Lakers, Magic Meet In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Orlando Magic will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Magic (8-38) are coming off a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. were led by Mo Bamba, tallying 32 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jalen Suggs accrued 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cole Anthony accrued 13 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Franz Wagner amassed nine points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Chuma Okeke led the bench with 18 points and three boards. Orlando has posted a 1-4 record in its last five games and has lost three in a row.
The Lakers (22-23) are coming off a 111-104 loss against the Indiana Pacers at home on Wednesday. They were led by LeBron James, tallying 30 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook registered 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. The other three starters combined for 10 points. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Carmelo Anthony had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Lakers have been struggling of late and have lost four of their last five games while falling below the .500 mark.
The Magic (8-38) are coming off a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. were led by Mo Bamba, tallying 32 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jalen Suggs accrued 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cole Anthony accrued 13 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while Franz Wagner amassed nine points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Chuma Okeke led the bench with 18 points and three boards. Orlando has posted a 1-4 record in its last five games and has lost three in a row.
The Lakers (22-23) are coming off a 111-104 loss against the Indiana Pacers at home on Wednesday. They were led by LeBron James, tallying 30 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook registered 14 points, two rebounds and three assists. The other three starters combined for 10 points. Talen Horton-Tucker led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Carmelo Anthony had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Lakers have been struggling of late and have lost four of their last five games while falling below the .500 mark.
Sixers Aiming To Extend Run, Host Clippers
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Sixers (26-18) are coming off a comfortable win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, pushing their winning run to three victories over their last four contests. They were led by Joel Embiid and his 50 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks on 17-of-23 from the field. Tobias Harris had 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey generated 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Georges Niang led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. Philadelphia also has a 10-9 record when playing at home.
The Clippers (22-24) got a career-high 32 points from Ivica Zubac, providing 10 rebounds and three assists on 15-of-19 from the field, as they suffered a 130-128 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Reggie Jackson registered 28 points, three rebounds and 12 assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Brandon Boston led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Clippers have lost three of their last four contests.
The Sixers (26-18) are coming off a comfortable win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, pushing their winning run to three victories over their last four contests. They were led by Joel Embiid and his 50 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and three blocks on 17-of-23 from the field. Tobias Harris had 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey generated 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Georges Niang led the bench with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists. Philadelphia also has a 10-9 record when playing at home.
The Clippers (22-24) got a career-high 32 points from Ivica Zubac, providing 10 rebounds and three assists on 15-of-19 from the field, as they suffered a 130-128 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Reggie Jackson registered 28 points, three rebounds and 12 assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring. Brandon Boston led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. The Clippers have lost three of their last four contests.
Thunder and Hornets Teed Up for Interconference Clash
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Thunder (14-30) have endured a season of constant frustration, and they enter Friday's contest with three straight losses and eight defeats in the last nine games overall. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were toppled by the San Antonio Spurs, 118-96. Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder with 19 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Luguentz Dort furnished 15 points and two rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Ty Jerome supplied 10 points.
The Thunder will list Derrick Favors (back) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Hornets (25-20) have had their share of inconsistency this season, but they'll check into Friday's clash in the midst of one of their best stretches of the season. Charlotte has won six of their last seven contests, with its most recent success a 111-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 28 points, adding 10 assists and four rebounds. Miles Bridges delivered 22 points, seven boards and two assists. Kelly Oubre delivered 18 points, three boards, two steals and one block. LaMelo Ball contributed a 15-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block.
The Hornets will list P.J. Washington (hip) as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The clubs split the two-game 2020-21 season series.
The Thunder (14-30) have endured a season of constant frustration, and they enter Friday's contest with three straight losses and eight defeats in the last nine games overall. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were toppled by the San Antonio Spurs, 118-96. Aaron Wiggins led the Thunder with 19 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Luguentz Dort furnished 15 points and two rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Ty Jerome supplied 10 points.
The Thunder will list Derrick Favors (back) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Hornets (25-20) have had their share of inconsistency this season, but they'll check into Friday's clash in the midst of one of their best stretches of the season. Charlotte has won six of their last seven contests, with its most recent success a 111-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 28 points, adding 10 assists and four rebounds. Miles Bridges delivered 22 points, seven boards and two assists. Kelly Oubre delivered 18 points, three boards, two steals and one block. LaMelo Ball contributed a 15-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block.
The Hornets will list P.J. Washington (hip) as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The clubs split the two-game 2020-21 season series.
