Sliding Cavs Host Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Houston Rockets at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Cavaliers (5-18) have lost seven straight, including their last five home games. They are 3-9 at home and sit second last in the East. They are averaging 102.3 points per game, which is second fewest in the league and are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. They are giving up an average of 113.0 points per game and allowing their opponents to shoot 49.2 percent from the field, which is second highest in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with a team-high 17.3 points per game. Kevin Love is averaging 15.6 points and a team-high 10.5 rebounds per game. Tristan Thompson is averaging 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and a team-high 1.1 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (!5-8) are coming of a devastating loss at home against the Kings on Monday, where they lost on a buzzer-beater. This marks the Rockets' first game of a two-game road trip, while they are 6-5 on the road this season. The Rockets are 5-5 in their last 10 games and sit fifth place in the West. James Harden leads the Rockets, as he is averaging a league-high 38.0 points per game, along with teams highs of 7.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 22.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Clint Capela has been a beast inside, averaging 14.3 points, 14.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The Rockets are averaging 120.4 points per game, which is second most in the league. They are attempting a league-high 46.3 three-pointers per game, and are converting an average of 34 percent.
The Cavaliers (5-18) have lost seven straight, including their last five home games. They are 3-9 at home and sit second last in the East. They are averaging 102.3 points per game, which is second fewest in the league and are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. They are giving up an average of 113.0 points per game and allowing their opponents to shoot 49.2 percent from the field, which is second highest in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with a team-high 17.3 points per game. Kevin Love is averaging 15.6 points and a team-high 10.5 rebounds per game. Tristan Thompson is averaging 13.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and a team-high 1.1 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (!5-8) are coming of a devastating loss at home against the Kings on Monday, where they lost on a buzzer-beater. This marks the Rockets' first game of a two-game road trip, while they are 6-5 on the road this season. The Rockets are 5-5 in their last 10 games and sit fifth place in the West. James Harden leads the Rockets, as he is averaging a league-high 38.0 points per game, along with teams highs of 7.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 22.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Clint Capela has been a beast inside, averaging 14.3 points, 14.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The Rockets are averaging 120.4 points per game, which is second most in the league. They are attempting a league-high 46.3 three-pointers per game, and are converting an average of 34 percent.
Pacers Look To Improve At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers (15-9) have dropped two of their last three games but have won four of their last five at home, where they are 9-3 this season. They sit sixth place in the East, 3.0 games behind the second-place Celtics. The Pacers are averaging 108.8 points per game but are holding their opponents to 104.7 points per game. The Pacers are making 9.8 threes per game, which is third fewest in the league. Malcolm Brogdon leads the Pacers with team highs of 19.0 points and 7.5 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis has been great, averaging 18.4 points and team-high 13.5 rebounds per game. T.J. Warren is also averaging 18.4 points per game, while Jeremy Lamb is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (17-5) have won four in a row and seven of their last 10 contests. They have dropped three of their last four on the road, where they are 7-5 this season. The Celtics do a good job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging 12.8 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league. They are scoring an average of 110.6 points per game but are holding opponents to an average of 102.8 points per game, which is second fewest in the league. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with team highs of 21.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.1 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Gordon Hayward made his return to action in the Celtics' last contest and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 26 minutes of a action.
The Pacers (15-9) have dropped two of their last three games but have won four of their last five at home, where they are 9-3 this season. They sit sixth place in the East, 3.0 games behind the second-place Celtics. The Pacers are averaging 108.8 points per game but are holding their opponents to 104.7 points per game. The Pacers are making 9.8 threes per game, which is third fewest in the league. Malcolm Brogdon leads the Pacers with team highs of 19.0 points and 7.5 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis has been great, averaging 18.4 points and team-high 13.5 rebounds per game. T.J. Warren is also averaging 18.4 points per game, while Jeremy Lamb is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (17-5) have won four in a row and seven of their last 10 contests. They have dropped three of their last four on the road, where they are 7-5 this season. The Celtics do a good job taking care of the ball, as they are averaging 12.8 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league. They are scoring an average of 110.6 points per game but are holding opponents to an average of 102.8 points per game, which is second fewest in the league. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with team highs of 21.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.1 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Gordon Hayward made his return to action in the Celtics' last contest and finished with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 26 minutes of a action.
