Lakers Look To Keep Rolling
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Orlando Magic, at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers (11-7) have found a groove, as they have won three in a row, and eight of their last 10 games. LeBron James has been a major factor, as he is averaging 28.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, along with 8.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks, in 34 minutes per game. JaVale McGee has been a good inside presence, averaging 13.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, while Lonzo Ball averages 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Lakers have won their last four home games, and are 6-3 at home this season. They are averaging 114.8 points, which is seventh most in the league, but their defense could use some improvement, as they are allowing an average of 113.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Magic (9-10) have dropped two in a row, but are still 6-4 in their last 10 games. This marks the second game of a six-game road trip for the Magic, which began with a loss in Denver on Friday night. The Magic have lost their last two road games, and are 3-4 on the road so far. Nikola Vucevic has been great this season, averaging 19.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Aaron Gordon has been solid as well, averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Evan Fournier is averaging 16.1 points, 4.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Magic average 105.0 points per game, which is fifth lowest, but are holding opponents to 108.8 points per game, which is ninth lowest in the league.
The Lakers (11-7) have found a groove, as they have won three in a row, and eight of their last 10 games. LeBron James has been a major factor, as he is averaging 28.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, along with 8.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks, in 34 minutes per game. JaVale McGee has been a good inside presence, averaging 13.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, while Lonzo Ball averages 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Lakers have won their last four home games, and are 6-3 at home this season. They are averaging 114.8 points, which is seventh most in the league, but their defense could use some improvement, as they are allowing an average of 113.0 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Magic (9-10) have dropped two in a row, but are still 6-4 in their last 10 games. This marks the second game of a six-game road trip for the Magic, which began with a loss in Denver on Friday night. The Magic have lost their last two road games, and are 3-4 on the road so far. Nikola Vucevic has been great this season, averaging 19.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Aaron Gordon has been solid as well, averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Evan Fournier is averaging 16.1 points, 4.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Magic average 105.0 points per game, which is fifth lowest, but are holding opponents to 108.8 points per game, which is ninth lowest in the league.
Suns Looking To Build Off Big Win
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Phoenix Suns, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday afternoon.
This marks the second game of a five-game home stand for the Pistons (9-7), which they kicked off with a win over the Rockets on Friday. The Pistons have won two in a row at home, and are 5-3 at home this season. They sit fifth place in the East, five games behind first place and three games ahead of ninth. Blake Griffin has been incredible at times, and consistently great so far this season, averaging 25.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Andre Drummond has been huge as well, averaging 19.5 points, 16.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Pistons have been good this season, but have not locked down on either end of the floor yet, as they average 111 points per game, both for, and against.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road-trip for the Suns (4-14), who are coming off an impressive win in Milwaukee on Friday, where Jamal Crawford sealed it with a classic foul-line jumper. The Suns are 1-2 so far on the trip, and have a record of 1-8 on the road so far this season. Devin Booker leads the Suns, averaging 24.1 points, 7.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Deandre Ayton has been impactful for Phoenix, averaging 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Suns average 104.3 points per game, which is third lowest in the league, and are allowing an average of 114. points against, which is sixth worst in the league.
This marks the second game of a five-game home stand for the Pistons (9-7), which they kicked off with a win over the Rockets on Friday. The Pistons have won two in a row at home, and are 5-3 at home this season. They sit fifth place in the East, five games behind first place and three games ahead of ninth. Blake Griffin has been incredible at times, and consistently great so far this season, averaging 25.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Andre Drummond has been huge as well, averaging 19.5 points, 16.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Pistons have been good this season, but have not locked down on either end of the floor yet, as they average 111 points per game, both for, and against.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road-trip for the Suns (4-14), who are coming off an impressive win in Milwaukee on Friday, where Jamal Crawford sealed it with a classic foul-line jumper. The Suns are 1-2 so far on the trip, and have a record of 1-8 on the road so far this season. Devin Booker leads the Suns, averaging 24.1 points, 7.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Deandre Ayton has been impactful for Phoenix, averaging 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Suns average 104.3 points per game, which is third lowest in the league, and are allowing an average of 114. points against, which is sixth worst in the league.
