76ers host Magic in pivotal Eastern Conference showdown
The Orlando Magic take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night. It’s the third and final matchup between the two teams this season, with Philadelphia holding a 2-0 series lead.
The Magic (46-34) have lost three of their last four games, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, 117-99. Orlando sits precariously in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Indiana Pacers and one game back of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s not inconceivable that the Magic could drop to the seventh or eighth seed, which would put them in the NBA Play-In Tournament and against a top-two seed should they advance from that. The Magic have a 111.2 defensive rating over their last 10 games -- 10th best in the NBA over that span -- but their 111.7 offensive rating over that span ranks 22nd in the Association.
Franz Wagner (ankle) is questionable for Friday’s contest.
Their opponents Friday are on a significant upswing. The 76ers (45-35) won their sixth straight game Tuesday when they took down the Detroit Pistons, 120-102, in a game that saw reigning MVP Joel Embiid dominate with 37 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and three steals. Embiid’s return to the lineup has re-energized the 76ers, who now sit in seventh place in the East, just one game back of the Magic and Indiana Pacers. A win Friday and in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets would give Philadelphia an excellent chance to catapult into the top six in the conference and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Kyle Lowry (knee), Robert Covington (knee), KJ Martin (toe) and Tyrese Maxey (hip) are all listed as questionable for Friday’s contest.
The Magic (46-34) have lost three of their last four games, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, 117-99. Orlando sits precariously in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Indiana Pacers and one game back of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s not inconceivable that the Magic could drop to the seventh or eighth seed, which would put them in the NBA Play-In Tournament and against a top-two seed should they advance from that. The Magic have a 111.2 defensive rating over their last 10 games -- 10th best in the NBA over that span -- but their 111.7 offensive rating over that span ranks 22nd in the Association.
Franz Wagner (ankle) is questionable for Friday’s contest.
Their opponents Friday are on a significant upswing. The 76ers (45-35) won their sixth straight game Tuesday when they took down the Detroit Pistons, 120-102, in a game that saw reigning MVP Joel Embiid dominate with 37 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and three steals. Embiid’s return to the lineup has re-energized the 76ers, who now sit in seventh place in the East, just one game back of the Magic and Indiana Pacers. A win Friday and in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets would give Philadelphia an excellent chance to catapult into the top six in the conference and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Kyle Lowry (knee), Robert Covington (knee), KJ Martin (toe) and Tyrese Maxey (hip) are all listed as questionable for Friday’s contest.
Bulls visit Wizards in Eastern Conference matchup Friday
The Washington Wizards host the Chicago Bulls at Capital One Arena on Friday night. It’s the third and final matchup between the two teams this season, with the series tied 1-1.
The Bulls (38-42) broke out of their two-game skid with a 127-105 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 39 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Nikola Vucevic registered his 44th double-double of the season with 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Bulls are locked into the ninth vs. 10th matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago will host that single-elimination game in the opening round of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Meanwhile the Wizards (15-65) have lost four straight games and are 1-7 over their last eight contests. It’s been a lost season for Washington, as they never were in contention for a playoff push after shipping out long-time franchise shooting guard Bradley Beal, as well as Kristaps Porzingis, in the offseason. The Wizards’ young core was headlined by Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole at the beginning of the season, but the team has seen positive steps from other young players. One such player is Corey Kispert, who has started in each of the last 17 games and has averaged 17.4 points on 51.4 percent shooting (including 44.7 percent from three on 7.2 attempts), 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 35.6 minutes per game over that span.
Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Kyle Kuzma (ankle), Marvin Bagley (knee), Landry Shamet (calf) and Tristan Vukcevic (knee) are all listed as game-time decisions for Friday’s contest.
The Bulls (38-42) broke out of their two-game skid with a 127-105 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 39 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Nikola Vucevic registered his 44th double-double of the season with 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Bulls are locked into the ninth vs. 10th matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago will host that single-elimination game in the opening round of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Meanwhile the Wizards (15-65) have lost four straight games and are 1-7 over their last eight contests. It’s been a lost season for Washington, as they never were in contention for a playoff push after shipping out long-time franchise shooting guard Bradley Beal, as well as Kristaps Porzingis, in the offseason. The Wizards’ young core was headlined by Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole at the beginning of the season, but the team has seen positive steps from other young players. One such player is Corey Kispert, who has started in each of the last 17 games and has averaged 17.4 points on 51.4 percent shooting (including 44.7 percent from three on 7.2 attempts), 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists over 35.6 minutes per game over that span.
Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Kyle Kuzma (ankle), Marvin Bagley (knee), Landry Shamet (calf) and Tristan Vukcevic (knee) are all listed as game-time decisions for Friday’s contest.
Celtics Aim To Bounce Back, Host Hornets
The Boston Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on Friday.
The Celtics (62-18) saw the end of their winning run Wednesday in a 104-91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, and now they head into the final two games of the campaign on a losing skid following their 118-109 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday. The loss to New York ended Boston’s 13-game home win streak while ending the Celtics’ 27-game home win streak against East opponents. However, the team couldn’t have picked a better opponent to potentially bounce back from their woes. The Celtics will aim to end the season on a high note, but they have already clinched the top record in the entire league. Boston has nothing to play for in the final week of the season, and at this stage, the team is looking forward to the start of the postseason.
The Hornets (20-60) will play the final two games of their regular season on the road, but their 9-30 mark away from home suggests their chances of securing a positive result here are slim to none. Even though the season series is tied 1-1 after Charlotte topped Boston on Nov. 20, the Celtics are the better team, and Charlotte will have a hard time scrapping a good result here, especially since the Hornets are down several players in what has been a lost season for them. At this stage on the calendar and with only two games left in the schedule, the Hornets are simply looking forward to the end of the campaign to start planning the 2024 NBA Draft, where they should have another high pick just like in 2023.
The Celtics (62-18) saw the end of their winning run Wednesday in a 104-91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, and now they head into the final two games of the campaign on a losing skid following their 118-109 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday. The loss to New York ended Boston’s 13-game home win streak while ending the Celtics’ 27-game home win streak against East opponents. However, the team couldn’t have picked a better opponent to potentially bounce back from their woes. The Celtics will aim to end the season on a high note, but they have already clinched the top record in the entire league. Boston has nothing to play for in the final week of the season, and at this stage, the team is looking forward to the start of the postseason.
The Hornets (20-60) will play the final two games of their regular season on the road, but their 9-30 mark away from home suggests their chances of securing a positive result here are slim to none. Even though the season series is tied 1-1 after Charlotte topped Boston on Nov. 20, the Celtics are the better team, and Charlotte will have a hard time scrapping a good result here, especially since the Hornets are down several players in what has been a lost season for them. At this stage on the calendar and with only two games left in the schedule, the Hornets are simply looking forward to the end of the campaign to start planning the 2024 NBA Draft, where they should have another high pick just like in 2023.
Cavs, Pacers Collide In Marquee Matchup Friday
The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Indiana Pacers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday.
The Cavaliers (47-33) are fighting to secure a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, and with two games left in their schedule, they control their destiny to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. Cleveland sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, but the Cavs can’t afford any slip-ups, as the Pacers and the Orlando Magic are breathing on their necks. Even the Philadelphia 76ers are only two games behind the Cavaliers and sit in seventh place, so the Cavaliers know this is a must-win game in front of their fans. The Cavaliers enter Friday’s contest in poor form, however, as their 110-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a woeful three-game losing streak for them. The Cavaliers have also gone 25-14 at home, so they will have the support of their fans to get a positive result here.
The Pacers (46-34) know their life depends on what happens over the final two games of the season. Even though the team already clinched a playoff spot, they can’t afford any mistakes in the final two contests of the campaign. After all, the Philadelphia 76ers sit in seventh place in the standings and just one game behind the Pacers, so a loss here, coupled with other results against them, could put Indiana in Play-In territory with only one game left. The Pacers are ending the season on a strong note, though. They enter this matchup on a three-game winning run and having won four of their last five contests. Plus, the Pacers also own a respectable 21-19 record on the road this season.
The Cavaliers (47-33) are fighting to secure a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference, and with two games left in their schedule, they control their destiny to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. Cleveland sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, but the Cavs can’t afford any slip-ups, as the Pacers and the Orlando Magic are breathing on their necks. Even the Philadelphia 76ers are only two games behind the Cavaliers and sit in seventh place, so the Cavaliers know this is a must-win game in front of their fans. The Cavaliers enter Friday’s contest in poor form, however, as their 110-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a woeful three-game losing streak for them. The Cavaliers have also gone 25-14 at home, so they will have the support of their fans to get a positive result here.
