Cavs Look To Bring Momentum Back Home
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game back home after a five-game road trip for the Cavs (4-4), where they went, 3-2, with wins in Denver, L.A. against the Clippers, and Charlotte, in their most recent contest. They will look to build off the momentum of their last win to help stay on track at home, where they have a 1-1 record, so far. Collin Sexton leads the team, averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Lauri Markkanen is coming off a good game, where he totaled 21 points and eight rebounds, while Evan Mobley double-doubled with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jarrett Allen has been off to a strong start this season and is coming off a big night, where he totaled 24 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, to lead the way in an impressive road win. The Cavs are averaging 103.9 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 105.0 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Trail Blazers (3-4) where they have gone 0-2, so far, falling to 0-3 on the road this season. They will look to end the slide and get on track by closing out their road trip on the right foot and earning their first road win of the season. Damian Lillard has been off to a relatively slow start to the season, averaging 18.6 points, while shooting an average of just 35 percent from the field, including 23 percent from deep. C.J. McCollum has been the team's leading scorer, averaging 23.7 points per game, while shooting 44 percent from the field, including 43 percent from long range. Jusuf Nurkic is averaging 12.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. The Trail Blazers are scoring an average of 112.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.1 points against.
This marks the first game back home after a five-game road trip for the Cavs (4-4), where they went, 3-2, with wins in Denver, L.A. against the Clippers, and Charlotte, in their most recent contest. They will look to build off the momentum of their last win to help stay on track at home, where they have a 1-1 record, so far. Collin Sexton leads the team, averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Lauri Markkanen is coming off a good game, where he totaled 21 points and eight rebounds, while Evan Mobley double-doubled with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jarrett Allen has been off to a strong start this season and is coming off a big night, where he totaled 24 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, to lead the way in an impressive road win. The Cavs are averaging 103.9 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 105.0 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Trail Blazers (3-4) where they have gone 0-2, so far, falling to 0-3 on the road this season. They will look to end the slide and get on track by closing out their road trip on the right foot and earning their first road win of the season. Damian Lillard has been off to a relatively slow start to the season, averaging 18.6 points, while shooting an average of just 35 percent from the field, including 23 percent from deep. C.J. McCollum has been the team's leading scorer, averaging 23.7 points per game, while shooting 44 percent from the field, including 43 percent from long range. Jusuf Nurkic is averaging 12.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. The Trail Blazers are scoring an average of 112.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.1 points against.
Pacers Host Knicks on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Knicks (5-2) have been one of the best teams in the NBA through the first two weeks, losing just two games out of seven. They've actually been even more dominant on the road, posting a perfect 3-0 record outside of New York. The additions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier are looking like excellent acquisitions, turning this bottom-tier offense into one of the most dangerous in the league. The Knicks actually rank second in the NBA in scoring, which is truly amazing from a team that played at a snail's pace last season. It'll be interesting to see if that can hold, but this is undoubtedly the most talented Knicks team in quite some time.
The Pacers (2-6) are unlucky to have the record they do, losing five of their first six games in the closing minutes. That's all about late-game execution, and missing Malcolm Brogdon certainly doesn't help. The underrated point guard was one of the best players in the NBA before he suffered a hamstring issue last week, and they've really been missing his presence recently. The good news is that he's expected to return here, and that'll put everything back in motion with T.J. McConnell returning to the second unit. They also recently got Caris LeVert back from a back issue of his own, making this a scary team from here on out with these ball-handlers back in the fold.
These teams played three times last season, with New York winning the series, 2-1. Before that, the Pacers won eight of their previous nine games over the Knicks, dating back four years.
The Knicks (5-2) have been one of the best teams in the NBA through the first two weeks, losing just two games out of seven. They've actually been even more dominant on the road, posting a perfect 3-0 record outside of New York. The additions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier are looking like excellent acquisitions, turning this bottom-tier offense into one of the most dangerous in the league. The Knicks actually rank second in the NBA in scoring, which is truly amazing from a team that played at a snail's pace last season. It'll be interesting to see if that can hold, but this is undoubtedly the most talented Knicks team in quite some time.
