Spurs and Heat Face Off in South Florida
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Spurs (7-18) have been having about as difficult a time as their record indicates, and they just snapped a 11-game losing streak with a 118-109 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and one assist. Tre Jones delivered 26 points, five assists and three boards. Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson generated matching 12-point, two-assist tallies. Romeo Langford supplied 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Zach Collins and Charles Bassey posted matching 10-point, five-rebound, three-assist, one-steal contributions. Collins also recorded four blocks.
The Spurs will list Devin Vassell (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. Jakob Poeltl (knee), Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps), Keita Bates-Diop (foot) and Blake Wesley (knee) will all remain out.
The Heat (12-14) have struggled with consistency all season and check into Saturday's contest having lost three of the past five contests. Miami's most recent time on the floor did result in one of those victories, however, as they got past the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-110. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 31 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals. Tyler Herro netted 19 points, nine boards, three assists and two steals. Caleb Martin managed 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Heat will list Butler (knee), Herro (ankle), Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle), Dewayne Dedmon (foot) and Victor Oladipo (knee) as questionable. Gabe Vincent (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat swept the 2021-22 regular-season series from the Spurs.
The Spurs (7-18) have been having about as difficult a time as their record indicates, and they just snapped a 11-game losing streak with a 118-109 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and one assist. Tre Jones delivered 26 points, five assists and three boards. Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson generated matching 12-point, two-assist tallies. Romeo Langford supplied 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Zach Collins and Charles Bassey posted matching 10-point, five-rebound, three-assist, one-steal contributions. Collins also recorded four blocks.
The Spurs will list Devin Vassell (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. Jakob Poeltl (knee), Jeremy Sochan (quadriceps), Keita Bates-Diop (foot) and Blake Wesley (knee) will all remain out.
The Heat (12-14) have struggled with consistency all season and check into Saturday's contest having lost three of the past five contests. Miami's most recent time on the floor did result in one of those victories, however, as they got past the Los Angeles Clippers, 115-110. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 31 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jimmy Butler registered 26 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals. Tyler Herro netted 19 points, nine boards, three assists and two steals. Caleb Martin managed 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Heat will list Butler (knee), Herro (ankle), Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle), Dewayne Dedmon (foot) and Victor Oladipo (knee) as questionable. Gabe Vincent (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Heat swept the 2021-22 regular-season series from the Spurs.
Pacers, Nets looking to extend streaks
The Indiana Pacers will host the Brooklyn Nets at Gainbridge Life Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The Pacers (14-12) are coming off a 121-111 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Buddy Hield was the top scorer for the Pacers here since he ended with 28 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with 23 points and 11 assists. Myles Turner delivered 14 points and six boards. Bennedict Mathurin recorded 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench, and Oshae Brissett notched 16 points and eight boards off the bench as well. Indiana shot 50.6 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from three-point range. The Pacers have been struggling of late, but they seem to be turning things around with two wins in their last three contests.
Chris Duarte (ankle) and Isaiah Jackson (knee) are game-time calls, while Daniel Theis (knee) is out.
The Nets (15-12) are coming off yet another win, this time against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 34 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Kyrie Irving generated a 33-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists. T.J. Warren registered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry netted 11 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Joe Harris compiled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Brooklyn has now won two in a row and five of its last six games.
Yuta Watanabe and Nicolas Claxton are both game-time calls for Saturday due to hamstring injuries, while Ben Simmons (calf) is out.
The Pacers (14-12) are coming off a 121-111 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Buddy Hield was the top scorer for the Pacers here since he ended with 28 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton finished with 23 points and 11 assists. Myles Turner delivered 14 points and six boards. Bennedict Mathurin recorded 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench, and Oshae Brissett notched 16 points and eight boards off the bench as well. Indiana shot 50.6 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from three-point range. The Pacers have been struggling of late, but they seem to be turning things around with two wins in their last three contests.
Chris Duarte (ankle) and Isaiah Jackson (knee) are game-time calls, while Daniel Theis (knee) is out.