Magic Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Magic (11-12) saw their four-game winning streak come to an end as they fell short in their most recent contest, which marked the end of a short, two-game road trip, where they went 1-1. They return home, where they are 8-4 and have won two straight. Evan Fournier leads the Magic, averaging a team-high 20.0 points per game. Jonathan Isaac is averaging 12.3 points and. team highs with 7.3 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his last seven games, since returning from injury. Nikola Vucevic (ankle) remains sidelined, leaving more time for Khem Birch, who is averaging 5.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, in 27 minutes over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 103.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and are also holding their opponents to 103.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Lakers (12-3), who have won four in a row, including three straight on the road. They are 11-1 on the road this season and sit first place in the West. Anthony Davis is leading the Lakers in almost every category, with team highs of 27.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. LeBron James is averaging 25.9 points and a league-best 10.8 assists per game. Kyle Kuzma is the Lakers next-highest scorer, averaging 11.1 points per game, while Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee combine for 13 rebounds per game. The Lakers are averaging 114.5 points per game, and are holding their opponents to and average 104.6 points per game. The Lakers average 26.7 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league.
The Magic (11-12) saw their four-game winning streak come to an end as they fell short in their most recent contest, which marked the end of a short, two-game road trip, where they went 1-1. They return home, where they are 8-4 and have won two straight. Evan Fournier leads the Magic, averaging a team-high 20.0 points per game. Jonathan Isaac is averaging 12.3 points and. team highs with 7.3 rebounds, 2.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his last seven games, since returning from injury. Nikola Vucevic (ankle) remains sidelined, leaving more time for Khem Birch, who is averaging 5.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, in 27 minutes over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 103.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and are also holding their opponents to 103.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Lakers (12-3), who have won four in a row, including three straight on the road. They are 11-1 on the road this season and sit first place in the West. Anthony Davis is leading the Lakers in almost every category, with team highs of 27.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. LeBron James is averaging 25.9 points and a league-best 10.8 assists per game. Kyle Kuzma is the Lakers next-highest scorer, averaging 11.1 points per game, while Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee combine for 13 rebounds per game. The Lakers are averaging 114.5 points per game, and are holding their opponents to and average 104.6 points per game. The Lakers average 26.7 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Kawhi Returns To Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the return of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, where he rode in the championship parade just months ago, following his amazing championship run with the Raptors last season. This marks the fourth games of a six-game road trip for the Clippers (18-7), where they have gone 2-1, with a loss in Milwaukee, followed by wins in Washington and Indiana. The Clippers are 5-6 on the road and sit second place in the West. They average 115.1 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 108.3 points per game. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with team highs of 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Paul George is averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Lou Williams is averaging 20.0 points and a team-high 6.2 assists per game, while Montrezl Harrell is averaging 19.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (16-7) ended a three-game slide with a win in their last contest. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, while they have dropped two in a row at home, they are 9-2 at home this season. The Raptors average 111.7 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 105.3 points and 41.4 percent shooting, which is second lowest in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 17.0 points, 7.8 assists and 6.0 rebounds, in 31 minutes, over four game since returning from injury. Norman Powell has been playing well lately, averaging 16.2 points on 49 percent shooting, in 30 minutes per game. Fred VanVleet (knee) is questionable for action on Wednesday.
This marks the return of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, where he rode in the championship parade just months ago, following his amazing championship run with the Raptors last season. This marks the fourth games of a six-game road trip for the Clippers (18-7), where they have gone 2-1, with a loss in Milwaukee, followed by wins in Washington and Indiana. The Clippers are 5-6 on the road and sit second place in the West. They average 115.1 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 108.3 points per game. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with team highs of 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Paul George is averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Lou Williams is averaging 20.0 points and a team-high 6.2 assists per game, while Montrezl Harrell is averaging 19.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (16-7) ended a three-game slide with a win in their last contest. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, while they have dropped two in a row at home, they are 9-2 at home this season. The Raptors average 111.7 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 105.3 points and 41.4 percent shooting, which is second lowest in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 17.0 points, 7.8 assists and 6.0 rebounds, in 31 minutes, over four game since returning from injury. Norman Powell has been playing well lately, averaging 16.2 points on 49 percent shooting, in 30 minutes per game. Fred VanVleet (knee) is questionable for action on Wednesday.
