Streaking Lakers Host Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers (42-12) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second game of a three-game home stand, as they look to continue building on their 19-7 home record. The Lakers average 114.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average 107.3 points against. LeBron James continues to dominate the game and is averaging 25.1 points, 10.7 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Anthony Davis is averaging 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. Avery Bradley has been playing well lately, averaging 11.8 points, while shooting 52 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Lakers are shooting a league-best 48.8 percent from the field, and they average a league-high 6.9 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (39-16) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a four-game road trip, as they look to keep building on their 16-11 road record. The Celtics average 113.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.4 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics with 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kemba Walker is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Gordon Hayward has been playing well lately, averaging 20.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists, over the last 10 games. The Celtics average 8.3 steals per game and are limiting themselves to an average of 13.1 turnovers per game.
The Lakers (42-12) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second game of a three-game home stand, as they look to continue building on their 19-7 home record. The Lakers average 114.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average 107.3 points against. LeBron James continues to dominate the game and is averaging 25.1 points, 10.7 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Anthony Davis is averaging 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. Avery Bradley has been playing well lately, averaging 11.8 points, while shooting 52 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Lakers are shooting a league-best 48.8 percent from the field, and they average a league-high 6.9 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (39-16) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a four-game road trip, as they look to keep building on their 16-11 road record. The Celtics average 113.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.4 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics with 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kemba Walker is averaging 21.8 points, 5.0 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Gordon Hayward has been playing well lately, averaging 20.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists, over the last 10 games. The Celtics average 8.3 steals per game and are limiting themselves to an average of 13.1 turnovers per game.
Nuggets Host Reeling Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on Sunday evening.
The Nuggets (38-18) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to add to their 21-7 home record. The Nuggets average 110.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.8 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 26.3 assists per game and limit themselves to 12.7 turnovers per game. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets, averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jamal Murray finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists, in the Nuggets' most recent contest, and is averaging 18.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Torrey Craig gives the Nuggets great hustle and versatility, averaging 7.7 points, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field, including 42.9 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (16-38) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a four-game road trip. They have dropped seven straight road games and look to turn things around and build on their 9-17 road record. The Timberwolves average 112.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.1 points against, which is fourth most in the league. They are shooting an average of 43.7 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) will remain sidelined for the Timberwolves, while new-addition D'Angelo Russell will continue to give his new squad a strong contribution. Russell is averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over three games with the Timberwolves, so far. Malik Beasley has also been great in his short time with the team, averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists, over the last four games.
The Nuggets (38-18) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to add to their 21-7 home record. The Nuggets average 110.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.8 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 26.3 assists per game and limit themselves to 12.7 turnovers per game. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets, averaging 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jamal Murray finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists, in the Nuggets' most recent contest, and is averaging 18.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Torrey Craig gives the Nuggets great hustle and versatility, averaging 7.7 points, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field, including 42.9 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (16-38) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a four-game road trip. They have dropped seven straight road games and look to turn things around and build on their 9-17 road record. The Timberwolves average 112.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.1 points against, which is fourth most in the league. They are shooting an average of 43.7 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) will remain sidelined for the Timberwolves, while new-addition D'Angelo Russell will continue to give his new squad a strong contribution. Russell is averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over three games with the Timberwolves, so far. Malik Beasley has also been great in his short time with the team, averaging 23.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists, over the last four games.
Raptors Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Indiana Pacers at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (41-15) have won nine of their last 10 games and are coming off a win in their most recent contest, which marked their first action since the all-star break. This marks their second game of a four-game home stand, as the look to add to their 22-7 home record. The Raptors average 113.0 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are also holding opponents to an average of 42.9 percent shooting from the field, which is second lowest in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 17.9 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (33-23) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, but have won their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build on their 14-13 road record. The Pacers average 109.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.4 points per game. The Pacers are shooting 47.7 percent from the field, which is third best in the league, and they average 26.1 assists per game, which is tied for sixth most in the league. T.J. Warren leads the Pacers with 18.7 points per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 18.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, while Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 16.5 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Victor Oladipo (back) played 25 minutes in the Pacers' most recent contest but is considered questionable for action on Sunday.
The Raptors (41-15) have won nine of their last 10 games and are coming off a win in their most recent contest, which marked their first action since the all-star break. This marks their second game of a four-game home stand, as the look to add to their 22-7 home record. The Raptors average 113.0 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are also holding opponents to an average of 42.9 percent shooting from the field, which is second lowest in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with 23.8 points, 7.6 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 17.9 points, 6.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (33-23) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, but have won their last two in a row. This marks their second game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build on their 14-13 road record. The Pacers average 109.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.4 points per game. The Pacers are shooting 47.7 percent from the field, which is third best in the league, and they average 26.1 assists per game, which is tied for sixth most in the league. T.J. Warren leads the Pacers with 18.7 points per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 18.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, while Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 16.5 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Victor Oladipo (back) played 25 minutes in the Pacers' most recent contest but is considered questionable for action on Sunday.