The Pacers (46-34) know their life depends on what happens over the final two games of the season. Even though the team already clinched a playoff spot, they can’t afford any mistakes in the final two contests of the campaign. After all, the Philadelphia 76ers sit in seventh place in the standings and just one game behind the Pacers, so a loss here, coupled with other results against them, could put Indiana in Play-In territory with only one game left. The Pacers are ending the season on a strong note, though. They enter this matchup on a three-game winning run and having won four of their last five contests. Plus, the Pacers also own a respectable 21-19 record on the road this season.
Knicks Host Nets In Rivalry Matchup
The New York Knicks will host the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
The Knicks (48-32) are coming off one of their best performances of the season Thursday, topping the Boston Celtics at TD Garden by a 118-109 score in a game in which they led by as much as 31 points. New York is ending the season on a solid note after winning three in a row and four of its last five contests. The Knicks know they won’t participate in the Play-In Tournament, but they have bigger goals, as they trail the Milwaukee Bucks by just one game in the race for the second seed in the East. Perhaps what’s even more impressive is the fact that they’ve done this despite the absence of Julius Randle and OG Anunoby for the majority of the post-All-Star break stretch. The play of Jalen Brunson, who notched 39 points in the win over the Celtics on Thursday, has kept the Knicks afloat in the elite of the Eastern Conference.
The Nets (32-48) once were a prime title candidate during the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving days. However, that experiment fell flat in their faces, and now Brooklyn is going through a complicated rebuilding stretch. The Nets are ending the season on a strong note, however, and their 106-102 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday means Brooklyn has won three of its last four contests. The Nets have a few intriguing young pieces to build around, such as Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, but the team is stuck in a tough place where they can compete for a Play-In Tournament spot but aren’t good enough to hang on with the big boys in the East. At least they are ending the campaign on a solid note, as their 12-27 record on the road suggests they’re bound to struggle here. Plus, Brooklyn has lost the previous three head-to-head meetings this season against New York.
The Knicks (48-32) are coming off one of their best performances of the season Thursday, topping the Boston Celtics at TD Garden by a 118-109 score in a game in which they led by as much as 31 points. New York is ending the season on a solid note after winning three in a row and four of its last five contests. The Knicks know they won’t participate in the Play-In Tournament, but they have bigger goals, as they trail the Milwaukee Bucks by just one game in the race for the second seed in the East. Perhaps what’s even more impressive is the fact that they’ve done this despite the absence of Julius Randle and OG Anunoby for the majority of the post-All-Star break stretch. The play of Jalen Brunson, who notched 39 points in the win over the Celtics on Thursday, has kept the Knicks afloat in the elite of the Eastern Conference.
The Nets (32-48) once were a prime title candidate during the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving days. However, that experiment fell flat in their faces, and now Brooklyn is going through a complicated rebuilding stretch. The Nets are ending the season on a strong note, however, and their 106-102 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday means Brooklyn has won three of its last four contests. The Nets have a few intriguing young pieces to build around, such as Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, but the team is stuck in a tough place where they can compete for a Play-In Tournament spot but aren’t good enough to hang on with the big boys in the East. At least they are ending the campaign on a solid note, as their 12-27 record on the road suggests they’re bound to struggle here. Plus, Brooklyn has lost the previous three head-to-head meetings this season against New York.
Heat Looking For Miracle, Host Raptors
The Miami Heat will host the Toronto Raptors at Kaseya Center on Friday.
The Heat (44-36) already clinched a playoff spot, but their postseason fate has not been determined yet. Miami sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, and while its backs are against the wall, it’s worth noting the Heat’s chances are not over. After all, the Heat sit just one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers and two behind the Orlando Magic, who sit in fifth place. It would take many things to go right for this to happen, but the Heat have a shot to avoid the Play-In Tournament. For that to happen, however, the Heat first need to win their two remaining games and hope for the best. The play of their star players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will be a significant factor in whether the Heat manage to sneak into the Top 6 of the Eastern Conference or not.
