Mavericks and Magic Face Off in Central Florida Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Mavericks (33-22) remain poised to put themselves in strong playoff positioning in the Western Conference, although they did head into the All-Star break with a 4-3 mark over their last seven games. However, their last time on the court before the layoff was a success, as they throttled the Sacramento Kings by a 130-111 score on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Luka Doncic made a triumphant return from an ankle injury, pacing the Mavericks with 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and three blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. netted 19 points, six assists, three boards and one steal. Seth Curry registered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The Mavericks will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (24-31) continue to fight to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference, but they did themselves no favors by dropping eight of their last 11 games prior to the All-Star break. Orlando did head into the layoff with back-to-back wins, however, the most recent a 116-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Aaron Gordon paced the Magic with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, nine assists, one steal and one block. Markelle Fultz generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and two steals. Nikola Vucevic posted 19 points, 11 boards, seven assists, three steals and one block. Evan Fournier matched Vucevic's scoring tally, while Wesley Iwundu poured in 11 points.
The Magic will list D.J. Augustin (knee) as questionable for Friday's game. Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 107-106 win Nov. 6.
The Mavericks (33-22) remain poised to put themselves in strong playoff positioning in the Western Conference, although they did head into the All-Star break with a 4-3 mark over their last seven games. However, their last time on the court before the layoff was a success, as they throttled the Sacramento Kings by a 130-111 score on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Luka Doncic made a triumphant return from an ankle injury, pacing the Mavericks with 33 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis generated a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and three blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. netted 19 points, six assists, three boards and one steal. Seth Curry registered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds.
The Mavericks will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Magic (24-31) continue to fight to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference, but they did themselves no favors by dropping eight of their last 11 games prior to the All-Star break. Orlando did head into the layoff with back-to-back wins, however, the most recent a 116-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Aaron Gordon paced the Magic with 25 points, adding nine rebounds, nine assists, one steal and one block. Markelle Fultz generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and two steals. Nikola Vucevic posted 19 points, 11 boards, seven assists, three steals and one block. Evan Fournier matched Vucevic's scoring tally, while Wesley Iwundu poured in 11 points.
The Magic will list D.J. Augustin (knee) as questionable for Friday's game. Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 107-106 win Nov. 6.
Cavaliers and Wizards Tangle in Nation's Capital
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (14-40) will come into the post-All-Star-break portion of their season dealing with yet more adversity, as they'll now have interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the controls after the latter took over for the reassigned John Beilein over the layoff. Cleveland will check into Friday's contest having just snapped a six-game losing streak with a 127-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers despite coming off the bench, posting 27 points and adding 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton and Larry Nance, Jr. posted matching 23-point efforts, with Nance adding 12 rebounds among his other contributions. Kevin Porter, Jr. tallied 18 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also featured one assist and two blocks. Darius Garland delivered 12 points, seven assists and one block.
The Cavaliers will list Ante Zizic (illness) as probable for Friday's game. Meanwhile, Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will be out.
The Wizards (20-33) have endured their fair share of struggles this season as well, but they did head into the All-Star break with a 5-2 mark over the final seven games before the layoff. Their most recent success came Wednesday, Feb. 12, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 114-96 score. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, complementing them with three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Moritz Wagner provided 16 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Isaac Bonga delivered 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Troy Brown, Jr. supplied 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Ian Mahinmi registered nine points and 10 boards.
The Wizards will list Mahinmi (foot), Thomas Bryant (foot) and Anzejs Pasecniks (hip) as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is split 1-1, with the Cavaliers having notched a 113-100 win Nov. 8 and the Wizards countering with a 124-112 victory Jan. 23.
The Cavaliers (14-40) will come into the post-All-Star-break portion of their season dealing with yet more adversity, as they'll now have interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the controls after the latter took over for the reassigned John Beilein over the layoff. Cleveland will check into Friday's contest having just snapped a six-game losing streak with a 127-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tristan Thompson led the Cavaliers despite coming off the bench, posting 27 points and adding 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Collin Sexton and Larry Nance, Jr. posted matching 23-point efforts, with Nance adding 12 rebounds among his other contributions. Kevin Porter, Jr. tallied 18 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also featured one assist and two blocks. Darius Garland delivered 12 points, seven assists and one block.
