November 11,2021 at 7:00 PM
11/29/2021 7:00 PM
Sixers Looking To Bounce Back Against Magic
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.

The 76ers (10-10) are coming off a 121-120 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday evening. Joel Embiid had a monster game for the Sixers since he ended with 42 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey notched 15 points, nine assists and four boards. Seth Curry had 14 points, and Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Danny Green chipped in with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals off the bench. Matisse Thybulle had six points. They’ve won just 2-5 in their last seven contests.

The Magic (4-17) are coming off a 105-92 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Robin Lopez followed up with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Franz Wagner added 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep. The Magic have also lost six games in a row.
November 11,2021 at 7:30 PM
11/29/2021 7:30 PM
Nuggets and Heat Tangle in South Florida
The Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Monday night.

The Nuggets (9-10) have been in a multi-game freefall as they approach this interconference clash, one that marks a rematch from a Nov. 8 meeting where Nikola Jokic, who will be listed as questionable for Monday's game due to a wrist injury, was involved in an altercation with Miami's Markieff Morris during a 17-point win for Denver. The Nuggets having lost six consecutive contests, with their most recent stumble a 120-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. With Jokic missing a fourth straight game, Aaron Gordon led the way with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Will Barton followed with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Facundo Campazzo furnished 16 points, while Jeff Green and Monte Morris had matching 15-point tallies. Green added four rebounds, while Morris recorded eight assists.

In addition to Jokic, the Nuggets will list Bones Hyland (ankle) as questionable for Monday's game. Michael Porter (back) will remain out.

The Heat (13-7) checks into Monday's game on a much more positive trajectory than their opponent, having prevailed in four of their last six games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Chicago Bulls, which they edged by a 107-104 margin on Saturday night. Gabe Vincent led the way with 20 points, supplementing them with five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kyle Lowry supplied 19 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, five assists, four rebounds and five steals. Duncan Robinson poured in 16 points, while Max Strus registered 13 points, four rebounds and two steals.

The Heat will list Butler (tailbone) and Tyler Herro (illness) as questionable for Monday's game. Morris (neck) will remain out.

Monday's game marks the second of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nuggets hold a 1-0 series lead thanks to their aforementioned 113-96 win.
November 11,2021 at 8:00 PM
11/29/2021 8:00 PM
Bulls Host Hornets on Monday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Charlotte Hornets at United Center on Monday,

The Hornets (13-9) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 10 games, despite suffering a tough loss against the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing. That was a 146-143 shootout on Friday night, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. That ugly 146 points show what the issue is with this club, ranked 29th in total defense. It's strange to see such a lousy defense go on such a big hot streak, but it's a good indicator of how good this young core can be. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier have been brilliant in the backcourt, while Gordon Hayward has been his usual self at the wing. As long as these players keep developing, it will be a team no one wants to face in the coming future.

The Bulls (13-8) have hit a bit of a rough patch, entering this matchup losing three of their last four games. Their only victory was a win over a disastrous Orlando Magic team, and it's embarrassing that they lost to a one-win Houston Rockets team in the game prior. What makes the recent run even more bizarre is the fact that Nikola Vuevic returned from the COVID list at the beginning of it. He's had a hard time finding his footing in this offense, and it's a wonder if he'll fit with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. One would have to believe that he will because that's an All-Star center who can provide 20 points and 10 rebounds in his sleep.

Chicago swept the three-game season series over Charlotte last season. Before that, the Hornets won five of their previous six games over the Bulls, dating back three years.
November 11,2021 at 8:00 PM
11/29/2021 8:00 PM
Thunder and Rockets Set for Lone Star State Battle
The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday night.

The Thunder (6-13) check into Monday's contest in the midst of their worst stretch of the season, as they dropped five straight games and seven of their last eight overall. Oklahoma City has been more competitive of late, however, with their most recent defeat a 101-99 heartbreaker against the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Luguentz Dort paced the Thunder with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided 15 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Giddey and Kenrich Williams posted matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively. James Robinson-Earl turned in 10 points and two rebounds.

The Thunder will list Williams (ankle) as out for Monday's game.

The Rockets (3-16) are having about as disenchanting a season as their record would indicate, but they'll actually come into Monday's game having posted back-to-back wins. Their most recent success came Saturday night, when they topped the Charlotte Hornets by a 146-143 margin in overtime. Christian Wood led the way with a 33-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Kevin Porter generated a 23-point, 12-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and one steal. Eric Gordon delivered 22 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal. Garrison Mathews poured in 20 points, complementing them with three rebounds and one steal. Jae'Sean Tate and Aaron Brooks compiled 16 and 15 points, respectively, with Tate adding five assists.

The Rockets expect to be without Jalen Green (hamstring) for Monday's contest.

Monday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams. The series is tied 1-1, with the Rockets having notched a 124-91 win back on Oct. 22 and the Thunder having countered with a 101-89 victory Nov. 17.
November 11,2021 at 8:00 PM
11/29/2021 8:00 PM
Pacers Look To Bounce Back On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Indiana Pacers at Target Center on Monday evening.

