Hornets, Wizards Tangle In Eastern Matchup
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (6-15) were absolutely dominated by the Boston Celtics on Monday, suffering a 35-point defeat while looking completely overmatched. During that loss, Jalen McDaniels led the Hornets with 24 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Kelly Oubre furnished 22 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. P.J. Washington compiled 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Theo Maledon delivered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bryce McGowens registered 10 points, six assists, two rebounds and one block. The Hornets’ loss against Boston snapped a two-game winning streak, and they’ve gone 3-6 at home as well.
Terry Rozier (illness), Dennis Smith (ankle) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions, while Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) are out.
The Wizards (11-11) are coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with a 27-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma generated matching 25-point tallies while recording six and three assists, respectively. Beal also dished out six assists, while Kuzma added three. The Wizards have lost their last four on the road and have gone 3-7 away from home, while winning just one of their last five.
Rui Hachimura (ankle) has been listed as a game-time decision for the Wizards, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out.
The Hornets (6-15) were absolutely dominated by the Boston Celtics on Monday, suffering a 35-point defeat while looking completely overmatched. During that loss, Jalen McDaniels led the Hornets with 24 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Kelly Oubre furnished 22 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. P.J. Washington compiled 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Theo Maledon delivered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Bryce McGowens registered 10 points, six assists, two rebounds and one block. The Hornets’ loss against Boston snapped a two-game winning streak, and they’ve gone 3-6 at home as well.
Terry Rozier (illness), Dennis Smith (ankle) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions, while Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) are out.
The Wizards (11-11) are coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with a 27-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma generated matching 25-point tallies while recording six and three assists, respectively. Beal also dished out six assists, while Kuzma added three. The Wizards have lost their last four on the road and have gone 3-7 away from home, while winning just one of their last five.
Rui Hachimura (ankle) has been listed as a game-time decision for the Wizards, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out.
Hawks, Nuggets Collide In Inter-Conference Battle
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Denver Nuggets at StateFarm Arena on Friday.
The Hawks (12-10) are coming off a 125-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks in this game and finished with 30 points and 14 assists, while his backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, notched 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela posted 20 points and 12 rebounds. A.J. Griffin was impressive off the bench and finished with 15 points, while Onyeka Okongwu posted 12 points with eight rebounds off the bench as well. Atlanta snapped a three-game losing run with the win Wednesday, and the team has gone 7-4 at home.
Justin Holiday (COVID-19), Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee), John Collins (ankle), Deandre Hunter (thigh) and Jalen Johnson (ankle) are all game-time decisions for Atlanta.
The Nuggets (14-7) are coming off a 120-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Nikola Jokic logged 17 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field, including 17-of-32 from deep. The Nuggets on a roll of late and enter this game on a four-game winning streak and a 8-5 mark on the road.
Jeff Green (knee), Michael Porter (heel) and Collin Gillespie (lower leg) are listed as out for Denver.
The Hawks (12-10) are coming off a 125-108 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Trae Young was the best player for the Hawks in this game and finished with 30 points and 14 assists, while his backcourt partner, Dejounte Murray, notched 27 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela posted 20 points and 12 rebounds. A.J. Griffin was impressive off the bench and finished with 15 points, while Onyeka Okongwu posted 12 points with eight rebounds off the bench as well. Atlanta snapped a three-game losing run with the win Wednesday, and the team has gone 7-4 at home.
Justin Holiday (COVID-19), Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee), John Collins (ankle), Deandre Hunter (thigh) and Jalen Johnson (ankle) are all game-time decisions for Atlanta.
The Nuggets (14-7) are coming off a 120-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Aaron Gordon followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Nikola Jokic logged 17 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field, including 17-of-32 from deep. The Nuggets on a roll of late and enter this game on a four-game winning streak and a 8-5 mark on the road.
Jeff Green (knee), Michael Porter (heel) and Collin Gillespie (lower leg) are listed as out for Denver.
Celtics, Heat Set To Rematch Friday
The Boston Celtics will host the Miami Heat at TD Garden on Friday.
This will be the second straight meeting between these two teams, as the Celtics (17-4) and the Heat (10-11) met Wednesday in this same venue, with the Celtics securing a 134-121 win. Boston has gone 10-1 at home this season and once again look like a bonafide NBA title contender, while the Heat are 2-7 on the road while nursing through lots of injury issues.
When it comes to Wednesday’s meeting between these two teams, Jayson Tatum had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 49 points, but he also added 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 39 minutes. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Marcus Smart came close to a double-double after ending with 10 points and nine assists while also adding five rebounds.
