Red-Hot Knicks Visit Pistons
The New York Knicks will head to Detroit on Tuesday to take on the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
The Knicks (7-14) have done a great job of putting their recent six-game losing streak behind them, as they have managed to rattle off three straight wins and will be looking for a fourth in Detroit. And the wins haven't been coming against the easiest competition either, as the team won in Boston and Memphis and at home against against the Pelicans. In their most recent performance on the road against the Grizzlies, the Knicks were carried by their veterans, with Tim Hardaway Jr. posting a game-high 22 points and Enes Kanter posting a monster double-double of 21 points and a season-high 26 rebounds. It was the second time this season that Kanter had a game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Tuesday will be the 10th straight game that the Knicks will play a team with a record of at least .500.
That team, the Pistons (10-7), is also one of the hotter teams in the NBA as winners of four of their last five games. Additionally, a fairly easy victory over the Suns on Sunday gave made Detroit 6-2 since it suffered a five-game losing streak. While Blake Griffin scored a modest 16 points in that victory, he entered Sunday on an absolute tear. In the back-to-back games the Pistons played against the Rockets last week, Griffin averaged 32.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting a very impressive 8-of-15 (53.3 percent) from behind the arc. Griffin has been the catalyst behind Detroit's recent offensive splurge, as the team is averaging 119.3 points per game over the last three contests.
The Knicks (7-14) have done a great job of putting their recent six-game losing streak behind them, as they have managed to rattle off three straight wins and will be looking for a fourth in Detroit. And the wins haven't been coming against the easiest competition either, as the team won in Boston and Memphis and at home against against the Pelicans. In their most recent performance on the road against the Grizzlies, the Knicks were carried by their veterans, with Tim Hardaway Jr. posting a game-high 22 points and Enes Kanter posting a monster double-double of 21 points and a season-high 26 rebounds. It was the second time this season that Kanter had a game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Tuesday will be the 10th straight game that the Knicks will play a team with a record of at least .500.
That team, the Pistons (10-7), is also one of the hotter teams in the NBA as winners of four of their last five games. Additionally, a fairly easy victory over the Suns on Sunday gave made Detroit 6-2 since it suffered a five-game losing streak. While Blake Griffin scored a modest 16 points in that victory, he entered Sunday on an absolute tear. In the back-to-back games the Pistons played against the Rockets last week, Griffin averaged 32.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting a very impressive 8-of-15 (53.3 percent) from behind the arc. Griffin has been the catalyst behind Detroit's recent offensive splurge, as the team is averaging 119.3 points per game over the last three contests.
Heat Host Hawks With Both Teams Struggling
The Atlanta Hawks travel to South Beach to play the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks (4-16) do have a win in their most recent game, as that snapped the worst losing streak of any team all season. In fact, Atlanta lost their previous 10 games before that victory against the Charlotte Hornets, as those defeats came by nearly 15 points per game. That sort of losing stretch was expected from a team like this though, as many had them pegged as the worst team in the league headed into the year. There are some promising young pieces to build around though, with John Collins and Trae Young both showing serious signs of promise. The main problem is that these are their two best players, as you simply need superstars in this new-look NBA to compete. What's fascinating about the Hawks is the blistering pace their playing at, as they currently lead the league in pace. That's led to the Hawks ranking dead-last in points allowed and that trend may continue all year if they continue to post a 105.8 pace. That would be one of the highest paces ever and it's indicative of how Atlanta wants to play with all these young players.
The Heat (7-12) are one of the surprises of the NBA and not in a good way. Many experts had this team pegged to finish top-four in the east but they're currently on the outside looking in, in terms of playoffs. They come into this matchup losing seven of their last nine games. The loss of Goran Dragic is clearly playing a huge part in the struggles, as he continues to nurse a sore toe. Dragic was an all-star last season and the Heat are really missing his playmaking presence. It shows by the fact that Miami ranks 24th in assists and 20th in scoring, as he's expected to miss yet another game here. Dwayne Wade did turn back the clock in his most recent game though, as he collected 35 points, five rebounds and six assists in a defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. He's been a pleasant surprise for this club and they may need more vintage Wade if they want to get out of this slide.
These teams played earlier this season, with Atlanta prevailing, 123-118, on November 3. Trae Young had arguably the best game of his career, as he collected 24 points, six rebounds and 15 assists in that victory.
