Hornets and Pacers Battle in Midwest Showdown
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Hornets (33-24) have been scuffling all season, although they'd recently put together a rare three-game winning streak. That modest run of success came to an end during their last time on the court, however, with Charlotte dropping a 115-86 decision to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Malik Monk registered 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cody Zeller collected 14 points and nine boards, while Miles Bridges furnished 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Hornets will come into Tuesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Pacers (33-24) check into Tuesday's game in the midst of their own struggles, as they've dropped seven of their last nine games. Their most recent defeat was one of massive proportions, as they were walloped by the Toronto Raptors, 127-81, on Sunday evening. Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday co-led the Pacers with 14 points, with Sabonis also pulling down 11 rebounds, dishing out five assists and recording one steal. Justin Holiday poured in 12 points. Malcolm Brogdon filled out the stat sheet with nine points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Pacers will list Victor Oladipo (back) and Edmond Sumner (hip) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Jeremy Lamb (knee/leg) has been declared out for the rest of the season.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 107-85 and 115-104 wins Dec. 15 and Jan. 6, respectively.
The Hornets (33-24) have been scuffling all season, although they'd recently put together a rare three-game winning streak. That modest run of success came to an end during their last time on the court, however, with Charlotte dropping a 115-86 decision to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Malik Monk registered 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cody Zeller collected 14 points and nine boards, while Miles Bridges furnished 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Hornets will come into Tuesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Pacers (33-24) check into Tuesday's game in the midst of their own struggles, as they've dropped seven of their last nine games. Their most recent defeat was one of massive proportions, as they were walloped by the Toronto Raptors, 127-81, on Sunday evening. Domantas Sabonis and Aaron Holiday co-led the Pacers with 14 points, with Sabonis also pulling down 11 rebounds, dishing out five assists and recording one steal. Justin Holiday poured in 12 points. Malcolm Brogdon filled out the stat sheet with nine points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Pacers will list Victor Oladipo (back) and Edmond Sumner (hip) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Jeremy Lamb (knee/leg) has been declared out for the rest of the season.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 107-85 and 115-104 wins Dec. 15 and Jan. 6, respectively.
Bucks and Raptors Battle North of the Border
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Bucks (49-8) have been virtually unstoppable all season, so it's of little surprise they'll come into Tuesday's game having won eight of their last nine contests. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they edged a game Washington Wizards squad by a 137-134 score in overtime.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 40 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Eric Bledsoe generated a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 22 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and one block. George Hill delivered 14 points, two assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo turned in 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews supplied 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Bucks will likely list both Kyle Korver and Brook Lopez as out with back injuries for Tuesday's game.
The Raptors (42-15) have arguably been even more impressive than their opponent since the calendar flipped to 2020, as Toronto comes into Tuesday's contest having won 17 of their last 18 contests. Their most recent victory was their most dominant of the campaign, as they decimated the Indiana Pacers by a 127-81 score Sunday evening. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 21 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and one block. Matt Thomas poured in 17 points. Kyle Lowry generated a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and five steals. Serge Ibaka posted 15 points, 15 rebounds, one assist and one block. Terence Davis supplied 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson registered 12 points, four boards and three assists.
The Raptors will be without Norman Powell (finger) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) for Tuesday's game. Patrick McCaw (illness) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
Tuesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 115-105 win Nov. 2.
The Bucks (49-8) have been virtually unstoppable all season, so it's of little surprise they'll come into Tuesday's game having won eight of their last nine contests. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they edged a game Washington Wizards squad by a 137-134 score in overtime.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 40 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Eric Bledsoe generated a 23-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 22 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and one block. George Hill delivered 14 points, two assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo turned in 12 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews supplied 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Bucks will likely list both Kyle Korver and Brook Lopez as out with back injuries for Tuesday's game.
The Raptors (42-15) have arguably been even more impressive than their opponent since the calendar flipped to 2020, as Toronto comes into Tuesday's contest having won 17 of their last 18 contests. Their most recent victory was their most dominant of the campaign, as they decimated the Indiana Pacers by a 127-81 score Sunday evening. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 21 points, adding three assists, two rebounds and one block. Matt Thomas poured in 17 points. Kyle Lowry generated a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and five steals. Serge Ibaka posted 15 points, 15 rebounds, one assist and one block. Terence Davis supplied 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson registered 12 points, four boards and three assists.
The Raptors will be without Norman Powell (finger) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) for Tuesday's game. Patrick McCaw (illness) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
Tuesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 115-105 win Nov. 2.
Bulls Look To Build Off Recent Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The Bulls (20-38) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a win in their most recent contest. This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Bulls, where they have gone 1-2, as they look to add to their 12-18 home record. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 25.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Coby White has been playing great lately and is averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Thaddeus Young has also been playing well, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals, over the last 10 games. The Bulls average 106.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.5 points against.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (35-22) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last eight road games and look to keep the momentum going and build on their 16-10 road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 19.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Chris Paul continues to impress, averaging 19.0 points, 7.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Steven Adams has also been playing well, averaging 11.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Thunder average 111.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.8 points per game. Despite their depth of guard talent, the Thunder average 22.9 assists per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, while they do a decent job taking care of the ball, as they limit themselves to 13.3 turnovers per game.
