Magic and Cavaliers Face Off in Midwest Battle
The Orlando Magic takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Magic (10-11) appear to finally be hitting their stride after a rocky start to their season, as they've prevailed in four of their last five games. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they defeated by a 128-114 margin Wednesday night. Aaron Gordon led the way with 32 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Terrance Ross poured in 22 points off the bench. Evan Fournier delivered 21 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz contributed 13 points and five rebounds. D.J. Augustin delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Mo Bamba generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four blocks and one steal.
The Magic will continue to be without Nikola Vucevic (ankle) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) for Friday's game. Michael Carter-Williams (nose) will be considered questionable.
The Cavaliers (5-15) come in on a drastically different track than their opponents, as they've dropped 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Detroit Pistons, which handed them a 127-94 defeat Tuesday night. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Porter, Jr. posted 12 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Tristan Thompson generated a 10-point, 14 rebound double-double, while Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson matched his scoring total.
The Cavaliers will list Tristan Thompson (illness) as probable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-0 lead, having notched 94-85 and 116-104 wins on Oct. 23 and Nov. 27, respectively.
The Magic (10-11) appear to finally be hitting their stride after a rocky start to their season, as they've prevailed in four of their last five games. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they defeated by a 128-114 margin Wednesday night. Aaron Gordon led the way with 32 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Terrance Ross poured in 22 points off the bench. Evan Fournier delivered 21 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz contributed 13 points and five rebounds. D.J. Augustin delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Mo Bamba generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four blocks and one steal.
The Magic will continue to be without Nikola Vucevic (ankle) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) for Friday's game. Michael Carter-Williams (nose) will be considered questionable.
The Cavaliers (5-15) come in on a drastically different track than their opponents, as they've dropped 10 of their last 11 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Detroit Pistons, which handed them a 127-94 defeat Tuesday night. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kevin Porter, Jr. posted 12 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Tristan Thompson generated a 10-point, 14 rebound double-double, while Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson matched his scoring total.
The Cavaliers will list Tristan Thompson (illness) as probable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-0 lead, having notched 94-85 and 116-104 wins on Oct. 23 and Nov. 27, respectively.
Pacers and Pistons Set for Central Division Clash
The Indiana Pacers take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Pacers (14-7) have the look of a serious contender through first quarter of their season, as they'll come into Friday's contest having won seven of their last eight games. Indiana most recent victory was a hard-fought 107-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. T.J. Warren led the way for Indiana with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Doug McDermott poured in 14 points. Jeremy Lamb collected 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Justin Holiday and Myles Turner pitched in matching 12-point tallies while bringing in five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will continue to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) for Friday's contest. JaKarr Sampson (back) will carry a doubtful tag.
The Pistons (8-14) sport an unsightly season record overall, but they'll check into Friday's contest with a 3-3 mark over their last six games. Detroit's most recent time on the floor resulted in a loss, however, as they were trampled by the Milwaukee Bucks to the tune of a 127-103 score Wednesday night. Andre Drummond managed a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and two steals. Langston Galloway poured in 20 points. Blake Griffin went for 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rose supplied 14 points and five assists.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back) and Khyri Thomas (foot) for Friday's game. Markieff Morris (neck) will be considered probable.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pistons hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 119-110 and 96-94 victories on Oct. 23 and Oct. 28, respectively.
The Pacers (14-7) have the look of a serious contender through first quarter of their season, as they'll come into Friday's contest having won seven of their last eight games. Indiana most recent victory was a hard-fought 107-100 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. T.J. Warren led the way for Indiana with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two steals. Doug McDermott poured in 14 points. Jeremy Lamb collected 13 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Justin Holiday and Myles Turner pitched in matching 12-point tallies while bringing in five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will continue to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) for Friday's contest. JaKarr Sampson (back) will carry a doubtful tag.
The Pistons (8-14) sport an unsightly season record overall, but they'll check into Friday's contest with a 3-3 mark over their last six games. Detroit's most recent time on the floor resulted in a loss, however, as they were trampled by the Milwaukee Bucks to the tune of a 127-103 score Wednesday night. Andre Drummond managed a 23-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and two steals. Langston Galloway poured in 20 points. Blake Griffin went for 16 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rose supplied 14 points and five assists.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back) and Khyri Thomas (foot) for Friday's game. Markieff Morris (neck) will be considered probable.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pistons hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 119-110 and 96-94 victories on Oct. 23 and Oct. 28, respectively.
