with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and three blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt also had a solid game, as he logged a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Timberwolves have been solid on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 102.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. On the other hand, they are scoring an average of 107.8 points per game, but, they are shooting an average of 42.5 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (3-2), as they are coming off a blowout home win over the Mavs on Friday. The Nuggets led by as many as 35 points in the contest and were able to cruise to the win, putting an end to a two-game slide. Will Barton led the way with 17 points, six assists and five rebounds. Jeff Green followed up with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Aaron Gordon added 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, and Nikola Jokic totaled 11 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists, in 25 minutes of action. The Nuggets will look to carry the momentum into Minnesota, where they will face the first game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their, 1-1, road record.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Timberwolves (3-1), who will look to build on their, 2-1, home record. The Timberwolves are coming off a very impressive win in Milwaukee in their most recent contest, where they topped the defending champs, 113-108, behind 29 points on 12-of-25 shooting from D'Angelo Russell. Anthony Edwards came up large, with 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and three blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt also had a solid game, as he logged a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Timberwolves have been solid on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 102.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. On the other hand, they are scoring an average of 107.8 points per game, but, they are shooting an average of 42.5 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league.
Suns Host Cavaliers on Saturday
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on Saturday.
The Cavaliers (3-3) find themselves in the midst of a tough West Coast road trip, and results have been good thus far. They actually grabbed road wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets in their previous two games before a loss to the Lakers on Friday. They actually started off with a home win against the Atlanta Hawks before that, giving them three wins in their last four games. That's an impressive four-gamestretch, and it has fans wondering if this team is legitimate. What's been an enormous boost is their veteran bench. Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love have taken diminished roles off of the bench, but it's made this team so much better. Getting production from those former studs is good enough, but it also gives these youngsters ahead of them even more confidence going forward.
The Suns (1-3) were the surprise of the NBA when they reached the NBA Finals last year, but early-season results are not encouraging. They've come out and lost three of their first four games, getting blown out in two of them. It's not like the one win is anything to write home about either, grabbing a narrow victory over a struggling Los Angeles Lakers team. Many people expected negative regression from this club, but a start like this could have never been anticipated. Many people point to the Deandre Ayton contract negotiation, but a 20-20 game in the most recent loss indicates that he's not letting up. They also refused to make many moves in the offseason, and that's looking like another poor decision by management.
Phoenix swept the two-game season series over Cleveland last year, giving them three straight wins in this series. That followed up an eight-game winning streak by the Cavs before that.
The Cavaliers (3-3) find themselves in the midst of a tough West Coast road trip, and results have been good thus far. They actually grabbed road wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets in their previous two games before a loss to the Lakers on Friday. They actually started off with a home win against the Atlanta Hawks before that, giving them three wins in their last four games. That's an impressive four-gamestretch, and it has fans wondering if this team is legitimate. What's been an enormous boost is their veteran bench. Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love have taken diminished roles off of the bench, but it's made this team so much better. Getting production from those former studs is good enough, but it also gives these youngsters ahead of them even more confidence going forward.
The Suns (1-3) were the surprise of the NBA when they reached the NBA Finals last year, but early-season results are not encouraging. They've come out and lost three of their first four games, getting blown out in two of them. It's not like the one win is anything to write home about either, grabbing a narrow victory over a struggling Los Angeles Lakers team. Many people expected negative regression from this club, but a start like this could have never been anticipated. Many people point to the Deandre Ayton contract negotiation, but a 20-20 game in the most recent loss indicates that he's not letting up. They also refused to make many moves in the offseason, and that's looking like another poor decision by management.
Phoenix swept the two-game season series over Cleveland last year, giving them three straight wins in this series. That followed up an eight-game winning streak by the Cavs before that.