76ers and Cavaliers Meet for Midwest Showdown
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (36-22) come into Wednesday's game having won five of their last six contests, but as has been the norm all season, all of that success has come on Philadelphia's home floor. The Sixers have been a different team on the road, where their one loss during that stretch, a 119-98 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, took place. Philadelphia's most recent time on the court did net a victory, as they throttled the Atlanta Hawks by a 129-112 score Monday night. Joel Embiid led the way with a 49-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists, three steals and one block. Tobias Harris compiled 25 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Josh RIchardson managed 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block.
The 76ers will remain without Ben Simmons (back) for Wednesday's game.
The Cavaliers (16-41) check into Wednesday's contest showing some improvement in recent games, as they've prevailed in three of their last four contests. Their most recent win was a particularly impressive one, as they came back to defeat the Miami Heat by a 125-119 score in overtime Monday night. Kevin Porter, Jr. paced the Cavaliers with 30 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kevin Love generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Larry Nance, Jr. supplied 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tristan Thompson produced 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Darius Garland registered 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond and Colin Sexton went for 13 points apiece, with Drummond adding six rebounds.
The Cavaliers will be without Dante Exum (ankle) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead, having notched 98-97, 114-95 and 141-94 wins on Nov. 12, Nov. 17 and Dec. 7, respectively.
The 76ers (36-22) come into Wednesday's game having won five of their last six contests, but as has been the norm all season, all of that success has come on Philadelphia's home floor. The Sixers have been a different team on the road, where their one loss during that stretch, a 119-98 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, took place. Philadelphia's most recent time on the court did net a victory, as they throttled the Atlanta Hawks by a 129-112 score Monday night. Joel Embiid led the way with a 49-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists, three steals and one block. Tobias Harris compiled 25 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Josh RIchardson managed 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block.
The 76ers will remain without Ben Simmons (back) for Wednesday's game.
The Cavaliers (16-41) check into Wednesday's contest showing some improvement in recent games, as they've prevailed in three of their last four contests. Their most recent win was a particularly impressive one, as they came back to defeat the Miami Heat by a 125-119 score in overtime Monday night. Kevin Porter, Jr. paced the Cavaliers with 30 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kevin Love generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Larry Nance, Jr. supplied 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tristan Thompson produced 15 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Darius Garland registered 14 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond and Colin Sexton went for 13 points apiece, with Drummond adding six rebounds.
The Cavaliers will be without Dante Exum (ankle) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead, having notched 98-97, 114-95 and 141-94 wins on Nov. 12, Nov. 17 and Dec. 7, respectively.
Nets and Wizards Tangle in Nation's Capital
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Nets (26-30) have shown some improved play of late as they make a push to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and they'll check into Wednesday's game with a solid 5-3 record over their last eight contests. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as they dropped a 115-113 decision to the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 24 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Caris LeVert checked in with 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Garrett Temple offered 18 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris and Taurean Prince turned in 12 and 10 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds apiece.
The Nets will list Wilson Chandler (personal) for Wednesday's game.
The Wizards (20-36) check into Wednesday's contest in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped three straight games, and four of their last six overall. Washington's most recent loss was a particularly difficult one, as they dropped a 137-134 decision in overtime to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, despite a second straight 50-point-plus effort from Bradley Beal. Beal surpassed the career high in scoring he'd just established in his previous game, pouring in 55 points to lead the Wizards. Shabazz Napier compiled 27 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Ish Smith furnished 13 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Rui Hachimura pitched in 12 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Ian Mahinmi managed 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Wizards will remain without Davis Bertans (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-107 win Feb. 1.
The Nets (26-30) have shown some improved play of late as they make a push to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and they'll check into Wednesday's game with a solid 5-3 record over their last eight contests. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as they dropped a 115-113 decision to the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 24 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Caris LeVert checked in with 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Garrett Temple offered 18 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris and Taurean Prince turned in 12 and 10 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds apiece.
The Nets will list Wilson Chandler (personal) for Wednesday's game.