As for the Heat, Max Strus and Bam Adebayo led the way with matching 23-point performances. Adebayo also had six boards and five assists. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Kyle Lowry posted 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Caleb Martin had 10 points, same as Gabe Vincent, and Haywood Highsmith recorded 16 points with seven boards.
When it comes to potential injuries, Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari (both knee) are injured for Boston, while the Heat will be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) while Jimmy Butler (knee) and Dewayne Dedmon (foot) are game-time decisions.
This will be the second straight meeting between these two teams, as the Celtics (17-4) and the Heat (10-11) met Wednesday in this same venue, with the Celtics securing a 134-121 win. Boston has gone 10-1 at home this season and once again look like a bonafide NBA title contender, while the Heat are 2-7 on the road while nursing through lots of injury issues.
When it comes to Wednesday’s meeting between these two teams, Jayson Tatum had one of his best performances of the season and finished with 49 points, but he also added 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 39 minutes. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Marcus Smart came close to a double-double after ending with 10 points and nine assists while also adding five rebounds.
As for the Heat, Max Strus and Bam Adebayo led the way with matching 23-point performances. Adebayo also had six boards and five assists. Tyler Herro delivered 22 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, while Kyle Lowry posted 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Caleb Martin had 10 points, same as Gabe Vincent, and Haywood Highsmith recorded 16 points with seven boards.
When it comes to potential injuries, Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari (both knee) are injured for Boston, while the Heat will be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) while Jimmy Butler (knee) and Dewayne Dedmon (foot) are game-time decisions.
Magic and Cavaliers Tangle in Cleveland
The Orlando Magic takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Magic (5-17) sport a record that underscores the extent of their struggles thus far this season, and they'll enter Friday's game in particularly poor form after losing six consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Atlanta Hawks by a 125-108 score. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Paolo Banchero furnished 20 points, five assists and two rebounds. Terrence Ross poured in 12 points, while Cole Anthony contributed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Magic will list Jalen Suggs (ankle), Gary Harris (hamstring), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Wendell Carter (foot) as out for Friday's game. Mo Bamba (back) will carry a questionable tag.
The Cavaliers (14-8) went through a five-game losing streak earlier in November, but they've since bounced back to win six of their next eight games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they throttled the Philadelphia 76ers by a 113-85 score Wednesday night. Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Darius Garland posted 21 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Donovan Mitchell furnished 18 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Evan Mobley turned in 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Cavaliers will be without Jarrett Allen (back) for Friday's game. Kevin Love (thumb) will carry a doubtful tag, while Lamar Stevens (illness) will be listed as probable.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Magic (5-17) sport a record that underscores the extent of their struggles thus far this season, and they'll enter Friday's game in particularly poor form after losing six consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Atlanta Hawks by a 125-108 score. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Paolo Banchero furnished 20 points, five assists and two rebounds. Terrence Ross poured in 12 points, while Cole Anthony contributed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Magic will list Jalen Suggs (ankle), Gary Harris (hamstring), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Wendell Carter (foot) as out for Friday's game. Mo Bamba (back) will carry a questionable tag.
The Cavaliers (14-8) went through a five-game losing streak earlier in November, but they've since bounced back to win six of their next eight games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they throttled the Philadelphia 76ers by a 113-85 score Wednesday night. Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Darius Garland posted 21 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Donovan Mitchell furnished 18 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Evan Mobley turned in 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Cavaliers will be without Jarrett Allen (back) for Friday's game. Kevin Love (thumb) will carry a doubtful tag, while Lamar Stevens (illness) will be listed as probable.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Lakers and Bucks Set for Interconference Clash
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
The Lakers (8-12) have been showing plenty of progress after a dismal 2-9 start to the season, going 6-3 since that point, including victories in three of their last four games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-109 score. LeBron James led the way with 31 points, adding eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Anthony Davis delivered a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Austin Reaves registered 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant finished with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Russell Westbrook turned in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Lakers will list James (adductor), Davis (back) and Troy Brown (foot) as probable for Friday's game. Lonnie Walker (foot) and Dennis Schroder (personal) will be deemed questionable.
The Bucks (15-5) are trending in the right direction of late, winning three straight and four of their last five overall. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they recorded a hard-fought 109-103 win over the New York Knicks. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 37 points, adding 13 rebounds, seven assists and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 22 points, six boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Grayson Allen supplied 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bobby Portis generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists. Pat Connaughton matched Portis' scoring and also pulled down four rebounds.