Nets and Hornets Set for Friday Night Battle
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Nets (11-10) may not have the starting backcourt the began the season with due to injury, but they're finding a way to get it done more often than not. Brooklyn will come into Friday's contest with a 6-2 mark of its last eight games, with their most recent triumph a 130-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Garrett Temple led the Nets with 27 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie provided 24 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Taurean Prince touched up his old squad for 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and complemented them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Nets will continue to be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) on Friday.
The Hornets (9-14) continue to show flashes of encouraging play during what is essentially considered a transitional year, and they'll come into Friday's game with a solid 3-2 mark of their last five contests. Charlotte's most recent time on the floor resulted in success. as they defeated the Golden State Warriors by a 106-91 score Wednesday night. Devonte Graham led the way with 33 points, a tally that included a franchise-record 10 three-pointers. He added nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier furnished 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Miles Bridges registered 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
The Hornets will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 101-91 win Nov. 20.
The Nets (11-10) may not have the starting backcourt the began the season with due to injury, but they're finding a way to get it done more often than not. Brooklyn will come into Friday's contest with a 6-2 mark of its last eight games, with their most recent triumph a 130-118 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Garrett Temple led the Nets with 27 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie provided 24 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Taurean Prince touched up his old squad for 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and complemented them with four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Nets will continue to be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) on Friday.
The Hornets (9-14) continue to show flashes of encouraging play during what is essentially considered a transitional year, and they'll come into Friday's game with a solid 3-2 mark of their last five contests. Charlotte's most recent time on the floor resulted in success. as they defeated the Golden State Warriors by a 106-91 score Wednesday night. Devonte Graham led the way with 33 points, a tally that included a franchise-record 10 three-pointers. He added nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terry Rozier furnished 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Miles Bridges registered 10 points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
The Hornets will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 101-91 win Nov. 20.
Celtics Look To Stay Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Celtics (15-5), which they began with a solid win over the Heat on Wednesday, where Jaylen Brown led the way with 31 points and Kemba Walker totalled 28 points and seven assists. The Celtics have won two in a row and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They also remain undefeated, 8-0, at home. Walker leads the Celtics with team highs of 21.9 points and 5.1 assists, in 32. minutes per game. Jayson Tatum averages 21.0 points and team highs of 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Celtics are doing a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding their opponents to 103.9 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. The Celtics are averaging 110.8 points per game and are averaging 8.9 steals per game, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (14-5), as they are coming off a blowout win in New York on Thursday. Eight players scored in double digits for Denver in the win, led by Will Barton who finished with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Barton has been solid all season and is averaging 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 15.4 points and team highs with 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. The Nuggets are averaging 106.1 points per game, but they are holding their opponents to a league-low 101.9 points per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Celtics (15-5), which they began with a solid win over the Heat on Wednesday, where Jaylen Brown led the way with 31 points and Kemba Walker totalled 28 points and seven assists. The Celtics have won two in a row and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. They also remain undefeated, 8-0, at home. Walker leads the Celtics with team highs of 21.9 points and 5.1 assists, in 32. minutes per game. Jayson Tatum averages 21.0 points and team highs of 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Celtics are doing a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding their opponents to 103.9 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. The Celtics are averaging 110.8 points per game and are averaging 8.9 steals per game, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (14-5), as they are coming off a blowout win in New York on Thursday. Eight players scored in double digits for Denver in the win, led by Will Barton who finished with 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Barton has been solid all season and is averaging 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 15.4 points and team highs with 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Jamal Murray leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game. The Nuggets are averaging 106.1 points per game, but they are holding their opponents to a league-low 101.9 points per game.
Bulls Look To Build On Two-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Golden State Warriors at United Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls (8-14) look to build on a two-game winning streak, as they are coming off a win in Sacramento followed by a home win over the Grizzlies in their most recent contest, on Wednesday. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 22.5 points per game, while shooting 41.5 percent from long range. Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 12.7 points and a team-high 9.9 rebounds per game, while Tomas Satoransky is averaging 9.7 points, 5.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. The Bulls are 4-7 at home and enter the second game of a stretch where they play six-of-seven games at home. The Bulls average a league-best 9.5 steals per game, but they could do a better job of taking care of the ball themselves, as they are giving up an average of 15.0 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Warriors (4-19), where they have gone 0-4, with losses in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte. On the positive side D'Angelo Russell (thumb) returned to action after being sidelined for a few weeks and is probable for action on Friday. In the 11 games Russell has played this season, he is averaging 23.7 points, 6.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. Eric Paschall continues to play well, averaging 17.3 points 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Alec Burks has also stepped up, averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals over his last 10 games. The Warriors are averaging 104.9 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are also struggling from long range, as they average 9.2 three per game, which is second fewest in the league.