The Nets (15-12) are coming off yet another win, this time against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 34 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Kyrie Irving generated a 33-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists. T.J. Warren registered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry netted 11 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Joe Harris compiled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Brooklyn has now won two in a row and five of its last six games.
Yuta Watanabe and Nicolas Claxton are both game-time calls for Saturday due to hamstring injuries, while Ben Simmons (calf) is out.
Wizards, Clippers Looking To End Negative Streaks
The Washington Wizards will host the Los Angeles Clippers at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
The Wizards (11-15) are coming off a 121-111 loss against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Kristaps Porzingis posted 29 points and nine rebounds to lead the Wizards, while Kyle Kuzma notched 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Deni Avdija recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Goodwin posted 19 points off the bench. Washington shot 53.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Wizards continue to stumble and now have lost five games in a row.
Will Barton (foot), Devon Dotson (COVID-19) and Johnny Davis (COVID-19) are questionable, while Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) are out.
The Clippers (14-13) are coming off a 115-110 loss against the Miami Heat on Thursday. Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Reggie Jackson finished with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Nicolas Batum had 11 points and five rebounds, and Marcus Morris Sr. finished with 11 points and four boards. The Clippers shot 46.3 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles have been sloppy of late and has lost four of its last five games.
Terance Mann (concussion) is questionable for Saturday's game, while Reggie Jackson (rest) and Norman Powell (groin) are out.
The Wizards (11-15) are coming off a 121-111 loss against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. Kristaps Porzingis posted 29 points and nine rebounds to lead the Wizards, while Kyle Kuzma notched 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Deni Avdija recorded 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Goodwin posted 19 points off the bench. Washington shot 53.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Wizards continue to stumble and now have lost five games in a row.
Will Barton (foot), Devon Dotson (COVID-19) and Johnny Davis (COVID-19) are questionable, while Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) are out.
The Clippers (14-13) are coming off a 115-110 loss against the Miami Heat on Thursday. Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 29 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Reggie Jackson finished with 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Nicolas Batum had 11 points and five rebounds, and Marcus Morris Sr. finished with 11 points and four boards. The Clippers shot 46.3 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles have been sloppy of late and has lost four of its last five games.
Terance Mann (concussion) is questionable for Saturday's game, while Reggie Jackson (rest) and Norman Powell (groin) are out.
Thunder and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Clash
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Thunder (11-14) looks like a team on the rise for stretches, such as during their recent three-game winning streak. However, OKC saw that snapped by a 123-102 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and one block. Tre Mann delivered 12 points, two rebounds and one steal. Josh Giddey generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Aleksej Pokusevski totaled 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Thunder are expected to remain without Kenrich Williams (knee) for Saturday's contest.
The Cavaliers (16-10) had been trending in the right direction going into a Friday night clash against the Kings with three wins in the previous four contests, but they fell to Sacramento by a 106-95 score. Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds and six assists. Darius Garland registered 19 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman registered 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Evan Mobley finished with 16 points, seven boards, four assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers are expected to list Donovan Mitchell (lower leg) and Kevin Love (back) as questionable at best for Saturday's game. Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Thunder.
The Thunder (11-14) looks like a team on the rise for stretches, such as during their recent three-game winning streak. However, OKC saw that snapped by a 123-102 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and one block. Tre Mann delivered 12 points, two rebounds and one steal. Josh Giddey generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Aleksej Pokusevski totaled 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block.
The Thunder are expected to remain without Kenrich Williams (knee) for Saturday's contest.
The Cavaliers (16-10) had been trending in the right direction going into a Friday night clash against the Kings with three wins in the previous four contests, but they fell to Sacramento by a 106-95 score. Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds and six assists. Darius Garland registered 19 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman registered 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block. Evan Mobley finished with 16 points, seven boards, four assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers are expected to list Donovan Mitchell (lower leg) and Kevin Love (back) as questionable at best for Saturday's game. Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Thunder.
Bulls Host Mavs on Saturday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Dallas Mavericks at United Center on Saturday.
