TD Garden Plays Host to Hawks and Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks (6-21) continue their road trip in Boston, having only recorded two wins away from home all season, and are coming off a loss at the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, 114-107. Losers of five of their last six games, the Hawks had two starters emerge with double-doubles in Trae Young and John Collins. Young led the charge offensively for Atlanta, shooting 11-of-20 from field goal range to drop 24 points and dole out 10 assists, while Collins completed 10-of-22 from the paint for 20 points and 17 rebounds. Kent Bazemore put up 22 points, going 3-of-5 from long range, while Kevin Huerter finished with 19 points and four three-pointers of his own. The Hawks are ranked 23rd in the league in both team defense and scoring, but have a fairly soft schedule to close out 2018 if they hope to move up in the Eastern Conference, where they currently reside in 14th place.
The white-hot Boston Celtics (17-10) shook off a rocky November and have now logged seven straight wins, but it took everything the unit had in Wednesday's fair, as they needed overtime to put away the Washington Wizards on the road, 130-125. Kyrie Irving erupted for 38 points in the contest, adding seven assists and making all 10 of his shot attempts from the foul line. Through 25 starts, Irving is averaging 22.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Marcus Morris had 27 points and nine boards to park shy of a double-double, while Jayson Tatum got his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Tatum was icy from downtown, missing all four of his attempts, indicative of the team's struggles as a whole from deep, where they went a collective 11-of-38. Terry Rozier posted 10 points and a pair of triples off the bench for a Boston team whose recent streak has bumped them to fifth place in the conference, a half game behind the Indiana Pacers.
The white-hot Boston Celtics (17-10) shook off a rocky November and have now logged seven straight wins, but it took everything the unit had in Wednesday's fair, as they needed overtime to put away the Washington Wizards on the road, 130-125. Kyrie Irving erupted for 38 points in the contest, adding seven assists and making all 10 of his shot attempts from the foul line. Through 25 starts, Irving is averaging 22.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Marcus Morris had 27 points and nine boards to park shy of a double-double, while Jayson Tatum got his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Tatum was icy from downtown, missing all four of his attempts, indicative of the team's struggles as a whole from deep, where they went a collective 11-of-38. Terry Rozier posted 10 points and a pair of triples off the bench for a Boston team whose recent streak has bumped them to fifth place in the conference, a half game behind the Indiana Pacers.
Hornets Play Host to Struggling Knicks
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the New York Knicks at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Knicks (8-21) come into this matchup in the midst of a five-game losing streak, as they continue to struggle defensively. In fact, New York is allowing 118 points per game in that span, as they've dropped to 26th for the season in points allowed. What's really frustrating about this team is their lack of stability, as they've had the most number of starting lineups in the league. Having so many different starting lineups doesn't allow your players to find any rhythm, especially when it's a roster full of young players. The good news is that Emmanuel Mudiay has taken over that starting point guard job beautifully, as he's showing signs of the player that the Denver Nuggets took with a top-10 pick a few years back. He and Tim Hardaway Jr. make for a dynamic backcourt and fans can't wait to see how they pair with Kristaps Porzingis whenever he returns from his knee injury.
The Hornets (14-13) have been one of the surprises of the league, as they come into this matchup winning three-straight games. What's really impressive is the competition in those victories, as Charlotte beat the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets in that stretch. It's been the Kemba Walker show for Hornets fans all season, as he's leading this team with 26 points and 6.3 assists per game. That's landed this team with the eighth-best scoring mark in the NBA but he needs some more help from their role players. Nicolas Batum really needs to step up, as he's averaging career-lows with 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. If they can get him back to the all-star caliber player he used to be, Charlotte could remain a threat in the east.
Charlotte won their one game over New York earlier this season, 119-107, at Spectrum Center on December 9. That gives the Hornets 10 wins in their last 15 games against the Knicks dating back to 2014.
The Knicks (8-21) come into this matchup in the midst of a five-game losing streak, as they continue to struggle defensively. In fact, New York is allowing 118 points per game in that span, as they've dropped to 26th for the season in points allowed. What's really frustrating about this team is their lack of stability, as they've had the most number of starting lineups in the league. Having so many different starting lineups doesn't allow your players to find any rhythm, especially when it's a roster full of young players. The good news is that Emmanuel Mudiay has taken over that starting point guard job beautifully, as he's showing signs of the player that the Denver Nuggets took with a top-10 pick a few years back. He and Tim Hardaway Jr. make for a dynamic backcourt and fans can't wait to see how they pair with Kristaps Porzingis whenever he returns from his knee injury.
