Cavs Looking To Build On Friday's Big Win
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Houston Rockets, at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Cavaliers (3-14), who are coming off their most impressive win of the season so far. The Cavs defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 121-112, on Friday night, behind 25 points from Rodney Hood. However, it was a total team effort from the Cavs that allowed them to top the Sixers, who were previously undefeated at home, as Cedi Osman finished with 20 points, Collin Sexton finished with 23 points, and Tristan Thompson tallied 18 points and 13 rebounds. This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Cavs, where they are 2-6 this season. Cleveland sits 14th place in the East, 5.5 games behind the eighth spot.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (9-8), who are coming off a tough overtime loss in Detroit on Friday night. Clint Capela had a huge night, with 29 points, 21 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist, while James Harden tallied 33 points and Chris Paul finished with 20 points, but their great efforts were not enough in the end. The Rockets sit in ninth place, just 0.5 games behind the eight spot, and only 2.5 games out of first in the West. This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Rockets, who are 5-4 on the road so far. James Harden leads the league, averaging 29.0 points per game, and 2.5 steals per game, while Chris Paul averages 2.4 steals per game, which is second most in the league. After a rough start to the season, the Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games. However, they will have to be careful not to take the matchup lightly, as the Cavs showed what the can do with their win in Philly on Friday.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Cavaliers (3-14), who are coming off their most impressive win of the season so far. The Cavs defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 121-112, on Friday night, behind 25 points from Rodney Hood. However, it was a total team effort from the Cavs that allowed them to top the Sixers, who were previously undefeated at home, as Cedi Osman finished with 20 points, Collin Sexton finished with 23 points, and Tristan Thompson tallied 18 points and 13 rebounds. This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Cavs, where they are 2-6 this season. Cleveland sits 14th place in the East, 5.5 games behind the eighth spot.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (9-8), who are coming off a tough overtime loss in Detroit on Friday night. Clint Capela had a huge night, with 29 points, 21 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist, while James Harden tallied 33 points and Chris Paul finished with 20 points, but their great efforts were not enough in the end. The Rockets sit in ninth place, just 0.5 games behind the eight spot, and only 2.5 games out of first in the West. This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Rockets, who are 5-4 on the road so far. James Harden leads the league, averaging 29.0 points per game, and 2.5 steals per game, while Chris Paul averages 2.4 steals per game, which is second most in the league. After a rough start to the season, the Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games. However, they will have to be careful not to take the matchup lightly, as the Cavs showed what the can do with their win in Philly on Friday.
Timberwolves Looking To Build Momentum
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Chicago Bulls, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves (8-11), who are coming off a solid win in Brooklyn on Friday night. Derrick Rose led the T-Wolves with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting in the win, as he continues his stellar play this season. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and nine rebounds, while Taj Gibson double-doubled with 16 points and 11 rebounds, in the win. The Timberwolves have won four of their last six games, as they seem to be in an ok place after the trade that brought them Robert Covington and Dario Saric. The Timberwolves have lost their last two home games, but hold an impressive 7-3 record at home this season. However, they sit 14th place in the West, which normally would not be good, but the standings are so bunched up, that they only sit 4.5 games out of first place, and 2.5 games out of eighth.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (5-14), who are coming off a tough loss at home, against the Heat on Friday evening. Justin Holiday had a big night with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jabari Parker tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Zach LaVine added 24 points, nine assists and four rebounds, in the loss. Despite all the strong individual performances, the Bulls shot just 37 percent from the field and gave up 18 turnovers in the contest. The Bulls sit 13th place in the East, 4.5 games out of eighth, and unlike the West, the East has a much larger gap between the top and bottom tier teams, as the Bulls are 10.5 games behind the first seed. The Bulls are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, as they are ranked 25th in total rebounds and last in offensive rebound per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Timberwolves (8-11), who are coming off a solid win in Brooklyn on Friday night. Derrick Rose led the T-Wolves with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting in the win, as he continues his stellar play this season. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and nine rebounds, while Taj Gibson double-doubled with 16 points and 11 rebounds, in the win. The Timberwolves have won four of their last six games, as they seem to be in an ok place after the trade that brought them Robert Covington and Dario Saric. The Timberwolves have lost their last two home games, but hold an impressive 7-3 record at home this season. However, they sit 14th place in the West, which normally would not be good, but the standings are so bunched up, that they only sit 4.5 games out of first place, and 2.5 games out of eighth.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (5-14), who are coming off a tough loss at home, against the Heat on Friday evening. Justin Holiday had a big night with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jabari Parker tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Zach LaVine added 24 points, nine assists and four rebounds, in the loss. Despite all the strong individual performances, the Bulls shot just 37 percent from the field and gave up 18 turnovers in the contest. The Bulls sit 13th place in the East, 4.5 games out of eighth, and unlike the West, the East has a much larger gap between the top and bottom tier teams, as the Bulls are 10.5 games behind the first seed. The Bulls are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, as they are ranked 25th in total rebounds and last in offensive rebound per game.