The Bulls (8-14) look to build on a two-game winning streak, as they are coming off a win in Sacramento followed by a home win over the Grizzlies in their most recent contest, on Wednesday. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 22.5 points per game, while shooting 41.5 percent from long range. Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 12.7 points and a team-high 9.9 rebounds per game, while Tomas Satoransky is averaging 9.7 points, 5.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. The Bulls are 4-7 at home and enter the second game of a stretch where they play six-of-seven games at home. The Bulls average a league-best 9.5 steals per game, but they could do a better job of taking care of the ball themselves, as they are giving up an average of 15.0 turnovers per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Warriors (4-19), where they have gone 0-4, with losses in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte. On the positive side D'Angelo Russell (thumb) returned to action after being sidelined for a few weeks and is probable for action on Friday. In the 11 games Russell has played this season, he is averaging 23.7 points, 6.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. Eric Paschall continues to play well, averaging 17.3 points 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Alec Burks has also stepped up, averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals over his last 10 games. The Warriors are averaging 104.9 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are also struggling from long range, as they average 9.2 three per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Wizards Make Trip South to Tangle With Heat
The Washington Wizards take on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (7-13) have established a reputation for fast play, plenty of offense and highly suspect defense over their first 20 games. Washington has struggled to keep up with opponents and checks into Friday's contest with losses in five of their last seven contests. However, one of their two wins during that span came their last time on the court, when they managed a surprising 119-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Rai Hachimura led the way with 27 points, adding seven rebounds and two steals. Bradley Beal provided a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Davis Bertans poured in 25 points off the bench, while Ish Smith chipped in 19 points, eight assists and one rebounds.
The Wizards will be without Thomas Bryant (foot), C.J. Miles (wrist) and Jordan McRae (finger) for Friday's game.
The Heat (15-6) have been one of the league's most pleasant surprises through the first month-plus of the season, and they'll come into Friday's contest looking to preserve a perfect 8-0 home mark. Miami also checks with four victories in its last six contests overall, but they'll be looking to rebound from a 112-93 shellacking at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 37 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Justise Winslow and Duncan Robinson generated matching 10-point tallies while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Heat will be without Goran Dragic (groin) for Friday's game. Winslow (back) will carry a questionable tag.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the Wizards and Heat this season. Miami won the 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
The Wizards (7-13) have established a reputation for fast play, plenty of offense and highly suspect defense over their first 20 games. Washington has struggled to keep up with opponents and checks into Friday's contest with losses in five of their last seven contests. However, one of their two wins during that span came their last time on the court, when they managed a surprising 119-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. Rai Hachimura led the way with 27 points, adding seven rebounds and two steals. Bradley Beal provided a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Davis Bertans poured in 25 points off the bench, while Ish Smith chipped in 19 points, eight assists and one rebounds.
The Wizards will be without Thomas Bryant (foot), C.J. Miles (wrist) and Jordan McRae (finger) for Friday's game.
The Heat (15-6) have been one of the league's most pleasant surprises through the first month-plus of the season, and they'll come into Friday's contest looking to preserve a perfect 8-0 home mark. Miami also checks with four victories in its last six contests overall, but they'll be looking to rebound from a 112-93 shellacking at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 37 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kelly Olynyk supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Justise Winslow and Duncan Robinson generated matching 10-point tallies while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Heat will be without Goran Dragic (groin) for Friday's game. Winslow (back) will carry a questionable tag.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the Wizards and Heat this season. Miami won the 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
Thunder Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Thunder (8-12), which began with a tough loss to the Pacers on Wednesday. Steven Adams led OKC with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dennis Schroder added 18 points off the bench, in the loss. The Thunder are 6-5 at home and are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Danilo Gallinari leads the Thunder with 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Dennis Schroder is averaging 15.6 points, in 28 minutes per game. Chris Paul is averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. The Thunder have not be a threat on the offensive glass, as they are averaging a league-low 7.8 offensive rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Timberwolves (10-10), which began with a loss in Dallas on Wednesday. Despite leading at halftime, the Timberwolves fell short, for their second straight loss. However, the Timberwolves are 7-3 on the road this season and have proven able to bounce back while away from home. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with team highs of 25.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins continues to play well, averaging 24.9 points on 45 percent shooting, but he remains questionable for action on Friday due to a sprained thumb. The Timberwolves are averaging 11.2 offensive rebounds, which is fourth most in the league, and they are averaging 6.6 blocks per game, which is second most in the league.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Thunder (8-12), which began with a tough loss to the Pacers on Wednesday. Steven Adams led OKC with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dennis Schroder added 18 points off the bench, in the loss. The Thunder are 6-5 at home and are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Danilo Gallinari leads the Thunder with 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Dennis Schroder is averaging 15.6 points, in 28 minutes per game. Chris Paul is averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. The Thunder have not be a threat on the offensive glass, as they are averaging a league-low 7.8 offensive rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Timberwolves (10-10), which began with a loss in Dallas on Wednesday. Despite leading at halftime, the Timberwolves fell short, for their second straight loss. However, the Timberwolves are 7-3 on the road this season and have proven able to bounce back while away from home. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with team highs of 25.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins continues to play well, averaging 24.9 points on 45 percent shooting, but he remains questionable for action on Friday due to a sprained thumb. The Timberwolves are averaging 11.2 offensive rebounds, which is fourth most in the league, and they are averaging 6.6 blocks per game, which is second most in the league.