The Bucks will be without Serge Ibaka (illness) and Joe Ingles (knee) for Friday's game. Khris Middleton (wrist) will be listed as probable to make his season debut.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks swept the 2021-22 regular-season series from the Lakers.
The Lakers (8-12) have been showing plenty of progress after a dismal 2-9 start to the season, going 6-3 since that point, including victories in three of their last four games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-109 score. LeBron James led the way with 31 points, adding eight assists, seven rebounds and one block. Anthony Davis delivered a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Austin Reaves registered 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Thomas Bryant finished with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Russell Westbrook turned in 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Lakers will list James (adductor), Davis (back) and Troy Brown (foot) as probable for Friday's game. Lonnie Walker (foot) and Dennis Schroder (personal) will be deemed questionable.
The Bucks (15-5) are trending in the right direction of late, winning three straight and four of their last five overall. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they recorded a hard-fought 109-103 win over the New York Knicks. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 37 points, adding 13 rebounds, seven assists and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 22 points, six boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Grayson Allen supplied 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bobby Portis generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists. Pat Connaughton matched Portis' scoring and also pulled down four rebounds.
The Bucks will be without Serge Ibaka (illness) and Joe Ingles (knee) for Friday's game. Khris Middleton (wrist) will be listed as probable to make his season debut.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks swept the 2021-22 regular-season series from the Lakers.
Raptors and Nets Battle in Big Apple
The Toronto Raptors take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Raptors (11-10) have been dealing with key injuries for the bulk of the first month-plus of the season, but they'll come into Friday's showdown having forged a respectable 4-3 record in their last seven games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those losses, however, as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 126-108 score Wednesday night. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 35 points off the bench, adding one rebound, one assist and three steals. Pascal Siakam delivered 23 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. O.G. Anunoby supplied 12 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Juancho Hernangomez turned in nine points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Raptors will remain without Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Nets (12-11) are trending in the right direction after a rough start to the season, as they've generated a 6-2 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when then they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 113-107 score. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 39 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one block. Kyrie Irving furnished 27 points, five assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Royce O'Neale and Edmond Sumner posted matching eight-point contributions, with O'Neale adding eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Nets will be without Ben Simmons (knee) and Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) for Friday's contest. Day'Ron Sharpe (illness) will likely be listed as questionable at best.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 2-0 series lead.
The Raptors (11-10) have been dealing with key injuries for the bulk of the first month-plus of the season, but they'll come into Friday's showdown having forged a respectable 4-3 record in their last seven games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those losses, however, as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 126-108 score Wednesday night. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 35 points off the bench, adding one rebound, one assist and three steals. Pascal Siakam delivered 23 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. O.G. Anunoby supplied 12 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Juancho Hernangomez turned in nine points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Raptors will remain without Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Nets (12-11) are trending in the right direction after a rough start to the season, as they've generated a 6-2 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when then they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 113-107 score. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 39 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one block. Kyrie Irving furnished 27 points, five assists, one rebound, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Royce O'Neale and Edmond Sumner posted matching eight-point contributions, with O'Neale adding eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Nets will be without Ben Simmons (knee) and Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) for Friday's contest. Day'Ron Sharpe (illness) will likely be listed as questionable at best.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 2-0 series lead.
Slumping Spurs Host Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs (6-16) hope to snap a nine-game losing streak as they return home with a chance to build on their 3-8 home record. They are dealing with injury trouble as Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps) and Jakob Poeltl (knee) will be sidelined, while Josh Richardson (ankle) and Doug McDermott (ankle) are listed as doubtful. Devin Vassell leads the team, averaging 20.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Keldon Johnson has been quiet lately, averaging 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the last six games, but he did include one 26-point, 10-rebound performance. The Spurs average 110.6 points per game, but they are giving up a league-high, 121.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (13-8) look to keep the momentum rolling as they head back out on the road after back-to-back home wins. They are 5-5 on the road and coming off a loss in their last road game. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jonas Valanciunas averages 13.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while Jose Alvarado averages 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Naji Marshall (illness) missed the last two games and CJ McCollum (rest) missed the last game but both are expected to be ready to go on Friday, while Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) will be sidelined. The Pelicans average 117.1 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of of 111.0 points.