Struggling Hawks Welcome Hornets to Dirty South
The Charlotte Hornets travel to Georgia to play the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Hornets (9-9) even record is very indicative of their season thus far, as they haven't had a winning streak or losing streak longer than two games. While that's not necessarily a good thing, it should keep the Hornets in playoff contention in a weak Eastern Conference. What's made this team a threat is their offense, with Charlotte sitting sixth in points scored. This was one of the worst offenses in the league last season and it's clear that Kemba Walker has taken them to another level. In fact, Walker is one of the league leaders in scoring, averaging 28.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. Those are incredible numbers from the Uconn product and one has to wonder how good this offense would be if everyone else wasn't struggling. The player they really need to step up is Nicolas Batum, as he's been a mainstay all-star candidate throughout his career. Batum is averaging just 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, as he simply needs to do more.
The Hawks (3-16) come into this matchup in the midst of the worst losing streak in the NBA, as they've lost 10-straight fixtures. No one is surprised that Atlanta is the one with the NBA-worst streak but it's discouraging nonetheless. Trae Young has really hit a rookie wall, as he's scored in single-digits in five of his last six games. The numbers in that stretch are downright shocking, with Young shooting 27 percent from the field and a disastrous four percent from three-point range in that span. Yes, four percent, he's just 1-of-25 from long range in that span. That's a slump among slumps and it's obviously a detriment in this losing streak. He hasn't gotten much help either though, as the Hawks are losing by 13.4 points per game in this lengthy losing streak. If there's a bit of good news, it's that John Collins is back and healthy, as he very well may be the best player on this team. Getting he and Young on the same page is the ultimate goal, as those youngsters are tasked with getting this franchise out of the dumps over the next decade.
This will be the second matchup between these teams this season, with Charlotte prevailing, 113-102, on November 6. That marked the Hornets fifth-straight victory over the Hawks.
The Hornets (9-9) even record is very indicative of their season thus far, as they haven't had a winning streak or losing streak longer than two games. While that's not necessarily a good thing, it should keep the Hornets in playoff contention in a weak Eastern Conference. What's made this team a threat is their offense, with Charlotte sitting sixth in points scored. This was one of the worst offenses in the league last season and it's clear that Kemba Walker has taken them to another level. In fact, Walker is one of the league leaders in scoring, averaging 28.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. Those are incredible numbers from the Uconn product and one has to wonder how good this offense would be if everyone else wasn't struggling. The player they really need to step up is Nicolas Batum, as he's been a mainstay all-star candidate throughout his career. Batum is averaging just 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, as he simply needs to do more.
The Hawks (3-16) come into this matchup in the midst of the worst losing streak in the NBA, as they've lost 10-straight fixtures. No one is surprised that Atlanta is the one with the NBA-worst streak but it's discouraging nonetheless. Trae Young has really hit a rookie wall, as he's scored in single-digits in five of his last six games. The numbers in that stretch are downright shocking, with Young shooting 27 percent from the field and a disastrous four percent from three-point range in that span. Yes, four percent, he's just 1-of-25 from long range in that span. That's a slump among slumps and it's obviously a detriment in this losing streak. He hasn't gotten much help either though, as the Hawks are losing by 13.4 points per game in this lengthy losing streak. If there's a bit of good news, it's that John Collins is back and healthy, as he very well may be the best player on this team. Getting he and Young on the same page is the ultimate goal, as those youngsters are tasked with getting this franchise out of the dumps over the next decade.
This will be the second matchup between these teams this season, with Charlotte prevailing, 113-102, on November 6. That marked the Hornets fifth-straight victory over the Hawks.
Surging Sixers Host Struggling Nets
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to New York to play the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center on Sunday.
The Sixers (13-8) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, as they've been one of the best home teams in the NBA. In fact, Philadelphia is currently 10-1 at home, as they suffered their first home defeat in their most recent game. Who they played is what made the defeat bizarre, as the Cleveland Cavaliers came into Wells Fargo Center and dropped 121 points on these Sixers. That loss is discouraging but the road form is downright concerning. The Sixers are currently 3-7 away from home, as they're simply not the same team outside of Philly. It's no fault of Joel Embiid though, as he leads the league in double-doubles, averaging 27.9 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Those are MVP-worthy numbers and the constant talks of the big man's questionable health appear to be a thing of the past.
