Knicks, Mavs Tangle In Madison Square Garden
The New York Knicks will host the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Knicks (10-12) are coming off a 109-103 home loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. RJ Barrett paced the Knicks with 26 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Julius Randle totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jalen Brunson registered 17 points, five boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Mitchell Robinson posted a 15-point, 20-rebound double-double that included one assist and one block. New York has now lost three of its last four games and enters this game with a 4-6 mark at home. Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ best player this season, as he's averaging 21.3 points and 6.5 assists per game, leading the team in both categories.
Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest.
The Mavericks (10-11) fell under the .500 mark after losing to the Detroit Pistons by a 131-125 score on Thursday. Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 35-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Tim Hardaway totaled 26 points, five boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Christian Wood delivered 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Maxi Kleber managed 10 points, three boards, one assist and four blocks. Dallas has now lost four of its last five games and the team has also struggled on the road, posting a 1-8 record. Doncic has been the team’s best player with averages of 33.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.
McKinley Wright (illness), Kemba Walker (not injury related) and Tyler Dorsey (illness) are all game-time calls for Saturday’s contest.
The Knicks (10-12) are coming off a 109-103 home loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. RJ Barrett paced the Knicks with 26 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Julius Randle totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Jalen Brunson registered 17 points, five boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Mitchell Robinson posted a 15-point, 20-rebound double-double that included one assist and one block. New York has now lost three of its last four games and enters this game with a 4-6 mark at home. Jalen Brunson has been the Knicks’ best player this season, as he's averaging 21.3 points and 6.5 assists per game, leading the team in both categories.
Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday’s contest.
The Mavericks (10-11) fell under the .500 mark after losing to the Detroit Pistons by a 131-125 score on Thursday. Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with a 35-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Tim Hardaway totaled 26 points, five boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Christian Wood delivered 25 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Maxi Kleber managed 10 points, three boards, one assist and four blocks. Dallas has now lost four of its last five games and the team has also struggled on the road, posting a 1-8 record. Doncic has been the team’s best player with averages of 33.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.
McKinley Wright (illness), Kemba Walker (not injury related) and Tyler Dorsey (illness) are all game-time calls for Saturday’s contest.
Kings and Clippers Clash in L.A.
The Sacramento Kings take on the Los Angeles Clippers at crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Kings (11-9) have undeniably made strides early this season, but they'd regressed some recently in the form of a three-game losing streak before snapping that skid with a convincing 137-114 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 22 points, adding five boards, two assists and two steals. Malik Monk furnished 20 points, six assists, four boards and two steals. De'Aaron Fox delivered 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. Terence Davis supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Keegan Murray posted 14 points and six boards, while Kevin Huerter totaled 13 points and five rebounds. Domantas Sabonis generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal.
The Kings come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Clippers (13-10) are trying to successfully navigate injuries to their two biggest stars at the moment, and they'll come into Saturday's matchup having dropped three of the last five games. Los Angeles' most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 125-112 decision to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. John Wall led the Clippers with 26 points, adding five assists and two rebounds. Reggie Jackson delivered 15 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Ivica Zubac registered 12 points, seven boards and one block. Moussa Diabate finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Marcus Morris and Brandon Boston pitched in matching 10-point tallies while pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Clippers will list Paul George (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game. Norman Powell (groin) and Luke Kennard (calf) will be out.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 1-0 series lead.
The Kings (11-9) have undeniably made strides early this season, but they'd regressed some recently in the form of a three-game losing streak before snapping that skid with a convincing 137-114 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 22 points, adding five boards, two assists and two steals. Malik Monk furnished 20 points, six assists, four boards and two steals. De'Aaron Fox delivered 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. Terence Davis supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Keegan Murray posted 14 points and six boards, while Kevin Huerter totaled 13 points and five rebounds. Domantas Sabonis generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal.
The Kings come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Clippers (13-10) are trying to successfully navigate injuries to their two biggest stars at the moment, and they'll come into Saturday's matchup having dropped three of the last five games. Los Angeles' most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 125-112 decision to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. John Wall led the Clippers with 26 points, adding five assists and two rebounds. Reggie Jackson delivered 15 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Ivica Zubac registered 12 points, seven boards and one block. Moussa Diabate finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Marcus Morris and Brandon Boston pitched in matching 10-point tallies while pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively.
The Clippers will list Paul George (hamstring) and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game. Norman Powell (groin) and Luke Kennard (calf) will be out.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 1-0 series lead.
Bucks and Hornets Tangle in Charlotte
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Bucks (15-6) have mostly been in the win column this season, but they suffered an exceedingly rare home loss Friday night to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 133-129 score. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 28 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Khris Middleton furnished 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds in his season debut. Bobby Portis contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez pitched in 13 points, seven boards, one assist and three blocks.