The Raptors (25-55) are moving in a completely different direction. The Canadian team opened the 2023-24 season with playoff hopes, but those quickly vanished, and the team decided to tear it all up before the trade deadline. The Raptors have been one of the worst teams in the NBA over the last two months, and Toronto is looking to end the season on a decent note. To make things even more complicated for the Raptors, they enter this contest on a two-game losing skid while dropping three of their last five. An 11-28 record on the road is not particularly promising, either, meaning the Raptors seem bound to struggle here. Given how the season has gone for them, it seems the Raptors simply want the season to end in order to focus on their 2024 NBA Draft preparations.
The Heat (44-36) already clinched a playoff spot, but their postseason fate has not been determined yet. Miami sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, and while its backs are against the wall, it’s worth noting the Heat’s chances are not over. After all, the Heat sit just one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers and two behind the Orlando Magic, who sit in fifth place. It would take many things to go right for this to happen, but the Heat have a shot to avoid the Play-In Tournament. For that to happen, however, the Heat first need to win their two remaining games and hope for the best. The play of their star players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo will be a significant factor in whether the Heat manage to sneak into the Top 6 of the Eastern Conference or not.
The Raptors (25-55) are moving in a completely different direction. The Canadian team opened the 2023-24 season with playoff hopes, but those quickly vanished, and the team decided to tear it all up before the trade deadline. The Raptors have been one of the worst teams in the NBA over the last two months, and Toronto is looking to end the season on a decent note. To make things even more complicated for the Raptors, they enter this contest on a two-game losing skid while dropping three of their last five. An 11-28 record on the road is not particularly promising, either, meaning the Raptors seem bound to struggle here. Given how the season has gone for them, it seems the Raptors simply want the season to end in order to focus on their 2024 NBA Draft preparations.
Hawks and Timberwolves Set for Interconference Battle
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Friday night.
The Hawks (36-44) have the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference sewn up, but they're backing into the postseason with four consecutive defeats going into Friday's game. Their most recent stumble was extremely narrow, as the Charlotte Hornets edged them by a 115-114 score on Wednesday night. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Vit Krejci co-led the Hawks with 19 points, with Bogdanovic adding eight assists and Krejci posting four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Clint Capela supplied 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Trae Young returned to action with a 14-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Dylan Windler delivered 12 points, three boards and one assist. Kobe Bufkin supplied 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Hawks will list Dejounte Murray (quadriceps) and Capela (rest) as questionable for Friday's game. Jalen Johnson (ankle), Onyeka Okongwu (toe) and Wesley Matthews (hamstring) will remain out.
The Timberwolves (55-25) remain in a fight for the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, and although they've won four of the last six games, one of those losses was a critical 116-107 defeat Wednesday night to the team they were tied with going into the night, the Denver Nuggets. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, complementing them with four assists and two rebounds. Mike Conley registered 19 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid produced matching 13-point, two-steal, one-block contributions while pulling down 15 and six rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves will list Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) as questionable for Friday's game, but he is expected to return to action.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Hawks (36-44) have the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference sewn up, but they're backing into the postseason with four consecutive defeats going into Friday's game. Their most recent stumble was extremely narrow, as the Charlotte Hornets edged them by a 115-114 score on Wednesday night. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Vit Krejci co-led the Hawks with 19 points, with Bogdanovic adding eight assists and Krejci posting four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Clint Capela supplied 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Trae Young returned to action with a 14-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Dylan Windler delivered 12 points, three boards and one assist. Kobe Bufkin supplied 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Hawks will list Dejounte Murray (quadriceps) and Capela (rest) as questionable for Friday's game. Jalen Johnson (ankle), Onyeka Okongwu (toe) and Wesley Matthews (hamstring) will remain out.
The Timberwolves (55-25) remain in a fight for the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, and although they've won four of the last six games, one of those losses was a critical 116-107 defeat Wednesday night to the team they were tied with going into the night, the Denver Nuggets. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, complementing them with four assists and two rebounds. Mike Conley registered 19 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid produced matching 13-point, two-steal, one-block contributions while pulling down 15 and six rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves will list Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) as questionable for Friday's game, but he is expected to return to action.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead.
Nuggets and Spurs Tangle in Texas
The Denver Nuggets take on the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on Friday night.