Heat and Hawks Tangle in Peach State
The Miami Heat takes on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Friday night.
The Heat (29-16) has been living up to its moniker of late, as they'll check into Friday's game having won six of the last seven games overall. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they notched a 104-92 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Caleb Martin paced the Heat with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists and two assists. Bam Adebayo posted a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, five steals and three blocks. Max Strus furnished 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Dewayne Dedmon totaled 12 points, eight boards, one assist and one steal. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Heat is likely to remain without Tyler Herro (COVID-19 protocols), Kyle Lowry (personal), KZ Okpala (wrist) and Markieff Morris (conditioning) for Friday's game.
The Hawks (19-25) had recently been mired in an extended stretch of futility, but they've displayed some cautiously optimistic signs of late by winning two straight games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 134-122 score. Trae Young led the way with a 37-point, 14-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 22 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. John Collins and Onyeka Okongwu mustered 17 points apiece. Collins added 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Okongwu recorded eight rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Danilo Gallinari contributed 15 points, six boards and one assist.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) for Friday's contest, while Gallinari (Achilles), Gorgui Dieng (illness) and Clint Capela (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Heat holds a 2-0 series lead, having notched 115-91 and 124-118 wins Jan. 12 and Jan. 14.
The Heat (29-16) has been living up to its moniker of late, as they'll check into Friday's game having won six of the last seven games overall. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they notched a 104-92 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Caleb Martin paced the Heat with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists and two assists. Bam Adebayo posted a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists, five steals and three blocks. Max Strus furnished 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. Dewayne Dedmon totaled 12 points, eight boards, one assist and one steal. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, seven assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block.
The Heat is likely to remain without Tyler Herro (COVID-19 protocols), Kyle Lowry (personal), KZ Okpala (wrist) and Markieff Morris (conditioning) for Friday's game.
The Hawks (19-25) had recently been mired in an extended stretch of futility, but they've displayed some cautiously optimistic signs of late by winning two straight games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 134-122 score. Trae Young led the way with a 37-point, 14-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 22 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. John Collins and Onyeka Okongwu mustered 17 points apiece. Collins added 12 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Okongwu recorded eight rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Danilo Gallinari contributed 15 points, six boards and one assist.
The Hawks will be without Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) for Friday's contest, while Gallinari (Achilles), Gorgui Dieng (illness) and Clint Capela (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Heat holds a 2-0 series lead, having notched 115-91 and 124-118 wins Jan. 12 and Jan. 14.
Trail Blazers and Celtics Face Off in Interconference Clash
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Trail Blazers (18-26) have dealt with no shortage of adversity this season, including injuries and COVID-19-related absences. That's unsurprisingly led to plenty of defeats, and although Portland does enter Friday's game with a solid 4-2 mark in its last six, its most recent time on the floor resulted in a 104-92 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. CJ McCollum provided 24 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Robert Covington totaled 11 points, 12 rebounds and one block.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Norman Powell (personal), Larry Nance (knee) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Friday's game. Nassir Little (knee) will be listed as questionable, while Dennis Smith (ankle) will carry a probable tag.
The Celtics (23-23) have had their fair share of obstacles as well, but they'd been on a solid run of five wins in six games going into a Wednesday night battle against the Charlotte Hornets that Boston came up short in by a 111-102 score. Dennis Schroder led the Celtics with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown supplied 21 points, six boards, six assists and two steals. Al Horford generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. Jayson Tatum furnished 12 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Romeo Langford and Josh Richardson posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Celtics' Marcus Smart (conditioning) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will be listed as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 145-117 win Dec. 4.
The Trail Blazers (18-26) have dealt with no shortage of adversity this season, including injuries and COVID-19-related absences. That's unsurprisingly led to plenty of defeats, and although Portland does enter Friday's game with a solid 4-2 mark in its last six, its most recent time on the floor resulted in a 104-92 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. CJ McCollum provided 24 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Robert Covington totaled 11 points, 12 rebounds and one block.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Norman Powell (personal), Larry Nance (knee) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Friday's game. Nassir Little (knee) will be listed as questionable, while Dennis Smith (ankle) will carry a probable tag.