The Pacers (2-6) are unlucky to have the record they do, losing five of their first six games in the closing minutes. That's all about late-game execution, and missing Malcolm Brogdon certainly doesn't help. The underrated point guard was one of the best players in the NBA before he suffered a hamstring issue last week, and they've really been missing his presence recently. The good news is that he's expected to return here, and that'll put everything back in motion with T.J. McConnell returning to the second unit. They also recently got Caris LeVert back from a back issue of his own, making this a scary team from here on out with these ball-handlers back in the fold.
These teams played three times last season, with New York winning the series, 2-1. Before that, the Pacers won eight of their previous nine games over the Knicks, dating back four years.
Celtics and Magic Set for Sunshine State Showdown
The Boston Celtics take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (2-5) have had about as difficult a time early in the season as their record implies, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped three consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 128-114 decision to the Chicago Bulls after entering the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Al Horford generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum managed 20 points as well, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marcus Smart tallied 16 points, one rebound and four steals, while Dennis Schroder furnished 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Celtics will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (2-6) have been similarly reeling in the early going, although as a club in a clear rebuilding phase, they were expected to struggle. Orlando did manage to snap a four-game losing streak their last time out, notching an upset 115-97 win over the Timberwolves on Monday night. Cole Anthony led the way for Orlando with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Franz Wagner provided 28 points, four boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Jalen Suggs generated matching 15-point tallies, with Carter adding 14 rebounds.
In terms of short-term injuries, the Magic will list Gary Harris (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game, while E'Twaun Moore (knee) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the 2020-21 three-game series from the Magic.
The Celtics (2-5) have had about as difficult a time early in the season as their record implies, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped three consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 128-114 decision to the Chicago Bulls after entering the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Al Horford generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum managed 20 points as well, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marcus Smart tallied 16 points, one rebound and four steals, while Dennis Schroder furnished 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Celtics will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (2-6) have been similarly reeling in the early going, although as a club in a clear rebuilding phase, they were expected to struggle. Orlando did manage to snap a four-game losing streak their last time out, notching an upset 115-97 win over the Timberwolves on Monday night. Cole Anthony led the way for Orlando with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Franz Wagner provided 28 points, four boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Jalen Suggs generated matching 15-point tallies, with Carter adding 14 rebounds.
In terms of short-term injuries, the Magic will list Gary Harris (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game, while E'Twaun Moore (knee) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the 2020-21 three-game series from the Magic.
Bulls and 76ers Tangle in Philly
The Chicago Bulls take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (6-1) have quickly seen their offseason investments in Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan pay off, as both players have been critical to the team's fast start. Chicago checks into Wednesday's contest having won two straight, with their latest success a 128-114 win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night. DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine supplied 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu registered 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ball totaled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and two blocks.
The Bulls will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The 76ers (5-2) have also hit the hardwood running in the new season, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest with three straight victories in tow. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Portland Trail Blazers, which they toppled by a 113-103 score Monday night. Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six boards and five assists. Georges Niang supplied 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also includes seven assists, five steals and one block. Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey offered 11 and 10 points, respectively, while posting three rebounds and three assists.
The 76ers will be without Danny Green (hamstring) and Tobias Harris (COVID-19 protocols) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Bulls.
The Bulls (6-1) have quickly seen their offseason investments in Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan pay off, as both players have been critical to the team's fast start. Chicago checks into Wednesday's contest having won two straight, with their latest success a 128-114 win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night. DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine supplied 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu registered 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ball totaled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and two blocks.
The Bulls will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The 76ers (5-2) have also hit the hardwood running in the new season, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest with three straight victories in tow. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Portland Trail Blazers, which they toppled by a 113-103 score Monday night. Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six boards and five assists. Georges Niang supplied 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also includes seven assists, five steals and one block. Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey offered 11 and 10 points, respectively, while posting three rebounds and three assists.