Nuggets Visits Thunder For Saturday Night Showdown
The Denver Nuggets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday night.
The Nuggets (12-7) had partly tarnished a 9-1 record with four consecutive losses, but they've shown signs of improvement recently with two straight wins and three in their last five. Their most recent success was a dominating 112-87 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Trey Lyles paced the Nuggets with 22 points off the bench. Jamal Murray registered 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Paul Millsap tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Juancho Hernangomez finished with 10 points, while Nikola Jokic mustered a modest six points but also dished out 11 assists and hauled in 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets will continue to be without Will Barton (groin), Michael Porter, Jr. (back), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Isaiah Thomas (hip) on Saturday. Gary Harris will be listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
The Thunder (12-6) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA after an uneven start to their season, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having won five of their last six games. Oklahoma City's most recent success came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they toppled by a 109-104 score on Friday night. Russell Westbrook led the way with a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder drew the start at two-guard and supplied 23 points, five rebounds and one assist. Paul George filled out the stat sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Steven Adams and Jerami Grant registered 13 and 11 points, respectively, in the frontcourt.
The Thunder will be without the two-guard trio of Andre Roberson (kneecap), Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) for Saturday's game.
The Nuggets won the season series between the two clubs during the 2017-18 campaign by a 3-1 margin.
The Nuggets (12-7) had partly tarnished a 9-1 record with four consecutive losses, but they've shown signs of improvement recently with two straight wins and three in their last five. Their most recent success was a dominating 112-87 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Trey Lyles paced the Nuggets with 22 points off the bench. Jamal Murray registered 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Paul Millsap tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Juancho Hernangomez finished with 10 points, while Nikola Jokic mustered a modest six points but also dished out 11 assists and hauled in 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets will continue to be without Will Barton (groin), Michael Porter, Jr. (back), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Isaiah Thomas (hip) on Saturday. Gary Harris will be listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
The Thunder (12-6) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA after an uneven start to their season, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having won five of their last six games. Oklahoma City's most recent success came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they toppled by a 109-104 score on Friday night. Russell Westbrook led the way with a 30-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder drew the start at two-guard and supplied 23 points, five rebounds and one assist. Paul George filled out the stat sheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Steven Adams and Jerami Grant registered 13 and 11 points, respectively, in the frontcourt.
The Thunder will be without the two-guard trio of Andre Roberson (kneecap), Terrance Ferguson (ankle) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) for Saturday's game.
The Nuggets won the season series between the two clubs during the 2017-18 campaign by a 3-1 margin.
Pelicans Head To Nation's Capital For Battle With Wizards
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The Pelicans (10-9) have kept scoreboards running hot this season with their prolific offense, but often, their defense hasn't been able to prevent opponents from keeping pace. New Orleans' most recent loss, a 114-109 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks on Friday night that was their second consecutive defeat, saw them blow a nine-point lead with six minutes remaining. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 33-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists, despite leaving the game for a time with a quadriceps injury. Jrue Holiday followed with 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Nikola Mirotic totaled 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Julius Randle paced the bench with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Pelicans will be without Elfrid Payton (finger) once again Saturday night.