The Hornets (14-13) have been one of the surprises of the league, as they come into this matchup winning three-straight games. What's really impressive is the competition in those victories, as Charlotte beat the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets in that stretch. It's been the Kemba Walker show for Hornets fans all season, as he's leading this team with 26 points and 6.3 assists per game. That's landed this team with the eighth-best scoring mark in the NBA but he needs some more help from their role players. Nicolas Batum really needs to step up, as he's averaging career-lows with 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. If they can get him back to the all-star caliber player he used to be, Charlotte could remain a threat in the east.
Charlotte won their one game over New York earlier this season, 119-107, at Spectrum Center on December 9. That gives the Hornets 10 wins in their last 15 games against the Knicks dating back to 2014.
Bucks And Cavaliers Face Off With In Midwest Battle
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday evening.
The Bucks (18-9) have an impressive record and the top spot in the Eastern Conference's Central Division, but they've been a bit inconsistent of late. Milwaukee is just 3-3 over their last six games, with their most recent game a 113-97 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 26 points and added six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Brook Lopez provided 15 points, five rebounds, an assist, four blocks and one steal. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists. Khris Middleton posted 10 points and eight boards.
The Bucks come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Cavaliers (7-21) have an unsightly record overall, but they'll come into Friday having won two of their last three games. Their most recent time on the court was one of those successes, as they notched a 113-106 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Jordan Clarkson paced the Cavaliers with 28 points off the bench, a total he supplemented with five rebounds and two assists. Rodney Hood supplied 23 points and five rebounds. Collin Sexton registered 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Matthew Dellavedova enjoyed a successful return to Cleveland, posting 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
The Cavaliers will continue to be without Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson on Friday due to their respective foot injuries, while John Henson (wrist) also remains out.
The Bucks hold a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 108-92 win on Monday night.
The Bucks (18-9) have an impressive record and the top spot in the Eastern Conference's Central Division, but they've been a bit inconsistent of late. Milwaukee is just 3-3 over their last six games, with their most recent game a 113-97 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 26 points and added six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Brook Lopez provided 15 points, five rebounds, an assist, four blocks and one steal. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists. Khris Middleton posted 10 points and eight boards.
The Bucks come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Cavaliers (7-21) have an unsightly record overall, but they'll come into Friday having won two of their last three games. Their most recent time on the court was one of those successes, as they notched a 113-106 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Jordan Clarkson paced the Cavaliers with 28 points off the bench, a total he supplemented with five rebounds and two assists. Rodney Hood supplied 23 points and five rebounds. Collin Sexton registered 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Matthew Dellavedova enjoyed a successful return to Cleveland, posting 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
The Cavaliers will continue to be without Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson on Friday due to their respective foot injuries, while John Henson (wrist) also remains out.
The Bucks hold a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 108-92 win on Monday night.
Nets Play Host To Slipping Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Washington Wizards, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets (11-18), who are on a three-game winning streak, including an impressive win at home over the Raptors followed by road wins against the Knicks and most recently the 76ers. Spencer Dinwiddie came up huge in the win over Philly, with 39 points on 11-of-18 shooting, and played a significant role in the game before that, with 25 points and six assists. He is averaging 16.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds, in 29 minutes per game, primarily off the bench. D'Angelo Russell leads the Nets averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Nets are just 4-10 at home this season but have a chance on the home stand to make a significant improvement.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (11-17) are falling on the opposite trend, as they have dropped their last three games in a row. They are just 0.5 games ahead of the Nets in the standings and will see themselves fall yet farther down the ranks in the East if they do not come up with the win on Friday. They have lost their last two in a row on the road, with a loss in Cleveland followed by a loss in Indiana, and are 4-11 on the road this season. John Wall continues to do his best for the team, with 21.0 points, 8.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Bradley Beal does the same, with 22.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. The Wizards' struggles originate on the defensive end, where they allow opponents an average of 116.9 points per game, which is second worst in the league.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets (11-18), who are on a three-game winning streak, including an impressive win at home over the Raptors followed by road wins against the Knicks and most recently the 76ers. Spencer Dinwiddie came up huge in the win over Philly, with 39 points on 11-of-18 shooting, and played a significant role in the game before that, with 25 points and six assists. He is averaging 16.9 points, 4.9 assists and 2.5 rebounds, in 29 minutes per game, primarily off the bench. D'Angelo Russell leads the Nets averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Nets are just 4-10 at home this season but have a chance on the home stand to make a significant improvement.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (11-17) are falling on the opposite trend, as they have dropped their last three games in a row. They are just 0.5 games ahead of the Nets in the standings and will see themselves fall yet farther down the ranks in the East if they do not come up with the win on Friday. They have lost their last two in a row on the road, with a loss in Cleveland followed by a loss in Indiana, and are 4-11 on the road this season. John Wall continues to do his best for the team, with 21.0 points, 8.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Bradley Beal does the same, with 22.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. The Wizards' struggles originate on the defensive end, where they allow opponents an average of 116.9 points per game, which is second worst in the league.