The Wizards (20-36) check into Wednesday's contest in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped three straight games, and four of their last six overall. Washington's most recent loss was a particularly difficult one, as they dropped a 137-134 decision in overtime to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, despite a second straight 50-point-plus effort from Bradley Beal. Beal surpassed the career high in scoring he'd just established in his previous game, pouring in 55 points to lead the Wizards. Shabazz Napier compiled 27 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Ish Smith furnished 13 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Rui Hachimura pitched in 12 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Ian Mahinmi managed 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Wizards will remain without Davis Bertans (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-107 win Feb. 1.
Knicks and Hornets Meet in Battle of Non-Contenders
The New York Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (17-40) have erased any momentum that they have recently enjoyed from a rare four-game winning streak by promptly dropping the next four contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Houston Rockets, which toppled them by a 123-112 score on Monday night. R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Dennis Smith, Jr. provided 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Bobby Portis contributed 12 points, eight boards and two assists. Mitchell Robinson posted 10 points, eight boards, two assists, five blocks and two steals.
The Knicks will list Elfrid Payton (ankle) as probable for Wednesday's game. Frank Ntilikina (groin) is expected to remain out.
The Hornets (19-38) come into Wednesday's game in even more dire straits than usual, as not only have they dropped seven of their last nine games, but they've lost their last two by 29 points apiece. Their most recent debacle came Tuesday night, when they dropped a 119-80 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 17 points, complementing them with six boards, one assist and one steal. Caleb Martin delivered 11 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Cody Zeller and PJ Washington generated matching nine-point tallies while pulling down four and six rebounds, respectively.
The Hornets will likely have Devonte' Graham (load management) available again Wednesday after he sat out Tuesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 103-102 and 97-92 wins on Nov. 16 and Jan. 28, respectively.
The Knicks (17-40) have erased any momentum that they have recently enjoyed from a rare four-game winning streak by promptly dropping the next four contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Houston Rockets, which toppled them by a 123-112 score on Monday night. R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Julius Randle generated a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Dennis Smith, Jr. provided 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and seven steals. Bobby Portis contributed 12 points, eight boards and two assists. Mitchell Robinson posted 10 points, eight boards, two assists, five blocks and two steals.
The Knicks will list Elfrid Payton (ankle) as probable for Wednesday's game. Frank Ntilikina (groin) is expected to remain out.
The Hornets (19-38) come into Wednesday's game in even more dire straits than usual, as not only have they dropped seven of their last nine games, but they've lost their last two by 29 points apiece. Their most recent debacle came Tuesday night, when they dropped a 119-80 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 17 points, complementing them with six boards, one assist and one steal. Caleb Martin delivered 11 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Cody Zeller and PJ Washington generated matching nine-point tallies while pulling down four and six rebounds, respectively.
The Hornets will likely have Devonte' Graham (load management) available again Wednesday after he sat out Tuesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 103-102 and 97-92 wins on Nov. 16 and Jan. 28, respectively.
Hawks Host Magic To Begin Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Orlando Magic at State Farm Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Hawks (17-42) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in Philly in their most recent contest. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Hawks, as they look to build some momentum and add to their 11-17 road record. The Hawks are shooting a league-worst 32.7 percent from long range, and they are giving up a league-most 15.9 turnovers per game. Trae Young continues to impress, as he is averaging 32.3 points, 9.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. John Collins also continues to play well and is averaging 25.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Jeff Teague gives the Hawks a stabilizing presence off the bench and is averaging 7.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals, in 22 minutes per game, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Magic (25-32) have dropped six of their last 10 games but are coming off a win in their most recent contest. This marks their second and final game of a road trip, as they look to build on their 10-18 road record. The Magic limit themselves to a league-low 11.9 turnovers per game, and they average 8.5 steals per game, which is tied for third most in the league. They are shooting 43.4 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league, including 33.5 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Aaron Gordon has been playing great lately and is averaging 18.7 points on 41 percent shooting from long range, 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 19.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Markelle Fultz continues to do a solid job at the point, averaging 12.4 points, 7.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games.