The Spurs (6-16) hope to snap a nine-game losing streak as they return home with a chance to build on their 3-8 home record. They are dealing with injury trouble as Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps) and Jakob Poeltl (knee) will be sidelined, while Josh Richardson (ankle) and Doug McDermott (ankle) are listed as doubtful. Devin Vassell leads the team, averaging 20.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. Keldon Johnson has been quiet lately, averaging 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the last six games, but he did include one 26-point, 10-rebound performance. The Spurs average 110.6 points per game, but they are giving up a league-high, 121.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (13-8) look to keep the momentum rolling as they head back out on the road after back-to-back home wins. They are 5-5 on the road and coming off a loss in their last road game. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jonas Valanciunas averages 13.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while Jose Alvarado averages 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Naji Marshall (illness) missed the last two games and CJ McCollum (rest) missed the last game but both are expected to be ready to go on Friday, while Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) will be sidelined. The Pelicans average 117.1 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of of 111.0 points.
Grizzlies Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (12-9) look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and add to their 7-2 home record. Ja Morant continues his dominant play, averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.0 steals over his last five games, while Jaren Jackson is averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.2 steals over the same span. Dillon Brooks steadily provides good effort from the wing, averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on the season. Desmond Bane (toe) remains out. The Grizzlies average 115.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 114.0 points.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (12-10) will look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and build on their 5-5 road record, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Tobias Harris (illness) is listed as questionable for action, while James Harden (foot) and Tyrese Maxey (foot) will be sidelined. Joel Embiid leads the team, averaging 31.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Shake Milton has been playing great lately, averaging 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over seven consecutive starts. Georges Niang is a key contributor off the bench, averaging 9.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes per game. The Sixers average 108.3 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 106.1 points per game, both of which are second fewest in the league.
The Grizzlies (12-9) look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and add to their 7-2 home record. Ja Morant continues his dominant play, averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.0 steals over his last five games, while Jaren Jackson is averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.2 steals over the same span. Dillon Brooks steadily provides good effort from the wing, averaging 17.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on the season. Desmond Bane (toe) remains out. The Grizzlies average 115.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 114.0 points.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (12-10) will look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and build on their 5-5 road record, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Tobias Harris (illness) is listed as questionable for action, while James Harden (foot) and Tyrese Maxey (foot) will be sidelined. Joel Embiid leads the team, averaging 31.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Shake Milton has been playing great lately, averaging 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over seven consecutive starts. Georges Niang is a key contributor off the bench, averaging 9.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20 minutes per game. The Sixers average 108.3 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 106.1 points per game, both of which are second fewest in the league.
Streaking Suns Host Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center on Friday evening.
The Suns (15-6) look to build on a six-game win streak as they face the second and final game of a home stand looking to add to their impressive, 12-1 home record. Devin Booker is coming off an instant classic performance, as he tallied 51 points on 20-of-25 shooting, four rebounds, six assist and a steal in a home win over the Bulls on Wednesday. Booker averages 29.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals on the season. Mikal Bridges averages 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 17.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Suns average 115.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.4 points, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (5-16) hope to end a two-game slide, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with a chance to build on their 2-11 road record. Jalen Green leads the team, averaging 21.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, Alperen Sengun averages 15.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, while Kevin Porter averages 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Rockets average 109.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.6 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Jae-Sean Tate (ankle) has missed the last month of action but is listed as questionable for Friday.
The Suns (15-6) look to build on a six-game win streak as they face the second and final game of a home stand looking to add to their impressive, 12-1 home record. Devin Booker is coming off an instant classic performance, as he tallied 51 points on 20-of-25 shooting, four rebounds, six assist and a steal in a home win over the Bulls on Wednesday. Booker averages 29.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals on the season. Mikal Bridges averages 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 17.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Suns average 115.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.4 points, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (5-16) hope to end a two-game slide, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with a chance to build on their 2-11 road record. Jalen Green leads the team, averaging 21.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game, Alperen Sengun averages 15.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, while Kevin Porter averages 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Rockets average 109.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.6 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Jae-Sean Tate (ankle) has missed the last month of action but is listed as questionable for Friday.
Jazz Host Pacers on Friday
The Indiana Pacers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Pacers (12-9) suffered a disappointing loss on Wednesday, being beaten by the Sacramento Kings. Those two clubs have built a bit of a rivalry because they swapped some massive pieces in a trade last season. Tyrese Haliburton was the peach of that deal, and he's proving to be one of the best point guards in the NBA. He's got over 50 assists across the last five games and has only committed one turnover in that span. That's hard even to fathom, and it's a beautiful pairing with Myles Turner. That makes it hard to understand why Indiana is talking about trading Turner because he's one of the best all-around centers in the NBA.