The Wizards (6-12) have endured a forgettable season overall, and whatever glimmer of momentum they may have had with a recent comeback win over the Clippers was extinguished in a 125-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Bradley Beal led the way with 20 points and added six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Otto Porter, Jr. provided 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Markieff Morris led the bench with 16 points. Kelly Oubre ,Jr. supplied 13 points, six rebounds and one assist in a spot start, while John Wall churned out an 11-point, 11-assist double-double.
The Wizards will likely list Dwight Howard (lower body) as questionable at best for Saturday's game.
Washington swept the two-game series between the clubs during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Pelicans (10-9) have kept scoreboards running hot this season with their prolific offense, but often, their defense hasn't been able to prevent opponents from keeping pace. New Orleans' most recent loss, a 114-109 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks on Friday night that was their second consecutive defeat, saw them blow a nine-point lead with six minutes remaining. Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 33-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists, despite leaving the game for a time with a quadriceps injury. Jrue Holiday followed with 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and three steals. Nikola Mirotic totaled 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Julius Randle paced the bench with a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Pelicans will be without Elfrid Payton (finger) once again Saturday night.
The Wizards (6-12) have endured a forgettable season overall, and whatever glimmer of momentum they may have had with a recent comeback win over the Clippers was extinguished in a 125-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Bradley Beal led the way with 20 points and added six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Otto Porter, Jr. provided 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Markieff Morris led the bench with 16 points. Kelly Oubre ,Jr. supplied 13 points, six rebounds and one assist in a spot start, while John Wall churned out an 11-point, 11-assist double-double.
The Wizards will likely list Dwight Howard (lower body) as questionable at best for Saturday's game.
Washington swept the two-game series between the clubs during the 2017-18 campaign.
Mavericks Host Celtics on Saturday
The Boston Celtics travel to Texas to play the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Saturday.
The Celtics (10-9) had a dominating win in their most recent game, as they hope that's the beginning of a lengthy run. Prior to that wire-to-wire victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Boston lost seven of their previous 10 games. That's a stretch no one expected from this team all year, as they were expected to finish top-two in the east. While that's still a major possibility, sitting at .500 through 18 games is way below expectations. It's the offense that's really taken a hit, with the Celtics sitting 25th in scoring and 28th in offensive efficiency. There are way too many weapons on this team to have ugly numbers like that and it's a wonder why they're so bad on that end of the floor. It's unlikely to continue though, as Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are both playing much better ball over recent weeks.
The Mavericks (8-9) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. The offense has been astounding in that stretch, with Dallas averaging over 110 points per game since a disappointing opener. This is a club who sat bottom-three in total offense last year and the addition of Luke Doncic is clearly paying dividends. The defense isn't shabby either, with the Mavericks ranking 10th in points allowed. While many people didn't expect Dallas to reach the postseason at the beginning of the year, skeptics need to take notice of this improved team. The fact that Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) is expected to return in a month is exciting as well, as this team desperately needs to add to their depth.
Boston has swept two-straight season series over Dallas. That marks their last four meetings in total but the Mavericks won their previous seven games over the Celtics prior to that.
The Celtics (10-9) had a dominating win in their most recent game, as they hope that's the beginning of a lengthy run. Prior to that wire-to-wire victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Boston lost seven of their previous 10 games. That's a stretch no one expected from this team all year, as they were expected to finish top-two in the east. While that's still a major possibility, sitting at .500 through 18 games is way below expectations. It's the offense that's really taken a hit, with the Celtics sitting 25th in scoring and 28th in offensive efficiency. There are way too many weapons on this team to have ugly numbers like that and it's a wonder why they're so bad on that end of the floor. It's unlikely to continue though, as Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving are both playing much better ball over recent weeks.
The Mavericks (8-9) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. The offense has been astounding in that stretch, with Dallas averaging over 110 points per game since a disappointing opener. This is a club who sat bottom-three in total offense last year and the addition of Luke Doncic is clearly paying dividends. The defense isn't shabby either, with the Mavericks ranking 10th in points allowed. While many people didn't expect Dallas to reach the postseason at the beginning of the year, skeptics need to take notice of this improved team. The fact that Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) is expected to return in a month is exciting as well, as this team desperately needs to add to their depth.
Boston has swept two-straight season series over Dallas. That marks their last four meetings in total but the Mavericks won their previous seven games over the Celtics prior to that.