The Hawks (17-42) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in Philly in their most recent contest. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Hawks, as they look to build some momentum and add to their 11-17 road record. The Hawks are shooting a league-worst 32.7 percent from long range, and they are giving up a league-most 15.9 turnovers per game. Trae Young continues to impress, as he is averaging 32.3 points, 9.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. John Collins also continues to play well and is averaging 25.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Jeff Teague gives the Hawks a stabilizing presence off the bench and is averaging 7.7 points, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals, in 22 minutes per game, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Magic (25-32) have dropped six of their last 10 games but are coming off a win in their most recent contest. This marks their second and final game of a road trip, as they look to build on their 10-18 road record. The Magic limit themselves to a league-low 11.9 turnovers per game, and they average 8.5 steals per game, which is tied for third most in the league. They are shooting 43.4 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league, including 33.5 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Aaron Gordon has been playing great lately and is averaging 18.7 points on 41 percent shooting from long range, 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 19.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Markelle Fultz continues to do a solid job at the point, averaging 12.4 points, 7.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games.
Heat Host Struggling Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Heat (36-21) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. Jimmy Butler (personal) did not play in the last contest and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Heat, as they look to add to their impressive, 23-3 home record. Bam Adebayo tallied 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and three steals, in the Heat's most recent contest and is averaging 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.7 blocks, over the last 10 games. Goran Dragic has been playing well lately, averaging 17.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Heat average 112.3 points per game and are holding opponents to 108.9 points per game. The Heat are shooting 37.8 percent from long range, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Timberwolves (16-40), where they have gone 0-2, so far, and look to get back on track and contribute to their 9-19 road record. The Timberwolves have been in a long slump while dealing with injuries, as they have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. D'Angelo Russell continues to impress for the Timberwolves, as he finished with 29 points in their most recent contest and is averaging 23.8 points, 8.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, over four games played with the team. Malik Beasley has also been solid in his short time on the squad, as he is averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists, over the last six games. Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) will remain sidelined.
The Heat (36-21) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. Jimmy Butler (personal) did not play in the last contest and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Heat, as they look to add to their impressive, 23-3 home record. Bam Adebayo tallied 22 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and three steals, in the Heat's most recent contest and is averaging 17.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.7 blocks, over the last 10 games. Goran Dragic has been playing well lately, averaging 17.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Heat average 112.3 points per game and are holding opponents to 108.9 points per game. The Heat are shooting 37.8 percent from long range, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Timberwolves (16-40), where they have gone 0-2, so far, and look to get back on track and contribute to their 9-19 road record. The Timberwolves have been in a long slump while dealing with injuries, as they have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. D'Angelo Russell continues to impress for the Timberwolves, as he finished with 29 points in their most recent contest and is averaging 23.8 points, 8.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, over four games played with the team. Malik Beasley has also been solid in his short time on the squad, as he is averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists, over the last six games. Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) will remain sidelined.
Rockets Look To Build On Four-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets (37-20) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second and final game of a home stand, as they look to build on two consecutive home wins and add to their 20-8 home record. Russell Westbrook did not play in the Rockets' most recent contest but is expected to be ready for action on Wednesday. Westbrook is averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. James Harden continues to fill the stat sheet, as he is averaging 33.5 points, 8.2 assists, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Eric Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Rockets average 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they average 21.5 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league. They attempt a league-high 44.1 three-pointers and make a league-high 15.5 threes per game.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (28-29) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have lost their last three in a row. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Grizzlies, as they look to get back on track and add to their 12-16 road record. Ja Morant leads the Grizzlies with 17.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Dillon Brooks has been in a bit of a slow patch lately, averaging 11.4 points on 31 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. The Grizzlies average 112.8 points per game but are giving up an average of 114.9 points against. The Grizzlies average a league-high 27.1 assists per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.2 percent from the field, which is sixth best in the league.