Bulls Host Wizards on Sunday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Washington Wizards at United Center on Sunday.
The Wizards (20-34) have been playing some competitive ball recently, winning five of their last eight games in total. That has people talking about this club making the postseason, with Washington sitting in ninth, just three games back of the Orlando Magic in eighth. While the record obviously isn't pretty, making the playoffs would be an impressive feat for a team without John Wall. It's a testament to how much Bradley Beal has grown, with the sharpshooter averaging 29.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. That makes it shocking that he didn't make the All-Star team but everyone on this roster knows that he's one of the best players in the NBA.
The Bulls (19-38) come into this matchup losing eight-straight games. That horrific stretch has become commonplace for this team and it's sad that such a talented roster has played so poorly. What they couldn't plan for is all of the injuries in their frontcourt. Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr and Otto Porter have all missed months of action and that's simply too much for a rebuilding team to overcome. What it has done is force Zach LaVine into a leadership role and he's thrived as the go-to playmaker on this team. In fact, he's leading the Bulls with 25.2 points per game which is actually one of the highest totals for any player not to make the All-Star team, behind Beal.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Chicago winning two of three. That gives the Bulls six wins in their last eight meetings with the Wizards
The Wizards (20-34) have been playing some competitive ball recently, winning five of their last eight games in total. That has people talking about this club making the postseason, with Washington sitting in ninth, just three games back of the Orlando Magic in eighth. While the record obviously isn't pretty, making the playoffs would be an impressive feat for a team without John Wall. It's a testament to how much Bradley Beal has grown, with the sharpshooter averaging 29.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. That makes it shocking that he didn't make the All-Star team but everyone on this roster knows that he's one of the best players in the NBA.
The Bulls (19-38) come into this matchup losing eight-straight games. That horrific stretch has become commonplace for this team and it's sad that such a talented roster has played so poorly. What they couldn't plan for is all of the injuries in their frontcourt. Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr and Otto Porter have all missed months of action and that's simply too much for a rebuilding team to overcome. What it has done is force Zach LaVine into a leadership role and he's thrived as the go-to playmaker on this team. In fact, he's leading the Bulls with 25.2 points per game which is actually one of the highest totals for any player not to make the All-Star team, behind Beal.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Chicago winning two of three. That gives the Bulls six wins in their last eight meetings with the Wizards
Thunder Host Spurs on Sunday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday.
The Spurs (24-31) just picked up an impressive win on Friday, going into Utah and beating the Jazz handily. That's something that not many teams have done this season and fans are just happy that this rodeo road trip is finally winding down to an end. San Antonio had just two wins in the eight road games of this trip thus far and it has crippled any playoff hopes they once had. In fact, the Spurs now find themselves 3.5 games back on the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's tough to make up with the way the Grizzlies are playing. Getting this road trip behind San Antonio is obviously a big plus for the future, especially when you consider that eight of the last 11 teams they've played are all in the Top-5 of their respective conferences. That means that home games and easier matchups are right around the corner which is just what the doctor ordered to get them into the postseason.
The Thunder (34-22) come into this matchup winning 10 of their last 13 games. That run has gotten them all the way up to the six-seed in the west and they're now in striking distance of the two-seed. The Thunder are just four games back of the Denver Nuggets in second and that's a testament to just how good of a season this organization has had. Veterans like Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams are obviously a major reason why but breakout years from Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are equally as valuable. That core has this franchise in a great spot after losing Russell Westbrook and it'll be fun to watch this team in the postseason behind a hungry future Hall-of-Famer like CP3.
These teams have played three times this season, with San Antonio winning two of the three. That gives the Spurs five wins in their last seven meetings with the Thunder in total.
The Spurs (24-31) just picked up an impressive win on Friday, going into Utah and beating the Jazz handily. That's something that not many teams have done this season and fans are just happy that this rodeo road trip is finally winding down to an end. San Antonio had just two wins in the eight road games of this trip thus far and it has crippled any playoff hopes they once had. In fact, the Spurs now find themselves 3.5 games back on the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's tough to make up with the way the Grizzlies are playing. Getting this road trip behind San Antonio is obviously a big plus for the future, especially when you consider that eight of the last 11 teams they've played are all in the Top-5 of their respective conferences. That means that home games and easier matchups are right around the corner which is just what the doctor ordered to get them into the postseason.
The Thunder (34-22) come into this matchup winning 10 of their last 13 games. That run has gotten them all the way up to the six-seed in the west and they're now in striking distance of the two-seed. The Thunder are just four games back of the Denver Nuggets in second and that's a testament to just how good of a season this organization has had. Veterans like Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams are obviously a major reason why but breakout years from Dennis Schroder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are equally as valuable. That core has this franchise in a great spot after losing Russell Westbrook and it'll be fun to watch this team in the postseason behind a hungry future Hall-of-Famer like CP3.