The Cavaliers will list Ante Zizic (illness) as probable for Friday's game. Meanwhile, Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will be out.
The Wizards (20-33) have endured their fair share of struggles this season as well, but they did head into the All-Star break with a 5-2 mark over the final seven games before the layoff. Their most recent success came Wednesday, Feb. 12, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 114-96 score. Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 30 points, complementing them with three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Moritz Wagner provided 16 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Isaac Bonga delivered 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Troy Brown, Jr. supplied 11 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Ian Mahinmi registered nine points and 10 boards.
The Wizards will list Mahinmi (foot), Thomas Bryant (foot) and Anzejs Pasecniks (hip) as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is split 1-1, with the Cavaliers having notched a 113-100 win Nov. 8 and the Wizards countering with a 124-112 victory Jan. 23.
Knicks Host Pacers In First Action After All-Star Break
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for both teams. The Knicks (17-38) entered the break on a two-game slide, while the Pacers (32-23), have dropped seven of their last 10 games but won their final game before the break.
This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Pacers, who have dropped their last two road games and look to build on their 13-13 road record. T.J. Warren leads the Pacers with 18.5 points per game. Domantas Sabonis, who is coming off his first all-star appearance, is averaging 18.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Victor Oladipo is averaging 11.1 points and 2.9 assists, in 25 minutes per game, over seven games played this season, and he is set to continue progressing without any restriction on playing time. The Pacers averaging 109.7 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points per game.
The Knicks dropped their last home game but look to turn things around and build their 8-19 home record. Julius Randle leads the Knicks with 19.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He went into the break on a hot streak, averaging 21.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, over the last 10 games. Mitchell Robinson continues to contribute off the bench, averaging 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Elfrid Payton (ankle) is listed as questionable for action on Friday. The Knicks average 104.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they average a league-low 9.8 three-pointers per game.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for both teams. The Knicks (17-38) entered the break on a two-game slide, while the Pacers (32-23), have dropped seven of their last 10 games but won their final game before the break.
This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Pacers, who have dropped their last two road games and look to build on their 13-13 road record. T.J. Warren leads the Pacers with 18.5 points per game. Domantas Sabonis, who is coming off his first all-star appearance, is averaging 18.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Victor Oladipo is averaging 11.1 points and 2.9 assists, in 25 minutes per game, over seven games played this season, and he is set to continue progressing without any restriction on playing time. The Pacers averaging 109.7 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points per game.
The Knicks dropped their last home game but look to turn things around and build their 8-19 home record. Julius Randle leads the Knicks with 19.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He went into the break on a hot streak, averaging 21.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, over the last 10 games. Mitchell Robinson continues to contribute off the bench, averaging 7.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Elfrid Payton (ankle) is listed as questionable for action on Friday. The Knicks average 104.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they average a league-low 9.8 three-pointers per game.
Suns and Raptors Tangle North of the Border
The Phoenix Suns face the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Suns (22-33) went into the All-Star break in a spiral, as they dropped six of their last eight games before the pause in the season. However, their last game did result in one of those two wins during that span, as they toppled the Golden State Warriors by a 112-106 score Wednesday, Feb. 12. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 27 points, supplementing them with eight assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. offered 15 points and six boards. Mikal Bridges checked in with 14 points, two boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Elie Okobo furnished 12 points, three assists and two rebounds. Cheick Diallo totaled 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
The Suns will list Deandre Ayton (ankle), Aron Baynes (hip), Dario Saric (ankle) and Elie Okobo (ankle) as probable for Friday's game. Frank Kaminsky (knee) will remain out.
The Raptors (40-15) sport a record that speaks to the degree of their dominance this season, but they did see their 15-game winning streak snapped in their final game before the All-Star break, dropping a 101-91 decision to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Serge Ibaka led the way for the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet poured in 22 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam furnished 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry contributed a 12-point, 12-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included one steal.