The Bulls (20-38) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a win in their most recent contest. This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Bulls, where they have gone 1-2, as they look to add to their 12-18 home record. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 25.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Coby White has been playing great lately and is averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Thaddeus Young has also been playing well, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals, over the last 10 games. The Bulls average 106.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.5 points against.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (35-22) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last eight road games and look to keep the momentum going and build on their 16-10 road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with 19.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Chris Paul continues to impress, averaging 19.0 points, 7.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Steven Adams has also been playing well, averaging 11.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Thunder average 111.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.8 points per game. Despite their depth of guard talent, the Thunder average 22.9 assists per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, while they do a decent job taking care of the ball, as they limit themselves to 13.3 turnovers per game.
Nuggets Host Struggling Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Detroit Pistons at Pepsi Center on Tuesday evening.
The Nuggets (39-18) have won seven of their last 10 games. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, which began with a win on Sunday, and they look to build on their 22-7 home record. The Nuggets average 110.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.9 points per game. The Nuggets average 26.4 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league. They average 8.1 steals per game and are limiting themselves to 12.7 turnovers per game. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 20.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jamal Murray has been playing great since returning from injury, averaging 26.4 points 5.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds, over the last seven games. Jerami Grant has been solid for the Nuggets, averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals, over the last nine games.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (19-40) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. This marks their second game of a four-game road trip, as they look to end a six-game road losing streak and add to their 8-20 road record. The Pistons average 107.9 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.8 points per game. The Pistons are shooting 46.1 percent from the field, including 36.7 percent from long range, which is eighth best in the league. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons with 18.0 points and 5.7 assists per game. Christian Wood has been playing well in extended time due to the Pistons' recent roster changes, as he is averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Sekou Doumbouya has been relatively quiet, averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds, in 23 minutes per game, over the last nine games.
The Nuggets (39-18) have won seven of their last 10 games. This marks their second game of a two-game home stand, which began with a win on Sunday, and they look to build on their 22-7 home record. The Nuggets average 110.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.9 points per game. The Nuggets average 26.4 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league. They average 8.1 steals per game and are limiting themselves to 12.7 turnovers per game. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 20.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jamal Murray has been playing great since returning from injury, averaging 26.4 points 5.9 assists and 3.0 rebounds, over the last seven games. Jerami Grant has been solid for the Nuggets, averaging 11.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals, over the last nine games.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (19-40) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. This marks their second game of a four-game road trip, as they look to end a six-game road losing streak and add to their 8-20 road record. The Pistons average 107.9 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.8 points per game. The Pistons are shooting 46.1 percent from the field, including 36.7 percent from long range, which is eighth best in the league. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons with 18.0 points and 5.7 assists per game. Christian Wood has been playing well in extended time due to the Pistons' recent roster changes, as he is averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Sekou Doumbouya has been relatively quiet, averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds, in 23 minutes per game, over the last nine games.
Lakers Host Pelicans on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (25-32) appear to be making one final push at the playoffs. In fact, they come into this matchup winning eight of their last 11 games in total, getting them within 3.5 games of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. What's even more encouraging is the fact that Memphis has the toughest schedule in the NBA while New Orleans has the easiest from here on out. Many would argue that the Pelicans have the most talented team of the bunch too, especially with Zion Williamson back and dominating. Williamson has paired beautifully with Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Derrick Favors, making this one of the most dangerous starting units in the NBA.
The Lakers (43-12) enter this matchup in the midst of a five-game winning streak and stretches like that have become common for this team all season. They actually have 19 wins in their last 24 games in total which proceeded their only poor stretch of the season. That happened to be a four-game losing streak against four of the best teams in the NBA after starting with a 24-3 record. That means if you take out that one bad week against Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Denver and Indiana, Los Angeles owns a 43-8 record. That's obviously a ridiculous mark and it has the Lakers comfortably atop the Western Conference standings.
These teams have played twice this season, with Los Angeles prevailing in both meetings. That gives the Lakers five wins in their last six matchups with the Pelicans in total.
The Pelicans (25-32) appear to be making one final push at the playoffs. In fact, they come into this matchup winning eight of their last 11 games in total, getting them within 3.5 games of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. What's even more encouraging is the fact that Memphis has the toughest schedule in the NBA while New Orleans has the easiest from here on out. Many would argue that the Pelicans have the most talented team of the bunch too, especially with Zion Williamson back and dominating. Williamson has paired beautifully with Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Derrick Favors, making this one of the most dangerous starting units in the NBA.
