Jazz Tangles With Magic In Sunshine State
The Utah Jazz takes on the Orlando Magic in Mexico City on Saturday afternoon.
The Jazz (14-15) have had trouble stringing together any consistent stretches of winning. However, they'll come into Saturday with at least some wind at their backs, as they've notched wins in three of their past five games. Utah's most recent success was a 111-84 lambasting of the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 21 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick Favors followed with a bench-leading 17 points while also pulling down eight rebounds. Kyle Korver poured in 16 points off the second unit, while Dante Exum turned in 14 points. Rudy Gobert generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Jazz will list Raul Neto (thigh) as questionable for Saturday's game.
The Magic (13-15) have been plagued by many of the same inconsistencies as their opponents, as evidenced by their nearly identical record. Orlando also comes into Saturday's game with a 3-2 mark over their last five contests. They also notched a win their most recent time on the floor, which came against the Chicago Bulls in Mexico City on Thursday. Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic in the 97-91 win, posting a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. D.J. Augustin followed with 15 points and seven rebounds. Evan Fournier and Jonathan Isaac generated matching 10-point efforts.
The Magic will continue to be without Timofey Mozgov (knee) on Saturday.
Saturday marks the first meeting of the season between the teams. The Jazz swept the two-game season series in the 2017-18 campaign.
The Jazz (14-15) have had trouble stringing together any consistent stretches of winning. However, they'll come into Saturday with at least some wind at their backs, as they've notched wins in three of their past five games. Utah's most recent success was a 111-84 lambasting of the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 21 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick Favors followed with a bench-leading 17 points while also pulling down eight rebounds. Kyle Korver poured in 16 points off the second unit, while Dante Exum turned in 14 points. Rudy Gobert generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Jazz will list Raul Neto (thigh) as questionable for Saturday's game.
The Magic (13-15) have been plagued by many of the same inconsistencies as their opponents, as evidenced by their nearly identical record. Orlando also comes into Saturday's game with a 3-2 mark over their last five contests. They also notched a win their most recent time on the floor, which came against the Chicago Bulls in Mexico City on Thursday. Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic in the 97-91 win, posting a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and one block. D.J. Augustin followed with 15 points and seven rebounds. Evan Fournier and Jonathan Isaac generated matching 10-point efforts.
The Magic will continue to be without Timofey Mozgov (knee) on Saturday.
Saturday marks the first meeting of the season between the teams. The Jazz swept the two-game season series in the 2017-18 campaign.
Surging Celtics Host Struggling Pistons
The Boston Celtics travel to Motown to play the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesar's Arena on Saturday.
The Celtics (18-10) come into this matchup winning eight-straight games, as they appear to be back to elite form. What's ironic is the fact that many Boston players said they hit rock-bottom when they sat at 10-10 after losses to the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks a few weeks ago. That poor stretch clearly opened up the eyes of these players, as they've been the best team in the league the last two weeks. What makes this stretch even more encouraging is the fact that they've had numerous injuries throughout this run, as Al Horford, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown have all missed some games. Horford is the only one who's out now though, as Marcus Morris is playing the best ball of his career in his absence. The fact that they're winning games with these injuries has to make some wonder if the Celtics are better off with less, as there are too many mouths to feed when everyone is healthy. It's silly to say a team is better with fewer good players but sometimes that's the case when there's only one basketball on the court.
The Pistons (13-13) have been the streakiest team in the league this season, as they're currently in one of their slumps. In fact, they come into this matchup in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Prior to that, Detroit won nine of their previous 11 games, which followed up another five-game losing streak. All that happened after a 4-0 start and it's just amazing the sort of swings this team has suffered. The lack of backcourt play is really killing this offense, with Detroit sitting 20th in scoring and 27th in assists. That's what happens when you build around two big men and it's a wonder if that'll work in this new-look NBA that survives around small-ball and hitting three's.
Not only has Boston won their two games over Detroit this season, but they've also won four-straight over them in total.