The Raptors will continue without Norman Powell (finger) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) for Friday's contest. Patrick McCaw (illness) will be listed as doubtful.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the two-game 2018-19 season series from the Suns.
The Suns (22-33) went into the All-Star break in a spiral, as they dropped six of their last eight games before the pause in the season. However, their last game did result in one of those two wins during that span, as they toppled the Golden State Warriors by a 112-106 score Wednesday, Feb. 12. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 27 points, supplementing them with eight assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. offered 15 points and six boards. Mikal Bridges checked in with 14 points, two boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Elie Okobo furnished 12 points, three assists and two rebounds. Cheick Diallo totaled 10 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
The Suns will list Deandre Ayton (ankle), Aron Baynes (hip), Dario Saric (ankle) and Elie Okobo (ankle) as probable for Friday's game. Frank Kaminsky (knee) will remain out.
The Raptors (40-15) sport a record that speaks to the degree of their dominance this season, but they did see their 15-game winning streak snapped in their final game before the All-Star break, dropping a 101-91 decision to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Serge Ibaka led the way for the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet poured in 22 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Pascal Siakam furnished 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyle Lowry contributed a 12-point, 12-assist, 11-rebound triple-double that also included one steal.
The Raptors will continue without Norman Powell (finger) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) for Friday's contest. Patrick McCaw (illness) will be listed as doubtful.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the two-game 2018-19 season series from the Suns.
Timberwolves Look To Get Back On Right Track
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Boston Celtics at Target Center on Friday evening.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team, while the Timberwolves look to build on their recent roster changes, and the Celtics look to keep up their fight for top playoff position in the East.
The Timberwolves (16-37) dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row before the all-star break. D'Angelo Russell looked solid in his two games so far with the team, as he topped 20 points in both outings. However, unfortunately for the Timberwolves, the anticipated duo of Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns will have to be put on hold, as Towns (wrist) is out for the time being. Malik Beasley has also looked great since joining the team and is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists, over three games. The Timberwolves are shooting 43.7 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (38-16) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last game before the break. This marks their first game of a four-game road trip, as they look to add to their 15-11 road record. Jayson Tatum, who made his first all-star appearance on Sunday, leads the Celtics with 22.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kemba Walker, who accompanied Tatum in the all-star game, is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (calf) missed the Celtics' last contest but is expected to be ready for Friday. The Celtics average 113.1 points per game and are holding opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team, while the Timberwolves look to build on their recent roster changes, and the Celtics look to keep up their fight for top playoff position in the East.
The Timberwolves (16-37) dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row before the all-star break. D'Angelo Russell looked solid in his two games so far with the team, as he topped 20 points in both outings. However, unfortunately for the Timberwolves, the anticipated duo of Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns will have to be put on hold, as Towns (wrist) is out for the time being. Malik Beasley has also looked great since joining the team and is averaging 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists, over three games. The Timberwolves are shooting 43.7 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (38-16) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last game before the break. This marks their first game of a four-game road trip, as they look to add to their 15-11 road record. Jayson Tatum, who made his first all-star appearance on Sunday, leads the Celtics with 22.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kemba Walker, who accompanied Tatum in the all-star game, is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (calf) missed the Celtics' last contest but is expected to be ready for Friday. The Celtics average 113.1 points per game and are holding opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Thunder Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Denver Nuggets at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team. The Nuggets (38-17) entered the break having won seven of 10 games but fell short in their most recent contest, while the Thunder (33-22) won seven of 10, including a win in their last game before the break.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Thunder, as they look to snap a two-game home losing streak and build on their 17-12 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Chris Paul, who participated in Sunday's all-star game, is averaging 17.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Dennis Schroder has been a major factor in the Thunder's success as he give a boost off the bench, with 19.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. The Thunder average 110.6 points per game and giving up an average of 108.0 points against.
The Nuggets have won their last two road games and look to keep building on their 17-10 road record. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. Jamal Murray looked great in his last five games before the break, where he averaged 29.0 points, 6.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds, per game. Will Barton (knee) is questionable for action on Friday, while Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) is expected to play. The Nuggets average 110.4 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 11.1 offensive rebounds per game, which is tied for second most in the league.
