Bucks and Hornets Meet in Matinee Action
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (51-8) boast a record that speaks to their dominance, and they'll check into Sunday's contest with a five-game winning streak. Milwaukee's most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they impressively dismantled by a 133-86 score on Friday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 32 points and also posted 13 rebounds and six assists. Wesley Matthews, George Hill and Pat Connaughton each scored 14 points and added six, five and four rebounds, respectively. Robin Lopez poured in 12 points off the bench.
The Bucks will list Khris Middleton (neck) as probable for Sunday's game. Kyle Korver (back) will remain out.
The Hornets (21-38) don't have any postseason aspirations at this point, but they will come into Sunday's contest impressively having cobbled together a 5-2 record over their last seven games. Their most recent success was a notable one, as they toppled the Toronto Raptors on the road by a 99-96 score on Friday night. Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham co-led the Hornets with matching 18-point tallies, with Rozier adding six points and six assists and Graham contributing four boards and five dimes. Bridges offered 17 points, five boards, one assist and three blocks. P.J. Washington managed 15 points and nine rebounds. Bismack Biyombo generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
The Hornets will continue without Malik Monk (suspension) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 137-96 and 116-103 wins Nov. 30 and Jan. 24, respectively.
The Bucks (51-8) boast a record that speaks to their dominance, and they'll check into Sunday's contest with a five-game winning streak. Milwaukee's most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they impressively dismantled by a 133-86 score on Friday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 32 points and also posted 13 rebounds and six assists. Wesley Matthews, George Hill and Pat Connaughton each scored 14 points and added six, five and four rebounds, respectively. Robin Lopez poured in 12 points off the bench.
The Bucks will list Khris Middleton (neck) as probable for Sunday's game. Kyle Korver (back) will remain out.
The Hornets (21-38) don't have any postseason aspirations at this point, but they will come into Sunday's contest impressively having cobbled together a 5-2 record over their last seven games. Their most recent success was a notable one, as they toppled the Toronto Raptors on the road by a 99-96 score on Friday night. Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham co-led the Hornets with matching 18-point tallies, with Rozier adding six points and six assists and Graham contributing four boards and five dimes. Bridges offered 17 points, five boards, one assist and three blocks. P.J. Washington managed 15 points and nine rebounds. Bismack Biyombo generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
The Hornets will continue without Malik Monk (suspension) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 137-96 and 116-103 wins Nov. 30 and Jan. 24, respectively.
Clippers Look To Build on Three-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Clippers (40-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last two home games and look to continue building on their 24-6 home record. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Paul George has played in the last the straight games and showed improved scoring totals and shooting efficiency over each of the games. He tallied 24 points on 60 percent shooting, in the Clippers' most recent contest. Lou Williams continues to contribute steadily, averaging 16.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Clippers average 115.9 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 109.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (37-23) have won six of their last 10 games and are coming off a home win in their most recent contest, while this marks their first game of a four-game road trip. The 76ers have been struggling on the road, as they have dropped their last seven road games and have a 9-21 road record. Joel Embiid (shoulder) and Ben Simmons (back) will both be sidelined through Sunday's action. With the two stars missing, Tobias Harris will have some extra work to do, but he has been solid all season long and is averaging 18.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Shake Milton has also been playing well lately, as he is averaging 13.6 points on 58.5 percent shooting, over the last five games. The 76ers average 108.7 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
The Clippers (40-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last two home games and look to continue building on their 24-6 home record. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Paul George has played in the last the straight games and showed improved scoring totals and shooting efficiency over each of the games. He tallied 24 points on 60 percent shooting, in the Clippers' most recent contest. Lou Williams continues to contribute steadily, averaging 16.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Clippers average 115.9 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 109.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (37-23) have won six of their last 10 games and are coming off a home win in their most recent contest, while this marks their first game of a four-game road trip. The 76ers have been struggling on the road, as they have dropped their last seven road games and have a 9-21 road record. Joel Embiid (shoulder) and Ben Simmons (back) will both be sidelined through Sunday's action. With the two stars missing, Tobias Harris will have some extra work to do, but he has been solid all season long and is averaging 18.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Shake Milton has also been playing well lately, as he is averaging 13.6 points on 58.5 percent shooting, over the last five games. The 76ers average 108.7 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Mavericks and Timberwolves Face Off in Afternoon Affair
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavericks (36-24) have continued their solid season following the All-Star break, as they'll come into Sunday's contest with a 4-2 record over their last six games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as Dallas dropped a 126-118 decision to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Seth Curry paced the Mavericks with 37 points, complementing them with two rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis posted a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Luka Doncic produced 23 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. Tim Hardaway, Jr. contributed 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks will remain without Jalen Brunson (shoulder) and Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) for Sunday's game. Doncic (thumb) will be listed as questionable.