The Celtics (18-10) come into this matchup winning eight-straight games, as they appear to be back to elite form. What's ironic is the fact that many Boston players said they hit rock-bottom when they sat at 10-10 after losses to the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks a few weeks ago. That poor stretch clearly opened up the eyes of these players, as they've been the best team in the league the last two weeks. What makes this stretch even more encouraging is the fact that they've had numerous injuries throughout this run, as Al Horford, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown have all missed some games. Horford is the only one who's out now though, as Marcus Morris is playing the best ball of his career in his absence. The fact that they're winning games with these injuries has to make some wonder if the Celtics are better off with less, as there are too many mouths to feed when everyone is healthy. It's silly to say a team is better with fewer good players but sometimes that's the case when there's only one basketball on the court.
The Pistons (13-13) have been the streakiest team in the league this season, as they're currently in one of their slumps. In fact, they come into this matchup in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Prior to that, Detroit won nine of their previous 11 games, which followed up another five-game losing streak. All that happened after a 4-0 start and it's just amazing the sort of swings this team has suffered. The lack of backcourt play is really killing this offense, with Detroit sitting 20th in scoring and 27th in assists. That's what happens when you build around two big men and it's a wonder if that'll work in this new-look NBA that survives around small-ball and hitting three's.
Not only has Boston won their two games over Detroit this season, but they've also won four-straight over them in total.
Lakers Look To Get Back on Winning Track Against Hornets
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Lakers (17-11) have played very well overall since a 2-5 start to their season, going 15-6 since that point. However, Los Angeles has had more trouble on the road, and they were tripped up by the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in the last contest on Thursday night. LeBron James paced the Lakers in the 126-111 loss with 29 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma provided 24 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Lance Stephenson led the bench with 17 points. Josh Hart contributed 15 points, while JaVale McGee supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Lakers will be without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (hand) on Saturday.
As their record implies, the Hornets (14-14) have had trouble with consistency thus far this season despite a reasonably talented starting five. Charlotte saw a three-game winning streak snapped on Friday night, when they dropped a 126-124 overtime decision to the New York Knicks, a game which they blew a 33-16 first-quarter lead. Nicolas Batum and Cody Zeller co-led the Hornets with 21-point efforts. Batum also dished out seven assists and hauled in six rebounds, while Zeller hauled in 13 rebounds. Marvin Williams posted 20 points and five boards. Kemba Walker delivered 16 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Jeremy Lamb matched his scoring total and also managed nine rebounds and five assists.
The Hornets will come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
Saturday's game marks the first meeting of the season between the teams this season. The clubs split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Lakers (17-11) have played very well overall since a 2-5 start to their season, going 15-6 since that point. However, Los Angeles has had more trouble on the road, and they were tripped up by the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in the last contest on Thursday night. LeBron James paced the Lakers in the 126-111 loss with 29 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma provided 24 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Lance Stephenson led the bench with 17 points. Josh Hart contributed 15 points, while JaVale McGee supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Lakers will be without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (hand) on Saturday.
As their record implies, the Hornets (14-14) have had trouble with consistency thus far this season despite a reasonably talented starting five. Charlotte saw a three-game winning streak snapped on Friday night, when they dropped a 126-124 overtime decision to the New York Knicks, a game which they blew a 33-16 first-quarter lead. Nicolas Batum and Cody Zeller co-led the Hornets with 21-point efforts. Batum also dished out seven assists and hauled in six rebounds, while Zeller hauled in 13 rebounds. Marvin Williams posted 20 points and five boards. Kemba Walker delivered 16 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Jeremy Lamb matched his scoring total and also managed nine rebounds and five assists.
The Hornets will come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
Saturday's game marks the first meeting of the season between the teams this season. The clubs split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Grizzlies Play Host to Rockets on Saturday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Houston Rockets at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
The Rockets (13-14) have been in an uphill battle all season long, as they're finally getting close to cracking that .500 threshold. Their most recent victory may have been the most impressive of the season, as they handed the Los Angeles Lakers a 126-111 beatdown. James Harden had yet another historic performance in that game, as he collected his fourth 50-point triple-double of his career. That's downright incredible, as 99 percent of the league won't even obtain a triple-double in their career, while there's only been 10 other 50-point triple-doubles in NBA history. Getting elite offense out of him is what's most important going forward, as this team has struggled on that end of the floor all season long. In fact, the Rockets currently rank 19th in scoring and 27th in assists and it's a wonder why they've regressed so much from last season.