Hornets and Nets Tangle In Battle of High-Octane Offenses
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (10-16) have been struggling for consistency the majority of the season, and accordingly, they'll come into Wednesday's contest having dropped four of their last six games. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came their last time on the floor, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 114-107 score Tuesday night. Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 29 points, adding six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Terry Rozier supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Miles Bridges furnished 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo generated 14-point, 10-rebound and 13-point, 15-rebound double-doubles, respectively.
The Hornets will likely list Nicolas Batum (hand) and Marvin Williams (knee) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
The Nets (13-10) have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last several weeks, as they'll come into Wednesday's game with an 8-2 mark over their last 10 games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Denver Nuggets, which they defeated by a 105-102 score Sunday afternoon. Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 24 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Jarrett Allen posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one steal. Garrett Temple supplied 15 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and also posted four boards and three assists.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb), Wilson Chandler (suspension) and Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) for Wednesday's game. Iman Shumpert (knee) will be considered doubtful.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 101-91 and 111-104 victories on Nov. 20 and Dec. 6, respectively.
The Hornets (10-16) have been struggling for consistency the majority of the season, and accordingly, they'll come into Wednesday's contest having dropped four of their last six games. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came their last time on the floor, as they toppled the Washington Wizards by a 114-107 score Tuesday night. Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 29 points, adding six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Terry Rozier supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Miles Bridges furnished 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks. P.J. Washington turned in 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo generated 14-point, 10-rebound and 13-point, 15-rebound double-doubles, respectively.
The Hornets will likely list Nicolas Batum (hand) and Marvin Williams (knee) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
The Nets (13-10) have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last several weeks, as they'll come into Wednesday's game with an 8-2 mark over their last 10 games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Denver Nuggets, which they defeated by a 105-102 score Sunday afternoon. Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 24 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Jarrett Allen posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one steal. Garrett Temple supplied 15 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Joe Harris poured in 13 points and also posted four boards and three assists.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb), Wilson Chandler (suspension) and Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) for Wednesday's game. Iman Shumpert (knee) will be considered doubtful.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 101-91 and 111-104 victories on Nov. 20 and Dec. 6, respectively.
Hawks and Bulls Face Off in Windy City
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (6-18) check into Wednesday's contest plagued by a season-long issue with poor defense, which has helped lead to losses in 12 of their last 14 games. Atlanta's most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they dropped a wild 135-122 overtime decision to the Miami Heat. De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 28 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one block. Trae Young followed with 21 points, nine assists and four boards. Jabari Parker managed 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish furnished 14 points, eight boards and one assist. Vince Carter contributed 12 points four assists and three rebounds.
The Hawks will continue to be without John Collins (suspension) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (8-17) check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a rough stretch of their own, as they've lost six of their last eight games. Their most recent defeat unfolded Monday night, when they fell to the Toronto Raptors by a 93-92 score. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 20 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Daniel Gafford contributed 14 points apiece. Lauri Markkanen and Denzel Valentine mustered matching 13-point tallies, with Markkanen also pulling down eight rebounds. Tomas Satoransky provided a 10-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and two steals.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot), Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) on Wednesday. Coby White (hamstring), Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow), LaVine (back/shoulder), Carter (illness/thumb/back), Valentine (ankle) and Gafford (finger) will all be listed as probable.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-93 victory Nov. 6.
The Hawks (6-18) check into Wednesday's contest plagued by a season-long issue with poor defense, which has helped lead to losses in 12 of their last 14 games. Atlanta's most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they dropped a wild 135-122 overtime decision to the Miami Heat. De'Andre Hunter paced the Hawks with 28 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one block. Trae Young followed with 21 points, nine assists and four boards. Jabari Parker managed 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Cam Reddish furnished 14 points, eight boards and one assist. Vince Carter contributed 12 points four assists and three rebounds.
