Wizards Host Cavaliers In Pivotal Matchup
The Washington Wizards will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards (32-38) are ending the season on a strong note and while they are coming off a 120-116 loss against the Atlanta Hawks the last time out, they have also posted a 5-5 mark in their last 10 games. Russell Westbrook had 34 points and 15 assists to lead the Wizards in this loss against Atlanta, while Daniel Gafford contributed 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Davis Bertans had 14 points off the bench, while Raul Neto also chipped in with 14 points while also adding two assists. Rui Hachimura notched 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Garrison Mathews only posted three points while starting in place of Bradley Beal (hamstring), who's questionable for Friday. Washington has gone 17-17 at home.
The Cavaliers (22-48) had a strong start to the season but have tailed off in the last few months, as they enter this game on a woeful 1-9 mark over their last 10 contests. They're coming off a 102-94 win over the Boston Celtics the last time out, however, a game where Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals. Collin Sexton supplied 28 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Isaac Okoro registered 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. The Cavaliers have gone 9-25 away from home this season.
The Wizards (32-38) are ending the season on a strong note and while they are coming off a 120-116 loss against the Atlanta Hawks the last time out, they have also posted a 5-5 mark in their last 10 games. Russell Westbrook had 34 points and 15 assists to lead the Wizards in this loss against Atlanta, while Daniel Gafford contributed 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Davis Bertans had 14 points off the bench, while Raul Neto also chipped in with 14 points while also adding two assists. Rui Hachimura notched 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Garrison Mathews only posted three points while starting in place of Bradley Beal (hamstring), who's questionable for Friday. Washington has gone 17-17 at home.
The Cavaliers (22-48) had a strong start to the season but have tailed off in the last few months, as they enter this game on a woeful 1-9 mark over their last 10 contests. They're coming off a 102-94 win over the Boston Celtics the last time out, however, a game where Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals. Collin Sexton supplied 28 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Isaac Okoro registered 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block. The Cavaliers have gone 9-25 away from home this season.
Pistons Host Nuggets on Friday
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Denver Nuggets at Little Caesar's Arena on Friday.
The Nuggets (46-24) come into this matchup winning 12 of their last 16 games. That has guaranteed them a Top-4 spot in the west, and they can finish either third or fourth, depending on the final two games. That means they'll get homecourt advantage in the first round, but it's going to be a long road against some really tough teams. What makes it even more difficult is that they're missing so many valuable players, with Jamal Murray, PJ Dozier and Will Barton all sidelined. It doesn't look like any of them will be back for the postseason either, which makes things really difficult with so many potent teams in the Western Conference. They still have Nikola Jokic, though, and the big man looks well on his way to an MVP Award.
The Pistons (20-50) enter this matchup losing 10 of their last 12 games. This is a club that has been waiting for the season to end for weeks now, and it's mercifully coming to an end. They haven't made it pretty either, resting guys like Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Cory Joseph regularly. That has allowed some youngsters to step up, but it's also becoming abundantly clear that there's not much talent on this roster. That has them with the second-worst record in the NBA, and the higher the draft pick, the better. The guys they need to build around are Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes, with both of those rookies flashing moments of brilliance with those aforementioned guys resting.
These teams played back on April 6, with Denver prevailing, 134-119. That gives the Nuggets nine wins in their last 13 meetings with the Pistons dating back six years.
The Nuggets (46-24) come into this matchup winning 12 of their last 16 games. That has guaranteed them a Top-4 spot in the west, and they can finish either third or fourth, depending on the final two games. That means they'll get homecourt advantage in the first round, but it's going to be a long road against some really tough teams. What makes it even more difficult is that they're missing so many valuable players, with Jamal Murray, PJ Dozier and Will Barton all sidelined. It doesn't look like any of them will be back for the postseason either, which makes things really difficult with so many potent teams in the Western Conference. They still have Nikola Jokic, though, and the big man looks well on his way to an MVP Award.
The Pistons (20-50) enter this matchup losing 10 of their last 12 games. This is a club that has been waiting for the season to end for weeks now, and it's mercifully coming to an end. They haven't made it pretty either, resting guys like Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Cory Joseph regularly. That has allowed some youngsters to step up, but it's also becoming abundantly clear that there's not much talent on this roster. That has them with the second-worst record in the NBA, and the higher the draft pick, the better. The guys they need to build around are Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes, with both of those rookies flashing moments of brilliance with those aforementioned guys resting.
