Surging Nets Host Struggling Hawks
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Barclay's Center on Sunday.
The Hawks (6-22) come into this matchup losing six of their last seven games, as that sort of stretch has become a common trend for this club. It's not surprising though, as many experts had this team pegged to finish with the worst record in the NBA this season. Where they've really been struggling is on the defensive end, allowing nearly 120 points per game. That's easily the worst mark in the league, as they simply don't have the personnel to compete with other NBA teams. There are some promising young pieces though, as John Collins and Trae Young have both shown some serious sings of promise. Collins has been especially good, as he's set a career-high in scoring three times already in the last few weeks.
The Nets (12-18) are playing their best ball of the season right now, as they come into this matchup winning four-straight. It's not like it's come against scrub teams either, as Brooklyn handed the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors defeats in that span. That's downright shocking, as they've gotten some stellar play from Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench. In fact, Dinwiddie is averaging 17.2 points and 5.0 assists per game, as he's well in contention for a Sixth Man of the Year Award. That's why they recently signed him to a three-year extension, as they clearly want him around for the coming years. He's paired beautifully with youngsters like D'Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen and this team finally appears to be headed in the right direction after a decade of struggles.
Brooklyn has had success over Atlanta in recent years, winning five of their last six games over them.
The Hawks (6-22) come into this matchup losing six of their last seven games, as that sort of stretch has become a common trend for this club. It's not surprising though, as many experts had this team pegged to finish with the worst record in the NBA this season. Where they've really been struggling is on the defensive end, allowing nearly 120 points per game. That's easily the worst mark in the league, as they simply don't have the personnel to compete with other NBA teams. There are some promising young pieces though, as John Collins and Trae Young have both shown some serious sings of promise. Collins has been especially good, as he's set a career-high in scoring three times already in the last few weeks.
The Nets (12-18) are playing their best ball of the season right now, as they come into this matchup winning four-straight. It's not like it's come against scrub teams either, as Brooklyn handed the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors defeats in that span. That's downright shocking, as they've gotten some stellar play from Spencer Dinwiddie off the bench. In fact, Dinwiddie is averaging 17.2 points and 5.0 assists per game, as he's well in contention for a Sixth Man of the Year Award. That's why they recently signed him to a three-year extension, as they clearly want him around for the coming years. He's paired beautifully with youngsters like D'Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen and this team finally appears to be headed in the right direction after a decade of struggles.
Brooklyn has had success over Atlanta in recent years, winning five of their last six games over them.
Cavaliers Host Sixers on Sunday
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Ohio to play the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Sunday.
The Sixers (19-11) find themselves sliding a bit, as they come into this matchup losing two-straight games. The direct correlation with that poor stretch is that Jimmy Butler is currently out of the lineup, as he's nursing a groin issue. His presence on this team can't be overvalued, as he's already hit two game-winners since being acquired last month. There are some questions in terms of how he's gelling though, considering Joel Embid recently spoke out about his decreased role. That's the last thing fans want to see and one has to wonder if Butler truly is a disease in the locker room. It comes at a strange time though, as Philly won 10 of their previous 12 games before this mini two-game slide. That's why there's nothing to worry about with this team and they should still vie for a top-three spot in the Eastern Conference with all the talent they possess.
The Cavaliers (7-22) have been a different team over recent weeks, as they're slowly climbing up from the bottom of the barrel. While five wins in their last 13 games sound like nothing special, it's quite the stretch from a team who had just two wins in their first 16 games. It's the youngsters that have really gotten them to this point, with Collin Seton and Larry Nance Jr. showing some serious signs of promise. Jordan Clarkson has been a pleasant surprise too, as he's been one of the best bench players in the league. Injuries continue to wreck this frontcourt though, as they are currently without Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Neither of those players are due back until the calendar turns to 2019 and we simply won't know where this team is truly at until those veterans are back in the fold.
Cleveland shocked Philly earlier this season, winning 121-112, on November 23. That actually marked the Cavaliers 12th win in their last 14 games over the Sixers.
The Sixers (19-11) find themselves sliding a bit, as they come into this matchup losing two-straight games. The direct correlation with that poor stretch is that Jimmy Butler is currently out of the lineup, as he's nursing a groin issue. His presence on this team can't be overvalued, as he's already hit two game-winners since being acquired last month. There are some questions in terms of how he's gelling though, considering Joel Embid recently spoke out about his decreased role. That's the last thing fans want to see and one has to wonder if Butler truly is a disease in the locker room. It comes at a strange time though, as Philly won 10 of their previous 12 games before this mini two-game slide. That's why there's nothing to worry about with this team and they should still vie for a top-three spot in the Eastern Conference with all the talent they possess.
