Pistons Host Thunder In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Detroit Pistons will host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.
The Pistons (4-18) are coming off a 114-103 loss against the Phoenix Suns last Thursday. Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 34 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Cade Cunningham followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Isaiah Stewart totaled 12 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep. Detroit has lost eight games in a row.
The Thunder (6-16) are coming off an embarrassing loss since they were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies by a 152-79 score last Thursday, and that 73-point margin of victory is a new NBA record. Luguentz Dort was the high-point man for the Thunder, with 15 points on 3-of-8 shooting. Tre Mann, Ty Jerome and Mike Muscala chipped in 12 points each, and Isaiah Roby was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points. The Thunder shot 33 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep. Oklahoma City has dropped eight games in a row.
The Pistons (4-18) are coming off a 114-103 loss against the Phoenix Suns last Thursday. Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 34 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Cade Cunningham followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Isaiah Stewart totaled 12 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from deep. Detroit has lost eight games in a row.
The Thunder (6-16) are coming off an embarrassing loss since they were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies by a 152-79 score last Thursday, and that 73-point margin of victory is a new NBA record. Luguentz Dort was the high-point man for the Thunder, with 15 points on 3-of-8 shooting. Tre Mann, Ty Jerome and Mike Muscala chipped in 12 points each, and Isaiah Roby was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points. The Thunder shot 33 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from deep. Oklahoma City has dropped eight games in a row.
Pacers Looking To End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
This marks the third game of a six-game home stand for the Pacers (9-16), as they will be looking to end a four-game slide and to add to their, 6-6, home record. Malcolm Brogdon leads the team, averaging 20.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 17.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Myles Turner is averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. The Pacers are averaging 107.3 points per game, while shooting an average of 45.6 percent from the field. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, on 45.1 percent shooting.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (14-10), as they are coming off a rough loss in Toronto on Sunday evening. The Wizards fell behind early in the contest and trailed, 23-12, after one quarter. They could not find any answers in the second, while the deficit grew to 21 points by halftime. They came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 16-point game, heading into the fourth. They kept pushing in the final frame, but could not rally back, resulting in their second consecutive. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Wizards with 26 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-4 from long range. Bradley Beal added 14 points and seven assists, while Montrezl Harrell totaled six points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards will look to bounce back from the loss, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip, with the hope of building on their, 6-7, road record.
This marks the third game of a six-game home stand for the Pacers (9-16), as they will be looking to end a four-game slide and to add to their, 6-6, home record. Malcolm Brogdon leads the team, averaging 20.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 17.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Myles Turner is averaging 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. The Pacers are averaging 107.3 points per game, while shooting an average of 45.6 percent from the field. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, on 45.1 percent shooting.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (14-10), as they are coming off a rough loss in Toronto on Sunday evening. The Wizards fell behind early in the contest and trailed, 23-12, after one quarter. They could not find any answers in the second, while the deficit grew to 21 points by halftime. They came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 16-point game, heading into the fourth. They kept pushing in the final frame, but could not rally back, resulting in their second consecutive. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Wizards with 26 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-4 from long range. Bradley Beal added 14 points and seven assists, while Montrezl Harrell totaled six points, 14 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards will look to bounce back from the loss, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip, with the hope of building on their, 6-7, road record.
76ers and Hornets Set for Conference Clash
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (12-11) have been doing more losing than winning lately by a good bit, dropping nine of their last 13 games. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those victories, however, as Philadelphia upended the Hawks by a 98-96 score Saturday night. Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Seth Curry netted 18 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Georges Niang provided 13 points, four boards, three assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey delivered 11 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Danny Green turned in 10 points.
The 76ers will list Tobias Harris (illness) as questionable for Monday's game.
The Hornets (14-11) have been dealing with plenty of adversity recently, including a multi-player COVID-19 outbreak. However, even the latter development wasn't enough to deter Charlotte from snapping a three-game losing streak Sunday evening with a 130-127 win over the Hawks. Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 32 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Kelly Oubre turned in 28 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Cody Martin furnished 19 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward and Ish Smith generated matching 18-point, five-rebound tallies, with Smith also dishing out seven assists. P.J. Washington contributed a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block.