These teams played back on April 6, with Denver prevailing, 134-119. That gives the Nuggets nine wins in their last 13 meetings with the Pistons dating back six years.
Magic and 76ers Meet in Philly
The Orlando Magic takes on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Magic (21-49) are in the midst of playing out the string on a lost season, and they'll check into Friday's game with five consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 116-93 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. R.J. Hampton led the Magic with 18 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Wendell Carter and Cole Anthony posted matching 12-point tallies, with Carter pulling down 11 rebounds and Anthony compiling seven rebounds and six assists. Donta Hall supplied 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Magic will continue without Terrence Ross (back, Michael Carter-Williams (ankle), James Ennis (calf) and Otto Porter (foot) for Friday's game. Mo Bamba (illness) is likely to be listed as no better than questionable.
The 76ers (47-23) looked like their clinching of the top seed in the Eastern Conference was all but a formality just three games ago, but they've followed up an eight-game winning streak with back-to-back losses and now lead the No.2- seeded Brooklyn Nets by just one game. Philadelphia's latest stumble unfolded Thursday night in the form of a 106-94 loss to the Miami Heat. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Shake Milton registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Danny Green supplied 11 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid, who'd been questionable with an illness, mustered just six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes.
The 76ers will likely list Matisse Thybulle (hand) as no better than questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-92 win Dec. 31.
The Magic (21-49) are in the midst of playing out the string on a lost season, and they'll check into Friday's game with five consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 116-93 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. R.J. Hampton led the Magic with 18 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Wendell Carter and Cole Anthony posted matching 12-point tallies, with Carter pulling down 11 rebounds and Anthony compiling seven rebounds and six assists. Donta Hall supplied 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Magic will continue without Terrence Ross (back, Michael Carter-Williams (ankle), James Ennis (calf) and Otto Porter (foot) for Friday's game. Mo Bamba (illness) is likely to be listed as no better than questionable.
The 76ers (47-23) looked like their clinching of the top seed in the Eastern Conference was all but a formality just three games ago, but they've followed up an eight-game winning streak with back-to-back losses and now lead the No.2- seeded Brooklyn Nets by just one game. Philadelphia's latest stumble unfolded Thursday night in the form of a 106-94 loss to the Miami Heat. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Shake Milton registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Danny Green supplied 11 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid, who'd been questionable with an illness, mustered just six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes.
The 76ers will likely list Matisse Thybulle (hand) as no better than questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-92 win Dec. 31.
Thunder Look To End Eight-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Utah Jazz at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Thunder (21-49) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last eight in a row. They will look to bounce back and improve on their, 9-25, home record, as they face the first game of a two-game home stand to close out their season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), who has missed over a month of action, will remain sidelined through Friday. Darius Bazley continues to play well, averaging 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists, in 31 minutes per game. Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Moses Brown is averaging 8.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. The Thunder are averaging 105.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.0 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league. They are also struggling on the defensive end, giving up an average of 115.8 points per game, which is fifth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (50-20) have won six of their last 10 games, but they have dropped their last two in a row. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 19-15, road record, as they face the first game of a two-game trip that will close out their season. Donovan Mitchell (ankle) has been sidelined for almost a month and he will remain out through Friday's action. On the plus side, Jordan Clarkson continues to play well, averaging 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists, in 27 minutes per game. Joe Ingles is averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 14.3 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. The Jazz have been one of the best teams in the league on both ends of the floor, as they are averaging 116.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
The Thunder (21-49) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last eight in a row. They will look to bounce back and improve on their, 9-25, home record, as they face the first game of a two-game home stand to close out their season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), who has missed over a month of action, will remain sidelined through Friday. Darius Bazley continues to play well, averaging 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists, in 31 minutes per game. Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Moses Brown is averaging 8.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. The Thunder are averaging 105.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.0 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league. They are also struggling on the defensive end, giving up an average of 115.8 points per game, which is fifth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (50-20) have won six of their last 10 games, but they have dropped their last two in a row. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 19-15, road record, as they face the first game of a two-game trip that will close out their season. Donovan Mitchell (ankle) has been sidelined for almost a month and he will remain out through Friday's action. On the plus side, Jordan Clarkson continues to play well, averaging 18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists, in 27 minutes per game. Joe Ingles is averaging 12.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 14.3 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. The Jazz have been one of the best teams in the league on both ends of the floor, as they are averaging 116.