Bucks Host Clippers in Potential Finals Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
The Clippers (16-6) have had two issues this season and that's really the only blemish on the radar. The first thing is their road form, with Los Angeles posting a 3-5 record outside of Staples Center. The other issue is that of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. While these two are obviously superstars, four of the team's six losses have come with both sidelined. The Clippers have been extremely cautious with these two players and that's likely to be the case all season long with the recent injury history of these two. It's all about the long haul for this team though and they really don't care about the record as long as these two are healthy going into the postseason. If they are, this is easily one of the favorites to win an NBA championship.
The Bucks (19-3) looked to be a little discombobulated at the beginning of the season when they started with a 3-2 record but they've been pretty much flawless since then. In fact, Milwaukee has won 16 of 17 since and 13-straight in total heading into this matchup. That's truly scary considering they did most of that damage with Khris Middleton sidelined, as he actually just returned from a thigh issue. The thing that makes them even more frightening is their play on both ends of the floor, with this club ranking Top-3 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They happen to be the only club in the league doing that and it shows just how dangerous they can be. The conductor of this train is Giannis Antetokounmpo, with last year's MVP averaging 31 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in yet another MVP candidacy.
Milwaukee won the first meeting between these teams, 129-124, on November 9. Prior to that, the Clippers won six of their previous nine games over the Bucks dating back three years.
The Clippers (16-6) have had two issues this season and that's really the only blemish on the radar. The first thing is their road form, with Los Angeles posting a 3-5 record outside of Staples Center. The other issue is that of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. While these two are obviously superstars, four of the team's six losses have come with both sidelined. The Clippers have been extremely cautious with these two players and that's likely to be the case all season long with the recent injury history of these two. It's all about the long haul for this team though and they really don't care about the record as long as these two are healthy going into the postseason. If they are, this is easily one of the favorites to win an NBA championship.
The Bucks (19-3) looked to be a little discombobulated at the beginning of the season when they started with a 3-2 record but they've been pretty much flawless since then. In fact, Milwaukee has won 16 of 17 since and 13-straight in total heading into this matchup. That's truly scary considering they did most of that damage with Khris Middleton sidelined, as he actually just returned from a thigh issue. The thing that makes them even more frightening is their play on both ends of the floor, with this club ranking Top-3 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They happen to be the only club in the league doing that and it shows just how dangerous they can be. The conductor of this train is Giannis Antetokounmpo, with last year's MVP averaging 31 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in yet another MVP candidacy.
Milwaukee won the first meeting between these teams, 129-124, on November 9. Prior to that, the Clippers won six of their previous nine games over the Bucks dating back three years.
Spurs Host Kings on Friday
The Sacramento Kings travel to Texas to play the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Friday.
The Kings (8-12) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and it ended a stretch in which Sacramento won six of their previous nine fixtures. That actually followed up a nightmarish 0-5 start and it's becoming clear that this team is full of volatility. That's very common with a young team and it's easy to see why when looking at the training room. Both Marvin Bagley III and De'Aaron Fox are both injured right now and those were supposed to be the foundations of this franchise. Both of those guys have shown superstar potential at times in their first two years in the NBA and it's scary how good this team could be when both return. They're not the only ones who have looked good too, with players like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Richaun Holmes also showing flashes. Those two have kept this Kings team alive with Bagley and Fox sidelined and they'll have to continue to do that with both out at least another week or so.