This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (9-13), as they are coming off a rough loss at home against the Bucks on Sunday. The contest got out to a tight start and the score was tied at 26, after one quarter, but the Pacers began to lose control in the second and trailed by five, at halftime. They saw the game slip away in the third, as they were outscored by 12 points in the quarter, making it a 17-point game, heading into the final frame. The Pacers had no answers down the stretch, as they fell flat for the loss. Caris LeVert led the way with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Malcolm Brogdon followed up with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Justin Holiday and T.J. McConnell chipped in 10 points each. The Pacers will be looking to bounce back as they head out on the road, with the hopes of building on their, 3-9, road record.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (10-10), will look to build off the momentum of a win in their most recent contest in order to help continue their solid play at home and add to their, 6-6, home record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 19.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. The Timberwolves are scoring an average of 108.5 points, but they are shooting an average of 42.9 percent from the field, which is among the lowest in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 107.0 points per game, while holding opponents to an average of 43.7 percent shooting.
November 11,2021 at 8:30 PM
11/29/2021 8:30 PM
Mavs Look To Bounce Back At Home
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.

The Mavs (10-8) are looking to bounce back from a home loss in their most recent contest, where they fell short against the Wizards. However, they have been mostly strong at home this season, with a, 6-2, record in Dallas. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 25.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 20.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals, while Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Jalen Brunson (foot) missed the Mavs' last contest and remains questionable for action on Monday. The Mavs are averaging 104.7 points per game, but they are shooting an average of just 43.8 percent from the field.

Meanwhile, this marks the first. game of a three-game road trip for the Cavs (10-10), as they will look to build on the momentum from a win in their most recent contest in order to come out strong and add to their, 5-4, road record. Darius Garland leads the team, averaging 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Jarrett Allen is averaging 15.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals, while Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen are averaging 14.5 points each. The Cavs are averaging 103.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 102.9 points per game, which is among the lowest in the league. They also do a good job on the offensive glass, averaging 10.7 offensive rebounds per game.
November 11,2021 at 8:30 PM
11/29/2021 8:30 PM
Spurs Host Wizards on Monday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Washington Wizards at AT&T Center on Monday.

The Wizards (13-7) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, but they've been anything but that. They actually have one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, grabbing two road wins in their two most recent outings. The victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday was one of the most impressive of the season, grabbing that narrow win against one of the best teams in the NBA. What's really been a pleasant surprise is to see this rag-tag group come together and play so well. Players like Montrezl Harrell, Daniel Gafford, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Kyle Kuzma have all been cast-offs over recent years, but all four guys are in the midst of career years. That's amazing since Bradley Beal is well on his way to an All-Star game, making Washington one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.

The Spurs (5-13) have one of the worst records in the NBA, but they're certainly not one of the worst teams. They've had one of the most demanding schedules in the NBA and continue to lose close game after close game. The good news is that they snapped a six-game losing streak in their most recent game, beating the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. They finished that game on a 15-0 run to grab that win, getting another gem from Dejounte Murray. That explosive point guard has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, leading the Spurs with 18.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. That has him in line for some Most Improved Player votes, and he might be the frontrunner if this team can clean up this ugly record.

San Antonio swept the two-game season series last year and has dominated Washington over recent years. In fact, they've won 26 of their last 30 games over the Wizards, dating back to 2006.
November 11,2021 at 9:00 PM
11/29/2021 9:00 PM
Jazz Host Trail Blazers on Monday
The Portland Trail Blazers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Monday.

The Trail Blazers (10-10) have the worst home/road splits in the NBA, posting a 9-1 record at Moda Center and a 1-9 record outside of Portland. That road record is easily the worst mark in the NBA, and it's a wonder why it's so bad with all the talent this team possesses. The most recent loss tells the whole story, with CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combining for one of the worst shooting games of the season. Those two have thrown up bricks all season long, and it's keeping them from being one of the elites in the Western Conference. It's sad because both guys are still providing solid statistics, but they need more consistency from those two if this team is to get on the right side of .500. They'd also like to see more minutes from Jusuf Nurkic, with the big man playing fewer than 25 minutes a night, despite averaging a double-double.

The Jazz (13-7) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games. A bizarre loss against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday was the one blip on that clean radar, but they bounced back by blowing them out on Saturday night. That's the testament of a great team because they simply didn't have it in that Friday defeat. What makes this club so scary is that they get it done on both ends of the floor. They rank Top-5 in both points allowed, and points scored, making them a regular-season force. Those statistics were similar last season, and it earned them the best record in the NBA, and many people believe they'll battle for that again this year.

These teams played three times last season, with Utah winning two of three. That gives the Jazz 10 wins in their previous 17 meetings with the Blazers, dating back seven years.
November 11,2021 at 10:30 PM
11/29/2021 10:30 PM
Clippers Aiming To Bounce Back, Host Pelicans
The Los Angeles Clippers will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Staples Center on Monday night.

The Clippers (11-9) are coming off a disappointing 105-90 home loss against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday afternoon. Paul George was the best player for the Clippers since he ended with 30 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Marcus Morris contributed 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Eric Bledsoe ended with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Reggie Jackson ended scoreless (0-5 FG). No other Clippers player scored in double digits in this contest. Ivica Zubac had eight points. The Clippers shot 40 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range. The Clippers have now gone 9-5 at home.

The Pelicans (5-17) are coming off a huge 127-105 away loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. They were led by Jonas Valanciunas, amassing 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Jaxson Hayes played just seven minutes off the bench but provided 15 points and four rebounds. Brandon Ingram generated 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Wily Hernangomez had 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists. New Orleans has gone 2-10 on the road this season.