The Hawks will continue to be without John Collins (suspension) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (8-17) check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a rough stretch of their own, as they've lost six of their last eight games. Their most recent defeat unfolded Monday night, when they fell to the Toronto Raptors by a 93-92 score. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 20 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. and Daniel Gafford contributed 14 points apiece. Lauri Markkanen and Denzel Valentine mustered matching 13-point tallies, with Markkanen also pulling down eight rebounds. Tomas Satoransky provided a 10-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and two steals.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot), Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) on Wednesday. Coby White (hamstring), Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow), LaVine (back/shoulder), Carter (illness/thumb/back), Valentine (ankle) and Gafford (finger) will all be listed as probable.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-93 victory Nov. 6.
Jazz and Timberwolves Face Off in Western Conference Showdown
The Utah Jazz takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Jazz (13-11) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of their worst stretch of the season thus far, as they've dropped six of their last eight games. Utah's most recent stumble came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which bested them by a 104-90 score Monday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 26 points, adding six boards and three assists. Rudy Gobert generated a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, five boards and one steal. Joe Ingles went for nine points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The Jazz will continue to be without Mike Conley (hamstring) for Wednesday's game.
The Timberwolves (10-13) come into Wednesday's contest trying to end their own skid, as they've dropped five consecutive games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, which toppled them by a 125-109 score Monday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 33-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins provided 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jeff Teague led the bench with 16 points. Josh Okogie posted eight points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Timberwolves will continue to be without Jake Layman (toe) for Wednesday's game, while Jeff Teague (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Timberwolves notching a 112-102 win Nov. 18 and the Jazz prevailing by a 103-95 score Nov. 20.
The Jazz (13-11) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of their worst stretch of the season thus far, as they've dropped six of their last eight games. Utah's most recent stumble came against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which bested them by a 104-90 score Monday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 26 points, adding six boards and three assists. Rudy Gobert generated a 19-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, five boards and one steal. Joe Ingles went for nine points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The Jazz will continue to be without Mike Conley (hamstring) for Wednesday's game.
The Timberwolves (10-13) come into Wednesday's contest trying to end their own skid, as they've dropped five consecutive games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Phoenix Suns, which toppled them by a 125-109 score Monday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 33-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins provided 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jeff Teague led the bench with 16 points. Josh Okogie posted eight points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Timberwolves will continue to be without Jake Layman (toe) for Wednesday's game, while Jeff Teague (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Timberwolves notching a 112-102 win Nov. 18 and the Jazz prevailing by a 103-95 score Nov. 20.
Suns Host Grizzlies on Wednesday
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Arizona to play the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday
The Grizzlies (7-16) got Ja Morant to return from a back issue in the team's most recent game and that led to a victory over the Golden State Warriors. While it's not necessarily an impressive win, anytime this team can grab a road win, it's something to be celebrated. Morant led the team with 26 points and seven assists in that victory which exemplifies just how good he's been. The Murray State product is currently the front-runner for Rookie of the Year and it'd be hard to argue anyone else with the way he's playing. The next step is to get him and Jaren Jackson Jr gelling more, as Jackson has been a much better player with him off the court. If these two youngsters can get in better sync, this is a team to fear in the second half.
The Suns (11-12) appeared to be one of the surprises of the NBA when they started the season with a 7-4 record but have gone on to regress big time since. In fact, they've lost eight of their 12 games since then and it's hard to figure which team this is exactly. One would have to assume it's the one we've been seeing most recently, with Phoenix posting one of the worst records in the NBA last season. The good news is that DeAndre Ayton's suspension is almost up and Aron Baynes is expected to return from injury soon as well. That's all this team has at center and they've had to start Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky side by side in their absences. While those two have been good, that's simply not a recipe for success.
Phoenix won the first meeting between these teams, 114-105, on November 2. Prior to that, the Grizzlies won 15 of their previous 21 games over the Suns dating back to 2013.
