Pacers, Heat Looking To Shake Things Up
The Indiana Pacers will host the Miami Heat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Pacers (9-15) are 6-5 at home, and they have set their sights on ending the three-game losing streak that’s affecting them. However, they’re coming off a 114-111 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 27 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and rookie Chris Duarte delivered 11 points, two assists and two rebounds. Jeremy Lamb added 11 points off the bench. Indiana shot 48.9 percent from the field. The Pacers have gone just 1-4 in their last five contests.
The Heat (13-9) are 7-6 when playing on the road this season and are looking to deliver a bounce-back performance since they suffered a 111-85 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 21 points, supplementing them with six assists and one rebound. Dewayne Dedmon furnished 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent posted matching 11-point totals. The Heat have lost three of their last four contests.
The Pacers (9-15) are 6-5 at home, and they have set their sights on ending the three-game losing streak that’s affecting them. However, they’re coming off a 114-111 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 27 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner contributed 17 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, and rookie Chris Duarte delivered 11 points, two assists and two rebounds. Jeremy Lamb added 11 points off the bench. Indiana shot 48.9 percent from the field. The Pacers have gone just 1-4 in their last five contests.
The Heat (13-9) are 7-6 when playing on the road this season and are looking to deliver a bounce-back performance since they suffered a 111-85 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 21 points, supplementing them with six assists and one rebound. Dewayne Dedmon furnished 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent posted matching 11-point totals. The Heat have lost three of their last four contests.
Cavaliers and Wizards Clash in Nation's Capital
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (12-10) have had their fair share of swings in the standings thus far, but they'll enter Friday's contest on an upward trajectory in the form of three consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they trampled the Miami Heat by a 111-85 score. Kevin Love led the Cavaliers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and five blocks. Evan Mobley compiled 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 16 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Lamar Stevens turned in 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Isaac Okoro managed 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will be without Cedi Osman (back) for Friday's game. Dean Wade (calf) will be listed as doubtful.
The Wizards (14-8) aren't quite as hot as their opponent, but they will come into Friday's game having won their of their past four games. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they toppled by a 115-107 score Wednesday night. Montrezl Harrell led the way for the Wizards with 27 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Bradley Beal furnished 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Daniel Gafford generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Davis Bertans delivered 15 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Wizards will list Deni Avdija (illness) and Aaron Holiday (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Rui Hachimura (personal) is likely to remain out.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 97-94 win Nov. 10.
The Cavaliers (12-10) have had their fair share of swings in the standings thus far, but they'll enter Friday's contest on an upward trajectory in the form of three consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they trampled the Miami Heat by a 111-85 score. Kevin Love led the Cavaliers with 22 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and five blocks. Evan Mobley compiled 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 16 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Lamar Stevens turned in 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Isaac Okoro managed 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will be without Cedi Osman (back) for Friday's game. Dean Wade (calf) will be listed as doubtful.
The Wizards (14-8) aren't quite as hot as their opponent, but they will come into Friday's game having won their of their past four games. Their most recent triumph came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they toppled by a 115-107 score Wednesday night. Montrezl Harrell led the way for the Wizards with 27 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Bradley Beal furnished 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Daniel Gafford generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Davis Bertans delivered 15 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Wizards will list Deni Avdija (illness) and Aaron Holiday (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Rui Hachimura (personal) is likely to remain out.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 97-94 win Nov. 10.
Hawks Aiming To Remain Host, Host Sixers
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Philadelphia 76ers at StateFarm Arena on Friday night.
The Hawks (12-10) are coming off a 114-111 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Trae Young was the leading scorer for the Hawks and finished with 33 points and 10 assists, but he also added eight rebounds and two steals. Kevin Huerter chipped in with 19 points, and John Collins contributed 14 points and four blocks while adding three boards and two dimes. Lou Williams (12 points) and Delon Wright (11 points, five rebounds) looked good off the bench. Atlanta shot 51.2 percent from the field. Atlanta has gone 8-2 when playing at home this season and has won four of its last five overall.
The 76ers (11-11) have an even 6-6 record on the road and they’re coming off a 88-87 loss against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Seth Curry was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 17 points and six assists, while Joel Embiid stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. No other starter scored in double digits, but Shake Milton (16 points) and Georges Niang (12 points) delivered decent outings coming off the bench. Niang could have tied the game with that three.
