Celtics Aiming For Another Win, Host Pelicans
The Boston Celtics will host the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Celtics (22-22) are coming off a 114-112 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Jayson Brown followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Robert Williams III logged 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. The Celtics shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Marcus Smart (COVID-19) is out Monday, but he will be Boston’s lone absentee.
The Pelicans (16-27) are coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 13 points each. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Pelicans are ruling out Zion Williamson (foot) while Kira Lewis (knee) is out for the season.
The Celtics (22-22) are coming off a 114-112 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 40 minutes. Jayson Brown followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, while Robert Williams III logged 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. The Celtics shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from long range.
Marcus Smart (COVID-19) is out Monday, but he will be Boston’s lone absentee.
The Pelicans (16-27) are coming off a loss against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 22 points, four rebounds, eight assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three steals, while Herbert Jones and Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 13 points each. The Pelicans shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Pelicans are ruling out Zion Williamson (foot) while Kira Lewis (knee) is out for the season.
Knicks Tangle With Hornets In MSG
The New York Knicks will host the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Monday afternoon.
The Knicks (22-21) are coming off a win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and that result extended their winning streak to three contests. Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks as their highest scorer with 26 points, five boards and three boards. Mitchell Robinson had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Fournier delivered 18 points. Alec Burks sniffed a triple-double with 17 points, nine boards and eight assists. No other New York player scored in double digits.
New York is listing Cam Reddish (ankle), Derrick Rose (ankle), Nerlens Noel (knee) and Solomon Hill (hamstring) as out, while Kemba Walker (knee) and Luka Samanic (heel) are game-time decisions.
The Hornets (23-20) are coming off a disappointing loss against the Orlando Magic on Friday. LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 23 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Robin Lopez generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
Charlotte is listing Kelly Oubre (COVID-19) as out, but he will be the team’s lone absentee.
The Knicks (22-21) are coming off a win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, and that result extended their winning streak to three contests. Julius Randle led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, nine assists and six rebounds, while R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks as their highest scorer with 26 points, five boards and three boards. Mitchell Robinson had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Fournier delivered 18 points. Alec Burks sniffed a triple-double with 17 points, nine boards and eight assists. No other New York player scored in double digits.
New York is listing Cam Reddish (ankle), Derrick Rose (ankle), Nerlens Noel (knee) and Solomon Hill (hamstring) as out, while Kemba Walker (knee) and Luka Samanic (heel) are game-time decisions.
The Hornets (23-20) are coming off a disappointing loss against the Orlando Magic on Friday. LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 23 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges contributed 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Terry Rozier furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Robin Lopez generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
Charlotte is listing Kelly Oubre (COVID-19) as out, but he will be the team’s lone absentee.
Wizards Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena on Monday afternoon.
This marks the fourth game of an eight-game home stand for the Wizards (22-21), where they have gone, 2-1, so far, with wins over the Thunder and Magic, followed by a loss to their Trail Blazers in their most recent contest. The Wizards will be looking to get back on track and add to their, 12-8, home record. Bradley Beal (COVID-19) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action on Monday. Spencer Dinwiddie has been playing well, averaging 18.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma is also on a roll, averaging 24.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over the last 10 games. The Wizards are scoring an average of 107.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Sixers (25-17) will look to build on a two-game win streak and add to their, 16-8, road record. Joel Embiid continues his stellar play, averaging 31.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 blocks, over the last 10 games. Tobias Harris is averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while Furkan Korkmaz is averaging 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The 76ers continue to deal with some injury trouble, as Danny Green (hip), Shake Milton (back) and Matisse Thybulle (shoulder) will be sidelined. The 76ers are averaging 107.4 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.2 percent from the field.