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Shorthanded Raptors Face Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Raptors (27-43), as they are coming off a loss in Chicago on Thursday night. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 30-27, after one quarter. The Raptors lost control in the second, where they were outscored by 16 points, leading to a 19-point deficit at the break. They came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a 12-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept up the fight, but they could not complete the comeback and fell for their fifth straight loss. In the absence of the regular starters, Stanley Johnson led the way with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jalen Harris followed up with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Malachi Flynn added 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and a steal. As they close out the season, eliminated from playoff contention, the Raptors' young guys will have another chance to showcase their game, on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (41-29), have won eight of their last 10 games, including a win in their most recent contest. They will look to keep building and add to their, 20-15, home record, as they face their last home game of the season. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 8.6 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 20.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 16.8 points on 45 percent shooting per game. The Mavs limit themselves to 11.4 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. They also do a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 109.8 points per game, which is eight fewest in the league. The Mavs are tied for fifth place in the West, with a one-game lead over seventh place.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Raptors (27-43), as they are coming off a loss in Chicago on Thursday night. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 30-27, after one quarter. The Raptors lost control in the second, where they were outscored by 16 points, leading to a 19-point deficit at the break. They came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a 12-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept up the fight, but they could not complete the comeback and fell for their fifth straight loss. In the absence of the regular starters, Stanley Johnson led the way with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jalen Harris followed up with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Malachi Flynn added 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and a steal. As they close out the season, eliminated from playoff contention, the Raptors' young guys will have another chance to showcase their game, on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (41-29), have won eight of their last 10 games, including a win in their most recent contest. They will look to keep building and add to their, 20-15, home record, as they face their last home game of the season. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 8.6 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 20.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 16.8 points on 45 percent shooting per game. The Mavs limit themselves to 11.4 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. They also do a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 109.8 points per game, which is eight fewest in the league. The Mavs are tied for fifth place in the West, with a one-game lead over seventh place.
Clippers and Rockets Meet in Houston
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Clippers (47-23) continue to hold on to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but they've yet to shake the No. 4-seeded Denver Nuggets, which they only lead by one game. Los Angeles has won four of the last five games, with its most recent success a 113-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Paul George led the Clippers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson provided 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, nine assists. three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris poured in 15 points. Ivica Zubac mustered eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
The Clippers could be without Leonard and George for rest on Friday. Serge Ibaka (back) will remain out.
The Rockets (16-54) are at the tail end of a disastrous season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having lost seven straight and 12 of the last 13 overall. Houston has played several quality teams tough, however, with their 124-122 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday night the most recent example. Kelly Olynyk and Armoni Brooks co-led the Rockets with matching 24-point, six-rebound efforts, with Olynyk also dishing out eight assists. Kenyon Martin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. Cameron Oliver netted 17 points, while Jae'Sean Tate turned in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets expect to be without Kevin Porter (ankle), Danuel House (ankle), Avery Bradley (personal), Sterling Brown (head), D.J. Wilson (COVID-19 protocol), Christian Wood (ankle), Eric Gordon (groin) and David Nwaba (wrist) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 126-109 and 109-104 victories on April 9 and April 23, respectively.
The Clippers (47-23) continue to hold on to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but they've yet to shake the No. 4-seeded Denver Nuggets, which they only lead by one game. Los Angeles has won four of the last five games, with its most recent success a 113-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night. Paul George led the Clippers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson provided 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, nine assists. three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris poured in 15 points. Ivica Zubac mustered eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
The Clippers could be without Leonard and George for rest on Friday. Serge Ibaka (back) will remain out.
The Rockets (16-54) are at the tail end of a disastrous season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having lost seven straight and 12 of the last 13 overall. Houston has played several quality teams tough, however, with their 124-122 loss to the Lakers on Wednesday night the most recent example. Kelly Olynyk and Armoni Brooks co-led the Rockets with matching 24-point, six-rebound efforts, with Olynyk also dishing out eight assists. Kenyon Martin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. Cameron Oliver netted 17 points, while Jae'Sean Tate turned in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Rockets expect to be without Kevin Porter (ankle), Danuel House (ankle), Avery Bradley (personal), Sterling Brown (head), D.J. Wilson (COVID-19 protocol), Christian Wood (ankle), Eric Gordon (groin) and David Nwaba (wrist) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 126-109 and 109-104 victories on April 9 and April 23, respectively.
Grizzlies Host Kings on Friday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Sacramento Kings at FedEx Forum on Friday.