The Hawks (12-10) are coming off a 114-111 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Trae Young was the leading scorer for the Hawks and finished with 33 points and 10 assists, but he also added eight rebounds and two steals. Kevin Huerter chipped in with 19 points, and John Collins contributed 14 points and four blocks while adding three boards and two dimes. Lou Williams (12 points) and Delon Wright (11 points, five rebounds) looked good off the bench. Atlanta shot 51.2 percent from the field. Atlanta has gone 8-2 when playing at home this season and has won four of its last five overall.
The 76ers (11-11) have an even 6-6 record on the road and they’re coming off a 88-87 loss against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. Seth Curry was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 17 points and six assists, while Joel Embiid stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 18 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals. No other starter scored in double digits, but Shake Milton (16 points) and Georges Niang (12 points) delivered decent outings coming off the bench. Niang could have tied the game with that three.
Timberwolves Visit Nets in Big Apple
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Timberwolves (11-11) have enjoyed a nice resurgence after a mostly difficult first month of the season, and they'll check into Friday's contest having won seven of their last nine games. However, one of those two losses came their most recent time on the court, when Minnesota dropped a 115-107 decision to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 34 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. Anthony Edwards followed up with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Naz Reid contributed 13 points. D'Angelo Russell finished with 10 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
The Timberwolves will list Towns (tailbone) and Jaden McDaniels (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Edwards (illness) and Jarred Vanderbilt (illness) will be be listed as probable.
The Nets (15-6) check into Friday's contest with plenty of momentum, as they've won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 112-110 score. James Harden paced the Nets with 34 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kevin Durant followed with 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Cam Thomas furnished 12 points.
The Nets will continue without Joe Harris (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (personal) for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves (11-11) have enjoyed a nice resurgence after a mostly difficult first month of the season, and they'll check into Friday's contest having won seven of their last nine games. However, one of those two losses came their most recent time on the court, when Minnesota dropped a 115-107 decision to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 34 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block. Anthony Edwards followed up with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Naz Reid contributed 13 points. D'Angelo Russell finished with 10 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two blocks.
The Timberwolves will list Towns (tailbone) and Jaden McDaniels (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Edwards (illness) and Jarred Vanderbilt (illness) will be be listed as probable.
The Nets (15-6) check into Friday's contest with plenty of momentum, as they've won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 112-110 score. James Harden paced the Nets with 34 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kevin Durant followed with 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Cam Thomas furnished 12 points.
The Nets will continue without Joe Harris (ankle) and Kyrie Irving (personal) for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Timberwolves.
Rockets Look To Build On Four-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Orlando Magic at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Rockets (5-16), where they will look to use the momentum of a four-game winning streak to help add to their, 4-5, home record. Jae'Sean Tate is coming off a monstrous performance in the Rockets' most recent contest where he totaled 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Tate is averaging 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while Eric Gordon is averaging 13.0 points on 45 percent shooting, including 42 percent shooting from long range. D.J. Augustin (COVID-19) will be sidelined, while Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh), Jalen Green (hamstring) and Christian Wood (ankle) are all questionable for action. The Rockets are averaging 104.4 points per game, while shooting an average of 43.7 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Magic (5-18), as they will look to build off the momentum from a win in their most recent contest and add to their, 3-10, road record. Cole Anthony leads the team, averaging 19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 13.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Franz Wagner is averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Magic are averaging 100.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are shooting an average of 41.7 percent from the field, which is also third lowest in the league.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Rockets (5-16), where they will look to use the momentum of a four-game winning streak to help add to their, 4-5, home record. Jae'Sean Tate is coming off a monstrous performance in the Rockets' most recent contest where he totaled 32 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Tate is averaging 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while Eric Gordon is averaging 13.0 points on 45 percent shooting, including 42 percent shooting from long range. D.J. Augustin (COVID-19) will be sidelined, while Kevin Porter Jr. (thigh), Jalen Green (hamstring) and Christian Wood (ankle) are all questionable for action. The Rockets are averaging 104.4 points per game, while shooting an average of 43.7 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Magic (5-18), as they will look to build off the momentum from a win in their most recent contest and add to their, 3-10, road record. Cole Anthony leads the team, averaging 19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Wendell Carter Jr. is averaging 13.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Franz Wagner is averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Magic are averaging 100.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are shooting an average of 41.7 percent from the field, which is also third lowest in the league.
Mavs, Pelicans Face Off In Second Game Of Home-And-Home Series
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home series between the Mavericks (11-9) and the Pelicans (6-18), after the Mavs put together a dominant, 139-107, win in New Orleans on Wednesday.