The 76ers will be without Danny Green (hamstring) and Tobias Harris (COVID-19 protocols) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Bulls.
Raptors Look To Build On Four-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Toronto Raptors at Capital One Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (5-3), where they have gone 2-0, so far, with wins in Indiana and New York. They hvae won their last four games overall and come into the contest with 3-0 road record. OG Anunoby is coming off a career-night, where he totaled 36 points on 13-of-27 shooting, to lead the way in an impressive win in New York. Anunoby is leading the team this season, averaging 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Fred VanVleet has been play well, averaging 17.0 points, 7.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Gary Trent is averaging 15.1 points and shooting an average of 35 percent from long range. They Raptors are averaging 104.9 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 100.3 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Wizards (5-2), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and get back on track to build on their 3-0 home record. The Wizards are coming off a loss in Atlanta on Monday, where Bradley Beal led the way with 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting, while Spencer Dinwiddie logged a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Despite the recent loss the Wizards have been one of the hottest teams early in the season. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, while Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell averages 18.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Davis Bertans (ankle) was forced to leave the Wizards' last contest and is expected to remain out through Wednesday's action. The Wizards are averaging 112.4 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 109.9 points per game.
This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (5-3), where they have gone 2-0, so far, with wins in Indiana and New York. They hvae won their last four games overall and come into the contest with 3-0 road record. OG Anunoby is coming off a career-night, where he totaled 36 points on 13-of-27 shooting, to lead the way in an impressive win in New York. Anunoby is leading the team this season, averaging 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Fred VanVleet has been play well, averaging 17.0 points, 7.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Gary Trent is averaging 15.1 points and shooting an average of 35 percent from long range. They Raptors are averaging 104.9 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 100.3 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Wizards (5-2), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and get back on track to build on their 3-0 home record. The Wizards are coming off a loss in Atlanta on Monday, where Bradley Beal led the way with 24 points on 10-of-21 shooting, while Spencer Dinwiddie logged a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Despite the recent loss the Wizards have been one of the hottest teams early in the season. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 24.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game, while Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds, and Montrezl Harrell averages 18.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Davis Bertans (ankle) was forced to leave the Wizards' last contest and is expected to remain out through Wednesday's action. The Wizards are averaging 112.4 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 109.9 points per game.
Nets Host Hawks on Wednesday
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Barclay's Center on Wednesday.
The Hawks (4-3) were one of the surprises of the NBA when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and results have been so-so this year. They enter this matchup losing three of their last four games but still sit north of .500. The thing they need to figure out is what to do with their wings. De'Andre Hunter has really struggled in the starting lineup, while Cam Reddish has thrived off of the bench. That doesn't even include Kevin Huerter, who received a DNP on Monday for an unknown reason. Those three guys were all huge for this club in their run last year, and it's a wonder how this will play out. In any case, they need production from all three of those guys to get back to where they were last year, but that appears to be an uphill battle at the moment.
The Nets (4-3) have struggled to figure things out without Kyrie Irving, but a 4-3 record is nothing to be concerned with. They actually enter this matchup winning three of their last four games, with the only loss coming against the Miami Heat. That's a Miami team that looks like the best team in the east right now, and it's encouraging to see James Harden and Kevin Durant play so well in that stretch. The next step is to get more from the role players. Guys like Joe Harris and Blake Griffin have struggled, and they need more from those starters if this team wants to reach its championship goals. LaMarcus Aldridge is the one silver lining, though, coming out of retirement and giving this team 15 points a game off the bench. If he can return to his All-Star form, Brooklyn might be the team we all expected to see at the beginning of the season.
These teams have traded off wins and losses in their last four meetings, with Brooklyn winning the season series last year, 2-1. Before that, the Nets won 11 of their previous 12 games against the Hawks in this series.