This marks the fourth game of an eight-game home stand for the Wizards (22-21), where they have gone, 2-1, so far, with wins over the Thunder and Magic, followed by a loss to their Trail Blazers in their most recent contest. The Wizards will be looking to get back on track and add to their, 12-8, home record. Bradley Beal (COVID-19) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action on Monday. Spencer Dinwiddie has been playing well, averaging 18.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma is also on a roll, averaging 24.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over the last 10 games. The Wizards are scoring an average of 107.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Sixers (25-17) will look to build on a two-game win streak and add to their, 16-8, road record. Joel Embiid continues his stellar play, averaging 31.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 blocks, over the last 10 games. Tobias Harris is averaging 17.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while Furkan Korkmaz is averaging 11.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The 76ers continue to deal with some injury trouble, as Danny Green (hip), Shake Milton (back) and Matisse Thybulle (shoulder) will be sidelined. The 76ers are averaging 107.4 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.2 percent from the field.
Cavs Look To Build On Four-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday afternoon.
The Cavs (26-18) have won four in a row and will look to keep it rolling for a chance to build on their, 11-9, home record. Darius Garland has been playing great, averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games, including an impressive performance in the Cavs' last game, where he totaled 27 points and 18 assists. Jarrett Allen averages 16.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Evan Mobley averages 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, to form a solid frontcourt duo. The Cavs have been great on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 102.4 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Nets (27-15) will look to build off a win in their last contest and add to their, 15-4, road record, as they take on the first game of a four-game road trip. They will be shorthanded, with Paul Millsap (personal), James Johnson (illness), Joe Harris (ankle), Kevin Durant (knee) sidelined, and Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) listed as questionable for action. On the bright side, James Harden has been playing well, averaging 26.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks, over the last three games. Kyrie Irving did not play in the last two games, but he is expected to play on Monday. Irving averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals, over three games played, so far. The Nets also do a great job on the defensive end, as the hold opponents to an average of 43.7 percent shooting from the field, which is third lowest in the league.
The Cavs (26-18) have won four in a row and will look to keep it rolling for a chance to build on their, 11-9, home record. Darius Garland has been playing great, averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games, including an impressive performance in the Cavs' last game, where he totaled 27 points and 18 assists. Jarrett Allen averages 16.6 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Evan Mobley averages 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, to form a solid frontcourt duo. The Cavs have been great on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 102.4 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Nets (27-15) will look to build off a win in their last contest and add to their, 15-4, road record, as they take on the first game of a four-game road trip. They will be shorthanded, with Paul Millsap (personal), James Johnson (illness), Joe Harris (ankle), Kevin Durant (knee) sidelined, and Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) listed as questionable for action. On the bright side, James Harden has been playing well, averaging 26.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks, over the last three games. Kyrie Irving did not play in the last two games, but he is expected to play on Monday. Irving averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals, over three games played, so far. The Nets also do a great job on the defensive end, as the hold opponents to an average of 43.7 percent shooting from the field, which is third lowest in the league.
Pacers and Clippers Tangle Set for Interconference Clash
The Indiana Pacers take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Monday afternoon.
The Pacers (15-28) have had an alarmingly disappointing season, and they'll enter Monday's contest having lost three straight and nine of the last 10 overall. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns by a 112-94 score. Justin Holiday led the Pacers with 25 points, adding four assists, two rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert furnished 20 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal.
The Pacers will list Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) and Jeremy Lamb (knee) as questionable for Monday's game. Myles Turner (foot) will be out.
The Clippers (21-23) have had their own share of struggles lately, as they'll enter Monday's game having lost two straight and five of the last seven overall. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, which bested them by a 101-94 score on Saturday night. Amir Coffey led the way with 20 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris delivered 15 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Serge Ibaka managed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Clippers will list Luke Kennard (COVID-19 protocols) as doubtful and Justise Winslow (conditioning) as questionable for Monday's game. Paul George (elbow) will remain out.
Monday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers swept the two-game 2020-21 series from the Pacers.