The Bucks will likely list Serge Ibaka (illness) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Joe Ingles (knee) will remain out.
The Hornets (7-15) continue to deal with a myriad of key injuries, but they've impressively displayed some grit recently with three wins over the last four games. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Washington Wizards by a 117-116 score despite scoring just 10 fourth-quarter points. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 25 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Kelly Oubre delivered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. P.J. Washington contributed 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Nick Richards pitched in 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Hornets will remain without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Dennis Smith (ankle), Gordon Hayward (shoulder) and Cody Martin (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Bucks (15-6) have mostly been in the win column this season, but they suffered an exceedingly rare home loss Friday night to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 133-129 score. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 40 points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 28 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Khris Middleton furnished 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds in his season debut. Bobby Portis contributed 15 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez pitched in 13 points, seven boards, one assist and three blocks.
The Bucks will likely list Serge Ibaka (illness) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Joe Ingles (knee) will remain out.
The Hornets (7-15) continue to deal with a myriad of key injuries, but they've impressively displayed some grit recently with three wins over the last four games. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Washington Wizards by a 117-116 score despite scoring just 10 fourth-quarter points. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 25 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Kelly Oubre delivered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. P.J. Washington contributed 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Nick Richards pitched in 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Hornets will remain without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Dennis Smith (ankle), Gordon Hayward (shoulder) and Cody Martin (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Timberwolves Look To Build Off Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The Timberwolves (11-11) look to build off a win in their last game and add to their 6-6 home record as they face the second game of a three-game home stand. Anthony Edwards has to continue to lead the way on offense while Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) remains sidelined. Edwards logged 29 points in back-to-back games, and he is averaging 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game on the season. Rudy Gobert averages 13.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Timberwolves average 114.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.3 points against. Jaden McDaniels (illness) and Jordan McLaughlin (calf) are listed as questionable for action, while Taurean Prince (shoulder) is expected to remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (9-13) will look to build off a win in their last game and add to their 3-8 road record, as they face the first game of a five-game road trip. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (hip) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. Josh Giddey continues to impact the game across the stat sheet, averaging 14.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Luguentz Dort averages 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals, while Aleksej Pokusevski is averaging 9.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. The Thunder average 116.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an NBA-third-most 117.4 points against.
The Timberwolves (11-11) look to build off a win in their last game and add to their 6-6 home record as they face the second game of a three-game home stand. Anthony Edwards has to continue to lead the way on offense while Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) remains sidelined. Edwards logged 29 points in back-to-back games, and he is averaging 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game on the season. Rudy Gobert averages 13.6 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 14.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Timberwolves average 114.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.3 points against. Jaden McDaniels (illness) and Jordan McLaughlin (calf) are listed as questionable for action, while Taurean Prince (shoulder) is expected to remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (9-13) will look to build off a win in their last game and add to their 3-8 road record, as they face the first game of a five-game road trip. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (hip) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. Josh Giddey continues to impact the game across the stat sheet, averaging 14.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Luguentz Dort averages 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals, while Aleksej Pokusevski is averaging 9.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. The Thunder average 116.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an NBA-third-most 117.4 points against.
Raptors Look To Bounce Back Against Reeling Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Orlando Magic at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of back-to-back for both teams. The Raptors (11-11) are coming off a tough loss in Brooklyn, where they trailed by 23 at halftime. They put up a better effort in the second half but fell short for a second consecutive loss. Pascal Siakam led the way in the game with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Scottie Barnes added 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. The Raptors look to bounce back as they face the first game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to build on their 8-2 home record.
On the other side, the Magic (5-18) are coming off a loss in Cleveland on Friday. They trailed by seven at halftime but fell apart in the third quarter, where they were outscored by 11 points, resulting in an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Magic made a push in the fourth, but they came up short in the end and ended up with their seventh straight loss. Paolo Banchero led the way in the game with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and steal, in 37 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, while Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner tallied 16 points each. The Magic hope to end their losing streak and add to their 1-10 road trip as they face the second game of a two-game road trip, in Toronto.
This marks the second game of back-to-back for both teams. The Raptors (11-11) are coming off a tough loss in Brooklyn, where they trailed by 23 at halftime. They put up a better effort in the second half but fell short for a second consecutive loss. Pascal Siakam led the way in the game with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. O.G. Anunoby followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Scottie Barnes added 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists. The Raptors look to bounce back as they face the first game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to build on their 8-2 home record.
On the other side, the Magic (5-18) are coming off a loss in Cleveland on Friday. They trailed by seven at halftime but fell apart in the third quarter, where they were outscored by 11 points, resulting in an 18-point deficit heading into the final frame. The Magic made a push in the fourth, but they came up short in the end and ended up with their seventh straight loss. Paolo Banchero led the way in the game with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and steal, in 37 minutes. Cole Anthony followed up with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, while Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner tallied 16 points each. The Magic hope to end their losing streak and add to their 1-10 road trip as they face the second game of a two-game road trip, in Toronto.