The Mavs jumped out to a great start in the contest, with a, 41-23, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans did not have any answers in the second, as the visitors pushed to a 21-point advantage, by halftime. The Mavericks added another six points to their cushion through the third quarter and put the game out of reach, with a 27-point lead heading into the final frame.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 28 points, four rebounds, 14 assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, and Jalen Brunson added 17 points, off the bench. The Mavs shot 69 percent from the field, including 18-of-34 from long range. Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Devonte' Graham followed up with 13 points, six assists and two steals, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, off the bench. The Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
The Mavs will be looking for a repeat of Wednesday's result, as they hope to snap a two-game losing streak at home and build on their, 6-3, home record. The Pelicans are just, 3-10, on the road, but they are coming off a win in their las road contest.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home series between the Mavericks (11-9) and the Pelicans (6-18), after the Mavs put together a dominant, 139-107, win in New Orleans on Wednesday.
The Mavs jumped out to a great start in the contest, with a, 41-23, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans did not have any answers in the second, as the visitors pushed to a 21-point advantage, by halftime. The Mavericks added another six points to their cushion through the third quarter and put the game out of reach, with a 27-point lead heading into the final frame.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 28 points, four rebounds, 14 assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, and Jalen Brunson added 17 points, off the bench. The Mavs shot 69 percent from the field, including 18-of-34 from long range. Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Devonte' Graham followed up with 13 points, six assists and two steals, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, off the bench. The Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
The Mavs will be looking for a repeat of Wednesday's result, as they hope to snap a two-game losing streak at home and build on their, 6-3, home record. The Pelicans are just, 3-10, on the road, but they are coming off a win in their las road contest.
Jazz Host Celtics on Friday
The Boston Celtics travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Celtics (12-10) got off to a rough start this season, but five wins in their last seven games have cured some of their blues. The most recent win on Wednesday was one of the most impressive of the season, beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 88-87. The 87 points allowed is a truly impressive mark, and this club ranks Top-5 in defensive efficiency ratings since the opening two weeks of the season. They held Joel Embiid to 13 points on 3-of-17 from the field in that victory, getting a game-clinching block from Robert Williams at the buzzer. All the success from the old school Celtics teams came from their defense, and it looks like that's going to be the recipe for this new-look group, too.
The Jazz (14-7) come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games, winning five of those by double-digit margins. That's the cub we expected to see at the beginning of the season, with the Jazz leading the NBA in wins last season. The simple fact is, this is one of the best all-around teams in the league. They actually rank Top-5 in both points scored and defensive efficiency. The Golden State Warriors are the only other club that can claim that, and it's a good indicator of how good this team can be. The most underrated asset is Rudy Gobert, though. He's always one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, and it's incredible how much value the Frenchman provides on that end of the floor.
These teams played twice last season, with Utah sweeping the season series. The Jazz have won five of their last six games over the Celtics, dating back three years.
The Celtics (12-10) got off to a rough start this season, but five wins in their last seven games have cured some of their blues. The most recent win on Wednesday was one of the most impressive of the season, beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 88-87. The 87 points allowed is a truly impressive mark, and this club ranks Top-5 in defensive efficiency ratings since the opening two weeks of the season. They held Joel Embiid to 13 points on 3-of-17 from the field in that victory, getting a game-clinching block from Robert Williams at the buzzer. All the success from the old school Celtics teams came from their defense, and it looks like that's going to be the recipe for this new-look group, too.
The Jazz (14-7) come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games, winning five of those by double-digit margins. That's the cub we expected to see at the beginning of the season, with the Jazz leading the NBA in wins last season. The simple fact is, this is one of the best all-around teams in the league. They actually rank Top-5 in both points scored and defensive efficiency. The Golden State Warriors are the only other club that can claim that, and it's a good indicator of how good this team can be. The most underrated asset is Rudy Gobert, though. He's always one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, and it's incredible how much value the Frenchman provides on that end of the floor.
These teams played twice last season, with Utah sweeping the season series. The Jazz have won five of their last six games over the Celtics, dating back three years.