Pacers Take On Sixers In Eastern Conference Showdown
The Indiana Pacers take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The Pacers (18-10) roll into Philadelphia as one of the hotter teams in the NBA, as they've notched five straight victories. Their most recent win was one of their more impressive, as they toppled the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-97 score on Wednesday night. Thaddeus Young led the way with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, four assists, five steals and one block. Myles Turner provided 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 16 points and four boards. Victor Oladipo made his return from a knee injury to tally 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists across 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis and Doug McDermott provided matching 12-point tallies off the bench, with Sabonis also pulling down 10 boards.
The Pacers will list Kyle O'Quinn (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
The 76ers (19-10) have mostly been on the winning end of the equation recently and particularly dominant at home, but they were shocked in their most recent game by the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets handed Philadelphia only their second home loss of the season by a 127-124 margin. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Ben Simmons finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Furkan Korkmaz drew a start with Jimmy Butler (groin) sidelined and totaled 18 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 17 points, while J.J. Redick poured in 11.
The Sixers will list Butler and Mike Muscala (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Zhaire Smith and Justin Patton remain out with foot injuries.
The Sixers own a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 100-94 victory on Nov. 7.
The Pacers (18-10) roll into Philadelphia as one of the hotter teams in the NBA, as they've notched five straight victories. Their most recent win was one of their more impressive, as they toppled the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-97 score on Wednesday night. Thaddeus Young led the way with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, four assists, five steals and one block. Myles Turner provided 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic generated 16 points and four boards. Victor Oladipo made his return from a knee injury to tally 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists across 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis and Doug McDermott provided matching 12-point tallies off the bench, with Sabonis also pulling down 10 boards.
The Pacers will list Kyle O'Quinn (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
The 76ers (19-10) have mostly been on the winning end of the equation recently and particularly dominant at home, but they were shocked in their most recent game by the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets handed Philadelphia only their second home loss of the season by a 127-124 margin. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with a 33-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Ben Simmons finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks. Furkan Korkmaz drew a start with Jimmy Butler (groin) sidelined and totaled 18 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 17 points, while J.J. Redick poured in 11.
The Sixers will list Butler and Mike Muscala (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Zhaire Smith and Justin Patton remain out with foot injuries.
The Sixers own a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 100-94 victory on Nov. 7.
Heat Visit Grizzlies at FedEx Forum
By Oscar Heanue
The Miami Heat will visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
Miami (11-16) is five games into a West Coast road trip that has taken the Heat to Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Utah thus far. The Heat have dropped two straight games, losing to the Lakers and Jazz on Monday and Wednesday respectively. Miami has seen its share of struggles early in the season, ranking just 10th in the Eastern Conference. The Heat, though, have seen some promising signs of late. Thus far in the month of December, Justise Winslow has averaged 16.6 points and 3.7 assists per game, bringing his season scoring average up to 11.1. The Heat have also won four of their last seven contests heading into Friday's game.
Memphis (16-11), meanwhile, has succeeded early on thanks to its strong defensive play. The Grizzlies are coming off a win on Wednesday in which they held the Portland Trail Blazers to just 83 points. Portland was limited to just 36.8 percent shooting in the win, including only six made three-pointers. That kind of stifling defensive play has been the Grizzlies' hallmark this season. Memphis is holding opponents to just 102.1 points per game this season, second in the NBA. The front court duo of Marc Gasol and Jaren Jackson, Jr. has contributed to the team's early success, as the two big men are combining for 3.4 blocks and 2.7 steals per game.