This marks the first action after the all-star break for either team. The Nuggets (38-17) entered the break having won seven of 10 games but fell short in their most recent contest, while the Thunder (33-22) won seven of 10, including a win in their last game before the break.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Thunder, as they look to snap a two-game home losing streak and build on their 17-12 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 19.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Chris Paul, who participated in Sunday's all-star game, is averaging 17.4 points, 6.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Dennis Schroder has been a major factor in the Thunder's success as he give a boost off the bench, with 19.3 points, 4.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. The Thunder average 110.6 points per game and giving up an average of 108.0 points against.
The Nuggets have won their last two road games and look to keep building on their 17-10 road record. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. Jamal Murray looked great in his last five games before the break, where he averaged 29.0 points, 6.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds, per game. Will Barton (knee) is questionable for action on Friday, while Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) is expected to play. The Nuggets average 110.4 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 11.1 offensive rebounds per game, which is tied for second most in the league.
Jazz Host Spurs on Friday
The San Antonio Spurs travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.
The Spurs (23-31) have really struggled away from home this season, posting a 9-19 record. That's sadly become common for this team over recent years, performing spectacularly at home and playing subpar basketball on the road. The bad news is that the home form hasn't been that much better this season and it has San Antonio in a major hole. They now find themselves six games back of the eight-seed in the west and that's quite the hill to climb with only 28 games remaining. That would end a 20-year playoff streak and it has many people talking about how much longer DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Popovich will stick around on this sinking ship.
The Jazz (36-18) were one of the hottest teams heading into the All-Star break and they're hopeful that they can carry over that form over the final few months. In fact, they come into this matchup winning four-straight games which gives them 25 wins in their last 31 games in total. That's obviously one of the best stretches by any team all season long and it's scary to think that things are just starting to come together. Mike Conley was brought in from Memphis and he's finally been playing well the last two weeks before the break. If they can get him to return to his Memphis form with all of these talented defensive weapons behind him, this could be a darkhorse in the west come playoff time. What also makes this team dangerous is their home form, posting a 20-5 record at VSHA this season.
These teams played once earlier this season, with San Antonio prevailing, 127-120, on January 29. Prior to that, the Jazz won six of their previous eight games over the Spurs.
The Spurs (23-31) have really struggled away from home this season, posting a 9-19 record. That's sadly become common for this team over recent years, performing spectacularly at home and playing subpar basketball on the road. The bad news is that the home form hasn't been that much better this season and it has San Antonio in a major hole. They now find themselves six games back of the eight-seed in the west and that's quite the hill to climb with only 28 games remaining. That would end a 20-year playoff streak and it has many people talking about how much longer DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Popovich will stick around on this sinking ship.
The Jazz (36-18) were one of the hottest teams heading into the All-Star break and they're hopeful that they can carry over that form over the final few months. In fact, they come into this matchup winning four-straight games which gives them 25 wins in their last 31 games in total. That's obviously one of the best stretches by any team all season long and it's scary to think that things are just starting to come together. Mike Conley was brought in from Memphis and he's finally been playing well the last two weeks before the break. If they can get him to return to his Memphis form with all of these talented defensive weapons behind him, this could be a darkhorse in the west come playoff time. What also makes this team dangerous is their home form, posting a 20-5 record at VSHA this season.
These teams played once earlier this season, with San Antonio prevailing, 127-120, on January 29. Prior to that, the Jazz won six of their previous eight games over the Spurs.
Lakers Host Grizzlies on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on Friday.
The Grizzlies (28-27) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and it's truly amazing just how much this team has improved. After getting rid of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol over the last year, many people expected this team to have a long rebuild ahead of them. While they struggled last season. this year has been anything but. Players like Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr have come in and carried this club to the eight-seed in the west. They're now five games up on the Portland Trail Blazers in ninth and building that sort of gap shows just how well this team has been playing. In total, they enter this matchup winning 15 of their last 20 games in total, making this a club no one wants to face come playoff time.