The Hawks (4-3) were one of the surprises of the NBA when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and results have been so-so this year. They enter this matchup losing three of their last four games but still sit north of .500. The thing they need to figure out is what to do with their wings. De'Andre Hunter has really struggled in the starting lineup, while Cam Reddish has thrived off of the bench. That doesn't even include Kevin Huerter, who received a DNP on Monday for an unknown reason. Those three guys were all huge for this club in their run last year, and it's a wonder how this will play out. In any case, they need production from all three of those guys to get back to where they were last year, but that appears to be an uphill battle at the moment.
The Nets (4-3) have struggled to figure things out without Kyrie Irving, but a 4-3 record is nothing to be concerned with. They actually enter this matchup winning three of their last four games, with the only loss coming against the Miami Heat. That's a Miami team that looks like the best team in the east right now, and it's encouraging to see James Harden and Kevin Durant play so well in that stretch. The next step is to get more from the role players. Guys like Joe Harris and Blake Griffin have struggled, and they need more from those starters if this team wants to reach its championship goals. LaMarcus Aldridge is the one silver lining, though, coming out of retirement and giving this team 15 points a game off the bench. If he can return to his All-Star form, Brooklyn might be the team we all expected to see at the beginning of the season.
These teams have traded off wins and losses in their last four meetings, with Brooklyn winning the season series last year, 2-1. Before that, the Nets won 11 of their previous 12 games against the Hawks in this series.
Timberwolves Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
After winning three of their first four games, the Timberwolves (3-3) have dropped their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a four-game home stand, where they will look to get back on track and build on their 2-3 home record. Karl-Anthony Towns has been off to a strong start, averaging 24.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 14.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards has been a big-time bright spot for the team, averaging 23.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 103.2 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 41.1 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (2-4) are coming off a hard-fought, comeback win in their most recent contest, where they outscored the visiting Thunder, 33-20, in the final quarter to close out a much-needed win. They will look to carry that momentum to Minnesota, where they will play two consecutive games and be looking to improve on their 0-2 road record. Paul George has been doing just about all he can to lead his team early in the season, averaging 28.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Reggie Jackson is averaging 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while the only other player averaging double digits in scoring is Luke Kennard, with 12.7 points per game. The Clippers have not been great offensively, averaging 102.2 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while shooting 41.3 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league.
After winning three of their first four games, the Timberwolves (3-3) have dropped their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a four-game home stand, where they will look to get back on track and build on their 2-3 home record. Karl-Anthony Towns has been off to a strong start, averaging 24.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 14.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards has been a big-time bright spot for the team, averaging 23.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 103.2 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 41.1 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (2-4) are coming off a hard-fought, comeback win in their most recent contest, where they outscored the visiting Thunder, 33-20, in the final quarter to close out a much-needed win. They will look to carry that momentum to Minnesota, where they will play two consecutive games and be looking to improve on their 0-2 road record. Paul George has been doing just about all he can to lead his team early in the season, averaging 28.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Reggie Jackson is averaging 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while the only other player averaging double digits in scoring is Luke Kennard, with 12.7 points per game. The Clippers have not been great offensively, averaging 102.2 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while shooting 41.3 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league.
Grizzlies Look To Earn Second Consecutive Win Over Visiting Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Denver Nuggets at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second consecutive contest between the Grizzlies (4-3) and the Nuggets (4-3) in Memphis, after the Grizzlies defeated the visiting Nuggets, 106-97, on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start on Monday, as the Grizzlies led, 60-58, at halftime. However, the Grizzlies turned up the defense in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors, 22-15, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The hosts did not look back in the fourth quarter and maintained a healthy cushion until the final buzzer, to lock in the impressive home win.