The Hornets will continue without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Hornets.
The 76ers (12-11) have been doing more losing than winning lately by a good bit, dropping nine of their last 13 games. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those victories, however, as Philadelphia upended the Hawks by a 98-96 score Saturday night. Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Seth Curry netted 18 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Georges Niang provided 13 points, four boards, three assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey delivered 11 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Danny Green turned in 10 points.
The 76ers will list Tobias Harris (illness) as questionable for Monday's game.
The Hornets (14-11) have been dealing with plenty of adversity recently, including a multi-player COVID-19 outbreak. However, even the latter development wasn't enough to deter Charlotte from snapping a three-game losing streak Sunday evening with a 130-127 win over the Hawks. Miles Bridges led the way for the Hornets with 32 points, complementing them with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Kelly Oubre turned in 28 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Cody Martin furnished 19 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward and Ish Smith generated matching 18-point, five-rebound tallies, with Smith also dishing out seven assists. P.J. Washington contributed a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, two steals and one block.
The Hornets will continue without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Hornets.
Heat Host Streaking Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at FTX Arena on Monday evening.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Heat (14-10), as they will look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and add to their, 6-3, home record. Jimmy Butler (back) has missed the last four games and remains questionable for action on Monday. Bam Adebayo (thumb) has missed the last three games and will remain out through Monday's action. Dewayne Dedmon has been filling in the starting lineup in place of Adebayo and is averaging 8.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, in 26 minutes per game, over the last three games. Kyle Lowry continues to play well, averaging 12.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tyler Herro is averaging 21.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Heat are averaging 107.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 104.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Grizzlies (13-10), as they will look to build on a three-game road winning streak and continue improving on their, 5-5, road record. Despite missing Ja Morant (knee), the Grizzlies have won their last four games. Tyus Jones has filled in the starting-point guard role while guys like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson have stepped up to lead the way offensively. Bane is averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks over the last four games, including a 29-point performance in the Grizzlies' most recent contest. Jackson is averaging 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over that same stretch and has topped 25 points in two of the four contests. The Grizzlies are averaging 111.3 points per game, which is sixth most in the league and they are shooting an average of 45.3 percent from the field.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Heat (14-10), as they will look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and add to their, 6-3, home record. Jimmy Butler (back) has missed the last four games and remains questionable for action on Monday. Bam Adebayo (thumb) has missed the last three games and will remain out through Monday's action. Dewayne Dedmon has been filling in the starting lineup in place of Adebayo and is averaging 8.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, in 26 minutes per game, over the last three games. Kyle Lowry continues to play well, averaging 12.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tyler Herro is averaging 21.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Heat are averaging 107.7 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 104.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Grizzlies (13-10), as they will look to build on a three-game road winning streak and continue improving on their, 5-5, road record. Despite missing Ja Morant (knee), the Grizzlies have won their last four games. Tyus Jones has filled in the starting-point guard role while guys like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson have stepped up to lead the way offensively. Bane is averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks over the last four games, including a 29-point performance in the Grizzlies' most recent contest. Jackson is averaging 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over that same stretch and has topped 25 points in two of the four contests. The Grizzlies are averaging 111.3 points per game, which is sixth most in the league and they are shooting an average of 45.3 percent from the field.
Bulls Looking For Another Win, Host Nuggets
The Chicago Bulls will host the Denver Nuggets at United Center on Monday night.
The Bulls (16-8) are coming off a 111-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range. Chicago enters this game on a three-game winning run.
The Nuggets (11-11) are coming off a 113-99 road win over the New York Knicks on Saturday. Nikola Jokic was the best player for Denver and finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Will Barton contributed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jeff Green had another strong performance and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Zeke Nnaji had the best game of his young career, as he poured in 21 points and eight rebounds across 34 minutes coming off the bench. Denver has won two of its last three and are hanging around despite dealing with lots of injuries all season long.