The Timberwolves (17-41) have seen their season spiral completely out of control since the calendar flipped to 2020, as they'll enter Sunday's game having lost 19 of their last 21 contests. Their most recent debacle unfolded Friday night, when they fell to the Orlando Magic by a 136-125 score. D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Juancho Hernangomez posted an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two steals and one block. Malik Beasley and James Johnson poured in 17 points apiece while pulling down four rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Josh Okogie produced 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Timberwolves will continue without Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) and Evan Turner (team decision) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 121-114 and 139-123 wins on Dec. 4 and Feb. 24, respectively.
The Mavericks (36-24) have continued their solid season following the All-Star break, as they'll come into Sunday's contest with a 4-2 record over their last six games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as Dallas dropped a 126-118 decision to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Seth Curry paced the Mavericks with 37 points, complementing them with two rebounds and two assists. Kristaps Porzingis posted a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Luka Doncic produced 23 points, 10 assists and four rebounds. Tim Hardaway, Jr. contributed 15 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks will remain without Jalen Brunson (shoulder) and Willie Cauley-Stein (personal) for Sunday's game. Doncic (thumb) will be listed as questionable.
The Timberwolves (17-41) have seen their season spiral completely out of control since the calendar flipped to 2020, as they'll enter Sunday's game having lost 19 of their last 21 contests. Their most recent debacle unfolded Friday night, when they fell to the Orlando Magic by a 136-125 score. D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Juancho Hernangomez posted an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two steals and one block. Malik Beasley and James Johnson poured in 17 points apiece while pulling down four rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Josh Okogie produced 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Timberwolves will continue without Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) and Evan Turner (team decision) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 121-114 and 139-123 wins on Dec. 4 and Feb. 24, respectively.
Nuggets Host Raptors on Sunday
The Toronto Raptors travel to Colorado to face the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Sunday.
The Raptors (42-17) just suffered a loss at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent game and that's probably their worst defeat of the season. That gives them two losses in a row coming into this matchup and that's bad news heading into a fixture with the Nuggets. The injury bug appears to be creeping around again, forcing Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka to miss that most recent loss. The good news is that there's some thought that both guys will return here and that leaves Marc Gasol as the only injured guy left after Norman Powell's return on Thursday. It's scary that this team has been overperforming without a healthy roster and fans can't wait to see what they look like when they're eventually at full health.
The Nuggets (40-19) just got blown out by the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. That defeat was a really discouraging sign, especially with those two clubs tied for the two-seed in the west now. That gives Denver three losses in their last five games in total and that's the last thing you want to see right after the All-Star break. There's still plenty to be encouraged by though and the most impactful improvement this season has been the defense. In fact, Denver currently sits sixth in points allowed but that's disappointing when you see that they rank 20th in points scored. That's an unacceptable mark from a team with guys like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and they need to figure things out on that end of the floor before heading into the playoffs.
In the two-game season series last year, Denver picked up a season sweep. Prior to that, the Raptors won six of their last nine meetings with the Nuggets dating back to 2015.
The Raptors (42-17) just suffered a loss at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent game and that's probably their worst defeat of the season. That gives them two losses in a row coming into this matchup and that's bad news heading into a fixture with the Nuggets. The injury bug appears to be creeping around again, forcing Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka to miss that most recent loss. The good news is that there's some thought that both guys will return here and that leaves Marc Gasol as the only injured guy left after Norman Powell's return on Thursday. It's scary that this team has been overperforming without a healthy roster and fans can't wait to see what they look like when they're eventually at full health.