The Jazz (13-11) looked to be dangerous when they started the year with a 10-3 record, but it's been a struggle since then. They actually have a 3-8 record since that nightmare start, grabbing a win over the Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game. The direct correlation with the poor stretch is an injury to Mike Conley. The veteran was a leader for this young group, and it's tough for these guys to play without him. What it has done is allow Collin Sexton to start, though. The acquisition from the Cleveland Cavaliers really struggled behind Conley, but he's back to his 20-point ways in this expanded role. If they can get him to do that off the bench when Conley returns, maybe this club can get back to where they were a few weeks ago. With all that said, this was projected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA at the beginning of the year and it feels like those assumptions are starting to show through.
Indiana swept the two-game season series over Utah last year. That snapped a three-game winning streak by Utah before that.
The Pacers (12-9) suffered a disappointing loss on Wednesday, being beaten by the Sacramento Kings. Those two clubs have built a bit of a rivalry because they swapped some massive pieces in a trade last season. Tyrese Haliburton was the peach of that deal, and he's proving to be one of the best point guards in the NBA. He's got over 50 assists across the last five games and has only committed one turnover in that span. That's hard even to fathom, and it's a beautiful pairing with Myles Turner. That makes it hard to understand why Indiana is talking about trading Turner because he's one of the best all-around centers in the NBA.
The Jazz (13-11) looked to be dangerous when they started the year with a 10-3 record, but it's been a struggle since then. They actually have a 3-8 record since that nightmare start, grabbing a win over the Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game. The direct correlation with the poor stretch is an injury to Mike Conley. The veteran was a leader for this young group, and it's tough for these guys to play without him. What it has done is allow Collin Sexton to start, though. The acquisition from the Cleveland Cavaliers really struggled behind Conley, but he's back to his 20-point ways in this expanded role. If they can get him to do that off the bench when Conley returns, maybe this club can get back to where they were a few weeks ago. With all that said, this was projected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA at the beginning of the year and it feels like those assumptions are starting to show through.
Indiana swept the two-game season series over Utah last year. That snapped a three-game winning streak by Utah before that.
Warriors Host Bulls on Friday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center on Friday.
The Bulls (9-11) have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA, entering this matchup losing six of their last nine games. This club actually led the Eastern Conference in wins before Lonzo Ball's injury last season, and nothing has gone right since then. Not only has Ball had numerous setbacks and has yet to return, but this roster is aging around him. DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine form a nice core, but there's no three-point shooting on this team. It's hard to win in today's NBA with such little shooting, and it remains to be seen if this club can put things together and make a much-needed run in the second half.
The Warriors (11-11) have been two different teams this season. They have a 9-1 record at home but a 2-10 record on the road. It's hard to understand how the defending champs can have such massive splits, but it's holding them back big time. It's certainly not the fault of Stephen Curry, averaging 31.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. Those are some of the best averages this two-time MVP has ever had, and it's up to the rest of these guys to get them out of this hole. The starting lineup actually has the best plus-minus in the NBA, while the bench unit has the worst. That makes the champs a prime candidate to make a trade, and it'll be fun to see what they do over the coming months to boost this aging roster.
Golden State shredded Chicago last season, winning both of their matchups by at least 26 points a piece. That gives the Warriors 10 straight wins in this series in total.
The Bulls (9-11) have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA, entering this matchup losing six of their last nine games. This club actually led the Eastern Conference in wins before Lonzo Ball's injury last season, and nothing has gone right since then. Not only has Ball had numerous setbacks and has yet to return, but this roster is aging around him. DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine form a nice core, but there's no three-point shooting on this team. It's hard to win in today's NBA with such little shooting, and it remains to be seen if this club can put things together and make a much-needed run in the second half.
The Warriors (11-11) have been two different teams this season. They have a 9-1 record at home but a 2-10 record on the road. It's hard to understand how the defending champs can have such massive splits, but it's holding them back big time. It's certainly not the fault of Stephen Curry, averaging 31.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. Those are some of the best averages this two-time MVP has ever had, and it's up to the rest of these guys to get them out of this hole. The starting lineup actually has the best plus-minus in the NBA, while the bench unit has the worst. That makes the champs a prime candidate to make a trade, and it'll be fun to see what they do over the coming months to boost this aging roster.
Golden State shredded Chicago last season, winning both of their matchups by at least 26 points a piece. That gives the Warriors 10 straight wins in this series in total.