The Nets (8-12) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, as their defense is finally regressing. Brooklyn had a shocking start when they sat top-10 in points allowed through the first 12 games but look more like the team that struggled mightily last season. In fact, the Nets are allowing nearly 120 points per game in those losses, as they've fallen all the way to 23rd in defensive efficiency. The recent slide directly correlates with the Caris LeVert (ankle) injury, as that's a blow that this team simply couldn't handle. Not only has he become the go-to ball-handler on this team, he was beginning to look like the face of the franchise. The one silver lining is that D'Angelo Russell has stepped up in his absence, as he was averaging 21 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals across his last six games before a dud on Friday. That's the Russell that Nets fans expected when they acquired him from Los Angeles and he really needs to do everything possible to take the reigns on this offense.
These teams played three weeks ago and Brooklyn absolutely destroyed Philly, 122-97, on November 4. Prior to that, the Sixers won their three previous meetings over the Nets.
The Sixers (13-8) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, as they've been one of the best home teams in the NBA. In fact, Philadelphia is currently 10-1 at home, as they suffered their first home defeat in their most recent game. Who they played is what made the defeat bizarre, as the Cleveland Cavaliers came into Wells Fargo Center and dropped 121 points on these Sixers. That loss is discouraging but the road form is downright concerning. The Sixers are currently 3-7 away from home, as they're simply not the same team outside of Philly. It's no fault of Joel Embiid though, as he leads the league in double-doubles, averaging 27.9 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Those are MVP-worthy numbers and the constant talks of the big man's questionable health appear to be a thing of the past.
The Nets (8-12) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, as their defense is finally regressing. Brooklyn had a shocking start when they sat top-10 in points allowed through the first 12 games but look more like the team that struggled mightily last season. In fact, the Nets are allowing nearly 120 points per game in those losses, as they've fallen all the way to 23rd in defensive efficiency. The recent slide directly correlates with the Caris LeVert (ankle) injury, as that's a blow that this team simply couldn't handle. Not only has he become the go-to ball-handler on this team, he was beginning to look like the face of the franchise. The one silver lining is that D'Angelo Russell has stepped up in his absence, as he was averaging 21 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals across his last six games before a dud on Friday. That's the Russell that Nets fans expected when they acquired him from Los Angeles and he really needs to do everything possible to take the reigns on this offense.
These teams played three weeks ago and Brooklyn absolutely destroyed Philly, 122-97, on November 4. Prior to that, the Sixers won their three previous meetings over the Nets.
Scorching Raptors Play Host to Fizzling Heat
The Miami Heat travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Center on Sunday.
The Heat (7-11) are one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, as they're really sliding down the standings right now. In fact, Miami has lost six of their last eight games. What's bizarre about that is the fact that Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside are both having career years. Whiteside has been especially good, as he's averaging 14 points, 14.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. The player they're missing is Goran Dragic, as he's currently out of the lineup due to a toe issue. Dragic was a surprise all-star last season and he simply hasn't been the same all year, even when healthy. What this club needs to improve is their lackluster offense, with the Heat sitting sixth in offensive efficiency. That simply won't get it done no matter how good your defense is and there's plenty of good weapons on that end of the court to get them out of this slide.
The Raptors (16-4) appeared to be in trouble when they lost three-straight two weeks ago but they've bounced back big time by winning four-straight since. That minor three-game skid is the only blemish on the resume', with Toronto winning 16 of their other 17 games. That's incredible and it's clear that Kawhi Leonard is the reason why. The statistics back up their ridiculous play, as they rank top-eight in points scored, points allowed, rebounding, assists and defensive efficiency. They're actually the only team in the league who sits top-10 in all those statistics, as this season has turned into a magical one for Raptors fans thus far. One thing to consider is the fact that Toronto has had the second-easiest schedule thus far, as they'll inevitably play some tougher teams down the road.
These teams have traded off wins and losses across their last four meetings. Prior to that, Toronto won six of their previous seven games over Miami.