The Nuggets (40-19) just got blown out by the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. That defeat was a really discouraging sign, especially with those two clubs tied for the two-seed in the west now. That gives Denver three losses in their last five games in total and that's the last thing you want to see right after the All-Star break. There's still plenty to be encouraged by though and the most impactful improvement this season has been the defense. In fact, Denver currently sits sixth in points allowed but that's disappointing when you see that they rank 20th in points scored. That's an unacceptable mark from a team with guys like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and they need to figure things out on that end of the floor before heading into the playoffs.
In the two-game season series last year, Denver picked up a season sweep. Prior to that, the Raptors won six of their last nine meetings with the Nuggets dating back to 2015.
Kings Look To Keep Up Winning Trend
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings (25-34) have won seven of their last 10 games and are coming off an impressive win in Memphis, in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand for the Kings, who have won their last four home games and look to keep building on their 12-15 home record. The Kings average 108.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.5 points against. De'Aaron Fox (abdomen) leads the Kings with 20.0 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, but is listed as questionable for action on Sunday, while Cory Joseph (heel) is also questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 18.0 points, while shooting 46.3 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Harrison Barnes has been playing well lately, as he is averaging 17.1 points, while shooting 53.5 percent from the field, including 49 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (20-41) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a win in Phoenix in their most recent contest. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Kings, where they have gone 1-2, so far. The Pistons average 107.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average 110.9 points against. The Pistons shoot 36.8 percent from long range, which is seventh best in the league. Derrick Rose came up huge in the Pistons' most recent contest, with 31 points, including the game winner. Rose is averaging 16.0 points and 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Tony Snell is averaging 7.9 points, while shooting 34 percent from long range, over the last 10 games, while Sekou Doumbouya is averaging 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Christian Wood (foot) and Thon Maker (ankle) are questionable for action, while Bruce Brown (knee) will be sidelined.
The Kings (25-34) have won seven of their last 10 games and are coming off an impressive win in Memphis, in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand for the Kings, who have won their last four home games and look to keep building on their 12-15 home record. The Kings average 108.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.5 points against. De'Aaron Fox (abdomen) leads the Kings with 20.0 points, 6.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, but is listed as questionable for action on Sunday, while Cory Joseph (heel) is also questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 18.0 points, while shooting 46.3 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Harrison Barnes has been playing well lately, as he is averaging 17.1 points, while shooting 53.5 percent from the field, including 49 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (20-41) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a win in Phoenix in their most recent contest. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Kings, where they have gone 1-2, so far. The Pistons average 107.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average 110.9 points against. The Pistons shoot 36.8 percent from long range, which is seventh best in the league. Derrick Rose came up huge in the Pistons' most recent contest, with 31 points, including the game winner. Rose is averaging 16.0 points and 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Tony Snell is averaging 7.9 points, while shooting 34 percent from long range, over the last 10 games, while Sekou Doumbouya is averaging 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Christian Wood (foot) and Thon Maker (ankle) are questionable for action, while Bruce Brown (knee) will be sidelined.
Pelicans Looking For Revenge Against Lakers
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center on Sunday evening.
The Pelicans and Lakers faced off in L.A. on February 25th, where the Lakers came out with a nine-point lead, after a hard fought contest. The Pelicans will have a chance at revenge within the same week, as they look to continue their playoff push.
The Pelicans (26-33) have won six of their last 10 games. This marks their second game of a home stand, as they look to build off a win in their most recent contest and add to their 12-17 home record. Zion Williamson has had a great start to his career, as he recently became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to score at least 25 points, while shooting at least 57 percent from the field, in four consecutive games. Williamson is averaging 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Brandon Ingram continues to lead the Pelicans in scoring with 24.8 points per game, while Lonzo Ball is averaging 11.6 points, 6.9 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers (45-13), who are coming off a loss in Memphis, on Saturday night. This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Lakers, as they look to get back on track and build on their 24-6 road record. They have won eight of their last 10 games, and hold on to first place in the West. Danny Green (hip) did not play on Saturday and remains questionable for action on Sunday. Anthony Davis continues to dominate, averaging 26.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals, over the last 10 games. LeBron James is also putting up huge numbers, averaging 26.8 points, 10.1 assists and 8.1 rebounds, over the last 10 games.