The Cavaliers (7-22) have been a different team over recent weeks, as they're slowly climbing up from the bottom of the barrel. While five wins in their last 13 games sound like nothing special, it's quite the stretch from a team who had just two wins in their first 16 games. It's the youngsters that have really gotten them to this point, with Collin Seton and Larry Nance Jr. showing some serious signs of promise. Jordan Clarkson has been a pleasant surprise too, as he's been one of the best bench players in the league. Injuries continue to wreck this frontcourt though, as they are currently without Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Neither of those players are due back until the calendar turns to 2019 and we simply won't know where this team is truly at until those veterans are back in the fold.
Cleveland shocked Philly earlier this season, winning 121-112, on November 23. That actually marked the Cavaliers 12th win in their last 14 games over the Sixers.
Pacers Play Host to Knicks on Sunday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the New York Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday.
The Knicks (9-21) do have a victory in their most recent game, despite the fact it snapped an ugly five-game losing streak. Those losing streaks have become way more prominent than the wins and it's a sad reality for this team. If there's a silver lining, it's the fact that some random young players have emerged. Emmanuel Mudiay has been especially good, as he dropped a career-high 31 points in that most recent win. He's joined guys like Kevin Knox and Noah Vonleh in the starting five, with all three of those players performing admirably right now. They just have to hope Kristaps Porzingis returns to his prior all-star form at some point and allows this team to continue to develop. His status remains very high up in the air and no one really knows when he'll return from his terrible knee injury.
The Pacers (19-10) have been one of the best home teams in the league this season, as they're 10-4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That good home record has a lot to do with their current stretch, as Indiana comes into this matchup winning six-straight games. What makes that run even more promising is the fact that Victor Oladipo is back and fully healthy. He's the straw that stirs the drink for this team and it's a great sign to see the players around him performing too. In fact, Myles Turner, Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young all found their groove when Oladipo was out of the lineup and it's clearly carried over with him back, Having that many talented players in your starting lineup is a huge boost when you consider there are players like Domantas Sabonis and Tyreke Evans coming off the bench. The craziest part about all that is the fact we haven't mentioned their top-scorer, as Bojan Bogdanovic is leading this team in scoring.
Indiana won their one game over New York earlier this season, 107-101, on October 31. That marked the Pacers third-straight win over the Knicks and their 10th win in their last 14 games against them in total.
The Knicks (9-21) do have a victory in their most recent game, despite the fact it snapped an ugly five-game losing streak. Those losing streaks have become way more prominent than the wins and it's a sad reality for this team. If there's a silver lining, it's the fact that some random young players have emerged. Emmanuel Mudiay has been especially good, as he dropped a career-high 31 points in that most recent win. He's joined guys like Kevin Knox and Noah Vonleh in the starting five, with all three of those players performing admirably right now. They just have to hope Kristaps Porzingis returns to his prior all-star form at some point and allows this team to continue to develop. His status remains very high up in the air and no one really knows when he'll return from his terrible knee injury.
The Pacers (19-10) have been one of the best home teams in the league this season, as they're 10-4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That good home record has a lot to do with their current stretch, as Indiana comes into this matchup winning six-straight games. What makes that run even more promising is the fact that Victor Oladipo is back and fully healthy. He's the straw that stirs the drink for this team and it's a great sign to see the players around him performing too. In fact, Myles Turner, Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young all found their groove when Oladipo was out of the lineup and it's clearly carried over with him back, Having that many talented players in your starting lineup is a huge boost when you consider there are players like Domantas Sabonis and Tyreke Evans coming off the bench. The craziest part about all that is the fact we haven't mentioned their top-scorer, as Bojan Bogdanovic is leading this team in scoring.
Indiana won their one game over New York earlier this season, 107-101, on October 31. That marked the Pacers third-straight win over the Knicks and their 10th win in their last 14 games against them in total.
Lakers Do Battle With Wizards in Nation's Capital
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Sunday evening.
The Lakers (18-11) have mostly been on the right side of the won/loss column since a 2-5 start to the LeBron James, and they continued to make strides as a road team Saturday night. Los Angeles scored their third win over the last four games when they toppled the Charlotte Hornets by a 128-100 score. LeBron James led the Lakers with a 24-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included one steal. JaVale McGee overcame an illness to suit up and offer 19 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Lonzo Ball also posted a triple-double, supplying 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma produced 14 points, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (12 points), Lance Stephenson (11 points) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (11 points) were all contributors off the bench.
The Lakers will continue to be without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (hand) on Sunday.
The Wizards (11-18) have also improved since a nightmarish start to their season, but they've left themselves very little margin for error the rest of the way due to their inconsistency. Washington has now dropped four straight games, with their most recent stumble a 125-118 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 31 points, adding nine assists and one rebound. John Wall posted a 17-point, 13-assist double-double that also included a rebound and a steal. Markieff Morris led the bench with 15 points, a total he supplemented with three rebounds and two assists. Austin Rivers posted 14 points, three rebounds and three assists in his last game before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Jeff Green started and offered 12 points, two boards and one steal.