Miami (11-16) is five games into a West Coast road trip that has taken the Heat to Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Utah thus far. The Heat have dropped two straight games, losing to the Lakers and Jazz on Monday and Wednesday respectively. Miami has seen its share of struggles early in the season, ranking just 10th in the Eastern Conference. The Heat, though, have seen some promising signs of late. Thus far in the month of December, Justise Winslow has averaged 16.6 points and 3.7 assists per game, bringing his season scoring average up to 11.1. The Heat have also won four of their last seven contests heading into Friday's game.
Memphis (16-11), meanwhile, has succeeded early on thanks to its strong defensive play. The Grizzlies are coming off a win on Wednesday in which they held the Portland Trail Blazers to just 83 points. Portland was limited to just 36.8 percent shooting in the win, including only six made three-pointers. That kind of stifling defensive play has been the Grizzlies' hallmark this season. Memphis is holding opponents to just 102.1 points per game this season, second in the NBA. The front court duo of Marc Gasol and Jaren Jackson, Jr. has contributed to the team's early success, as the two big men are combining for 3.4 blocks and 2.7 steals per game.
Thunder, Nuggets Clash in Marquee Matchup
By Oscar Heanue
The Oklahoma City Thunder will visit the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Friday evening.
OKC (17-9) has been among the league's hottest teams, winning 15 of its last 20 contests. The team has, however, taken two tough losses to sub-.500 teams in the last week. In its last three games, OKC has dropped to Chicago and New Orleans. Still, it took a 44-point night from the Pelicans' Anthony Davis to overcome the powerhouse Thunder, who boast the league's top-ranked defense this season. For the third straight season, former MVP Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple-double while scoring 22 points per game. All-Star wing Paul George, meanwhile, is enjoying a career year. George is averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game this season.
Denver (18-9), meanwhile, has been another one of the league's powerhouses this season. The Nuggets, too, have taken some unexpected losses in the last week, falling to Atlanta and Charlotte while traveling on the East Coast. Denver has also enjoyed status as a top defensive team, holding opponents to just 103.7 points per game on average. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, though, the team has seen a rather long injury report recently. Paul Millsap (toe), Will Barton (hip), and Gary Harris (hip) all remain out with extended injuries.
OKC (17-9) has been among the league's hottest teams, winning 15 of its last 20 contests. The team has, however, taken two tough losses to sub-.500 teams in the last week. In its last three games, OKC has dropped to Chicago and New Orleans. Still, it took a 44-point night from the Pelicans' Anthony Davis to overcome the powerhouse Thunder, who boast the league's top-ranked defense this season. For the third straight season, former MVP Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple-double while scoring 22 points per game. All-Star wing Paul George, meanwhile, is enjoying a career year. George is averaging a career-high 24.3 points per game this season.
Denver (18-9), meanwhile, has been another one of the league's powerhouses this season. The Nuggets, too, have taken some unexpected losses in the last week, falling to Atlanta and Charlotte while traveling on the East Coast. Denver has also enjoyed status as a top defensive team, holding opponents to just 103.7 points per game on average. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, though, the team has seen a rather long injury report recently. Paul Millsap (toe), Will Barton (hip), and Gary Harris (hip) all remain out with extended injuries.
Struggling Blazers Host Raptors
The Raptors will head to Portland on Friday to take on the Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
The Raptors (23-7) are coming off their most impressive victory of the season, as they went into Oracle Arena on Wednesday and dismantled the Warriors, 113-93. Toronto was not only on the second night of a back-to-back set after a similar blowout victory over the Clippers, but they were also without Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined with a hip injury. The Raptors, however, have showed that they are able to play very well in the absence of their star player, as following Wednesday's victory, the team is now 7-1 this season with Kawhi Leonard out of the lineup. As of Friday morning, Leonard is listed as questionable for Friday's game, and while it is the team's third game on the road in four nights, there's little reason to believe Toronto won't be ready whether Leonard is in the lineup or not.