The Bulls (16-8) are coming off a 111-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 37 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range. Chicago enters this game on a three-game winning run.
The Nuggets (11-11) are coming off a 113-99 road win over the New York Knicks on Saturday. Nikola Jokic was the best player for Denver and finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Will Barton contributed 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. Jeff Green had another strong performance and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Zeke Nnaji had the best game of his young career, as he poured in 21 points and eight rebounds across 34 minutes coming off the bench. Denver has won two of its last three and are hanging around despite dealing with lots of injuries all season long.
Cavaliers and Bucks Meet in Midwest Clash
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Monday night.
The Cavaliers (13-11) have surprised plenty with their play this season, and they'll enter Monday's contest having just seen a four-game win streak snapped with a 119-118 loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Ricky Rubio supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley pitched in a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will likely list Dean Wade (calf) as no better than questionable for Monday's game.
The Bucks (15-9) check into Monday's contest with plenty of steam, as they've won nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent success came Saturday night, when they prevailed over the Miami Heat by a 124-102 score. Pat Connaughton led the Bucks with 23 points, adding four rebounds. Khris Middleton followed with 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Bobby Ports generated a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and two blocks. Jrue Holiday registered 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. DeMarcus Cousins offered 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks will list Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), George Hill (knee) and Grayson Allen (illness) as questionable for Monday's contest. Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (finger) will be out.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers (13-11) have surprised plenty with their play this season, and they'll enter Monday's contest having just seen a four-game win streak snapped with a 119-118 loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday afternoon. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Ricky Rubio supplied 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Evan Mobley pitched in a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will likely list Dean Wade (calf) as no better than questionable for Monday's game.
The Bucks (15-9) check into Monday's contest with plenty of steam, as they've won nine of their last 10 games. Their most recent success came Saturday night, when they prevailed over the Miami Heat by a 124-102 score. Pat Connaughton led the Bucks with 23 points, adding four rebounds. Khris Middleton followed with 22 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Bobby Ports generated a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, two steals and two blocks. Jrue Holiday registered 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. DeMarcus Cousins offered 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks will list Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), George Hill (knee) and Grayson Allen (illness) as questionable for Monday's contest. Brook Lopez (back) and Donte DiVincenzo (finger) will be out.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Cavaliers.
Hawks and Timberwolves Meet in Interconference Clash
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Monday night.
The Hawks (12-12) enter Monday's game not playing their best ball, as they've dropped three of their past four contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday evening, when they fell to a short-handed Hornets team by a 130-127 score. John Collins paced the Hawks with a 31-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists. Kevin Huerter supplied 28 points, three assists and two rebounds. Trae Young posted a 25-point, 15-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Danilo Gallinari delivered 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarott went for 12 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Clint Capela mustered eight points and 14 rebounds.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) for Monday's game. Solomon Hill (hamstring) and Cam Reddish (illness) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
The Timberwolves (11-12) are stumbling in their own right of late after an impressive stretch of play, as they've fallen short in three of their past five games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, which upended them by a 110-105 score Friday night. D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 21 points, complementing them with 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Malik Beasley furnished 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Taurean Prince netted 11 points, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Russell (ankle), Karl-Anthony Towns (tailbone), Patrick Beverley (groin) and Jaylen Nowell (back) as questionable for Monday's game. Jaden McDaniels (illness) will be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Timberwolves.