The Wizards are listing Otto Porter, Jr. (knee) as a game-time decision for Sunday's contest. Trevor Ariza, who arrived via trade Saturday, is not expected to play either.
The two teams split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Lakers (18-11) have mostly been on the right side of the won/loss column since a 2-5 start to the LeBron James, and they continued to make strides as a road team Saturday night. Los Angeles scored their third win over the last four games when they toppled the Charlotte Hornets by a 128-100 score. LeBron James led the Lakers with a 24-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double that also included one steal. JaVale McGee overcame an illness to suit up and offer 19 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Lonzo Ball also posted a triple-double, supplying 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma produced 14 points, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (12 points), Lance Stephenson (11 points) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (11 points) were all contributors off the bench.
The Lakers will continue to be without Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (hand) on Sunday.
The Wizards (11-18) have also improved since a nightmarish start to their season, but they've left themselves very little margin for error the rest of the way due to their inconsistency. Washington has now dropped four straight games, with their most recent stumble a 125-118 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 31 points, adding nine assists and one rebound. John Wall posted a 17-point, 13-assist double-double that also included a rebound and a steal. Markieff Morris led the bench with 15 points, a total he supplemented with three rebounds and two assists. Austin Rivers posted 14 points, three rebounds and three assists in his last game before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. Jeff Green started and offered 12 points, two boards and one steal.
The Wizards are listing Otto Porter, Jr. (knee) as a game-time decision for Sunday's contest. Trevor Ariza, who arrived via trade Saturday, is not expected to play either.
The two teams split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Heat and Pelicans Square Off in Bayou Battle
The Miami Heat takes on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Sunday night.
The Heat (12-16) has been a hard team to figure out this season due to their inconsistency, and they've particularly had trouble on their home floor. Miami came into a Friday night matchup against the Grizzlies at FedEx Forum having lost three of their previous five games, but they were able to somewhat surprisingly secured a 100-97 win. Josh Richardson and Kelly Olynyk led the way with matching 18-point efforts. Richardson also dished out seven assists and brought in five rebounds, while Olynyk added five rebounds and assists apiece. Tyler Johnson turned in 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Derrick Jones, Jr. delivered 13 points and eight rebounds. James Johnson registered 12 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
The Heat will continue to be without Goran Dragic (knee) and Dion Waiters (ankle) for Sunday's contest. Tyler Johnson (hip) will be listed as probable, while Dwyane Wade (undisclosed) carries a questionable tag.
The Pelicans (15-15) have been alternating wins and losses with regularity lately, and their most recent contest was one in which they happened to be an upswing. New Orleans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 118-114 margin on Wednesday night, a victory that Anthony Davis spearheaded with 44 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and one block. Julius Randle delivered 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and one block Holiday managed a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and two steals. Darius Miller led the bench with 10 points.
The Pelicans will list E'Twaun Moore (lower leg) as questionable and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) as probable for Sunday's game. Elfrid Payton (knee) remains out.
The Heat owns a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 106-101 victory on Nov. 30.
The Heat (12-16) has been a hard team to figure out this season due to their inconsistency, and they've particularly had trouble on their home floor. Miami came into a Friday night matchup against the Grizzlies at FedEx Forum having lost three of their previous five games, but they were able to somewhat surprisingly secured a 100-97 win. Josh Richardson and Kelly Olynyk led the way with matching 18-point efforts. Richardson also dished out seven assists and brought in five rebounds, while Olynyk added five rebounds and assists apiece. Tyler Johnson turned in 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Derrick Jones, Jr. delivered 13 points and eight rebounds. James Johnson registered 12 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
The Heat will continue to be without Goran Dragic (knee) and Dion Waiters (ankle) for Sunday's contest. Tyler Johnson (hip) will be listed as probable, while Dwyane Wade (undisclosed) carries a questionable tag.
The Pelicans (15-15) have been alternating wins and losses with regularity lately, and their most recent contest was one in which they happened to be an upswing. New Orleans defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 118-114 margin on Wednesday night, a victory that Anthony Davis spearheaded with 44 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and one block. Julius Randle delivered 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and one block Holiday managed a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and two steals. Darius Miller led the bench with 10 points.
The Pelicans will list E'Twaun Moore (lower leg) as questionable and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) as probable for Sunday's game. Elfrid Payton (knee) remains out.
The Heat owns a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 106-101 victory on Nov. 30.
Kings Tangles With Mavericks in Sunday Showdown
The Sacramento Kings takes on the Dallas Mavericks on American Airlines Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings (15-13) continue to be one of the NBA's biggest surprises, as their fast-paced attack and collection of emerging stars has led them to a solid record over the first quarter-plus of the season. Their considerable improvement over last season is even evident in losses, such as their 130-125 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 27 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox managed 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two assists. Willie Cauley-Stein posted a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Nemanja Bjelica registered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points.