The Grizzlies (16-11) have had a murderous row of a schedule over recent weeks, as this marks their eighth-straight opponent who's in playoff contention. It shows in their record too, with Memphis losing three of their last four headed into this game. The thing that's holding this team back from being elite is their offense, as they haven't cracked 100 points in six of their last seven games. That's an unheard of stretch in today's NBA, as it has Memphis sitting 28th in scoring. The good news is that Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are fully healthy, as they have this team exactly where they'd like to be. Kyle Anderson did roll his ankle in Friday's loss to the Miami Heat though, as that makes it seem unlikely that he'll suit up here.
These teams have been incredibly even over recent years, as they've split each of their last five four-game season series against one another.
The Rockets (13-14) have been in an uphill battle all season long, as they're finally getting close to cracking that .500 threshold. Their most recent victory may have been the most impressive of the season, as they handed the Los Angeles Lakers a 126-111 beatdown. James Harden had yet another historic performance in that game, as he collected his fourth 50-point triple-double of his career. That's downright incredible, as 99 percent of the league won't even obtain a triple-double in their career, while there's only been 10 other 50-point triple-doubles in NBA history. Getting elite offense out of him is what's most important going forward, as this team has struggled on that end of the floor all season long. In fact, the Rockets currently rank 19th in scoring and 27th in assists and it's a wonder why they've regressed so much from last season.
The Grizzlies (16-11) have had a murderous row of a schedule over recent weeks, as this marks their eighth-straight opponent who's in playoff contention. It shows in their record too, with Memphis losing three of their last four headed into this game. The thing that's holding this team back from being elite is their offense, as they haven't cracked 100 points in six of their last seven games. That's an unheard of stretch in today's NBA, as it has Memphis sitting 28th in scoring. The good news is that Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are fully healthy, as they have this team exactly where they'd like to be. Kyle Anderson did roll his ankle in Friday's loss to the Miami Heat though, as that makes it seem unlikely that he'll suit up here.
These teams have been incredibly even over recent years, as they've split each of their last five four-game season series against one another.
Spurs Host Struggling Bulls on Saturday
The Chicago Bulls travel to Texas to play the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Saturday.
The Bulls (6-23) come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 11 games, as nothing seems to be going right. Some of those losses have been disastrous in that stretch too, as a 56-point defeat to the Boston Celtics marked one of the worst losses in NBA history. What makes that ugly defeat even more bizarre is the fact that many key pieces have recently returned from injury, with the likes of Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen and Bobby Portis all returning this last week. What's unfortunate is that Zach LaVine is now dealing with an ankle issue, as he's doubtful headed into this matchup. He's easily been the Bulls best player and they need some of these recent returns to step up in his absence.
The Spurs (15-14) come into this matchup winning four-straight, as the early-season swoon appears to be a thing of the past. What's still shocking about this team is their putrid defense, as they currently sit 21st in points allowed and 25th in defensive efficiency. That's so uncommon from a Gregg Popovich team and it's just a matter of time before they play better on that end of the floor. It's not like the offense has been anything special either, with the Spurs sitting 14th in points scored. All these statistics indicate that San Antonio is due for some positive regression, as this recent winning streak may be the beginning of it.
San Antonio won their one game over Chicago earlier this season, 108-107, on November 26. That gave the Spurs their fourth-straight victory over the Bulls.
The Bulls (6-23) come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 11 games, as nothing seems to be going right. Some of those losses have been disastrous in that stretch too, as a 56-point defeat to the Boston Celtics marked one of the worst losses in NBA history. What makes that ugly defeat even more bizarre is the fact that many key pieces have recently returned from injury, with the likes of Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen and Bobby Portis all returning this last week. What's unfortunate is that Zach LaVine is now dealing with an ankle issue, as he's doubtful headed into this matchup. He's easily been the Bulls best player and they need some of these recent returns to step up in his absence.
The Spurs (15-14) come into this matchup winning four-straight, as the early-season swoon appears to be a thing of the past. What's still shocking about this team is their putrid defense, as they currently sit 21st in points allowed and 25th in defensive efficiency. That's so uncommon from a Gregg Popovich team and it's just a matter of time before they play better on that end of the floor. It's not like the offense has been anything special either, with the Spurs sitting 14th in points scored. All these statistics indicate that San Antonio is due for some positive regression, as this recent winning streak may be the beginning of it.
San Antonio won their one game over Chicago earlier this season, 108-107, on November 26. That gave the Spurs their fourth-straight victory over the Bulls.