Ja Morant continued his strong play and led the Grizzlies with 26 points on 12-of-22 shooting, eight assists and seven rebounds, in the win. Tyus Jones followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, off the bench, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. added tallied 11 points, each. The Grizzlies did a great job on the glass in the contest, as they grabbed 15-more rebounds than the Nuggets. They also outscored the visitors, 58-40, in the paint. Dillon Brooks (hand) was sidelined on Monday and will remain out through Wednesday's action.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four blocks, in 33 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Monte Morris chipped in 11 points and six assists. Michael Porter Jr was the only other player to score in double digits for the Nuggets, with 10 points.
This marks the second consecutive contest between the Grizzlies (4-3) and the Nuggets (4-3) in Memphis, after the Grizzlies defeated the visiting Nuggets, 106-97, on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start on Monday, as the Grizzlies led, 60-58, at halftime. However, the Grizzlies turned up the defense in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors, 22-15, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The hosts did not look back in the fourth quarter and maintained a healthy cushion until the final buzzer, to lock in the impressive home win.
Ja Morant continued his strong play and led the Grizzlies with 26 points on 12-of-22 shooting, eight assists and seven rebounds, in the win. Tyus Jones followed up with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, off the bench, while Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. added tallied 11 points, each. The Grizzlies did a great job on the glass in the contest, as they grabbed 15-more rebounds than the Nuggets. They also outscored the visitors, 58-40, in the paint. Dillon Brooks (hand) was sidelined on Monday and will remain out through Wednesday's action.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four blocks, in 33 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Monte Morris chipped in 11 points and six assists. Michael Porter Jr was the only other player to score in double digits for the Nuggets, with 10 points.
Mavericks and Spurs Meet in Intrastate Battle
The Dallas Mavericks take on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (4-3) have had their ups and downs early in the new season, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest fresh off a 125-110 home loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, which he supplemented with five assists and three rebounds. Jalen Brunson totaled 25 points, seven boards and three assists. Tim Hardaway registered 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Reggie Bullock poured in 10 points.
The Mavericks will likely list Kristaps Porzingis (back) and Trey Burke (COVID-19 protocols) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game after both missed Tuesday's contest.
The Spurs (2-5) opened the season encouragingly enough with a 26-point win over the Magic, but they've gone on to drop five of their next six games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 131-118 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Dejounte Murray led the way for the Spurs with 16 points, complementing them with six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Devin Vassell supplied 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White contributed 13 points, seven assists and two rebounds. Jakob Poeltl registered 11 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
The Spurs will list Doug McDermott (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 104-99 win Oct. 28.
The Mavericks (4-3) have had their ups and downs early in the new season, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest fresh off a 125-110 home loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, which he supplemented with five assists and three rebounds. Jalen Brunson totaled 25 points, seven boards and three assists. Tim Hardaway registered 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Reggie Bullock poured in 10 points.
The Mavericks will likely list Kristaps Porzingis (back) and Trey Burke (COVID-19 protocols) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game after both missed Tuesday's contest.
The Spurs (2-5) opened the season encouragingly enough with a 26-point win over the Magic, but they've gone on to drop five of their next six games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they dropped a 131-118 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Dejounte Murray led the way for the Spurs with 16 points, complementing them with six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Devin Vassell supplied 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White contributed 13 points, seven assists and two rebounds. Jakob Poeltl registered 11 points, six boards, one assist and one block.
The Spurs will list Doug McDermott (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 104-99 win Oct. 28.
Warriors Host Hornets on Wednesday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (5-3) have been one of the surprises of the NBA, entering this matchup with one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. They actually started the season with a perfect 3-0 record but have proceeded to trade-off wins and losses in their last six games. That's the club most people expected to see at the beginning of the season, but the jump from Miles Bridges could not have been foreseen. The young forward leads the team with 24.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and nearly picked up a triple-double on Monday. That's a good indicator of how much this team trusts this guy, and it has them in a great spot with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier holding down the backcourt.