The Celtics (23-23) have had their fair share of obstacles as well, but they'd been on a solid run of five wins in six games going into a Wednesday night battle against the Charlotte Hornets that Boston came up short in by a 111-102 score. Dennis Schroder led the Celtics with 24 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown supplied 21 points, six boards, six assists and two steals. Al Horford generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. Jayson Tatum furnished 12 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Romeo Langford and Josh Richardson posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Celtics' Marcus Smart (conditioning) and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will be listed as questionable for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 145-117 win Dec. 4.
Bucks Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Bucks (28-19), as they will look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 15-8, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with monstrous numbers, as he is averaging 28.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Khris Middleton has been playing great lately, averaging 25.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jrue Holiday was quiet in his first game back after a 10-day absence, as he finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists, in the Bucks' most recent contest. The Bucks are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Bulls (28-15), as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 12-9, road record. Unfortunately, the Bulls continue to deal with injury trouble, as Lonzo Ball (knee), Javonte Green (groin), Derrick Jones (knee) and Zach LaVine (knee) will all remain sidelined. On the bright side, DeMar DeRozan continues his stellar play, averaging 22.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists, over the last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White will continue to pick up extra playing time, filling in key minutes for their shorthanded squad. The Bulls are averaging 111.2 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.5 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Bucks (28-19), as they will look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 15-8, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team with monstrous numbers, as he is averaging 28.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Khris Middleton has been playing great lately, averaging 25.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jrue Holiday was quiet in his first game back after a 10-day absence, as he finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists, in the Bucks' most recent contest. The Bucks are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Bulls (28-15), as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 12-9, road record. Unfortunately, the Bulls continue to deal with injury trouble, as Lonzo Ball (knee), Javonte Green (groin), Derrick Jones (knee) and Zach LaVine (knee) will all remain sidelined. On the bright side, DeMar DeRozan continues his stellar play, averaging 22.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists, over the last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White will continue to pick up extra playing time, filling in key minutes for their shorthanded squad. The Bulls are averaging 111.2 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 47.5 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Wizards Host Raptors In Sixth Game Of Eight-Game Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Toronto Raptors at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the sixth game of an eight-game home stand for the Wizards (23-22), where they have gone, 3-2, so far, including two losses in their last three games. They will look to get back on track and close the home stand on a high note, with a chance to add to their, 13-9, home record. Bradley Beal has missed a few games lately, but he leads the team, averaging 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists, and will be ready to go for Friday's action. Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 16.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma has been playing well, averaging 23.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Wizards are averaging 108.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.8 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (21-21), where they have gone, 1-3, with a win in Milwaukee, and losses in Detroit, Miami and Dallas. The Raptors will be looking to bounce back from a two-game slide and add to their, 9-10, road record. Fred VanVleet continues to play well, averaging 25.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.7 steals, over the last 10 games. Pascal Siakam has also been playing great, averaging 23.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Gary Trent (ankle) has missed the last six games and remains questionable for action on Friday. The Raptors are averaging 106.8 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 43.5 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
This marks the sixth game of an eight-game home stand for the Wizards (23-22), where they have gone, 3-2, so far, including two losses in their last three games. They will look to get back on track and close the home stand on a high note, with a chance to add to their, 13-9, home record. Bradley Beal has missed a few games lately, but he leads the team, averaging 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists, and will be ready to go for Friday's action. Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 16.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma has been playing well, averaging 23.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Wizards are averaging 108.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.8 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (21-21), where they have gone, 1-3, with a win in Milwaukee, and losses in Detroit, Miami and Dallas. The Raptors will be looking to bounce back from a two-game slide and add to their, 9-10, road record. Fred VanVleet continues to play well, averaging 25.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.7 steals, over the last 10 games. Pascal Siakam has also been playing great, averaging 23.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Gary Trent (ankle) has missed the last six games and remains questionable for action on Friday. The Raptors are averaging 106.8 points per game, and they are shooting an average of 43.5 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league.
Spurs Host Nets In Sixth Game Of Seven-Game Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Brooklyn Nets at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
This marks the sixth game of a seven-game home stand for the Spurs (17-28), where they have gone, 2-3, so far. They will look to stay on the right track after a win in their most recent contest, and continue building on their, 9-13, home record. Dejounte Murray leads the team, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 2.0 steals, per game. Keldon Johnson is averaging 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl is averaging 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. The Spurs are averaging 110.6 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.9 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Nets (28-16), where they have gone, 1-1, with a loss in Cleveland followed by a win in Washington on Wednesday. They will look to build off the recent win and keep rolling for a chance to add to their, 16-5, road record. Kevin Durant (knee) and Joe Harris (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) and DeAndre' Bembry (back) are listed as questionable for action. On the bright side, James Harden has been playing well lately, averaging 23.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last five games. Kyrie Irving has been finding his groove and is averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals, over five gams played, so far. The Nets are averaging 111.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.4 points against.