The Hawks (12-12) enter Monday's game not playing their best ball, as they've dropped three of their past four contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday evening, when they fell to a short-handed Hornets team by a 130-127 score. John Collins paced the Hawks with a 31-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists. Kevin Huerter supplied 28 points, three assists and two rebounds. Trae Young posted a 25-point, 15-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Danilo Gallinari delivered 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarott went for 12 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Clint Capela mustered eight points and 14 rebounds.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) for Monday's game. Solomon Hill (hamstring) and Cam Reddish (illness) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
The Timberwolves (11-12) are stumbling in their own right of late after an impressive stretch of play, as they've fallen short in three of their past five games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets, which upended them by a 110-105 score Friday night. D'Angelo Russell led the Timberwolves with 21 points, complementing them with 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal. Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively. Malik Beasley furnished 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Taurean Prince netted 11 points, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Russell (ankle), Karl-Anthony Towns (tailbone), Patrick Beverley (groin) and Jaylen Nowell (back) as questionable for Monday's game. Jaden McDaniels (illness) will be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Timberwolves.
Suns Host Spurs on Monday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Footprint Center on Monday.
The Spurs (8-13) got off to a dreadful start, but a recent run is starting to turn their season around. San Antonio enters this matchup winning four straight, beating some of the most talented teams in the NBA in that spurt. In fact, the Spurs beat the Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Golden State Warriors in that impressive run. The most recent win over Golden State was one of the most impressive of the season, holding the lead for all but two minutes in that shocking road victory. They actually surrendered the lead late in the fourth quarter but finishing on a 9-1 run shows the sort of resiliency this club has.
The Suns (19-4) had their 18-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game, taking a 118-96 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Losing to Golden State is nothing to be ashamed of though, with Phoenix and Golden State owning the two best records in the NBA. Many people thought the sky was falling in Phoenix when they started with a 1-3 record, but the franchise-breaking 18-game winning streak has fans believing the hype. The only genuine concern right now is the health of Devin Booker. The superstar sharpshooter suffered a hamstring issue two games ago, and he's already been ruled out for this matchup. He's obviously one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, but guys like Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton should carry the load in his absence.
These teams played back on November 22, with Phoenix winning, 115-111. That gives the Suns three straight wins in this series, dating back to last season.
The Spurs (8-13) got off to a dreadful start, but a recent run is starting to turn their season around. San Antonio enters this matchup winning four straight, beating some of the most talented teams in the NBA in that spurt. In fact, the Spurs beat the Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Golden State Warriors in that impressive run. The most recent win over Golden State was one of the most impressive of the season, holding the lead for all but two minutes in that shocking road victory. They actually surrendered the lead late in the fourth quarter but finishing on a 9-1 run shows the sort of resiliency this club has.
The Suns (19-4) had their 18-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game, taking a 118-96 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Losing to Golden State is nothing to be ashamed of though, with Phoenix and Golden State owning the two best records in the NBA. Many people thought the sky was falling in Phoenix when they started with a 1-3 record, but the franchise-breaking 18-game winning streak has fans believing the hype. The only genuine concern right now is the health of Devin Booker. The superstar sharpshooter suffered a hamstring issue two games ago, and he's already been ruled out for this matchup. He's obviously one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, but guys like Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton should carry the load in his absence.
These teams played back on November 22, with Phoenix winning, 115-111. That gives the Suns three straight wins in this series, dating back to last season.
Warriors Host Magic on Monday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Orlando Magic at Chase Center on Monday.
The Magic (5-19) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for two decades now, and this season is no different. This is actually one of their worst starts of all time, with Orland entering this matchup losing 11 of their last 13 games. Streaks like that have become way too familiar for this club, but there are finally some young pieces to build around. The Nikola Vuecevic-Aaron Gordon era is a thing of the past, but Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter are looking like the new guard. That doesn't even include rookies like Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, giving this franchise some hope after having very few young pieces in the past. Development is all fans can ask for at this point, and the future is bright for the first time in a while.
The Warriors (19-4) have the best record in the NBA, but they enter this matchup losing two of their last three games. The most recent defeat was the most baffling of the season, losing to a seven-win Spurs team in dominating fashion. San Antonio actually held the lead for all but a few minutes in that game, and Stephen Curry was a primary reason why. The favorite for MVP made just one of his 11 shots in the first half and finished the game shooting 7-for-26 from the field. That obviously won't get it done, but blips on the radar in an 82-game season are inevitable. What's also scary for the rest of the NBA is the fact that Klay Thompson (achilles) is due back soon. That adds a whole new dynamic to the best team in the NBA, and it'll be fascinating to see the Splash Brothers back in action together.