The Pelicans and Lakers faced off in L.A. on February 25th, where the Lakers came out with a nine-point lead, after a hard fought contest. The Pelicans will have a chance at revenge within the same week, as they look to continue their playoff push.
The Pelicans (26-33) have won six of their last 10 games. This marks their second game of a home stand, as they look to build off a win in their most recent contest and add to their 12-17 home record. Zion Williamson has had a great start to his career, as he recently became the first rookie since Michael Jordan to score at least 25 points, while shooting at least 57 percent from the field, in four consecutive games. Williamson is averaging 25.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Brandon Ingram continues to lead the Pelicans in scoring with 24.8 points per game, while Lonzo Ball is averaging 11.6 points, 6.9 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers (45-13), who are coming off a loss in Memphis, on Saturday night. This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Lakers, as they look to get back on track and build on their 24-6 road record. They have won eight of their last 10 games, and hold on to first place in the West. Danny Green (hip) did not play on Saturday and remains questionable for action on Sunday. Anthony Davis continues to dominate, averaging 26.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.6 steals, over the last 10 games. LeBron James is also putting up huge numbers, averaging 26.8 points, 10.1 assists and 8.1 rebounds, over the last 10 games.
Warriors Host Wizards on Sunday
The Washington Wizards travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday.
The Wizards (21-37) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and that has severely hampered any playoff hopes they once had. They now find themselves fives games back of the Brooklyn Nets in eighth and that's a huge margin to make-up with just 24 games remaining. For them to stick around this long is impressive though, playing without John Wall for the entirety of the season. That has forced Bradley Beal into a monster role and he's responded with nearly 30 points per game. He's actually second in the NBA in scoring and it'll be interesting to see how they build around this guy come the offseason.
The Warriors (13-47) come into this matchup losing eight of their last nine games and that's sadly not their worst stretch of the season. The simple fact is, this is not the Warriors from past years. Losing DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant in free agency is one thing but having Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson injured is simply too much to overcome. That doesn't even take into consideration injuries to Ky Bowman, Marquese Chriss, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole recently. That leaves this roster full of nobodies and it's no surprise that they own the worst record in the NBA. The good news is that Curry is expected back sometime within the next week. That will pair nicely with a top-pick from next year's draft and the return of Thompson, so, don't be surprised to see them right back into it at this time next season.
Golden State won the first meeting between these teams, 125-117, on February 3. That gives the Warriors six-straight wins over the Wizards in total dating back three years.
The Wizards (21-37) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and that has severely hampered any playoff hopes they once had. They now find themselves fives games back of the Brooklyn Nets in eighth and that's a huge margin to make-up with just 24 games remaining. For them to stick around this long is impressive though, playing without John Wall for the entirety of the season. That has forced Bradley Beal into a monster role and he's responded with nearly 30 points per game. He's actually second in the NBA in scoring and it'll be interesting to see how they build around this guy come the offseason.
The Warriors (13-47) come into this matchup losing eight of their last nine games and that's sadly not their worst stretch of the season. The simple fact is, this is not the Warriors from past years. Losing DeMarcus Cousins and Kevin Durant in free agency is one thing but having Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson injured is simply too much to overcome. That doesn't even take into consideration injuries to Ky Bowman, Marquese Chriss, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole recently. That leaves this roster full of nobodies and it's no surprise that they own the worst record in the NBA. The good news is that Curry is expected back sometime within the next week. That will pair nicely with a top-pick from next year's draft and the return of Thompson, so, don't be surprised to see them right back into it at this time next season.
Golden State won the first meeting between these teams, 125-117, on February 3. That gives the Warriors six-straight wins over the Wizards in total dating back three years.