The Spurs (8-14) have had a disastrous start to their season and it's hard to believe they're this far below .500 at the quarter pole of the season. This is the worst start in about two decades and it looks like an uphill battle to keep their 20-year playoff streak alive. The main issues are on the defensive end, with San Antonio ranked 24th in points allowed and 26th in defensive efficiency. This is usually a club that sits Top-5 in both of those statistics and it's hard to understand the stark fall off. That has a lot of people talking about a big trade, with guys like Dejounte Murray, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan as the focal points of those discussions. If this poor play continues, don't be surprised to see the Spurs pull the trigger on a deal with one of those guys to bring some assets back to San Antonio.
While the Kings swept the three-game season series last year, San Antonio actually won 42 of their previous 46 games against Sacramento. That's the most lopsided series in the NBA in that 12-year span.
The Kings (8-12) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and it ended a stretch in which Sacramento won six of their previous nine fixtures. That actually followed up a nightmarish 0-5 start and it's becoming clear that this team is full of volatility. That's very common with a young team and it's easy to see why when looking at the training room. Both Marvin Bagley III and De'Aaron Fox are both injured right now and those were supposed to be the foundations of this franchise. Both of those guys have shown superstar potential at times in their first two years in the NBA and it's scary how good this team could be when both return. They're not the only ones who have looked good too, with players like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Richaun Holmes also showing flashes. Those two have kept this Kings team alive with Bagley and Fox sidelined and they'll have to continue to do that with both out at least another week or so.
The Spurs (8-14) have had a disastrous start to their season and it's hard to believe they're this far below .500 at the quarter pole of the season. This is the worst start in about two decades and it looks like an uphill battle to keep their 20-year playoff streak alive. The main issues are on the defensive end, with San Antonio ranked 24th in points allowed and 26th in defensive efficiency. This is usually a club that sits Top-5 in both of those statistics and it's hard to understand the stark fall off. That has a lot of people talking about a big trade, with guys like Dejounte Murray, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan as the focal points of those discussions. If this poor play continues, don't be surprised to see the Spurs pull the trigger on a deal with one of those guys to bring some assets back to San Antonio.
While the Kings swept the three-game season series last year, San Antonio actually won 42 of their previous 46 games against Sacramento. That's the most lopsided series in the NBA in that 12-year span.
Trail Blazers Look to Slow Down Lakers
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center on Friday.
The Lakers (19-3) had some high hopes coming into the season and the hopes may not have been high enough. This team has exceeded every expectation possible, as this is the best start of LeBron James' historic career. What he's doing is truly amazing, leading the league in assists in his 18th season in the NBA. That pairs beautifully with Anthony Davis leading the league in blocks and it's scary to think that these guys also combine for over 50 points and 20 rebounds apiece as well. It's not just those two running the show though, as they've gotten resurgent seasons from players like Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard. Those two have given this team a nice bench presence while additions like Danny Green and Avery Bradley have made the defense drastically better too.
The Trail Blazers (9-13) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, with the only defeat coming on the road against a dominant Los Angeles Clippers squad. This is the team that we expected to see all season but a 4-12 start has really put them in quite the hole. The direct correlation with the recent success is the addition of Carmelo Anthony. While he's not quite the superstar player he once was, Melo gives this team some much needed depth at the forward position. He's actually averaging 16.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, which is all you could hope for from a guy who's only played a handful of games in the past two years. If they can keep him playing at that level while getting superstar performances from guys like Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Hassan Whiteside, look for this team to continue to win ballgames.
Portland has absolutely owned Los Angeles over recent years, winning 17 of its last 19 games against them dating back six seasons.
The Lakers (19-3) had some high hopes coming into the season and the hopes may not have been high enough. This team has exceeded every expectation possible, as this is the best start of LeBron James' historic career. What he's doing is truly amazing, leading the league in assists in his 18th season in the NBA. That pairs beautifully with Anthony Davis leading the league in blocks and it's scary to think that these guys also combine for over 50 points and 20 rebounds apiece as well. It's not just those two running the show though, as they've gotten resurgent seasons from players like Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard. Those two have given this team a nice bench presence while additions like Danny Green and Avery Bradley have made the defense drastically better too.
The Trail Blazers (9-13) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, with the only defeat coming on the road against a dominant Los Angeles Clippers squad. This is the team that we expected to see all season but a 4-12 start has really put them in quite the hole. The direct correlation with the recent success is the addition of Carmelo Anthony. While he's not quite the superstar player he once was, Melo gives this team some much needed depth at the forward position. He's actually averaging 16.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, which is all you could hope for from a guy who's only played a handful of games in the past two years. If they can keep him playing at that level while getting superstar performances from guys like Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Hassan Whiteside, look for this team to continue to win ballgames.
Portland has absolutely owned Los Angeles over recent years, winning 17 of its last 19 games against them dating back six seasons.