The Warriors (5-1) have been one of the best teams in the NBA through the first two weeks. They have just one loss through six games, narrowly losing to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend. That means they could easily be undefeated, but it's hard to complain about a 5-1 start. What's really changed from last season is the play of the role players. Guys like Damion Lee and Jordan Poole have taken a major step forward this year, and it's scary to think how good they'll look when Klay Thompson is back in the fold. As long as Stephen Curry is dropping his usual 30 points and spacing the floor for everyone else, this team will always be competitive.
These teams played twice last season, with the home team winning each outing. It's been like that throughout the history of this series, with both teams owning even 31-31 records against one another.
The Hornets (5-3) have been one of the surprises of the NBA, entering this matchup with one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. They actually started the season with a perfect 3-0 record but have proceeded to trade-off wins and losses in their last six games. That's the club most people expected to see at the beginning of the season, but the jump from Miles Bridges could not have been foreseen. The young forward leads the team with 24.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and nearly picked up a triple-double on Monday. That's a good indicator of how much this team trusts this guy, and it has them in a great spot with LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier holding down the backcourt.
The Warriors (5-1) have been one of the best teams in the NBA through the first two weeks. They have just one loss through six games, narrowly losing to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend. That means they could easily be undefeated, but it's hard to complain about a 5-1 start. What's really changed from last season is the play of the role players. Guys like Damion Lee and Jordan Poole have taken a major step forward this year, and it's scary to think how good they'll look when Klay Thompson is back in the fold. As long as Stephen Curry is dropping his usual 30 points and spacing the floor for everyone else, this team will always be competitive.
These teams played twice last season, with the home team winning each outing. It's been like that throughout the history of this series, with both teams owning even 31-31 records against one another.
Kings Host Pelicans on Wednesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
The Pelicans (1-7) knew they had an uphill battle when Zion Williamson (foot) was ruled out for the first month, but no one could have foreseen this start coming. New Orleans has arguably been the worst team in the NBA through the first three weeks, and it's hard to imagine it getting much better. If losing Zion wasn't important enough, they've now had to deal with an injury to Brandon Ingram. He missed the narrow loss on Tuesday, in which New Orleans blew a 20-point lead against the Phoenix Suns. Losses like that are commonplace for a struggling team like this, and the growing pains will keep coming as long as these superstars remain out.
The Kings (3-4) got off to a nice start when they grabbed road wins against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers but have lost two straight since. It was more tough competition, though, and it's really encouraging to see the Kings play close games night after night. They've actually only had one game all year that was decided by a double-digit margin, but even that game was close until the final moments. That means this 3-4 record is slightly unlucky because the Kings could easily be 6-1 if things fell their way. Performances like that have fans excited, but it's still discouraging to see this team below .500 once again after a decade of incompetence.
These teams played just last week, with Sacramento prevailing, 113-109. These clubs have actually traded off wins and losses in their last five meetings in total.
The Pelicans (1-7) knew they had an uphill battle when Zion Williamson (foot) was ruled out for the first month, but no one could have foreseen this start coming. New Orleans has arguably been the worst team in the NBA through the first three weeks, and it's hard to imagine it getting much better. If losing Zion wasn't important enough, they've now had to deal with an injury to Brandon Ingram. He missed the narrow loss on Tuesday, in which New Orleans blew a 20-point lead against the Phoenix Suns. Losses like that are commonplace for a struggling team like this, and the growing pains will keep coming as long as these superstars remain out.
The Kings (3-4) got off to a nice start when they grabbed road wins against the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers but have lost two straight since. It was more tough competition, though, and it's really encouraging to see the Kings play close games night after night. They've actually only had one game all year that was decided by a double-digit margin, but even that game was close until the final moments. That means this 3-4 record is slightly unlucky because the Kings could easily be 6-1 if things fell their way. Performances like that have fans excited, but it's still discouraging to see this team below .500 once again after a decade of incompetence.
These teams played just last week, with Sacramento prevailing, 113-109. These clubs have actually traded off wins and losses in their last five meetings in total.