The Mavericks (13-12) are playing some of their best basketball of the year, winning three of four coming into this matchup. Fans have been waiting to see that from this club all year, losing six of seven games before this mini-winning streak. It's certainly no fault of Luka Doncic though, who's flirting with triple-double averages while providing 30 points per game. What's allowed them to go on this streak is a hot shooting stretch from Tim Hardaway Jr. He's averaging just shy of 25 points per game in that winning streak, and having him do that changes everything for this club. It's fun to watch Luka do everything, but he needs some help to turn this good team into a true contender. With all that said, they missed their final five free throws in a one-point loss on Friday, and it'll be interesting to see how they respond after that.
The Bulls (10-14) have gotten off to a terrible start this season, losing three of their last four games. They actually had one of the best records in the NBA at this time last year, but things have changed. Losing Lonzo Ball to a knee issue is the one big issue because nothing has been the same since then. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic all continue to play well, but none of those guys are playing their best. That's not enough talent to compete when other clubs have three superstars, and it puts this franchise in quite a predicament. Do they want to keep riding these veterans, or do they want to blow everything up and start over?
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the road team winning both outings. With that said, Chicago has won four of its last five games in this series.
The Mavericks (13-12) are playing some of their best basketball of the year, winning three of four coming into this matchup. Fans have been waiting to see that from this club all year, losing six of seven games before this mini-winning streak. It's certainly no fault of Luka Doncic though, who's flirting with triple-double averages while providing 30 points per game. What's allowed them to go on this streak is a hot shooting stretch from Tim Hardaway Jr. He's averaging just shy of 25 points per game in that winning streak, and having him do that changes everything for this club. It's fun to watch Luka do everything, but he needs some help to turn this good team into a true contender. With all that said, they missed their final five free throws in a one-point loss on Friday, and it'll be interesting to see how they respond after that.
The Bulls (10-14) have gotten off to a terrible start this season, losing three of their last four games. They actually had one of the best records in the NBA at this time last year, but things have changed. Losing Lonzo Ball to a knee issue is the one big issue because nothing has been the same since then. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic all continue to play well, but none of those guys are playing their best. That's not enough talent to compete when other clubs have three superstars, and it puts this franchise in quite a predicament. Do they want to keep riding these veterans, or do they want to blow everything up and start over?
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the road team winning both outings. With that said, Chicago has won four of its last five games in this series.
Warriors Host Streaking Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Boston Celtics at Chase Center on Saturday evening.
The Warriors (13-13) have lost two in a row and look to get back on track at home, where they have an 11-2 record on the season. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 30.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jordan Poole averages 17.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Klay Thompson is averaging 18.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Andrew Wiggins (groin) is expected to miss his third straight game. The Warriors average 117.4 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. However, they could use improvement on the defensive end, as they are giving up an average of 116.4 points, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.3 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (21-5) face the fourth game of a six-game road trip. They are 3-0 on the trip so far and look to keep it rolling to improve on their 10-3 road record. Jayson Tatum leads the team, averaging 30.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Jaylen Brown averages 26.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Marcus Smart is averaging 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.2 steals. Robert Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Celtics average a league-high 120.8 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 112.0 points per game.
The Warriors (13-13) have lost two in a row and look to get back on track at home, where they have an 11-2 record on the season. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 30.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jordan Poole averages 17.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Klay Thompson is averaging 18.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Andrew Wiggins (groin) is expected to miss his third straight game. The Warriors average 117.4 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. However, they could use improvement on the defensive end, as they are giving up an average of 116.4 points, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.3 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (21-5) face the fourth game of a six-game road trip. They are 3-0 on the trip so far and look to keep it rolling to improve on their 10-3 road record. Jayson Tatum leads the team, averaging 30.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Jaylen Brown averages 26.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Marcus Smart is averaging 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.2 steals. Robert Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Celtics average a league-high 120.8 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 112.0 points per game.
Jazz Enter Denver On Second Night Of Back-To Back
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena on Saturday evening.