These teams have split the last two season series against one another, with the home team winning all four matchups. With that said, Golden State won 11 of their previous 12 meetings with Orlando before that.
The Magic (5-19) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for two decades now, and this season is no different. This is actually one of their worst starts of all time, with Orland entering this matchup losing 11 of their last 13 games. Streaks like that have become way too familiar for this club, but there are finally some young pieces to build around. The Nikola Vuecevic-Aaron Gordon era is a thing of the past, but Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter are looking like the new guard. That doesn't even include rookies like Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, giving this franchise some hope after having very few young pieces in the past. Development is all fans can ask for at this point, and the future is bright for the first time in a while.
The Warriors (19-4) have the best record in the NBA, but they enter this matchup losing two of their last three games. The most recent defeat was the most baffling of the season, losing to a seven-win Spurs team in dominating fashion. San Antonio actually held the lead for all but a few minutes in that game, and Stephen Curry was a primary reason why. The favorite for MVP made just one of his 11 shots in the first half and finished the game shooting 7-for-26 from the field. That obviously won't get it done, but blips on the radar in an 82-game season are inevitable. What's also scary for the rest of the NBA is the fact that Klay Thompson (achilles) is due back soon. That adds a whole new dynamic to the best team in the NBA, and it'll be fascinating to see the Splash Brothers back in action together.
These teams have split the last two season series against one another, with the home team winning all four matchups. With that said, Golden State won 11 of their previous 12 meetings with Orlando before that.
Trail Blazers Host Clippers on Monday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Moda Center on Monday.
The Clippers (12-12) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games. The previous three losses have been really disturbing, though, losing to the Sacramento Kings twice and the New Orleans Pelicans once. Those are teams that the Clippers should handle easily, and it has fans wondering if this is truly a playoff team. Missing a guy like Kawhi Leonard (knee) can't be overlooked, and it's becoming abundantly clear that Paul George can't do it all by himself. Guys like Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum have been solid, but players like Eric Bledsoe, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac have been way too inconsistent. The good news is that Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris just returned from injury, giving this team some much-needed depth.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) are dealing with some injuries themselves, missing one of the best point guards in the NBA. That happens to be Damian Lillard, with the superstar out for the next week due to an abductor issue. He's been hampered by that all year, and it's led to career-lows in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. That would be enough to deter this club, but Anfernee Simons and C.J. McCollum suffering injuries in the last two games has absolutely crippled this backcourt. That's simply way too much to overcome because guys like Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic can't carry this team on their own.
Los Angeles won the season series over Portland last year, 2-1. That gives the Clippers eight wins in their last nine meetings with the Trail Blazers, dating back to 2019.
The Clippers (12-12) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games. The previous three losses have been really disturbing, though, losing to the Sacramento Kings twice and the New Orleans Pelicans once. Those are teams that the Clippers should handle easily, and it has fans wondering if this is truly a playoff team. Missing a guy like Kawhi Leonard (knee) can't be overlooked, and it's becoming abundantly clear that Paul George can't do it all by himself. Guys like Reggie Jackson and Nicolas Batum have been solid, but players like Eric Bledsoe, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac have been way too inconsistent. The good news is that Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris just returned from injury, giving this team some much-needed depth.
The Trail Blazers (11-13) are dealing with some injuries themselves, missing one of the best point guards in the NBA. That happens to be Damian Lillard, with the superstar out for the next week due to an abductor issue. He's been hampered by that all year, and it's led to career-lows in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. That would be enough to deter this club, but Anfernee Simons and C.J. McCollum suffering injuries in the last two games has absolutely crippled this backcourt. That's simply way too much to overcome because guys like Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic can't carry this team on their own.
Los Angeles won the season series over Portland last year, 2-1. That gives the Clippers eight wins in their last nine meetings with the Trail Blazers, dating back to 2019.