The Pacers (15-28) have had an alarmingly disappointing season, and they'll enter Monday's contest having lost three straight and nine of the last 10 overall. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns by a 112-94 score. Justin Holiday led the Pacers with 25 points, adding four assists, two rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Caris LeVert furnished 20 points, nine assists, five boards and one steal. Domantas Sabonis generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal.
The Pacers will list Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) and Jeremy Lamb (knee) as questionable for Monday's game. Myles Turner (foot) will be out.
The Clippers (21-23) have had their own share of struggles lately, as they'll enter Monday's game having lost two straight and five of the last seven overall. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, which bested them by a 101-94 score on Saturday night. Amir Coffey led the way with 20 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris delivered 15 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal, while Serge Ibaka managed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Clippers will list Luke Kennard (COVID-19 protocols) as doubtful and Justise Winslow (conditioning) as questionable for Monday's game. Paul George (elbow) will remain out.
Monday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers swept the two-game 2020-21 series from the Pacers.
Bulls and Grizzlies Set for Interconference Showdown
The Chicago Bulls take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Monday afternoon.
The Bulls (27-14) have enjoyed a mostly successful season, but they've hit a few bump in the roads on the scoreboard and injury report of late. Chicago comes into Monday's game having dropped three straight games, and four of the last five overall. Their most recent defeat was a narrow one, as they dropped a 114-112 decision to the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 27 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. DeMar DeRozan supplied 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one block. Ayo Dosunmu generated a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Coby White contributed 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball (knee), Zach LaVine (knee), Javonte Green (groin), Derrick Jones (knee) and Alex Caruso (foot) for Monday's contest.
The Grizzlies (30-15) remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA, even after seeing their 11-game winning streak snapped their most recent time on the floor Friday night with a 112-85 walloping by the Dallas Mavericks. Ja Morant led the way with 19 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Desmond Bane delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one block. Kyle Anderson totaled registered 12 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Grizzlies will remain without Dillon Brooks (ankle) and Killian Tillie (COVID-19 protocols) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the first of two contests between the teams this season. The Grizzlies swept the 2020-21 two-game season series from the Bulls.
The Bulls (27-14) have enjoyed a mostly successful season, but they've hit a few bump in the roads on the scoreboard and injury report of late. Chicago comes into Monday's game having dropped three straight games, and four of the last five overall. Their most recent defeat was a narrow one, as they dropped a 114-112 decision to the Boston Celtics on Saturday night. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 27 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. DeMar DeRozan supplied 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one block. Ayo Dosunmu generated a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds. Coby White contributed 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will be without Lonzo Ball (knee), Zach LaVine (knee), Javonte Green (groin), Derrick Jones (knee) and Alex Caruso (foot) for Monday's contest.
The Grizzlies (30-15) remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA, even after seeing their 11-game winning streak snapped their most recent time on the floor Friday night with a 112-85 walloping by the Dallas Mavericks. Ja Morant led the way with 19 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Desmond Bane delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one block. Kyle Anderson totaled registered 12 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Grizzlies will remain without Dillon Brooks (ankle) and Killian Tillie (COVID-19 protocols) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the first of two contests between the teams this season. The Grizzlies swept the 2020-21 two-game season series from the Bulls.
Bucks and Hawks Meet in Peach State Battle
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Monday evening.
The Bucks (27-18) have encountered quite a few bumps in the road of late, as they'll check into Monday's game having dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they dropped a 103-96 decision to the Toronto Raptors. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 30 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Grayson Allen delivered 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Khris Middleton managed 16 points, five assists, four boards, three steals and two blocks. Bobby Portis generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three blocks.
The Bucks will continue without Jrue Holiday (ankle), Brook Lopez (back) and Langston Galloway (COVID-19 protocols) for Monday's game.
The Hawks (17-25) have been in even worse shape than their opponents recently, as they'll enter Monday's matchup with five consecutive losses and a 2-9 mark in their last 11 games overall. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they were defeated by the New York Knocks, 117-108. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 29 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and three steals. Danilo Gallinari supplied 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. John Collins compiled 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu tallied 12 points, five boards, two blocks and one steal.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) and Clint Capela (ankle) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-100 win Nov. 14.