The Nuggets (56-24) took a major step toward securing the top seed in the Western Conference on Wednesday night, when they toppled the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 116-107 score for their fifth victory in the last six games. The win gave the defending champions a one-game lead for the No. 1 seed, and with a win Friday combined with Timberwolves and Thunder losses, Denver will secure that spot. Against Minnesota, Nikola Jokic led the way with a 41-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and three steals. Jamal Murray furnished 20 points, six assists and four rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. supplied 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope posted nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Nuggets will list Murray (knee), Jokic (hip), Aaron Gordon (foot), Caldwell-Pope (shoulder), Porter (quadriceps) and Zeke Nnaji (thigh) as probable for Friday's game.
The Spurs (20-60) had recently put together a season-high three-game winning streak, but they've followed that encouraging stretch up with four losses in the next six games. Their most recent defeat was especially lopsided, as they dropped a 127-89 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Zach Collins paced the Spurs with 20 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Sidy Cissoko totaled 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones and Raiquan Gray compiled matching 13-point tallies, with Jones adding seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Spurs will be without Keldon Johnson (foot), Cedi Osman (ankle) and Dominick Barlow (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets hold a 3-0 series lead.
The Nuggets (56-24) took a major step toward securing the top seed in the Western Conference on Wednesday night, when they toppled the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 116-107 score for their fifth victory in the last six games. The win gave the defending champions a one-game lead for the No. 1 seed, and with a win Friday combined with Timberwolves and Thunder losses, Denver will secure that spot. Against Minnesota, Nikola Jokic led the way with a 41-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and three steals. Jamal Murray furnished 20 points, six assists and four rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. supplied 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope posted nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Nuggets will list Murray (knee), Jokic (hip), Aaron Gordon (foot), Caldwell-Pope (shoulder), Porter (quadriceps) and Zeke Nnaji (thigh) as probable for Friday's game.
The Spurs (20-60) had recently put together a season-high three-game winning streak, but they've followed that encouraging stretch up with four losses in the next six games. Their most recent defeat was especially lopsided, as they dropped a 127-89 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Zach Collins paced the Spurs with 20 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Sidy Cissoko totaled 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tre Jones and Raiquan Gray compiled matching 13-point tallies, with Jones adding seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Spurs will be without Keldon Johnson (foot), Cedi Osman (ankle) and Dominick Barlow (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets hold a 3-0 series lead.
Bucks and Thunder Set for Interconference Showdown
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Friday night.
The Bucks (49-31) are trying to keep a hold of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference while playing without several key players, and they check into Friday's contest with back-to-back wins. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Orlando Magic by a 117-99 score. Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 30 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and five steals. Damian Lillard supplied 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jae Crowder delivered 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Patrick Beverley managed 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Brook Lopez finished with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Bucks will remain without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and AJ Green (ankle) for Friday's game. Khris Middleton (ankle), Lopez (rest) and MarJon Beauchamp (ankle) will carry questionable tags, while Lillard (groin) will be listed as doubtful.
The Thunder (55-25) are just one game back of the top-seeded Denver Nuggets with two games to go, and they've kept themselves in the running by rattling off three consecutive wins. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they throttled the San Antonio Spurs by a 127-89 score. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Josh Giddey generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Gordon Hayward netted 18 points, while Jalen Williams recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Thunder will likely list Luguentz Dort (rest) as questionable or probable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Bucks (49-31) are trying to keep a hold of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference while playing without several key players, and they check into Friday's contest with back-to-back wins. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Orlando Magic by a 117-99 score. Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 30 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and five steals. Damian Lillard supplied 29 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jae Crowder delivered 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Patrick Beverley managed 13 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Brook Lopez finished with 10 points, four rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Bucks will remain without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and AJ Green (ankle) for Friday's game. Khris Middleton (ankle), Lopez (rest) and MarJon Beauchamp (ankle) will carry questionable tags, while Lillard (groin) will be listed as doubtful.
The Thunder (55-25) are just one game back of the top-seeded Denver Nuggets with two games to go, and they've kept themselves in the running by rattling off three consecutive wins. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they throttled the San Antonio Spurs by a 127-89 score. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Josh Giddey generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Gordon Hayward netted 18 points, while Jalen Williams recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
The Thunder will likely list Luguentz Dort (rest) as questionable or probable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead.