The Heat (7-11) are one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, as they're really sliding down the standings right now. In fact, Miami has lost six of their last eight games. What's bizarre about that is the fact that Josh Richardson and Hassan Whiteside are both having career years. Whiteside has been especially good, as he's averaging 14 points, 14.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. The player they're missing is Goran Dragic, as he's currently out of the lineup due to a toe issue. Dragic was a surprise all-star last season and he simply hasn't been the same all year, even when healthy. What this club needs to improve is their lackluster offense, with the Heat sitting sixth in offensive efficiency. That simply won't get it done no matter how good your defense is and there's plenty of good weapons on that end of the court to get them out of this slide.
The Raptors (16-4) appeared to be in trouble when they lost three-straight two weeks ago but they've bounced back big time by winning four-straight since. That minor three-game skid is the only blemish on the resume', with Toronto winning 16 of their other 17 games. That's incredible and it's clear that Kawhi Leonard is the reason why. The statistics back up their ridiculous play, as they rank top-eight in points scored, points allowed, rebounding, assists and defensive efficiency. They're actually the only team in the league who sits top-10 in all those statistics, as this season has turned into a magical one for Raptors fans thus far. One thing to consider is the fact that Toronto has had the second-easiest schedule thus far, as they'll inevitably play some tougher teams down the road.
These teams have traded off wins and losses across their last four meetings. Prior to that, Toronto won six of their previous seven games over Miami.
Knicks Battle Grizzlies In Interconference Showdown
The New York Knicks take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (6-14) are firmly in rebuilding mode, especially with star forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) yet to play this season. However, they'll come into Sunday's contest riding the wave of consecutive victories over quality opponents. After a surprising road win over the Boston Celtics two games ago, New York defeated the New Orleans Pelicans by a 114-109 score on Friday night. Emmanuel Mudiay led the way for the Knicks with 27 points and added seven rebounds, two assists and four steals. Allonzo Trier continued his stellar rookie season with 25 points off the bench. He added eight rebounds and four assists. Enes Kanter produced a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double. Noah Vonleh contributed 14 points, 11 boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Knicks will be without Lance Thomas (knee) and Courtney Lee (neck) for Sunday's game. Ron Baker will be a game-time decision due to illness.
The Grizzlies (12-6) have been one of the hotter teams in the NBA throughout November, and they entered a Friday night contest against the Los Angeles Clippers riding a five-game winning streak. However, they saw that snapped in overtime by a 112-107 score. For Memphis, it was Marc Gasol leading the way with a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. totaled 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Mike Conley posted a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds. Kyle Anderson pitched in 11 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies will be without Chandler Parsons (knee) and Dillon Brooks (knee) for Sunday's game.
The two teams split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Knicks (6-14) are firmly in rebuilding mode, especially with star forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) yet to play this season. However, they'll come into Sunday's contest riding the wave of consecutive victories over quality opponents. After a surprising road win over the Boston Celtics two games ago, New York defeated the New Orleans Pelicans by a 114-109 score on Friday night. Emmanuel Mudiay led the way for the Knicks with 27 points and added seven rebounds, two assists and four steals. Allonzo Trier continued his stellar rookie season with 25 points off the bench. He added eight rebounds and four assists. Enes Kanter produced a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double. Noah Vonleh contributed 14 points, 11 boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Knicks will be without Lance Thomas (knee) and Courtney Lee (neck) for Sunday's game. Ron Baker will be a game-time decision due to illness.
The Grizzlies (12-6) have been one of the hotter teams in the NBA throughout November, and they entered a Friday night contest against the Los Angeles Clippers riding a five-game winning streak. However, they saw that snapped in overtime by a 112-107 score. For Memphis, it was Marc Gasol leading the way with a 27-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. totaled 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Mike Conley posted a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds. Kyle Anderson pitched in 11 points, five boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies will be without Chandler Parsons (knee) and Dillon Brooks (knee) for Sunday's game.
The two teams split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Jazz Continues California Swing Against Kings
The Utah Jazz take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Jazz (8-11) have been reeling after a solid start to their season, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having lost five of their last six games. Their most recent defeat was hard-fought, low-scoring battle against the Los Angeles Lakers, which toppled them by a 90-83 margin on Friday night. Alec Burks led the Jazz with 17 points and added five rebounds and one steal. Joe Ingles provided 16 points, eight boards and five assists. Rudy Gobert supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick Favors delivered 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio generated just seven points on 3-for-12 shooting.