The Bucks (27-18) have encountered quite a few bumps in the road of late, as they'll check into Monday's game having dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they dropped a 103-96 decision to the Toronto Raptors. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 30 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Grayson Allen delivered 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Khris Middleton managed 16 points, five assists, four boards, three steals and two blocks. Bobby Portis generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three blocks.
The Bucks will continue without Jrue Holiday (ankle), Brook Lopez (back) and Langston Galloway (COVID-19 protocols) for Monday's game.
The Hawks (17-25) have been in even worse shape than their opponents recently, as they'll enter Monday's matchup with five consecutive losses and a 2-9 mark in their last 11 games overall. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they were defeated by the New York Knocks, 117-108. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 29 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and three steals. Danilo Gallinari supplied 17 points, four rebounds and two assists. John Collins compiled 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. Onyeka Okongwu tallied 12 points, five boards, two blocks and one steal.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) and Clint Capela (ankle) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-100 win Nov. 14.
Magic Host Trail Blazers on Monday
The Portland Trail Blazers travel south to face the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Monday.
The Trail Blazers (17-25) have been playing an uphill battle all season, and the mountain seems to be getting steeper by the day. They've had to play without C.J. McCollum for a month now, and it led to one of the worst stretches in the Damian Lillard era. He's the one who went down most recently, though, getting abductor surgery just last week. That means the two guards that carry this team will miss significant time this season, and it's led to Portland losing 17 of their last 24 games coming into this matchup. There have been some signs recently, though, winning three of their last four. Anfernee Simons has been the one stepping up with these guys out, averaging nearly 30 points and 10 assists over his last six games played. He needs to keep doing that but this hole is looking too deep to dig out of.
The Magic (8-36) just snapped a 10-game losing streak over the weekend but look well on their way to more losing streaks in the future. They followed up that rare win with a blowout loss against Dallas on Saturday, and it simply looks like this team doesn't have the talent to match up with their opponents. Having the worst record in the NBA is definitely an indicator of that, but there are some young players to get excited about. Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony look like the stars in the backcourt, but Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter aren't too bad in the frontcourt either. That's plenty to build around, and as long as the progression continues, this won't be a lost season.
Portland swept the two-game season series over Orlando last year. That gives them nine straight wins over them in total, dating all the way back to 2016.
The Trail Blazers (17-25) have been playing an uphill battle all season, and the mountain seems to be getting steeper by the day. They've had to play without C.J. McCollum for a month now, and it led to one of the worst stretches in the Damian Lillard era. He's the one who went down most recently, though, getting abductor surgery just last week. That means the two guards that carry this team will miss significant time this season, and it's led to Portland losing 17 of their last 24 games coming into this matchup. There have been some signs recently, though, winning three of their last four. Anfernee Simons has been the one stepping up with these guys out, averaging nearly 30 points and 10 assists over his last six games played. He needs to keep doing that but this hole is looking too deep to dig out of.
The Magic (8-36) just snapped a 10-game losing streak over the weekend but look well on their way to more losing streaks in the future. They followed up that rare win with a blowout loss against Dallas on Saturday, and it simply looks like this team doesn't have the talent to match up with their opponents. Having the worst record in the NBA is definitely an indicator of that, but there are some young players to get excited about. Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony look like the stars in the backcourt, but Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter aren't too bad in the frontcourt either. That's plenty to build around, and as long as the progression continues, this won't be a lost season.
Portland swept the two-game season series over Orlando last year. That gives them nine straight wins over them in total, dating all the way back to 2016.
Heat Host Raptors on Monday
The Toronto Raptors travel to South Beach to face the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Monday.