Lakers Visit Struggling Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (27-53) have dropped three in a row and look to end the slide as they face the first game of a two-game home stand to close out their season with the hopes of adding to their, 9-30, home record. They remain hampered by injury trouble but continue to look toward their up-and-coming talent to make their mark. Scotty Pippen has been playing well lately, averaging 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.4 steals across the last five games. GG Jackson is averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists over the last 10 outings, while Jake LaRavia is coming off a stellar performance, with 32 points, seven rebounds two steals and a block in the last game.
Meanwhile, the Lakers (45-35) sit ninth place in the West, with a 0.5-game lead over 10th, and hope to get back on track after two-consecutive losses as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 17-21, road record. Anthony Davis (head) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action. The Lakers' big man has been playing great recently, averaging 24.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocks across his last 10 appearances, despite one game where he played just 12 minutes and had four points. LeBron James (ankle) is listed as questionable to play, after he missed the game-before last but followed up with 33 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals in the last game. Austin Reaves also continues to play well, averaging 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists over the last 10 games. The Lakers average 117.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 117.5 points against.
The Grizzlies (27-53) have dropped three in a row and look to end the slide as they face the first game of a two-game home stand to close out their season with the hopes of adding to their, 9-30, home record. They remain hampered by injury trouble but continue to look toward their up-and-coming talent to make their mark. Scotty Pippen has been playing well lately, averaging 15.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 2.4 steals across the last five games. GG Jackson is averaging 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists over the last 10 outings, while Jake LaRavia is coming off a stellar performance, with 32 points, seven rebounds two steals and a block in the last game.
Meanwhile, the Lakers (45-35) sit ninth place in the West, with a 0.5-game lead over 10th, and hope to get back on track after two-consecutive losses as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 17-21, road record. Anthony Davis (head) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action. The Lakers' big man has been playing great recently, averaging 24.5 points, 14.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 blocks across his last 10 appearances, despite one game where he played just 12 minutes and had four points. LeBron James (ankle) is listed as questionable to play, after he missed the game-before last but followed up with 33 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and two steals in the last game. Austin Reaves also continues to play well, averaging 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists over the last 10 games. The Lakers average 117.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 117.5 points against.
Mavs Face Final Home Game
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
The Mavericks (50-30) have won five in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they face their final home game of the season with the chance to improve on their, 25-15, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Friday. Kyrie Irving (hamstring) is listed as out, while Dereck Lively (knee) also will remain sidelined. Tim Hardaway is averaging 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists over the last five games and will need to step up for the shorthanded backcourt. P.J. Washington is playing well, averaging 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks over the last 10 games. The Mavs average 118.6 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they give up an average of 115.5 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (13-67), after a 22-point home loss against the Bulls on Thursday. The game got out to a competitive start as they trailed by one point after one quarter. They began to lose grip in the second and third quarters and could not find momentum the rest of the way, resulting in their sixth straight loss. Marcus Sasser and Jalen Duren totaled 20 points each to lead the way in the loss. Jaden Ivey added 16 points, two rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Chimezie Metu logged 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham (knee) missed his fourth consecutive game and remains questionable for action on Friday.
The Mavericks (50-30) have won five in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they face their final home game of the season with the chance to improve on their, 25-15, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Friday. Kyrie Irving (hamstring) is listed as out, while Dereck Lively (knee) also will remain sidelined. Tim Hardaway is averaging 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists over the last five games and will need to step up for the shorthanded backcourt. P.J. Washington is playing well, averaging 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks over the last 10 games. The Mavs average 118.6 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they give up an average of 115.5 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (13-67), after a 22-point home loss against the Bulls on Thursday. The game got out to a competitive start as they trailed by one point after one quarter. They began to lose grip in the second and third quarters and could not find momentum the rest of the way, resulting in their sixth straight loss. Marcus Sasser and Jalen Duren totaled 20 points each to lead the way in the loss. Jaden Ivey added 16 points, two rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Chimezie Metu logged 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham (knee) missed his fourth consecutive game and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Warriors, Pelicans Put Win Streaks On The Line
