Bucks, Pistons Back In Action
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday evening.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team. The Pistons (19-38) entered the break on a four-game losing streak and have lost eight of their last 10 games, while the Bucks (46-8) won eight of 10 games coming into the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo (personal) missed the last two games before the all-star break but was able to play in the all-star game, alongside Khris Middleton.
Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Khris Middleton was playing great going into the break, as he averaged 24.4 points on 52.7 percent shooting, including 50.7 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Brook Lopez provides a strong presence in the paint, as he is averaging 2.6 blocks, in 27 minutes per game. The Bucks average a league-best 119.6 points per game and are shooting, 48.0 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Pistons are 0-2 since trading Andre Drummond and will have more changes to get used to, as they completed a buyout with Reggie Jackson over the break. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons, averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. Christian Wood will likely continue to see an increased role, while he is averaging 16.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game over the last 10 games. The Pistons average 108.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.6 points against.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team. The Pistons (19-38) entered the break on a four-game losing streak and have lost eight of their last 10 games, while the Bucks (46-8) won eight of 10 games coming into the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo (personal) missed the last two games before the all-star break but was able to play in the all-star game, alongside Khris Middleton.
Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Khris Middleton was playing great going into the break, as he averaged 24.4 points on 52.7 percent shooting, including 50.7 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Brook Lopez provides a strong presence in the paint, as he is averaging 2.6 blocks, in 27 minutes per game. The Bucks average a league-best 119.6 points per game and are shooting, 48.0 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Pistons are 0-2 since trading Andre Drummond and will have more changes to get used to, as they completed a buyout with Reggie Jackson over the break. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons, averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 assists per game. Christian Wood will likely continue to see an increased role, while he is averaging 16.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game over the last 10 games. The Pistons average 108.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.6 points against.
Hawks, Heat Clash In Atlanta
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on Thursday evening.
The Hawks (15-41) lost six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, before the all-star break. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on their 9-17 home record. The Hawks average 110.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.9 points against. They are shooting a league-worst 32.9 percent from long range, and they are giving up a league-worst 16.1 turnovers per game. Trae Young, who participated in his first all-star game on Sunday, leads the Hawks with an average of 29.7 points and 9.2 assists per game. John Collins has been playing great, averaging 24.3 points and 11.2 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Clint Capela (heel), who the Hawks picked up before the break, will remain sidelined. De'Andre Hunter (ankle) remains questionable for action no Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Heat (35-19) dropped six of their 10 games, including their last game before the break. This marks their sixth and final game of a road trip, which was interrupted by the all-star break. They have dropped four out of their five games on the trip so far, and they have a 13-16 record on the road. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with averages of 20.6 points, 6.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. Bam Adebayo, who participated in his first all-star game on Sunday, is averaging 15.8 points and team highs with 10.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. The Heat average 111.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.4 points per game. They make an average of 13.0 three-pointers per game and are shooting an average of 37.8 percent from long range, which is second best in the league.
The Hawks (15-41) lost six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, before the all-star break. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on their 9-17 home record. The Hawks average 110.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.9 points against. They are shooting a league-worst 32.9 percent from long range, and they are giving up a league-worst 16.1 turnovers per game. Trae Young, who participated in his first all-star game on Sunday, leads the Hawks with an average of 29.7 points and 9.2 assists per game. John Collins has been playing great, averaging 24.3 points and 11.2 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Clint Capela (heel), who the Hawks picked up before the break, will remain sidelined. De'Andre Hunter (ankle) remains questionable for action no Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Heat (35-19) dropped six of their 10 games, including their last game before the break. This marks their sixth and final game of a road trip, which was interrupted by the all-star break. They have dropped four out of their five games on the trip so far, and they have a 13-16 record on the road. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with averages of 20.6 points, 6.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. Bam Adebayo, who participated in his first all-star game on Sunday, is averaging 15.8 points and team highs with 10.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. The Heat average 111.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.4 points per game. They make an average of 13.0 three-pointers per game and are shooting an average of 37.8 percent from long range, which is second best in the league.
Hornets and Bulls Clash in NBA's Return to Action
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Thursday night.
The Hornets (18-36) being post-All-Star-break play trying to extend a modest two-game winning streak, which came in the immediate wake of a five-game skid. Charlotte's most recent success came versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they toppled by a 115-108 score Wednesday night, Feb. 12. Devonte' Graham led the way with 28 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Malik Monk provided 25 points, four boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles Bridges delivered 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Bismack Biyombo checked in with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Jalen McDaniels turned in 10 points, six boards, one assist and two steals.