The Kings will be without Marvin Bagley for Sunday's game due to the bone bruise on his knee he suffered in Friday's game.
The Mavericks (15-12) continue to claw back from a rough start to their season, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won five of their last seven games. However, they were suffered a disappointing loss in their last contest to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, dropping a 99-89 decision in the road matchup. Harrison Barnes led the way with 15 points and added four rebounds and one assist. DeAndre Jordan posted a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson posted matching 13-point tallies. Wesley Matthews supplied 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Mavericks will list Dennis Smith, Jr. (wrist) as probable for Sunday's game, while J.J. Barea (ankle) is listed as questionable.
The teams split their four-game season series in the 2017-18 campaign.
The Kings (15-13) continue to be one of the NBA's biggest surprises, as their fast-paced attack and collection of emerging stars has led them to a solid record over the first quarter-plus of the season. Their considerable improvement over last season is even evident in losses, such as their 130-125 defeat at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 27 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox managed 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two assists. Willie Cauley-Stein posted a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Nemanja Bjelica registered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points.
The Kings will be without Marvin Bagley for Sunday's game due to the bone bruise on his knee he suffered in Friday's game.
The Mavericks (15-12) continue to claw back from a rough start to their season, and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won five of their last seven games. However, they were suffered a disappointing loss in their last contest to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, dropping a 99-89 decision in the road matchup. Harrison Barnes led the way with 15 points and added four rebounds and one assist. DeAndre Jordan posted a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson posted matching 13-point tallies. Wesley Matthews supplied 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Mavericks will list Dennis Smith, Jr. (wrist) as probable for Sunday's game, while J.J. Barea (ankle) is listed as questionable.
The teams split their four-game season series in the 2017-18 campaign.
Raptors Face Another Tough Test Against Nuggets
The Toronto Raptors take on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (23-8) are in the midst of a tough road swing through the Western Conference, one that they managed to forge a 2-1 record in thus far. Toronto impressively scored convincing victories over the Clippers and Warriors over the first pair of contests before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-122 score on Friday night. Kawhi Leonard overcame a hip strain to suit up and lead the Raptors in the absence of Kyle Lowry (thigh), posting 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet supplied 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds in Lowry's stead. Danny Green posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Serge Ibaka provided 18 points and six rebounds. C.J. Miles poured in 13 points to lead the bench, while Pascal Siakam generated 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Raptors will list Lowry and Siakam (back) as questionable for Sunday's contest. Norman Powell (shoulder) and Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) remain out.
The Nuggets (19-9) have enjoyed plenty of highs and very little lows recently, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having prevailed in nine of their last 11 games. Their most recent success was an impressive 109-98 home victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Nikola Jokic posted a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and three steals. Jamal Murray managed 19 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Juancho Hernangomez registered 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Torrey Craig contributed 15 points and five boards, while Monte Morris led the second unit with 14 points and six assists.
The Nuggets will be without Gary Harris (hip), Isaiah Thomas (hip), Will Barton (groin/abdomen), Paul Millsap (toe), Michael Porter, Jr. (back) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) on Sunday.
The Nuggets hold a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 106-103 win over the Raptors on Dec. 3.
The Raptors (23-8) are in the midst of a tough road swing through the Western Conference, one that they managed to forge a 2-1 record in thus far. Toronto impressively scored convincing victories over the Clippers and Warriors over the first pair of contests before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers by a 128-122 score on Friday night. Kawhi Leonard overcame a hip strain to suit up and lead the Raptors in the absence of Kyle Lowry (thigh), posting 28 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Fred VanVleet supplied 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds in Lowry's stead. Danny Green posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Serge Ibaka provided 18 points and six rebounds. C.J. Miles poured in 13 points to lead the bench, while Pascal Siakam generated 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Raptors will list Lowry and Siakam (back) as questionable for Sunday's contest. Norman Powell (shoulder) and Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) remain out.
The Nuggets (19-9) have enjoyed plenty of highs and very little lows recently, as they'll come into Sunday's contest having prevailed in nine of their last 11 games. Their most recent success was an impressive 109-98 home victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Nikola Jokic posted a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and three steals. Jamal Murray managed 19 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Juancho Hernangomez registered 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Torrey Craig contributed 15 points and five boards, while Monte Morris led the second unit with 14 points and six assists.
The Nuggets will be without Gary Harris (hip), Isaiah Thomas (hip), Will Barton (groin/abdomen), Paul Millsap (toe), Michael Porter, Jr. (back) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) on Sunday.
The Nuggets hold a 1-0 lead in the season series, having notched a 106-103 win over the Raptors on Dec. 3.