The Kings (31-39) had their season mercifully ended up Thursday, losing to the Grizzlies, 116-110. It was surprising that Sacramento was able to hang around that long, though, because they've had numerous injuries over the last few weeks. De'Aaron Fox has missed two weeks due to COVID protocols, while Harrison Barnes and Tyrese Haliburton continue to nurse differing injuries. That's three of the best players on this team, and it looks unlikely that any of them will come back for the final two games with nothing to play for. That means it's another wasted season for this disappointing franchise, and it looks like this might be the end of the Luke Walton era as well.
The Grizzlies (37-33) are in their best stretch of the season right now, entering this matchup winning four straight. That has guaranteed them a spot in the play-in tournament, but it's unclear exactly who they will face at this point. The most important thing for the Grizzlies is the fact that they're starting to get healthy. They just got Jaren Jackson Jr back recently and got Jonas Valanciunas to return in the team's most recent win. That's the core this team has built around Ja Morant, and it's a franchise that has one of the brightest futures in the NBA. That doesn't even include Dillon Brooks, who's averaging 25 points per game over his last three outings as well.
These teams just played on Thursday, with Memphis prevailing, 116-110. That's their second win over them this season which followed up a three-game sweep by the Kings last year.
The Kings (31-39) had their season mercifully ended up Thursday, losing to the Grizzlies, 116-110. It was surprising that Sacramento was able to hang around that long, though, because they've had numerous injuries over the last few weeks. De'Aaron Fox has missed two weeks due to COVID protocols, while Harrison Barnes and Tyrese Haliburton continue to nurse differing injuries. That's three of the best players on this team, and it looks unlikely that any of them will come back for the final two games with nothing to play for. That means it's another wasted season for this disappointing franchise, and it looks like this might be the end of the Luke Walton era as well.
The Grizzlies (37-33) are in their best stretch of the season right now, entering this matchup winning four straight. That has guaranteed them a spot in the play-in tournament, but it's unclear exactly who they will face at this point. The most important thing for the Grizzlies is the fact that they're starting to get healthy. They just got Jaren Jackson Jr back recently and got Jonas Valanciunas to return in the team's most recent win. That's the core this team has built around Ja Morant, and it's a franchise that has one of the brightest futures in the NBA. That doesn't even include Dillon Brooks, who's averaging 25 points per game over his last three outings as well.
These teams just played on Thursday, with Memphis prevailing, 116-110. That's their second win over them this season which followed up a three-game sweep by the Kings last year.
Warriors Host Pelicans on Friday
The Golden State Warriors will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on Friday night.
The Warriors (37-33) are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season, as they topped the Phoenix Suns by a 122-116 score on Tuesday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 38 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Draymond Green totaled 11 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep. Golden State has Kelly Oubre (wrist) listed as questionable, but there's no question they've been playing well of late since they've gone 7-3 in their last 10 contests, while posting an excellent 23-11 record at Chase Center this season.
The Pelicans (31-39) do not have a shot at reaching the play-in tournament anymore and are already thinking about next season, so they're expected to play several non-regulars in this game while not risking names such as Zion Williamson (finger), Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Lonzo Ball (thumb), just to name a few -- all three are questionable for this matchup. New Orleans is coming off a 125-107 loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday but, despite the loss, it's worth mentioning seven players scored in double digits for the Pelicans, led by Eric Bledsoe and Jaxon Hayes, who totaled 15 points each. Willy Hernangomez added 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range. New Orleans has gone 5-5 in its last two games and is riding a two-game losing streak.
The Warriors (37-33) are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season, as they topped the Phoenix Suns by a 122-116 score on Tuesday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 38 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Draymond Green totaled 11 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep. Golden State has Kelly Oubre (wrist) listed as questionable, but there's no question they've been playing well of late since they've gone 7-3 in their last 10 contests, while posting an excellent 23-11 record at Chase Center this season.
The Pelicans (31-39) do not have a shot at reaching the play-in tournament anymore and are already thinking about next season, so they're expected to play several non-regulars in this game while not risking names such as Zion Williamson (finger), Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Lonzo Ball (thumb), just to name a few -- all three are questionable for this matchup. New Orleans is coming off a 125-107 loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday but, despite the loss, it's worth mentioning seven players scored in double digits for the Pelicans, led by Eric Bledsoe and Jaxon Hayes, who totaled 15 points each. Willy Hernangomez added 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range. New Orleans has gone 5-5 in its last two games and is riding a two-game losing streak.