The Hornets will come into Thursday's game without injuries to report.
The injury-riddled Bulls (19-36) were one of the teams most in need of the layoff the All-Star break afforded, as they went into it with six straight losses. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, Feb. 11, when they dropped a 126-114 decision to the Washington Wizards. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tomas Satoransky followed with 19 points, adding eight assists and two rebounds. Coby White delivered 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. Thaddeus Young managed 10 points, five boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will be without Chandler Hutchison (shoulder), Denzel Valentine (hamstring), Lauri Markkanen (pelvis), Wendell Carter (ankle), Otto Porter (foot) and Kris Dunn (knee) for Thursday's game.
Thursday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hornets hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 126-125 and 83-73 wins on Oct. 23 and Dec. 13, respectively.
The Hornets (18-36) being post-All-Star-break play trying to extend a modest two-game winning streak, which came in the immediate wake of a five-game skid. Charlotte's most recent success came versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they toppled by a 115-108 score Wednesday night, Feb. 12. Devonte' Graham led the way with 28 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Malik Monk provided 25 points, four boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles Bridges delivered 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Bismack Biyombo checked in with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Jalen McDaniels turned in 10 points, six boards, one assist and two steals.
The Hornets will come into Thursday's game without injuries to report.
The injury-riddled Bulls (19-36) were one of the teams most in need of the layoff the All-Star break afforded, as they went into it with six straight losses. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, Feb. 11, when they dropped a 126-114 decision to the Washington Wizards. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tomas Satoransky followed with 19 points, adding eight assists and two rebounds. Coby White delivered 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. Thaddeus Young managed 10 points, five boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will be without Chandler Hutchison (shoulder), Denzel Valentine (hamstring), Lauri Markkanen (pelvis), Wendell Carter (ankle), Otto Porter (foot) and Kris Dunn (knee) for Thursday's game.
Thursday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hornets hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 126-125 and 83-73 wins on Oct. 23 and Dec. 13, respectively.
Nets and 76ers Battle in Divisional Clash
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night.
The Nets (25-28) headed into the All-Star break with some momentum, as they notched four wins in the last five games before the layoff and remained firmly entrenched in the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their most recent success came Wednesday, Feb. 12, when they upset the Toronto Raptors by a 101-91 score. Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Joe Harris managed 19 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie compiled 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Garrett Temple posted 10 points apiece, with Allen also pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists and recording a block.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Thursday's game.
The 76ers (34-21) also were on the ascent prior to the All-Star break, as evidenced by the three consecutive victories they headed into their time off with. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Los Angeles Clippers, which they toppled by a 110-103 score on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons co-led the 76ers with 26 points while pulling down nine and 12 rebounds, respectively. Simmons also dished out 10 assists. Josh Richardson supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Tobias Harris generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists.
The 76ers will come into Thursday's game without any injuries to report.
Thursday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 117-106 and 117-111 wins on Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, respectively.
The Nets (25-28) headed into the All-Star break with some momentum, as they notched four wins in the last five games before the layoff and remained firmly entrenched in the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their most recent success came Wednesday, Feb. 12, when they upset the Toronto Raptors by a 101-91 score. Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Joe Harris managed 19 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie compiled 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Garrett Temple posted 10 points apiece, with Allen also pulling down 13 rebounds, dishing out three assists and recording a block.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Thursday's game.
The 76ers (34-21) also were on the ascent prior to the All-Star break, as evidenced by the three consecutive victories they headed into their time off with. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Los Angeles Clippers, which they toppled by a 110-103 score on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons co-led the 76ers with 26 points while pulling down nine and 12 rebounds, respectively. Simmons also dished out 10 assists. Josh Richardson supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Tobias Harris generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists.
The 76ers will come into Thursday's game without any injuries to report.
Thursday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 117-106 and 117-111 wins on Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, respectively.
Kings Host Grizzlies on Thursday Night
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on Thursday.
The Grizzlies (28-26) come into this matchup winning 15 of their last 19 games and it has this franchise in a spot that they couldn't possibly have dreamt of. They are now sitting eighth in the west, currently four games up on the Portland Trail Blazers in ninth. That's quite the cushion with fewer than 30 games remaining and making the postseason would be a miraculous turn for a team that many people thought were rebuilding. This is the ideal position for a rebuilding franchise to be in though, with their youngsters out-performing all expectations. Players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks have all shown major growth this season and it's scary to think how good they can be once these guys reach their peak.