The Hawks (4-16) do have a win in their most recent game, as that snapped the worst losing streak of any team all season. In fact, Atlanta lost their previous 10 games before that victory against the Charlotte Hornets, as those defeats came by nearly 15 points per game. That sort of losing stretch was expected from a team like this though, as many had them pegged as the worst team in the league headed into the year. There are some promising young pieces to build around though, with John Collins and Trae Young both showing serious signs of promise. The main problem is that these are their two best players, as you simply need superstars in this new-look NBA to compete. What's fascinating about the Hawks is the blistering pace their playing at, as they currently lead the league in pace. That's led to the Hawks ranking dead-last in points allowed and that trend may continue all year if they continue to post a 105.8 pace. That would be one of the highest paces ever and it's indicative of how Atlanta wants to play with all these young players.
The Heat (7-12) are one of the surprises of the NBA and not in a good way. Many experts had this team pegged to finish top-four in the east but they're currently on the outside looking in, in terms of playoffs. They come into this matchup losing seven of their last nine games. The loss of Goran Dragic is clearly playing a huge part in the struggles, as he continues to nurse a sore toe. Dragic was an all-star last season and the Heat are really missing his playmaking presence. It shows by the fact that Miami ranks 24th in assists and 20th in scoring, as he's expected to miss yet another game here. Dwayne Wade did turn back the clock in his most recent game though, as he collected 35 points, five rebounds and six assists in a defeat to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. He's been a pleasant surprise for this club and they may need more vintage Wade if they want to get out of this slide.
These teams played earlier this season, with Atlanta prevailing, 123-118, on November 3. Trae Young had arguably the best game of his career, as he collected 24 points, six rebounds and 15 assists in that victory.
Grizzlies Host Red-Hot Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Toronto Raptors, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Grizzlies (12-7) have been off to a great start to the season, however they have lost their last two games in a row. It is just the second time this season that the Grizz have lost consecutive games, as they remain right in the thick of things in the West, where several teams are within one game of each other in the standings. The Grizzlies have been solid at home, where they have a 7-2 record. Mike Conley has been fantastic for Memphis, averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while Marc Gasol has been looking like his old self, averaging 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Gasol has topped 25 points in four of his last seven outings, with his lowest scoring outing in the stretch being a 17-point night. The Grizzlies have gotten back to their defensive ways from a couple years back, as they are holding opponents to a league-low 100.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (17-4) have won five in a row, as they continue to dominate most the competition on most nights. They hit a slide when they dropped three games in a row earlier this month, but other than that have only lost one game, one which Kawhi Leonard did not play. Leonard has been a beast so far, averaging 24.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals, over 15 games played. The bad news for teams around the league, is that Kawhi is just barely getting back into the swing of things, posing the question; how high is the ceiling for Toronto? Regardless, the Raptors success has been a team effort, with Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam all playing at a high level. The Raptors are 8-2 on the road this season.
The Grizzlies (12-7) have been off to a great start to the season, however they have lost their last two games in a row. It is just the second time this season that the Grizz have lost consecutive games, as they remain right in the thick of things in the West, where several teams are within one game of each other in the standings. The Grizzlies have been solid at home, where they have a 7-2 record. Mike Conley has been fantastic for Memphis, averaging 20.3 points, 6.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while Marc Gasol has been looking like his old self, averaging 18.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Gasol has topped 25 points in four of his last seven outings, with his lowest scoring outing in the stretch being a 17-point night. The Grizzlies have gotten back to their defensive ways from a couple years back, as they are holding opponents to a league-low 100.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (17-4) have won five in a row, as they continue to dominate most the competition on most nights. They hit a slide when they dropped three games in a row earlier this month, but other than that have only lost one game, one which Kawhi Leonard did not play. Leonard has been a beast so far, averaging 24.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals, over 15 games played. The bad news for teams around the league, is that Kawhi is just barely getting back into the swing of things, posing the question; how high is the ceiling for Toronto? Regardless, the Raptors success has been a team effort, with Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam all playing at a high level. The Raptors are 8-2 on the road this season.
Lakers And Nuggets Battle In Rocky Mountain Matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Tuesday evening.
The Lakers (11-8) have been enjoying plenty of success this season, but their most recent time on the court was not one such example. Los Angeles fell to the Orlando Magic by a 108-104 score on Sunday afternoon, a game in which they failed to score over the final 2:24. LeBron James led the way with 24 points and added seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Kyle Kuzma mustered 21 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram provided 17 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Lance Stephenson tallied 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. JaVale McGee totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks. Lonzo Ball delivered nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers come in with only Rajon Rondo (hand) as their only injury of note.