The Raptors (21-19) just pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Saturday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Pascal Siakam was the hero in that victory, recording a rare triple-double. He and Fred Van Vleet has been amazing all season, and it pairs wonderfully with youngsters like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby. It's a recent surge that's gotten them above .500, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. This core is plenty good to compete in the east, and it's nice to see this roster at full health for the first time all year. It's unclear if Toronto will be sellers or buyers at the fast-approaching trade deadline, but this most recent run might sway them towards the buyer's end of the market.
The Heat (27-16) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, entering this matchup with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. A big reason for the bump is their recent form, winning four of their last five games coming into this matchup. What makes that spurt even more shocking is the fact that they've done a lot of that damage with a diminished roster. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been in and out of the lineup all season, with Butler returning in the last few days. Bam (hand) has been out for nearly two months now, but there's some speculation that he could make his long-awaited return here!
These teams have yet to play this season, but Toronto has six wins in their last 10 meetings with Miami, dating back four years.
The Raptors (21-19) just pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Saturday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Pascal Siakam was the hero in that victory, recording a rare triple-double. He and Fred Van Vleet has been amazing all season, and it pairs wonderfully with youngsters like Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby. It's a recent surge that's gotten them above .500, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. This core is plenty good to compete in the east, and it's nice to see this roster at full health for the first time all year. It's unclear if Toronto will be sellers or buyers at the fast-approaching trade deadline, but this most recent run might sway them towards the buyer's end of the market.
The Heat (27-16) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, entering this matchup with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. A big reason for the bump is their recent form, winning four of their last five games coming into this matchup. What makes that spurt even more shocking is the fact that they've done a lot of that damage with a diminished roster. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been in and out of the lineup all season, with Butler returning in the last few days. Bam (hand) has been out for nearly two months now, but there's some speculation that he could make his long-awaited return here!
These teams have yet to play this season, but Toronto has six wins in their last 10 meetings with Miami, dating back four years.
Mavs Host Thunder on Monday
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Texas to face the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Monday.
The Thunder (14-28) enter this matchup losing eight of their last 10 games. This team was expected to have stretches like that this season and it's looking like another year at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Things like that happen when you rebuild, and it could be a while before this club battles for any sort of playoff hopes. The pieces are in play, though, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey forming one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. It's up to management to get this frontcourt on par with them because this could be the worst group of big men in the league. If they can land on the numerous high draft picks they have coming, OKC could be a dangerous team in the next 5-10 years.
The Mavericks. (24-19) appeared to be in big trouble when they sat well below .500 this time last month, but they've been one of the best teams in the NBA since the calendar turned to 2021. In fact, Dallas has nine wins in their last 11 games, allowing the fewest points in the NBA in that stretch. What makes that run all the more impressive is the fact that Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have rarely played together. Doncic was out nearly a month with an ankle issue, while KP has been stuck in COVID protocols over the last week. The good news is that both guys played together on Saturday, with the Mavs handing the Orlando Magic another blowout defeat. This is a scary duo, and many people believe the Mavs will be buyers at this year's trade deadline, which is fast approaching.
These teams played twice last season, with Dallas sweeping the season series. That gives the Mavs four wins in their last five meetings with the Thunder, dating back three years.
The Thunder (14-28) enter this matchup losing eight of their last 10 games. This team was expected to have stretches like that this season and it's looking like another year at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Things like that happen when you rebuild, and it could be a while before this club battles for any sort of playoff hopes. The pieces are in play, though, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey forming one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. It's up to management to get this frontcourt on par with them because this could be the worst group of big men in the league. If they can land on the numerous high draft picks they have coming, OKC could be a dangerous team in the next 5-10 years.
The Mavericks. (24-19) appeared to be in big trouble when they sat well below .500 this time last month, but they've been one of the best teams in the NBA since the calendar turned to 2021. In fact, Dallas has nine wins in their last 11 games, allowing the fewest points in the NBA in that stretch. What makes that run all the more impressive is the fact that Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have rarely played together. Doncic was out nearly a month with an ankle issue, while KP has been stuck in COVID protocols over the last week. The good news is that both guys played together on Saturday, with the Mavs handing the Orlando Magic another blowout defeat. This is a scary duo, and many people believe the Mavs will be buyers at this year's trade deadline, which is fast approaching.