The Nuggets (15-10) hope to build off a win in their last game as they return home with a chance to improve on their 6-3 home record. Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as probable for action on Saturday, while Michael Porter (heel) will remain out. Nikola Jokic leads the team, averaging 23.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Bruce Brown averages 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Nuggets score an average of 115.0 points per game, while shooting a league-best 50.1 percent from the field. However, they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 48.9 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (15-13), as they are coming off a home loss against the Timberwolves on Friday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 15, at halftime. They came out with a better effort in the third, but were outplayed in the fourth and could not complete the comeback. Malik Beasley led the way in the game, with 23 points, four rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Mike Conley tallied 17 points and six assists. The Jazz will look to get back on track as they head back on the road after a six-game home stand. Simone Fontecchio (ankle) and Lauri Markkanen (illness) missed Friday's game and are listed as questionable for Saturday, while Collin Sexton (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined.
The Nuggets (15-10) hope to build off a win in their last game as they return home with a chance to improve on their 6-3 home record. Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as probable for action on Saturday, while Michael Porter (heel) will remain out. Nikola Jokic leads the team, averaging 23.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Bruce Brown averages 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Nuggets score an average of 115.0 points per game, while shooting a league-best 50.1 percent from the field. However, they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 48.9 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (15-13), as they are coming off a home loss against the Timberwolves on Friday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 15, at halftime. They came out with a better effort in the third, but were outplayed in the fourth and could not complete the comeback. Malik Beasley led the way in the game, with 23 points, four rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Mike Conley tallied 17 points and six assists. The Jazz will look to get back on track as they head back on the road after a six-game home stand. Simone Fontecchio (ankle) and Lauri Markkanen (illness) missed Friday's game and are listed as questionable for Saturday, while Collin Sexton (hamstring) is expected to remain sidelined.
Trail Blazers Host T'Wolves on Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on Saturday.
The Timberwolves (13-12) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. What's strange about that hot streak is that it directly correlates with an injury to Katl-Anthony Towns. The big man has been ruled out for the next month with a calf tear, but some of these ancillary pieces have stepped up in his absence. D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert have all been brilliant since he went down, and one has to wonder if there were too many cooks in the kitchen before that. In any case, this club has the talent to compete with anyone, and they're going to be one of the scariest groups when KAT is ready to return.
The Trail Blazers (13-12) should have a three-game winning streak entering this matchup, but they had one of their most devastating defeats on Thursday. They lost to the Denver Nuggets, 121-120. That was one of the best games of the season, with 14 lead changes happening in the closing seven minutes. Damian Lillard appeared to have hit the game-winner with less than 10 seconds remaining, but Jamal Murray responded with a game-winning three at the buzzer to beat the Blazers. Lillard finished that game with 40 points and 12 assists, and having him back in the fold is obviously a massive boost for this overachieving team. As long as he's doing that, this club will finish much higher than anyone could have anticipated.
Minnesota swept the four-game season series over Portland last year.
The Timberwolves (13-12) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. What's strange about that hot streak is that it directly correlates with an injury to Katl-Anthony Towns. The big man has been ruled out for the next month with a calf tear, but some of these ancillary pieces have stepped up in his absence. D'Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert have all been brilliant since he went down, and one has to wonder if there were too many cooks in the kitchen before that. In any case, this club has the talent to compete with anyone, and they're going to be one of the scariest groups when KAT is ready to return.
The Trail Blazers (13-12) should have a three-game winning streak entering this matchup, but they had one of their most devastating defeats on Thursday. They lost to the Denver Nuggets, 121-120. That was one of the best games of the season, with 14 lead changes happening in the closing seven minutes. Damian Lillard appeared to have hit the game-winner with less than 10 seconds remaining, but Jamal Murray responded with a game-winning three at the buzzer to beat the Blazers. Lillard finished that game with 40 points and 12 assists, and having him back in the fold is obviously a massive boost for this overachieving team. As long as he's doing that, this club will finish much higher than anyone could have anticipated.
Minnesota swept the four-game season series over Portland last year.