Warriors Looking To Build Momentum
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Sacramento Kings, at Oracle Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (13-7), who are coming off a solid home win over the Trail Blazers on Friday evening. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson came up huge in the win, as they combined for 63 points to lead to the way to the much-needed win. Prior to Friday's win, the Warriors had dropped four in a row, as they have been struggling without Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe). Both Curry and Green are expected to remain sidelined through Saturday's action. This marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, where they are 1-1 so far. They are just 4-5 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, the Kings (10-8) have won two straight, including an impressive, 119-110, win in Utah in their last contest. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Kings, who are 5-5 on the road so far. The Kings hold on to the eighth spot in the bunched up West and are closer to the first seed than they are to the 15th. De'Aaron Fox has been playing great so far, averaging 18.2 points, 7.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Willie Cauley-Stein has also been great early on, averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The rookie, Marvin Bagley III has picked up his game recently, averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, in 23 minutes per game, in November. Bagley III has been earning more fourth quarter a minutes, as he is proving to be a difference maker with his intensity and strength around the basket.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (13-7), who are coming off a solid home win over the Trail Blazers on Friday evening. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson came up huge in the win, as they combined for 63 points to lead to the way to the much-needed win. Prior to Friday's win, the Warriors had dropped four in a row, as they have been struggling without Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe). Both Curry and Green are expected to remain sidelined through Saturday's action. This marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, where they are 1-1 so far. They are just 4-5 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, the Kings (10-8) have won two straight, including an impressive, 119-110, win in Utah in their last contest. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Kings, who are 5-5 on the road so far. The Kings hold on to the eighth spot in the bunched up West and are closer to the first seed than they are to the 15th. De'Aaron Fox has been playing great so far, averaging 18.2 points, 7.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Willie Cauley-Stein has also been great early on, averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The rookie, Marvin Bagley III has picked up his game recently, averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, in 23 minutes per game, in November. Bagley III has been earning more fourth quarter a minutes, as he is proving to be a difference maker with his intensity and strength around the basket.
Spurs Take On Bucks In Midwestern Battle
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Spurs (9-9) are seemingly still trying to find their footing through 18 games, and they've had their share of troubles on the road. However, they notched an impressive victory away from their home floor Friday night, as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 111-100 score. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan followed with 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Patty Mills turned in 15 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Bryn Forbes tallied 13 points, three boards and two assists. Rudy Gay generated an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included seven assists.
The Spurs are slated to be without Lonnie Walker IV (knee) and Pau Gasol (foot) as out for Saturday's game.
The Bucks (13-5) have had very few lows over the early portion of the season, but Friday night would qualify as one. Milwaukee had only lost one game all season heading into a Friday night battle against the Phoenix Suns, but they ended up dropping a 116-114 decision on a last-second Jamal Crawford bucket. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 35 points and added 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Khris Middleton collected 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe filled out the stat sheet with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Ersan Ilyasova led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Bucks will be without Donte DiVincenzo (knee), D.J. Wilson (hamstring) and John Henson (wrist) for Saturday's game.
The Bucks swept the two-game season series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Spurs (9-9) are seemingly still trying to find their footing through 18 games, and they've had their share of troubles on the road. However, they notched an impressive victory away from their home floor Friday night, as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 111-100 score. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. DeMar DeRozan followed with 16 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. Patty Mills turned in 15 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Bryn Forbes tallied 13 points, three boards and two assists. Rudy Gay generated an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included seven assists.
The Spurs are slated to be without Lonnie Walker IV (knee) and Pau Gasol (foot) as out for Saturday's game.
The Bucks (13-5) have had very few lows over the early portion of the season, but Friday night would qualify as one. Milwaukee had only lost one game all season heading into a Friday night battle against the Phoenix Suns, but they ended up dropping a 116-114 decision on a last-second Jamal Crawford bucket. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 35 points and added 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Khris Middleton collected 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe filled out the stat sheet with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Ersan Ilyasova led the bench with nine points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Bucks will be without Donte DiVincenzo (knee), D.J. Wilson (hamstring) and John Henson (wrist) for Saturday's game.
The Bucks swept the two-game season series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.