The Rockets (37-20) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second and final game of a home stand, as they look to build on two consecutive home wins and add to their 20-8 home record. Russell Westbrook did not play in the Rockets' most recent contest but is expected to be ready for action on Wednesday. Westbrook is averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. James Harden continues to fill the stat sheet, as he is averaging 33.5 points, 8.2 assists, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Eric Gordon (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Rockets average 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they average 21.5 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league. They attempt a league-high 44.1 three-pointers and make a league-high 15.5 threes per game.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (28-29) are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have lost their last three in a row. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Grizzlies, as they look to get back on track and add to their 12-16 road record. Ja Morant leads the Grizzlies with 17.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 14.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Dillon Brooks has been in a bit of a slow patch lately, averaging 11.4 points on 31 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. The Grizzlies average 112.8 points per game but are giving up an average of 114.9 points against. The Grizzlies average a league-high 27.1 assists per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.2 percent from the field, which is sixth best in the league.
Spurs Host Mavericks in Texas Showdown
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Dallas Mavericks at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
The Mavericks (35-23) are one of few teams in the NBA who play better away from home. In fact, they currently own a 19-9 record outside of Dallas while posting a 16-14 record at home. It's hard to put any sort of explanation on that but it does make one believe that a lengthy home winning streak is right around the corner. The thing that's really impressive about this club is their offense, owning the best offensive efficiency rating in the NBA. Luka Doncic is obviously a major part of that, leading the Mavericks with 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. That's a 20-year-old posting those averages and its scary to think that he'll only get better.
The Spurs (24-32) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, with most of that ugly stretch happening in the annual rodeo road trip. Having to play outside of home for about a month is a huge detriment to this club and it very well might have ended their playoff hopes. They now sit four games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and they have to compete with teams like the Pelicans and Trail Blazers for that final spot. That makes it an uphill battle to attain that final spot and if they don't end up getting it, that will snap a 20-year playoff streak. Losing LaMarcus Aldridge to a shoulder injury makes that even more difficult and it'll be up to DeMar DeRozan to carry the load here.
These teams have played twice this season, with Dallas winning both meetings. Prior to that, the Spurs won 25 of their previous 29 games over the Mavericks.
The Mavericks (35-23) are one of few teams in the NBA who play better away from home. In fact, they currently own a 19-9 record outside of Dallas while posting a 16-14 record at home. It's hard to put any sort of explanation on that but it does make one believe that a lengthy home winning streak is right around the corner. The thing that's really impressive about this club is their offense, owning the best offensive efficiency rating in the NBA. Luka Doncic is obviously a major part of that, leading the Mavericks with 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game. That's a 20-year-old posting those averages and its scary to think that he'll only get better.
The Spurs (24-32) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, with most of that ugly stretch happening in the annual rodeo road trip. Having to play outside of home for about a month is a huge detriment to this club and it very well might have ended their playoff hopes. They now sit four games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and they have to compete with teams like the Pelicans and Trail Blazers for that final spot. That makes it an uphill battle to attain that final spot and if they don't end up getting it, that will snap a 20-year playoff streak. Losing LaMarcus Aldridge to a shoulder injury makes that even more difficult and it'll be up to DeMar DeRozan to carry the load here.
These teams have played twice this season, with Dallas winning both meetings. Prior to that, the Spurs won 25 of their previous 29 games over the Mavericks.
Suns Host Clippers on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers (38-19) snapped a season-worst three-game losing streak in their most recent win, handing the Memphis Grizzlies a 124-97 beatdown on Monday. They were actually up by about 30 points for the final three quarters in that game, putting in one of their best performances of the season. The returns of Patrick Beverley and Paul George surely played a part in that spectacular performance and it's scary just how good this team looks when they're at full health. What is strange is how poorly they play on the road. In fact, Los Angeles owns a 15-13 record outside of Staples Center and it's hard to understand why such a talented team can't play more consistency outside of their home building.