The Grizzlies (7-16) got Ja Morant to return from a back issue in the team's most recent game and that led to a victory over the Golden State Warriors. While it's not necessarily an impressive win, anytime this team can grab a road win, it's something to be celebrated. Morant led the team with 26 points and seven assists in that victory which exemplifies just how good he's been. The Murray State product is currently the front-runner for Rookie of the Year and it'd be hard to argue anyone else with the way he's playing. The next step is to get him and Jaren Jackson Jr gelling more, as Jackson has been a much better player with him off the court. If these two youngsters can get in better sync, this is a team to fear in the second half.
The Suns (11-12) appeared to be one of the surprises of the NBA when they started the season with a 7-4 record but have gone on to regress big time since. In fact, they've lost eight of their 12 games since then and it's hard to figure which team this is exactly. One would have to assume it's the one we've been seeing most recently, with Phoenix posting one of the worst records in the NBA last season. The good news is that DeAndre Ayton's suspension is almost up and Aron Baynes is expected to return from injury soon as well. That's all this team has at center and they've had to start Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky side by side in their absences. While those two have been good, that's simply not a recipe for success.
Phoenix won the first meeting between these teams, 114-105, on November 2. Prior to that, the Grizzlies won 15 of their previous 21 games over the Suns dating back to 2013.
Bucks Host Pelicans on Wednesday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
The Pelicans (6-18) had some high expectations coming into the year but they've failed to live up to most of them. An injury to Zion Willamson in the preseason was the start of the downfall and then they had injury after injury from there. The good news is that everyone is pretty much back now except Williamson but fans can't wait to see what the rookie out of Duke does for this team when he does come back. The poor performance is unacceptable though, with Brandon Ingram having an All-Star season and Jrue Holiday playing up to his lofty standards. The defense simply hasn't been up to par though, ranked 29th in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. That won't get it done against other Western Conference teams but it's hard to argue that this isn't one of the most talented teams in the NBA on any given night.
The Bucks (21-3) come into this matchup with an NBA best 15-game winning streak, showing that last season's exploits were no fluke. What's really impressive about that stretch is the domination, winning by an average of over 15 points per game. This hot stretch has Milwaukee sitting Top-5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, making this Bucks team the only club in the league with that designation. Giannis Antetokounmpo is certainly a major reason why, averaging 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. That means he might be even better than his MVP campaign from last year which is truly horrifying for the rest of the league.
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series over New Orleans last season.
The Pelicans (6-18) had some high expectations coming into the year but they've failed to live up to most of them. An injury to Zion Willamson in the preseason was the start of the downfall and then they had injury after injury from there. The good news is that everyone is pretty much back now except Williamson but fans can't wait to see what the rookie out of Duke does for this team when he does come back. The poor performance is unacceptable though, with Brandon Ingram having an All-Star season and Jrue Holiday playing up to his lofty standards. The defense simply hasn't been up to par though, ranked 29th in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. That won't get it done against other Western Conference teams but it's hard to argue that this isn't one of the most talented teams in the NBA on any given night.
The Bucks (21-3) come into this matchup with an NBA best 15-game winning streak, showing that last season's exploits were no fluke. What's really impressive about that stretch is the domination, winning by an average of over 15 points per game. This hot stretch has Milwaukee sitting Top-5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, making this Bucks team the only club in the league with that designation. Giannis Antetokounmpo is certainly a major reason why, averaging 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. That means he might be even better than his MVP campaign from last year which is truly horrifying for the rest of the league.
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series over New Orleans last season.
Kings Host Thunder on Wednesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
The Thunder (11-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games which is easily their best stretch of the season. Some of the wins in that span are really impressive too, grabbing three road wins all against Western Conference opponents. This is something that fans have been waiting for all season though, as they have the talent to beat anyone on any given night. Many people counted this team out when they started with a 7-11 record but this recent run shows just how good they can be when everyone is clicking. While there have been a ton of trade rumors surrounding this team, look for veterans like Chris Paul and Steven Adams to hang around if the winning ways continue.
The Kings (10-13) haven't had a ton of bright spots this season but the most recent victory is definitely one to savor. Going into Houston and defeating a dominant Rockets team is impressive on its own but getting it done with a buzzer-beater makes it even sweeter. That marked Sacramento's second-straight win and fans are hopeful that it's a sign of things to come. Starting the season 0-5 will kill anyone's confidence but it's encouraging to see them playing so much better right now. What's even more promising is the fact that they've won these last two games with De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III both sidelined, with both guys expected to return sometime this month. Getting those two back would be a huge boost and we can't count this team out until they're at full boar.