These teams have played three times this season, with San Antonio winning two of the three. That gives the Spurs five wins in their last seven meetings with the Thunder in total.
Pelicans and Warriors Face Off Out West
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday night.
The Pelicans (24-32) have been showing marked signs of improvement of late, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won four of the last five games. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-115 score. Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday totaled 20 points, nine assists, two rebounds and four steals. Brandon Ingram turned in 16 points, six assists and four rebounds. Lonzo Ball provided 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Hart and Nicolo Melli posted 13 points apiece, with Hart also recording 13 rebounds.
The Pelicans will remain without Kenrich Williams (back) for Sunday's game.
The Warriors (12-44) come into Sunday's game in the midst of another one of their multi-game skids, as they've dropped five consecutive games. Their most recent debacle came versus the Houston Rockets, which throttled them by a 135-105 score Thursday night. Andrew Wiggins paced the Warriors with 22 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jordan Poole poured in 19 points, adding four boards, two assists and one steal. Damion Lee furnished 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Eric Paschall managed 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. Marquese Chriss and Juan Toscano-Anderson delivered 10 points each while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors will be without Draymond Green (pelvis), Stephen Curry (hand) and Klay Thompson (knee) for Sunday's game. Chriss (calf) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 134-123 and 106-102 victories Oct. 28 and Dec. 20, respectively.
The Pelicans (24-32) have been showing marked signs of improvement of late, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won four of the last five games. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-115 score. Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 25 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday totaled 20 points, nine assists, two rebounds and four steals. Brandon Ingram turned in 16 points, six assists and four rebounds. Lonzo Ball provided 15 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Hart and Nicolo Melli posted 13 points apiece, with Hart also recording 13 rebounds.
The Pelicans will remain without Kenrich Williams (back) for Sunday's game.
The Warriors (12-44) come into Sunday's game in the midst of another one of their multi-game skids, as they've dropped five consecutive games. Their most recent debacle came versus the Houston Rockets, which throttled them by a 135-105 score Thursday night. Andrew Wiggins paced the Warriors with 22 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Jordan Poole poured in 19 points, adding four boards, two assists and one steal. Damion Lee furnished 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Eric Paschall managed 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. Marquese Chriss and Juan Toscano-Anderson delivered 10 points each while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively.
The Warriors will be without Draymond Green (pelvis), Stephen Curry (hand) and Klay Thompson (knee) for Sunday's game. Chriss (calf) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 134-123 and 106-102 victories Oct. 28 and Dec. 20, respectively.
Pistons and Trail Blazers Set for Interconference Battle
The Detroit Pistons take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Sunday night.
The Pistons (19-39) are mired in an extended spiral, as they'll come into Sunday's game having lost 11 of their last 13 contests. Their most recent disappointment came in a lopsided 126-106 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Christian Wood paced the Pistons with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown posted 16 points, 10 boards and seven assists. Derrick Rose and Langston Galloway scored 12 points each. Thon Maker delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Tony Snell poured in 10 points.
The Pistons will remain without Luke Kennard (knee) for Sunday's game.
The Trail Blazers (25-32) have been scuffling in their own right lately, as they'll check into Sunday's game having dropped five of their last seven contests. Their most recent stumble came versus the New Orleans Pelicans, which toppled them by a 128-115 score Friday night. C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with 10 assists and six rebounds. Carmelo Anthony pitched in 20 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and six blocks. Gary Trent, Jr. poured in 15 points, while Trevor Ariza supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Trail Blazers will continue without Damian Lillard (groin), Jusuf Nurkic (leg), Mario Hezonja (ankle) and Zach Collins (shoulder) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Pistons and Trail Blazers split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
The Pistons (19-39) are mired in an extended spiral, as they'll come into Sunday's game having lost 11 of their last 13 contests. Their most recent disappointment came in a lopsided 126-106 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Christian Wood paced the Pistons with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown posted 16 points, 10 boards and seven assists. Derrick Rose and Langston Galloway scored 12 points each. Thon Maker delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Tony Snell poured in 10 points.
The Pistons will remain without Luke Kennard (knee) for Sunday's game.
The Trail Blazers (25-32) have been scuffling in their own right lately, as they'll check into Sunday's game having dropped five of their last seven contests. Their most recent stumble came versus the New Orleans Pelicans, which toppled them by a 128-115 score Friday night. C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with 10 assists and six rebounds. Carmelo Anthony pitched in 20 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and six blocks. Gary Trent, Jr. poured in 15 points, while Trevor Ariza supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Trail Blazers will continue without Damian Lillard (groin), Jusuf Nurkic (leg), Mario Hezonja (ankle) and Zach Collins (shoulder) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Pistons and Trail Blazers split the two-game 2018-19 season series.