The Lakers (43-12) enter this matchup in the midst of a five-game winning streak and stretches like that have become common for this team all season. They actually have 19 wins in their last 24 games in total which proceeded their only poor stretch of the season. That happened to be a four-game losing streak against four of the best teams in the NBA after starting with a 24-3 record. That means if you take out that one bad week against Milwaukee, Los Angeles, Denver and Indiana, Los Angeles owns a 43-8 record. That's obviously a ridiculous mark and it has the Lakers comfortably atop the Western Conference standings.
These teams have played twice this season, with Los Angeles prevailing in both meetings. That gives the Lakers five wins in their last six matchups with the Pelicans in total.
Trail Blazers Look To Build Momentum At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Boston Celtics at Moda Center on Tuesday evening.
The Trail Blazers (26-32) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are coming off a hard-fought win in their most recent contest, where they came out on top, despite missing Damian Lillard. C.J. McCollum came up huge with 41 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony added 32 points, including the dagger to seal the deal, in the win. Lillard (groin) is expected to remain sidelined through Tuesday's action. Gary Trent Jr. got the start in place of Lillard in the Blazers' last contest, and he finished with six points on 3-of-8 shooting, two rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. The Trail Blazers average 113.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.3 points against, which is fifth most in the league. They are shooting 37.1 percent from long range, which is fifth best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (39-17) have won eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a tough loss in L.A., against the Lakers, in their most recent contest. This marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Celtics, as they look to get back on track and add to their 16-12 road record. The Celtics average 113.3 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They average 8.2 steals per game and limit themselves to 13.2 turnovers per game. Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics with 22.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while Gordon Hayward is averaging 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Kemba Walker (knee) will remain sidelined through Tuesday's action.
The Trail Blazers (26-32) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and are coming off a hard-fought win in their most recent contest, where they came out on top, despite missing Damian Lillard. C.J. McCollum came up huge with 41 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, while Carmelo Anthony added 32 points, including the dagger to seal the deal, in the win. Lillard (groin) is expected to remain sidelined through Tuesday's action. Gary Trent Jr. got the start in place of Lillard in the Blazers' last contest, and he finished with six points on 3-of-8 shooting, two rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. The Trail Blazers average 113.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.3 points against, which is fifth most in the league. They are shooting 37.1 percent from long range, which is fifth best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (39-17) have won eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a tough loss in L.A., against the Lakers, in their most recent contest. This marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Celtics, as they look to get back on track and add to their 16-12 road record. The Celtics average 113.3 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They average 8.2 steals per game and limit themselves to 13.2 turnovers per game. Jayson Tatum leads the Celtics with 22.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while Gordon Hayward is averaging 17.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Kemba Walker (knee) will remain sidelined through Tuesday's action.
Warriors Host Kings on Tuesday
The Sacramento Kings travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The Kings (23-33) have been playing much better recently and this is likely their final push at a potential playoff berth. In fact, they come into this matchup with an 8-4 record over their last 12 games which has them five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. That's not an impossible margin to make-up but it will be more difficult with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans all between them. Having that many teams battling for that final spot is going to make it nearly impossible for this team and it's sad that they regressed the way they did this season. Injuries were surely a major reason why though, with Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes dealing with numerous ailments throughout the year. That's completely crippled the frontcourt and it's hard to compete with that deficiency despite having De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield in the backcourt.
The Warriors (12-45) come into this matchup in the midst of a six-game losing streak and stretches like that have become way too common for this club this season. They actually have just three wins since the end of December and it's looking more and more likely that this will be the worst team in the NBA. Losing Kevin Durant to free agency is one thing but injuries to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson made it impossible for them to compete. The good news is that both of those guys are nearing full health and it's scary to think they'll be ready to go next season with all of these role players like Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall and Damion Lee developing this season.
These teams have played twice this year, with Sacramento winning both outings. Prior to that, the Warriors won 22 of their previous 25 games over the Kings in total.
The Kings (23-33) have been playing much better recently and this is likely their final push at a potential playoff berth. In fact, they come into this matchup with an 8-4 record over their last 12 games which has them five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. That's not an impossible margin to make-up but it will be more difficult with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans all between them. Having that many teams battling for that final spot is going to make it nearly impossible for this team and it's sad that they regressed the way they did this season. Injuries were surely a major reason why though, with Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes dealing with numerous ailments throughout the year. That's completely crippled the frontcourt and it's hard to compete with that deficiency despite having De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield in the backcourt.
The Warriors (12-45) come into this matchup in the midst of a six-game losing streak and stretches like that have become way too common for this club this season. They actually have just three wins since the end of December and it's looking more and more likely that this will be the worst team in the NBA. Losing Kevin Durant to free agency is one thing but injuries to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson made it impossible for them to compete. The good news is that both of those guys are nearing full health and it's scary to think they'll be ready to go next season with all of these role players like Jordan Poole, Eric Paschall and Damion Lee developing this season.
These teams have played twice this year, with Sacramento winning both outings. Prior to that, the Warriors won 22 of their previous 25 games over the Kings in total.