The Jazz will list Donovan Mitchell as a game-time decision for Sunday's contest with the rib injury that caused him to leave Friday's contest early.
The Kings (10-9) have been one of the NBA's biggest surprises thus far this season, although they dropped their most recent contest Saturday night to the Golden State Warriors by a 117-116 score on a Klay Thompson put-back of his own missed shot with 5.8 seconds remaining. Buddy Hield led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. Marvin Bagley III turned in a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double off the bench. Iman Shumpert registered 14 points, four rebounds and one steal. Justin Jackson managed 12 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 10.
The Kings' only injuries coming into Sunday's game are Ben McLemore (personal) and Kosta Koufos (calf).
The teams have split the first two games between them thus far this season.
The Jazz (8-11) have been reeling after a solid start to their season, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having lost five of their last six games. Their most recent defeat was hard-fought, low-scoring battle against the Los Angeles Lakers, which toppled them by a 90-83 margin on Friday night. Alec Burks led the Jazz with 17 points and added five rebounds and one steal. Joe Ingles provided 16 points, eight boards and five assists. Rudy Gobert supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick Favors delivered 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio generated just seven points on 3-for-12 shooting.
The Jazz will list Donovan Mitchell as a game-time decision for Sunday's contest with the rib injury that caused him to leave Friday's contest early.
The Kings (10-9) have been one of the NBA's biggest surprises thus far this season, although they dropped their most recent contest Saturday night to the Golden State Warriors by a 117-116 score on a Klay Thompson put-back of his own missed shot with 5.8 seconds remaining. Buddy Hield led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. Marvin Bagley III turned in a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double off the bench. Iman Shumpert registered 14 points, four rebounds and one steal. Justin Jackson managed 12 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 10.
The Kings' only injuries coming into Sunday's game are Ben McLemore (personal) and Kosta Koufos (calf).
The teams have split the first two games between them thus far this season.
Clippers Tangle With Trail Blazers In Sunday Showdown
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Sunday evening.
The Clippers (12-6) have put the pedestrian 4-4 record they sported earlier in the season firmly in the rear-view mirror, as they've gone 8-2 since that point. Los Angeles comes into Sunday's contest having most recently notched a 112-107 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime on Friday night. Montrezl Harrell led the way with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench. Danilo Gallinari provided 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Lou Williams tallied 15 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Avery Bradley managed 13 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris pitched in 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers will be without Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) for Sunday's game.
The Trail Blazers (12-7) have slipped considerably since going 10-3 over their first 13 games. Portland has dropped four of their subsequent six contests, and they've been blown out in each of their last two games. Their most recent defeat came against the Golden State Warriors, which toppled them by a 125-97 score on Friday night. Damian Lillard paced the Blazers with 23 points and added eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Jusuf Nurkic posted 22 points and eight rebounds. C.J. McCollum supplied 19 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Al-Farouq Aminu tallied 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will likely list both Seth Curry and Maurice Harkless as questionable due to their respective knee injuries.
Portland leads the season series, 1-0, notching a 116-105 victory back on Nov. 8.
The Clippers (12-6) have put the pedestrian 4-4 record they sported earlier in the season firmly in the rear-view mirror, as they've gone 8-2 since that point. Los Angeles comes into Sunday's contest having most recently notched a 112-107 win over the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime on Friday night. Montrezl Harrell led the way with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench. Danilo Gallinari provided 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Lou Williams tallied 15 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Avery Bradley managed 13 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Tobias Harris pitched in 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers will be without Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) for Sunday's game.
The Trail Blazers (12-7) have slipped considerably since going 10-3 over their first 13 games. Portland has dropped four of their subsequent six contests, and they've been blown out in each of their last two games. Their most recent defeat came against the Golden State Warriors, which toppled them by a 125-97 score on Friday night. Damian Lillard paced the Blazers with 23 points and added eight assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Jusuf Nurkic posted 22 points and eight rebounds. C.J. McCollum supplied 19 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Al-Farouq Aminu tallied 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will likely list both Seth Curry and Maurice Harkless as questionable due to their respective knee injuries.
Portland leads the season series, 1-0, notching a 116-105 victory back on Nov. 8.