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (45-35), after they defeated the Trail Blazers by eight points in Portland on Thursday. The game got out to a competitive start as they held a three-point lead at halftime. They briefly lost the edge in the third, before reclaiming a one-point lead heading to the final frame. They lost control again early in the fourth but closed the game on a, 16-6, run to secure a third straight win. Stephen Curry led the squad with 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, while Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and a block, and Andrew Wiggins logged 15 points, five rebounds, a steal and two blocks. The Warriors look to bring the momentum back home, as they return for a two-game stand to close out the season with the chance to improve on their, 20-19, home record. Draymond Green (knee) and Klay Thompson (knee) missed Thursday's action and are listed as questionable for Friday.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pelicans (48-32), after they earned a, 135-123, win in Sacramento on Thursday. They jumped out to a great start in the game and held an 11-point lead after one quarter, but they let their play slip in the second and led by six points at the break. They kept the pressure on through the second half and confidently locked in their third straight win. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson delivered 31 points each to lead the way, while Trey Murphy added 27 points, and Jonas Valanciunas logged 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans hope to keep rolling as they face their final road game of the season with the opportunity to improve on their, 27-14, road record. Brandon Ingram (knee) has missed the last 11 games and remains questionable for action on Friday.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (45-35), after they defeated the Trail Blazers by eight points in Portland on Thursday. The game got out to a competitive start as they held a three-point lead at halftime. They briefly lost the edge in the third, before reclaiming a one-point lead heading to the final frame. They lost control again early in the fourth but closed the game on a, 16-6, run to secure a third straight win. Stephen Curry led the squad with 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, a steal and two blocks, while Jonathan Kuminga followed up with 19 points, six rebounds and a block, and Andrew Wiggins logged 15 points, five rebounds, a steal and two blocks. The Warriors look to bring the momentum back home, as they return for a two-game stand to close out the season with the chance to improve on their, 20-19, home record. Draymond Green (knee) and Klay Thompson (knee) missed Thursday's action and are listed as questionable for Friday.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pelicans (48-32), after they earned a, 135-123, win in Sacramento on Thursday. They jumped out to a great start in the game and held an 11-point lead after one quarter, but they let their play slip in the second and led by six points at the break. They kept the pressure on through the second half and confidently locked in their third straight win. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson delivered 31 points each to lead the way, while Trey Murphy added 27 points, and Jonas Valanciunas logged 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans hope to keep rolling as they face their final road game of the season with the opportunity to improve on their, 27-14, road record. Brandon Ingram (knee) has missed the last 11 games and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Blazers Host Rockets on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on Friday.
The Rockets (39-41) suffered a tough loss on Thursday, narrowly losing to the Utah Jazz. That was a Utah team that lost 13 straight games before that, and it's frustrating that Houston is ending their season so poorly. They were in the thick of things when they won 11 straight last month, but they've gone on to lose six of their last seven games since then. Those are the natural regressions of a young team, but this franchise has some talent to be excited about. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson have been superb in that stretch, while Alperen Sengun was playing like a superstar before injuring his leg. That makes Houston a team to watch heading into the fast-approaching offseason.
The Trail Blazers (21-59) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 15 games. Runs like that have been common for this club all season, but it's been nice watching Scoot Henderson take over. The rookie point guard has at least eight assists in six straight games but is also one of the league leaders in turnovers during that span. That's the natural progression of a young guard like this, and it's been fun watching him gel with Deandre Ayton. What's really killed this team are the injuries, playing without Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, and Shaedon Sharpe. That's too many key players missing for an already shorthanded team, and it's difficult to see where they go from here.
Houston has won two of their three matchups with Portland this season. With that said, the Trail Blazers have won four of their last six matchups in this series.
The Rockets (39-41) suffered a tough loss on Thursday, narrowly losing to the Utah Jazz. That was a Utah team that lost 13 straight games before that, and it's frustrating that Houston is ending their season so poorly. They were in the thick of things when they won 11 straight last month, but they've gone on to lose six of their last seven games since then. Those are the natural regressions of a young team, but this franchise has some talent to be excited about. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson have been superb in that stretch, while Alperen Sengun was playing like a superstar before injuring his leg. That makes Houston a team to watch heading into the fast-approaching offseason.
The Trail Blazers (21-59) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 15 games. Runs like that have been common for this club all season, but it's been nice watching Scoot Henderson take over. The rookie point guard has at least eight assists in six straight games but is also one of the league leaders in turnovers during that span. That's the natural progression of a young guard like this, and it's been fun watching him gel with Deandre Ayton. What's really killed this team are the injuries, playing without Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, and Shaedon Sharpe. That's too many key players missing for an already shorthanded team, and it's difficult to see where they go from here.
Houston has won two of their three matchups with Portland this season. With that said, the Trail Blazers have won four of their last six matchups in this series.