These teams played twice last season, with Dallas sweeping the season series. That gives the Mavs four wins in their last five meetings with the Thunder, dating back three years.
Suns Looking For Another Win, Visit Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs will host the Phoenix Suns at AT&T Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (16-27) are coming off a 101-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. They were led by Derrick White, providing 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks off the bench. Dejounte Murray led the starters with 18 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson compiled 17 points and six rebounds, while Devin Vassell and Jake Landale had 10 points and 11 boards apiece.
Zach Collins (ankle) has been listed as a game-time call by the Spurs’ medical staff, while Tre Jones (COVID-19) has been ruled out.
The Suns (33-9) are coming off a commanding win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 30 points, and he also added four rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges produced 10 points each, with Paul also adding six rebounds and six assists while Bridges added three boards and four dimes. Jae Crowder only had nine points, but he also produced 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. JaVale McGee and Cameron Payne had 20 points each off the bench.
Deandre Ayton (ankle) is a game-time decision for Monday’s game, while several players have been ruled out. The list includes Cameron Johnson (ankle), Abdel Nader (knee), Dario Saric (knee) and Frank Kaminsky (knee).
The Spurs (16-27) are coming off a 101-94 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. They were led by Derrick White, providing 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks off the bench. Dejounte Murray led the starters with 18 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson compiled 17 points and six rebounds, while Devin Vassell and Jake Landale had 10 points and 11 boards apiece.
Zach Collins (ankle) has been listed as a game-time call by the Spurs’ medical staff, while Tre Jones (COVID-19) has been ruled out.
The Suns (33-9) are coming off a commanding win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 30 points, and he also added four rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges produced 10 points each, with Paul also adding six rebounds and six assists while Bridges added three boards and four dimes. Jae Crowder only had nine points, but he also produced 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. JaVale McGee and Cameron Payne had 20 points each off the bench.
Deandre Ayton (ankle) is a game-time decision for Monday’s game, while several players have been ruled out. The list includes Cameron Johnson (ankle), Abdel Nader (knee), Dario Saric (knee) and Frank Kaminsky (knee).
Lakers Look To End Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.
The Lakers (21-22) will look put an end to a three-game slide and add to their, 14-11, home record, as they return home from a winless, two-game road trip. Anthony Davis (knee) has been out for almost a month and will remain sidelined through Monday's action. Carmelo Anthony (back) has missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action. LeBron James continues to lead the team, averaging 28.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Malik Monk has been playing well lately, averaging 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Lakers are averaging 111.7 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 113.3 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (29-14), as they are coming off an impressive win in Denver on Sunday. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Jazz led, 37-33, after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and rallied to a 10-point lead by halftime. The hosts came out stronger in the third and took a brief lead late in the quarter, but the Jazz reclaimed a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Jazz kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 20 points in the quarter to run away with the win and snap a four-game slide. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, and Rudy Gobert totaled 18 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. The Jazz will look to build off the road win and add to their, 14-6, road record.
The Lakers (21-22) will look put an end to a three-game slide and add to their, 14-11, home record, as they return home from a winless, two-game road trip. Anthony Davis (knee) has been out for almost a month and will remain sidelined through Monday's action. Carmelo Anthony (back) has missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action. LeBron James continues to lead the team, averaging 28.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Malik Monk has been playing well lately, averaging 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Lakers are averaging 111.7 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 113.3 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (29-14), as they are coming off an impressive win in Denver on Sunday. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Jazz led, 37-33, after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and rallied to a 10-point lead by halftime. The hosts came out stronger in the third and took a brief lead late in the quarter, but the Jazz reclaimed a three-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Jazz kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the hosts by 20 points in the quarter to run away with the win and snap a four-game slide. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal, and Rudy Gobert totaled 18 points, 19 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. The Jazz will look to build off the road win and add to their, 14-6, road record.