As for the Trail Blazers (15-13), they have hit a real rough patch after an encouraging start to the regular season. After falling on the road Wednesday against the Grizzlies, Portland has now dropped two games in a row, five of their last seven and eight of their last 11. In their outing in Memphis, the Trail Blazers put together their worst offensive output of the season against a stingy Grizzlies defense, scoring just 83 points while shooting just 36.8 percent from the field as a team. Somehow, shooting guard C.J. McCollum emerged from the game with a season-high 40 points in 39 minutes, while fellow stars Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic combined to shoot 5-of-33 from the field and scored just 16 total points.
The Raptors (23-7) are coming off their most impressive victory of the season, as they went into Oracle Arena on Wednesday and dismantled the Warriors, 113-93. Toronto was not only on the second night of a back-to-back set after a similar blowout victory over the Clippers, but they were also without Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined with a hip injury. The Raptors, however, have showed that they are able to play very well in the absence of their star player, as following Wednesday's victory, the team is now 7-1 this season with Kawhi Leonard out of the lineup. As of Friday morning, Leonard is listed as questionable for Friday's game, and while it is the team's third game on the road in four nights, there's little reason to believe Toronto won't be ready whether Leonard is in the lineup or not.
As for the Trail Blazers (15-13), they have hit a real rough patch after an encouraging start to the regular season. After falling on the road Wednesday against the Grizzlies, Portland has now dropped two games in a row, five of their last seven and eight of their last 11. In their outing in Memphis, the Trail Blazers put together their worst offensive output of the season against a stingy Grizzlies defense, scoring just 83 points while shooting just 36.8 percent from the field as a team. Somehow, shooting guard C.J. McCollum emerged from the game with a season-high 40 points in 39 minutes, while fellow stars Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic combined to shoot 5-of-33 from the field and scored just 16 total points.
Kings Look For Revenge Against Warriors
The Golden State Warriors will travel to Sacramento on Friday to take on the Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Just when the Warriors (19-10) looked as if they were getting back on the right track with four straight wins, they put together one of their poorest performances of the regular season Wednesday night at home against the Raptors. Toronto entered Oracle Arena with their best player, Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with a hip injury, but that didn't matter one bit. The Raptors struck early and often and ultimately walked away with 113-93 victory over the defending champs. It may seem that the Warriors still haven't figured everything out, especially when looking at their recent schedule, as four of their last victories have come against sub-.500 teams. This includes the Hawks and Cavaliers, who are a combined 13-42 so far this season.
As for the Kings (15-12), they continue to be one of the biggest surprises of the young NBA season. While they currently have the eighth best record in the Western Conference, they sit just three games behind the Nuggets and Warriors, who are tied for the No. 1 spot in the conference standings. They've also been terrific as of late, winning two games in a row and five of their last six. They're coming off an impressive 141-130 home victory over the Timberwolves that came thanks for a massive 45-point fourth quarter from Sacramento. Now, the Kings will head into Friday looking to stay hot, but they will also have revenge on their mind, as the last time these two means met, the Warriors escaped with a narrow 117-116 victory on a game-winning Klay Thompson layup with five seconds remaining.
Just when the Warriors (19-10) looked as if they were getting back on the right track with four straight wins, they put together one of their poorest performances of the regular season Wednesday night at home against the Raptors. Toronto entered Oracle Arena with their best player, Kawhi Leonard, sidelined with a hip injury, but that didn't matter one bit. The Raptors struck early and often and ultimately walked away with 113-93 victory over the defending champs. It may seem that the Warriors still haven't figured everything out, especially when looking at their recent schedule, as four of their last victories have come against sub-.500 teams. This includes the Hawks and Cavaliers, who are a combined 13-42 so far this season.
As for the Kings (15-12), they continue to be one of the biggest surprises of the young NBA season. While they currently have the eighth best record in the Western Conference, they sit just three games behind the Nuggets and Warriors, who are tied for the No. 1 spot in the conference standings. They've also been terrific as of late, winning two games in a row and five of their last six. They're coming off an impressive 141-130 home victory over the Timberwolves that came thanks for a massive 45-point fourth quarter from Sacramento. Now, the Kings will head into Friday looking to stay hot, but they will also have revenge on their mind, as the last time these two means met, the Warriors escaped with a narrow 117-116 victory on a game-winning Klay Thompson layup with five seconds remaining.