Warriors Host Streaking Suns
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The Warriors (18-3) will be looking for revenge after they took a loss against the Suns in Phoenix earlier in the week. Andre Iguodala (knee) is expected to remain sidelined for the Warriors, which should mean more responsibility for Juan Toscano-Anderson and Otto Porter Jr. coming off the bench. Stephen Curry continues to play great, leading the team with 27.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 18.6 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Jordan Poole is averaging 18.5, 3.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Warriors are averaging 113.1 points per game, which is second most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is also second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Suns (19-3), as they are coming off a home win over the Pistons, which marked their 18th consecutive victory. They got out to a great start in the contest with a, 30-18, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but they stayed in control and took an 18-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out strong in the third and outscored the Suns, 30-18, to cut it back to a six-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Suns stayed a couple steps ahead down the stretch and were able to hold out for the win. Seven players scored in double digits for the Suns, led by Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson, who totaled 19 points each, off the bench Mikal Bridges added 18 points, five rebounds and four steals, while Deandre Ayton tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a block. Devin Booker (hamstring) missed the Thursday-night contest and is expected to remain out through Friday's action.
The Warriors (18-3) will be looking for revenge after they took a loss against the Suns in Phoenix earlier in the week. Andre Iguodala (knee) is expected to remain sidelined for the Warriors, which should mean more responsibility for Juan Toscano-Anderson and Otto Porter Jr. coming off the bench. Stephen Curry continues to play great, leading the team with 27.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 18.6 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Jordan Poole is averaging 18.5, 3.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Warriors are averaging 113.1 points per game, which is second most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is also second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Suns (19-3), as they are coming off a home win over the Pistons, which marked their 18th consecutive victory. They got out to a great start in the contest with a, 30-18, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but they stayed in control and took an 18-point lead into halftime. The visitors came out strong in the third and outscored the Suns, 30-18, to cut it back to a six-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Suns stayed a couple steps ahead down the stretch and were able to hold out for the win. Seven players scored in double digits for the Suns, led by Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson, who totaled 19 points each, off the bench Mikal Bridges added 18 points, five rebounds and four steals, while Deandre Ayton tallied 17 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a block. Devin Booker (hamstring) missed the Thursday-night contest and is expected to remain out through Friday's action.
Lakers Host Clippers on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Friday.
The Clippers (11-11) have been one of the streakiest teams in the NBA. They started with a disastrous 1-4 record but followed it up with an impressive seven-game winning streak. That made it look like Los Angeles put things together, but seven losses in their last 10 games since then have undone all that good work. The most recent defeat on Tuesday was especially disturbing, being blown out by the Sacramento Kings at home. They did play that game without Paul George but it's still a game where this team is expected to take care of business. That shows just how weak this team can be at times because it's one thing to be missing Kawhi Leonard, but missing George as well makes this a non-competitive team.
The Lakers (12-11) have had their fair share of struggles as well, but three wins in their last four games is an encouraging sign. What's driving fans crazy is the fact that they can't get all of these superstars on the floor at the same time. It's now LeBron James who's missing games, dealing with an ab injury, and then being sent into COVID protocols on Monday. The good news is that he's asymptomatic, according to reports, and it looks like he'll be back in a minimum of 10 days. That has allowed Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis to gel, though, and that's just as important as anything. As long as all three of those guys are on the floor, this is a team no one wants to face.
These teams played three times last season, with the Clippers sweeping the season series. In addition, the Clippers have won 28 of their last 35 games over the Lakers in this series, dating back to 2012.
The Clippers (11-11) have been one of the streakiest teams in the NBA. They started with a disastrous 1-4 record but followed it up with an impressive seven-game winning streak. That made it look like Los Angeles put things together, but seven losses in their last 10 games since then have undone all that good work. The most recent defeat on Tuesday was especially disturbing, being blown out by the Sacramento Kings at home. They did play that game without Paul George but it's still a game where this team is expected to take care of business. That shows just how weak this team can be at times because it's one thing to be missing Kawhi Leonard, but missing George as well makes this a non-competitive team.
The Lakers (12-11) have had their fair share of struggles as well, but three wins in their last four games is an encouraging sign. What's driving fans crazy is the fact that they can't get all of these superstars on the floor at the same time. It's now LeBron James who's missing games, dealing with an ab injury, and then being sent into COVID protocols on Monday. The good news is that he's asymptomatic, according to reports, and it looks like he'll be back in a minimum of 10 days. That has allowed Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis to gel, though, and that's just as important as anything. As long as all three of those guys are on the floor, this is a team no one wants to face.
These teams played three times last season, with the Clippers sweeping the season series. In addition, the Clippers have won 28 of their last 35 games over the Lakers in this series, dating back to 2012.