The Lakers (41-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. Stretches like that have become commonplace for this team this season and it has them sitting atop the Western Conference. The dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James simply couldn't have worked out better, with both guys thriving in their respective roles. James is actually leading the league with nearly 11 assists per game while Davis is regularly providing 25-point double-doubles. That pairs beautifully with role players like Dwight Howard, Avery Bradley and Danny Green who are all great defenders in their own right. That's a recipe for success and it has the Lakers as one of the favorites to land the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season.
These teams have played twice this season, with the Lakers prevailing in both outings. Prior to that, the Grizzlies won four of their previous six matchups with Los Angeles.
The Grizzlies (28-27) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA and it's truly amazing just how much this team has improved. After getting rid of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol over the last year, many people expected this team to have a long rebuild ahead of them. While they struggled last season. this year has been anything but. Players like Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr have come in and carried this club to the eight-seed in the west. They're now five games up on the Portland Trail Blazers in ninth and building that sort of gap shows just how well this team has been playing. In total, they enter this matchup winning 15 of their last 20 games in total, making this a club no one wants to face come playoff time.
The Lakers (41-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. Stretches like that have become commonplace for this team this season and it has them sitting atop the Western Conference. The dynamic duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James simply couldn't have worked out better, with both guys thriving in their respective roles. James is actually leading the league with nearly 11 assists per game while Davis is regularly providing 25-point double-doubles. That pairs beautifully with role players like Dwight Howard, Avery Bradley and Danny Green who are all great defenders in their own right. That's a recipe for success and it has the Lakers as one of the favorites to land the Larry O'Brien Trophy this season.
These teams have played twice this season, with the Lakers prevailing in both outings. Prior to that, the Grizzlies won four of their previous six matchups with Los Angeles.
Trail Blazers Host Pelicans on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center on Friday.
The Pelicans (23-32) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. That's pretty much the team that we've seen over the last month, with New Orleans owning a 16-10 record over their last 26 games in total. Too little, too late is a phrase made for times like this though, as that followed up a 7-23 start. That's just too deep of a hole to dig out of and New Orleans would have to win over 70 percent of their games from here on out to even have a slim chance to reach the postseason. The good news is that they appear to be in good hands for the future. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have developed into a dominant duo while Jrue Holiday was just locked down in a long-term deal.
The Trail Blazers (25-31) only success has come at home this season, posting a 15-11 record at Moda Center. That's actually way below their home record from last season and it's indicative of how poor the season has gone as a whole. Portland now finds themselves five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's quite the gap to make up with just 26 games remaining. If that wasn't already an uphill battle, they also have to win without Damian Lillard. The All-Star point guard is currently dealing with a groin issue and one has to wonder how they can win games without him. The good news is that he'll only miss a week but that's games they need from their best player in desperation mode.
These teams have already played three times this season, with New Orleans winning all of them by at least eight points apiece. Ironically, Portland swept the four-game season series over the Pelicans last year.
The Pelicans (23-32) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. That's pretty much the team that we've seen over the last month, with New Orleans owning a 16-10 record over their last 26 games in total. Too little, too late is a phrase made for times like this though, as that followed up a 7-23 start. That's just too deep of a hole to dig out of and New Orleans would have to win over 70 percent of their games from here on out to even have a slim chance to reach the postseason. The good news is that they appear to be in good hands for the future. Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson have developed into a dominant duo while Jrue Holiday was just locked down in a long-term deal.
The Trail Blazers (25-31) only success has come at home this season, posting a 15-11 record at Moda Center. That's actually way below their home record from last season and it's indicative of how poor the season has gone as a whole. Portland now finds themselves five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's quite the gap to make up with just 26 games remaining. If that wasn't already an uphill battle, they also have to win without Damian Lillard. The All-Star point guard is currently dealing with a groin issue and one has to wonder how they can win games without him. The good news is that he'll only miss a week but that's games they need from their best player in desperation mode.
These teams have already played three times this season, with New Orleans winning all of them by at least eight points apiece. Ironically, Portland swept the four-game season series over the Pelicans last year.