Suns Looking To Build Off First Win In 11 Games
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday evening.
The Suns (5-24) ended a 10-game losing streak with a win in their most recent contest, where they defeated the Mavericks at home. This marks the second game of a at two-game home stand for the Suns, who are 4-11 at home this season. Devin Booker (hamstring has missed the last six games for Phoenix, but is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. The Suns are averaging 102.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league, they have also been quite poor on the defensive end, as they are allowing opponents an average 113.2 points per game. The Suns are the only team in the West that has fallen out of the mix, as they are 8.5 games behind the 14th place Timberwolves, while the Timberwolves are just 5.5 games out of first place.
Meanwhile, after a streak where they won six out of seven games, the Timberwolves (13-15) have dropped three in a row. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the T-Wolves, where they have gone 0-3 so far. They are just 2-11 on the road so far this season, which is among the worst road records in the league. Robert Covington has been a fantastic addition to the team, averaging 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 assists per game. Andrew Wiggins has topped 20 points in his last four game, and has picked up his play recently, while he averages 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves, averaging 21.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
The Suns (5-24) ended a 10-game losing streak with a win in their most recent contest, where they defeated the Mavericks at home. This marks the second game of a at two-game home stand for the Suns, who are 4-11 at home this season. Devin Booker (hamstring has missed the last six games for Phoenix, but is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. The Suns are averaging 102.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league, they have also been quite poor on the defensive end, as they are allowing opponents an average 113.2 points per game. The Suns are the only team in the West that has fallen out of the mix, as they are 8.5 games behind the 14th place Timberwolves, while the Timberwolves are just 5.5 games out of first place.
Meanwhile, after a streak where they won six out of seven games, the Timberwolves (13-15) have dropped three in a row. This marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the T-Wolves, where they have gone 0-3 so far. They are just 2-11 on the road so far this season, which is among the worst road records in the league. Robert Covington has been a fantastic addition to the team, averaging 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 assists per game. Andrew Wiggins has topped 20 points in his last four game, and has picked up his play recently, while he averages 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves, averaging 21.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
Thunder Looking To Bounce Back
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Los Angeles Clippers, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday evening.
This is a big game for the Thunder (17-10) as it marks the second night of a back-to-back, which began with a loss in Denver on Friday night. The Thunder sit at the top of the West, along with the Nuggets and the Clippers as close company. They could make up some ground for the loss against the conference-leading Nuggets, by bouncing back at home against the Clippers. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams all put up big numbers in the loss on Friday, but they allowed their opponents to shoot 51 percent from the field. The Thunder are normally much better on defense, as they are holding opponents to an average of 105.5 points per game, which is fifth best in the league. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder, who are 10-3 at home this season.
The Clippers (17-11) have been struggling without Lou Williams (hamstring), as they have dropped their last two games, and have fallen to 5-5 in their last 10 games. The West is so jam packed, that the Clippers could fall more than a couple places with another loss. This marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Clippers, who are 8-8 on the road this season. Despite their good record and standing in the West, the Clippers are allowing an average of 113.6 points per game, which is sixth worst in the league. They have had trouble scoring in two games without Williams, as they have failed to reach 100 points in both contests. Tobias Harris leads the team with an average of 20.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assist per game.
This is a big game for the Thunder (17-10) as it marks the second night of a back-to-back, which began with a loss in Denver on Friday night. The Thunder sit at the top of the West, along with the Nuggets and the Clippers as close company. They could make up some ground for the loss against the conference-leading Nuggets, by bouncing back at home against the Clippers. Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams all put up big numbers in the loss on Friday, but they allowed their opponents to shoot 51 percent from the field. The Thunder are normally much better on defense, as they are holding opponents to an average of 105.5 points per game, which is fifth best in the league. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder, who are 10-3 at home this season.
The Clippers (17-11) have been struggling without Lou Williams (hamstring), as they have dropped their last two games, and have fallen to 5-5 in their last 10 games. The West is so jam packed, that the Clippers could fall more than a couple places with another loss. This marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Clippers, who are 8-8 on the road this season. Despite their good record and standing in the West, the Clippers are allowing an average of 113.6 points per game, which is sixth worst in the league. They have had trouble scoring in two games without Williams, as they have failed to reach 100 points in both contests. Tobias Harris leads the team with an average of 20.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assist per game.