The Kings (21-33) had higher expectations than the Grizzlies and the year has gone about as poorly as possible. This looked like a growing team behind De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marvin Bagley III but its been anything but. If anything, this franchise has taken a step backwards after an impressive 2018-19 season. Injuries, poor play and questionable coaching has landed them with this ugly record and its amazing just how far this offense has fallen. After ranking Top-5 in scoring throughout most of last year, the Kings are now 24th in scoring this year. That's not good enough for such a young and talented team and its a wonder why it's continued like this all year.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team prevailing in both games. Prior to that, the Kings won four of their previous five games over the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies (28-26) come into this matchup winning 15 of their last 19 games and it has this franchise in a spot that they couldn't possibly have dreamt of. They are now sitting eighth in the west, currently four games up on the Portland Trail Blazers in ninth. That's quite the cushion with fewer than 30 games remaining and making the postseason would be a miraculous turn for a team that many people thought were rebuilding. This is the ideal position for a rebuilding franchise to be in though, with their youngsters out-performing all expectations. Players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks have all shown major growth this season and it's scary to think how good they can be once these guys reach their peak.
The Kings (21-33) had higher expectations than the Grizzlies and the year has gone about as poorly as possible. This looked like a growing team behind De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marvin Bagley III but its been anything but. If anything, this franchise has taken a step backwards after an impressive 2018-19 season. Injuries, poor play and questionable coaching has landed them with this ugly record and its amazing just how far this offense has fallen. After ranking Top-5 in scoring throughout most of last year, the Kings are now 24th in scoring this year. That's not good enough for such a young and talented team and its a wonder why it's continued like this all year.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team prevailing in both games. Prior to that, the Kings won four of their previous five games over the Grizzlies.
Warriors Host Rockets on Thursday
The Houston Rockets travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Thursday.
The Rockets (34-20) have mixed results since trading Clint Capela, owning a 2-2 record since then. What's really strange is the nature of those games. The two wins came against elite competition like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers while the losses came against the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz. That Utah game actually came down to the final shot and that would make one believe that this is the style that they're comfortable playing with considering that the Phoenix result was the night after that miraculous win over the Lakers. The guy it really helped is Russell Westbrook. The superstar point guard is now averaging 27.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game for the season. Many people thought he'd struggle with James Harden on his side but this style of play caters to the way he loves to run. That's why this is one of the most dangerous teams in the league and it'll be fascinating to watch them with no big men for the rest of the season.
The Warriors (12-43) enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak and that's become commonplace for this team this season. In fact, Golden State now owns the worst record in the NBA which is truly miraculous considering they have the best record in the NBA over the last decade. It's easy to understand why when looking at the roster though. Not only did Kevin Durant leave, Golden State has also had to play almost the entire season without Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. There's actually some talk that Curry will return within the next couple of weeks and Warriors fans would be ecstatic to see him back and fully healthy after breaking his hand early in the year.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team winning both outings. Prior to that, the Rockets won four of their previous five games over the Warriors.
The Rockets (34-20) have mixed results since trading Clint Capela, owning a 2-2 record since then. What's really strange is the nature of those games. The two wins came against elite competition like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers while the losses came against the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz. That Utah game actually came down to the final shot and that would make one believe that this is the style that they're comfortable playing with considering that the Phoenix result was the night after that miraculous win over the Lakers. The guy it really helped is Russell Westbrook. The superstar point guard is now averaging 27.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game for the season. Many people thought he'd struggle with James Harden on his side but this style of play caters to the way he loves to run. That's why this is one of the most dangerous teams in the league and it'll be fascinating to watch them with no big men for the rest of the season.
The Warriors (12-43) enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak and that's become commonplace for this team this season. In fact, Golden State now owns the worst record in the NBA which is truly miraculous considering they have the best record in the NBA over the last decade. It's easy to understand why when looking at the roster though. Not only did Kevin Durant leave, Golden State has also had to play almost the entire season without Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. There's actually some talk that Curry will return within the next couple of weeks and Warriors fans would be ecstatic to see him back and fully healthy after breaking his hand early in the year.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team winning both outings. Prior to that, the Rockets won four of their previous five games over the Warriors.