The Suns (24-34) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games and it's their final push at a playoff berth. They're currently five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's not necessarily an impossible gap to make up. What makes it tougher is the fact that New Orleans, San Antonio and Portland are in between them. That's a lot of teams that they'll have to outduel and it appears that Phoenix is going to go yet another year without reaching the postseason. The organization needs to take a long look at themselves and figure out what they need to do too because having guys like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio make this too talented of a team to be sitting 10 games below .500.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team winning in both outings. Prior to that, the Clippers won 21 of their previous 23 games over the Suns.
The Clippers (38-19) snapped a season-worst three-game losing streak in their most recent win, handing the Memphis Grizzlies a 124-97 beatdown on Monday. They were actually up by about 30 points for the final three quarters in that game, putting in one of their best performances of the season. The returns of Patrick Beverley and Paul George surely played a part in that spectacular performance and it's scary just how good this team looks when they're at full health. What is strange is how poorly they play on the road. In fact, Los Angeles owns a 15-13 record outside of Staples Center and it's hard to understand why such a talented team can't play more consistency outside of their home building.
The Suns (24-34) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games and it's their final push at a playoff berth. They're currently five games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and that's not necessarily an impossible gap to make up. What makes it tougher is the fact that New Orleans, San Antonio and Portland are in between them. That's a lot of teams that they'll have to outduel and it appears that Phoenix is going to go yet another year without reaching the postseason. The organization needs to take a long look at themselves and figure out what they need to do too because having guys like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio make this too talented of a team to be sitting 10 games below .500.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team winning in both outings. Prior to that, the Clippers won 21 of their previous 23 games over the Suns.
Celtics Host Jazz on Wednesday
The Boston Celtics travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
The Celtics (37-21) have had to play a lot of games without Kemba Walker recently but it really hasn't hurt their results. In fact, they come into this matchup winning 13 of their last 16 games in total. That has actually shifted them up to the three-seed in the east, just two games back of the Toronto Raptors in second. The thing that makes them so dangerous is their defense, ranked fourth in points allowed. That's been commonplace for this franchise over recent years and it's clear that defense is part of this franchise's DNA. What's also nice is the emergence of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Daniel Theis. That pairs nicely with Gordon Hayward having a bounce-back year and it's scary to think how good they'll look once Walker is back and fully healthy.
The Jazz (39-17) find themselves in the midst of one of their worst slumps of the season, losing eight of their last 12 games in total. What's really strange about that is that half of those losses have came against teams who are well below .500. That ironically followed up a stretch in which Utah won 21 of their previous 22 games and it's hard to understand this team's true identity. One thing that we do know is that they thrive off of their defense, ranked Top-10 in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. Those numbers have fallen off in the most recent stretch though and they need to get back to stifling their opponents on that end of the floor to end this slide.
Utah swept the two-game season series over Boston last season. Prior to that, the Celtics won 12 of their previous 15 games over the Jazz dating back to 2011.
The Celtics (37-21) have had to play a lot of games without Kemba Walker recently but it really hasn't hurt their results. In fact, they come into this matchup winning 13 of their last 16 games in total. That has actually shifted them up to the three-seed in the east, just two games back of the Toronto Raptors in second. The thing that makes them so dangerous is their defense, ranked fourth in points allowed. That's been commonplace for this franchise over recent years and it's clear that defense is part of this franchise's DNA. What's also nice is the emergence of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Daniel Theis. That pairs nicely with Gordon Hayward having a bounce-back year and it's scary to think how good they'll look once Walker is back and fully healthy.
The Jazz (39-17) find themselves in the midst of one of their worst slumps of the season, losing eight of their last 12 games in total. What's really strange about that is that half of those losses have came against teams who are well below .500. That ironically followed up a stretch in which Utah won 21 of their previous 22 games and it's hard to understand this team's true identity. One thing that we do know is that they thrive off of their defense, ranked Top-10 in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. Those numbers have fallen off in the most recent stretch though and they need to get back to stifling their opponents on that end of the floor to end this slide.
Utah swept the two-game season series over Boston last season. Prior to that, the Celtics won 12 of their previous 15 games over the Jazz dating back to 2011.