The Nuggets (13-7) have been went on a 1-6 skid after opening the season 9-1, but they appear to have the proverbial train back on the tracks. Denver comes into Tuesday's game having won three straight contests, with their most recent success a 105-88 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. Jamal Murray led the way with 22 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Jokic and Trey Lyles contributed matching 16-point efforts. Juancho Hernangomez managed 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee pitched in 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 21 minutes off the bench. Torrey Craig (eight points, 10 rebounds) and Paul Millsap (eight points, six rebounds) had solid nights on the starting five.
The Nuggets will list Gary Harris (ankle) as a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest. Will Barton (groin), Michael Porter, Jr. (back) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) will remain out of action.
The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead this season, having beaten the Nuggets by a 121-114 score Oct. 25.
The Lakers (11-8) have been enjoying plenty of success this season, but their most recent time on the court was not one such example. Los Angeles fell to the Orlando Magic by a 108-104 score on Sunday afternoon, a game in which they failed to score over the final 2:24. LeBron James led the way with 24 points and added seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Kyle Kuzma mustered 21 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram provided 17 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Lance Stephenson tallied 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. JaVale McGee totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks. Lonzo Ball delivered nine points and 10 rebounds.
The Lakers come in with only Rajon Rondo (hand) as their only injury of note.
The Nuggets (13-7) have been went on a 1-6 skid after opening the season 9-1, but they appear to have the proverbial train back on the tracks. Denver comes into Tuesday's game having won three straight contests, with their most recent success a 105-88 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night. Jamal Murray led the way with 22 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Jokic and Trey Lyles contributed matching 16-point efforts. Juancho Hernangomez managed 15 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee pitched in 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 21 minutes off the bench. Torrey Craig (eight points, 10 rebounds) and Paul Millsap (eight points, six rebounds) had solid nights on the starting five.
The Nuggets will list Gary Harris (ankle) as a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest. Will Barton (groin), Michael Porter, Jr. (back) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) will remain out of action.
The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead this season, having beaten the Nuggets by a 121-114 score Oct. 25.
Pacers Continue Road Trip Against Suns
By Oscar Heanue
The Indiana Pacers will visit the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Tuesday evening.
Indiana (12-8) is fresh off a dominant 121-88 victory over the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The win was one of the team's strongest offensive showings of the season, as seven players scored in double digits and the team as a whole shot 58.3 percent. Doug McDermott led the way with 21 points off the bench, while big man Domantas Sabonis scored 13 points and notched 10 rebounds for a double-double. Monday's win snapped a quick two-game losing streak for the Pacers, who currently sit at fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is still dealing with the absence of Victor Oladipo, who has missed three straight games with knee soreness. He is considered questionable for Tuesday's game in Phoenix.
Phoenix (4-15), meanwhile, has struggled mightily to start the season. The Suns sit at 15th in the Western Conference and are already five games back of the closest team. Phoenix is 1-4 in its last five games, with its most recent outing ending in a loss against Detroit. Despite the loss, the Suns' young core stood out. Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points, while rookie big man DeAndre Ayton scored 25 points to go with 13 rebounds and three blocks. Ayton, the reigning number one overall pick, has been a bright spot for the Suns this season. He is averaging 16.9 points and 10.4 rebounds on 62.4 percent shooting heading into Tuesday's game.
Indiana (12-8) is fresh off a dominant 121-88 victory over the Jazz in Utah on Monday. The win was one of the team's strongest offensive showings of the season, as seven players scored in double digits and the team as a whole shot 58.3 percent. Doug McDermott led the way with 21 points off the bench, while big man Domantas Sabonis scored 13 points and notched 10 rebounds for a double-double. Monday's win snapped a quick two-game losing streak for the Pacers, who currently sit at fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The team is still dealing with the absence of Victor Oladipo, who has missed three straight games with knee soreness. He is considered questionable for Tuesday's game in Phoenix.
Phoenix (4-15), meanwhile, has struggled mightily to start the season. The Suns sit at 15th in the Western Conference and are already five games back of the closest team. Phoenix is 1-4 in its last five games, with its most recent outing ending in a loss against Detroit. Despite the loss, the Suns' young core stood out. Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points, while rookie big man DeAndre Ayton scored 25 points to go with 13 rebounds and three blocks. Ayton, the reigning number one overall pick, has been a bright spot for the Suns this season. He is averaging 16.9 points and 10.4 rebounds on 62.4 percent shooting heading into Tuesday's game.