Clippers Host Jazz on Friday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Jazz (30-50) snapped a 13-game losing streak in their most recent outing, narrowly beating the Houston Rockets. They won that game with a rag-tag group because Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson were all out. That's left this rotation extremely thin, with Luka Samanic, Talen Horton-Tucker and Keyonte George carrying the load right now. George has been the biggest surprise for this team this season, and he looks like a player they want to build around along with Markkanen. Trading away Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell has left this team with a ton of questions and many of those have yet to be answered.
The Clippers (51-29) gave away a game on Wednesday, playing without Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook. The good news is that Kawhi is the only player who's actually injured, but it's strange to call that good news. Kawhi is one of the most valuable players in the NBA, and it's hard to see Los Angeles going deep without him. What makes it even more problematic is that they have a date with the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. That's one of the hottest teams in the NBA but it'll be fun to watch all of these superstars go at it in the 4-5 matchup.
This is the fourth and final matchup between these teams, with LA winning two of three.
The Jazz (30-50) snapped a 13-game losing streak in their most recent outing, narrowly beating the Houston Rockets. They won that game with a rag-tag group because Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler and Jordan Clarkson were all out. That's left this rotation extremely thin, with Luka Samanic, Talen Horton-Tucker and Keyonte George carrying the load right now. George has been the biggest surprise for this team this season, and he looks like a player they want to build around along with Markkanen. Trading away Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell has left this team with a ton of questions and many of those have yet to be answered.
The Clippers (51-29) gave away a game on Wednesday, playing without Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell and Russell Westbrook. The good news is that Kawhi is the only player who's actually injured, but it's strange to call that good news. Kawhi is one of the most valuable players in the NBA, and it's hard to see Los Angeles going deep without him. What makes it even more problematic is that they have a date with the Dallas Mavericks in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. That's one of the hottest teams in the NBA but it'll be fun to watch all of these superstars go at it in the 4-5 matchup.
This is the fourth and final matchup between these teams, with LA winning two of three.
Kings Host Suns on Friday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Phoenix Suns at Golden One Center on Friday.
The Suns (47-33) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 12 games, doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. That recent run has Phoenix sitting seventh in the West, one game back of the New Orleans Pelicans. This team is too good to be trying to avoid the Play-In Tourney, and it's hard to understand where things went wrong. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are one of the most dynamic trios in the league, and it's a club no one wants to face in the postseason. What has been letting them down is their late-game execution, posting one of the worst fourth quarter net ratings in the NBA. That's a recipe for disaster in the postseason, but these guys are good enough to figure that out.
The Kings (45-35) suffered another tough loss on Thursday, being beaten by the New Orleans Pelicans. They surrendered 135 points to the Pels, marking their fifth loss against them this year. That's hard to believe but it's locked Sacramento into the Play-In Tournament. It remains to be seen where they'll play because they're sitting in eighth but are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in ninth and 10th. That means they could avoid an elimination game if they take care of business in these final two games but recent results are not encouraging. The Kings come into this matchup losing six of their last nine outings, struggling mightily since Malik Monk (knee) went down.
These teams have split their four matchups this season. With that said, Sacramento has won four of their last six games over Phoenix in total.
The Suns (47-33) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 12 games, doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. That recent run has Phoenix sitting seventh in the West, one game back of the New Orleans Pelicans. This team is too good to be trying to avoid the Play-In Tourney, and it's hard to understand where things went wrong. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are one of the most dynamic trios in the league, and it's a club no one wants to face in the postseason. What has been letting them down is their late-game execution, posting one of the worst fourth quarter net ratings in the NBA. That's a recipe for disaster in the postseason, but these guys are good enough to figure that out.
The Kings (45-35) suffered another tough loss on Thursday, being beaten by the New Orleans Pelicans. They surrendered 135 points to the Pels, marking their fifth loss against them this year. That's hard to believe but it's locked Sacramento into the Play-In Tournament. It remains to be seen where they'll play because they're sitting in eighth but are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in ninth and 10th. That means they could avoid an elimination game if they take care of business in these final two games but recent results are not encouraging. The Kings come into this matchup losing six of their last nine outings, struggling mightily since Malik Monk (knee) went down.
These teams have split their four matchups this season. With that said, Sacramento has won four of their last six games over Phoenix in total.