Sacramento won the season series over Oklahoma City last season, 3-1. That followed up a 3-1 series win by the Thunder the year before.
The Thunder (11-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games which is easily their best stretch of the season. Some of the wins in that span are really impressive too, grabbing three road wins all against Western Conference opponents. This is something that fans have been waiting for all season though, as they have the talent to beat anyone on any given night. Many people counted this team out when they started with a 7-11 record but this recent run shows just how good they can be when everyone is clicking. While there have been a ton of trade rumors surrounding this team, look for veterans like Chris Paul and Steven Adams to hang around if the winning ways continue.
The Kings (10-13) haven't had a ton of bright spots this season but the most recent victory is definitely one to savor. Going into Houston and defeating a dominant Rockets team is impressive on its own but getting it done with a buzzer-beater makes it even sweeter. That marked Sacramento's second-straight win and fans are hopeful that it's a sign of things to come. Starting the season 0-5 will kill anyone's confidence but it's encouraging to see them playing so much better right now. What's even more promising is the fact that they've won these last two games with De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III both sidelined, with both guys expected to return sometime this month. Getting those two back would be a huge boost and we can't count this team out until they're at full boar.
Sacramento won the season series over Oklahoma City last season, 3-1. That followed up a 3-1 series win by the Thunder the year before.
Warriors Host Knicks on Wednesday
The New York Knicks travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Wednesday.
The Knicks (4-20) just fired David Fizdale and it's really no surprise with the embarrassing performance of the team. While they have lost the two games since then, the effort has been slightly better. The simple fact is, this team isn't good enough. They have filled this roster full of power forwards and have completely avoided the guard positions. That has left them very thin at the most important position in the NBA and it's impossible for them to compete when they have to face off with a dominant point guard nearly every single night. That means developing players like Elfrid Payton, Dennis Smith Jr or Frank Ntilikna is critical, as one of the guys has to run the show.
The Warriors (5-20) currently own the worst record in the Western Conference. That's an amazing thing to say with the dynasty exploits across the last decade but it's becoming clear that it's definitely a thing of the past. Losing Kevin Duran in the offseason is one thing but having Stephen Curry suffer a broken hand really let the season get away. That doesn't even consider that D'Angelo Russell dealt with a broken finger of his own, just returning this week. He's the star of the show now and many believe that he's being showcased as a trade target. It's hard to imagine this club getting out of the 15-seed in the west and it's no surprise when you see that players like Ky Bowman, Glenn Robinson III and Eric Paschall are in prominent roles. All of those guys have been solid but it's simply not good enough to compete.
Golden State has won five-straight season series over New York, winning their last 10 games over them in total.
The Knicks (4-20) just fired David Fizdale and it's really no surprise with the embarrassing performance of the team. While they have lost the two games since then, the effort has been slightly better. The simple fact is, this team isn't good enough. They have filled this roster full of power forwards and have completely avoided the guard positions. That has left them very thin at the most important position in the NBA and it's impossible for them to compete when they have to face off with a dominant point guard nearly every single night. That means developing players like Elfrid Payton, Dennis Smith Jr or Frank Ntilikna is critical, as one of the guys has to run the show.
The Warriors (5-20) currently own the worst record in the Western Conference. That's an amazing thing to say with the dynasty exploits across the last decade but it's becoming clear that it's definitely a thing of the past. Losing Kevin Duran in the offseason is one thing but having Stephen Curry suffer a broken hand really let the season get away. That doesn't even consider that D'Angelo Russell dealt with a broken finger of his own, just returning this week. He's the star of the show now and many believe that he's being showcased as a trade target. It's hard to imagine this club getting out of the 15-seed in the west and it's no surprise when you see that players like Ky Bowman, Glenn Robinson III and Eric Paschall are in prominent roles. All of those guys have been solid but it's simply not good enough to compete.
Golden State has won five-straight season series over New York, winning their last 10 games over them in total.