Warriors Host Rockets on Saturday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Saturday.
The Rockets (6-16) have the worst record in the Western Conference, but they just had their most impressive win of the season on Friday. They went on the road and beat the Phoenix Suns, 122-121. The nature of that win was equally as impressive as the result, with Houston leading for only a handful of minutes in that game. Jalen Green finished that victory with 30 points, and he truly looks like a breakout player. The one thing holding them back is their defense, though. This team was dead-last in defensive efficiency last season, and they're 26th in that category this year. Seeing an improvement is slightly encouraging, but this team will never compete until that defense improves.
The Warriors (12-11) have been two different teams this season, depending on where they're playing. They have a 10-1 record at home and a 2-10 record on the road. Having such massive splits has fans scratching their heads, but it's less concerning when you see that Golden State has won six of its last eight games in total. No one wants to see the defending champs get hot, and that's exactly what's happening. Stephen Curry still has his season average above 30 points per game, while Klay Thompson has been much better in this recent hot streak. The Splash Bros are the most dynamic duo when they're both shooting like this, and the wins could keep churning if that continues.
These teams played on November 20, with Golden State prevailing, 127-120. That gives the Warriors seven straight wins in this series.
The Rockets (6-16) have the worst record in the Western Conference, but they just had their most impressive win of the season on Friday. They went on the road and beat the Phoenix Suns, 122-121. The nature of that win was equally as impressive as the result, with Houston leading for only a handful of minutes in that game. Jalen Green finished that victory with 30 points, and he truly looks like a breakout player. The one thing holding them back is their defense, though. This team was dead-last in defensive efficiency last season, and they're 26th in that category this year. Seeing an improvement is slightly encouraging, but this team will never compete until that defense improves.
The Warriors (12-11) have been two different teams this season, depending on where they're playing. They have a 10-1 record at home and a 2-10 record on the road. Having such massive splits has fans scratching their heads, but it's less concerning when you see that Golden State has won six of its last eight games in total. No one wants to see the defending champs get hot, and that's exactly what's happening. Stephen Curry still has his season average above 30 points per game, while Klay Thompson has been much better in this recent hot streak. The Splash Bros are the most dynamic duo when they're both shooting like this, and the wins could keep churning if that continues.
These teams played on November 20, with Golden State prevailing, 127-120. That gives the Warriors seven straight wins in this series.
Jazz Host Blazers on Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
The Trail Blazers (11-11) got off to an unbelievable start this season, but the recent form is much more believable. They enter this matchup losing seven of their last eight games, undoing all the good work created through the opening month. Losing Damian Lillard to a calf issue is the direct correlation with the collapse, but there's some thought that he'll be ready to return this weekend. It's tough for any team to compete when their best player is missing, and it becomes more problematic when it's a superstar who averages 30 points and eight assists per game. They're building a solid core around him, but we won't know if this team is legitimate until he's playing every night.
The Jazz (14-11) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they've been a pleasant surprise. They started the year with a 10-3 record but went on to lose eight of their next 10 games. That had people expecting a downfall, but Utah has won their last two since then. The offense has been fantastic in that two-game winning streak, averaging just shy of 135 points per game. That's been a trend all year, and it looks like this club has a core to build around. Lauri Markkanen has been playing at an All-Star level this season, and it's a wonder why other teams didn't give him this opportunity in the past. Utah is reaping the rewards of that mistake by those other organizations, but this team looks to be in solid shape despite trading Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic.
These teams played on November 19, with Utah prevailing, 118-113. That gives the Jazz five straight wins in this series.
The Trail Blazers (11-11) got off to an unbelievable start this season, but the recent form is much more believable. They enter this matchup losing seven of their last eight games, undoing all the good work created through the opening month. Losing Damian Lillard to a calf issue is the direct correlation with the collapse, but there's some thought that he'll be ready to return this weekend. It's tough for any team to compete when their best player is missing, and it becomes more problematic when it's a superstar who averages 30 points and eight assists per game. They're building a solid core around him, but we won't know if this team is legitimate until he's playing every night.
The Jazz (14-11) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, but they've been a pleasant surprise. They started the year with a 10-3 record but went on to lose eight of their next 10 games. That had people expecting a downfall, but Utah has won their last two since then. The offense has been fantastic in that two-game winning streak, averaging just shy of 135 points per game. That's been a trend all year, and it looks like this club has a core to build around. Lauri Markkanen has been playing at an All-Star level this season, and it's a wonder why other teams didn't give him this opportunity in the past. Utah is reaping the rewards of that mistake by those other organizations, but this team looks to be in solid shape despite trading Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic.
These teams played on November 19, with Utah prevailing, 118-113. That gives the Jazz five straight wins in this series.