This marks the sixth game of a seven-game home stand for the Spurs (17-28), where they have gone, 2-3, so far. They will look to stay on the right track after a win in their most recent contest, and continue building on their, 9-13, home record. Dejounte Murray leads the team, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 2.0 steals, per game. Keldon Johnson is averaging 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl is averaging 12.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. The Spurs are averaging 110.6 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 110.9 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Nets (28-16), where they have gone, 1-1, with a loss in Cleveland followed by a win in Washington on Wednesday. They will look to build off the recent win and keep rolling for a chance to add to their, 16-5, road record. Kevin Durant (knee) and Joe Harris (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) and DeAndre' Bembry (back) are listed as questionable for action. On the bright side, James Harden has been playing well lately, averaging 23.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last five games. Kyrie Irving has been finding his groove and is averaging 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.2 steals, over five gams played, so far. The Nets are averaging 111.8 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.4 points against.
Nuggets Host Grizzlies on Friday
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Colorado to face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Friday.
The Grizzlies (31-16) might be the hottest team in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 14 games. The most recent game was a narrow loss in Milwaukee but taking the Bucks to the limit in a road game shows just how much this team has improved. Ja Morant had a cool 32 points and 15 assists in that masterpiece, matching his career-high in dimes. He's been playing at that sort of level all season, and he's truly looking like one of the best players in the NBA. They've been doing this damage with numerous absences, too, with Dillon Brooks continually on the sidelines. He was one of the most valuable players in the Grizzlies playoff run last year, and fans can't wait to see him back and fully healthy.
The Nuggets (23-20) are playing some of their best basketball right now, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. The most recent win was one of the best of the season, grabbing an overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a nail-biter, too, with Aaron Gordon nailing a game-winning three with 2.2 seconds remaining. He finished that game with 28 points, but the performance of Nikola Jokic was absolutely absurd. The 2020-21 MVP finished that game with 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in one of the lines of the season. They also for a near triple-double from Monte Morris, which is the true key for this team. We all know The Joker will post monster stats, but if they can get more consistency from guys like Morris and Gordon, this team could be in for a deep run.
These teams played two tight games last season, with Memphis sweeping the season series.
The Grizzlies (31-16) might be the hottest team in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 14 games. The most recent game was a narrow loss in Milwaukee but taking the Bucks to the limit in a road game shows just how much this team has improved. Ja Morant had a cool 32 points and 15 assists in that masterpiece, matching his career-high in dimes. He's been playing at that sort of level all season, and he's truly looking like one of the best players in the NBA. They've been doing this damage with numerous absences, too, with Dillon Brooks continually on the sidelines. He was one of the most valuable players in the Grizzlies playoff run last year, and fans can't wait to see him back and fully healthy.
The Nuggets (23-20) are playing some of their best basketball right now, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. The most recent win was one of the best of the season, grabbing an overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was a nail-biter, too, with Aaron Gordon nailing a game-winning three with 2.2 seconds remaining. He finished that game with 28 points, but the performance of Nikola Jokic was absolutely absurd. The 2020-21 MVP finished that game with 49 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in one of the lines of the season. They also for a near triple-double from Monte Morris, which is the true key for this team. We all know The Joker will post monster stats, but if they can get more consistency from guys like Morris and Gordon, this team could be in for a deep run.
These teams played two tight games last season, with Memphis sweeping the season series.
Jazz Host Pistons on Friday
The Detroit Pistons travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Pistons (11-33) just pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season on Wednesday, beating the Sacramento Kings, 133-131. The nature of that win is what made it so big, with the Pistons finishing on an 11-0 run over the closing 2:10 to pull off that shocking comeback. Kelly Olynyk returned from a two-month absence to provide 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists off the bench. His presence can't be overlooked, and it paired beautifully with a 30-spot from Saddiq Bey. The next step is to get the youngsters on board because Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham have been struggling mightily over recent weeks. That looks even better with Jerami Grant's return right around the corner, and this team might be better than the record would indicate.
The Jazz (29-16) are in their worst stretch of the season right now, entering this matchup losing six of their last seven games. That's actually their worst stretch in two years, and it's hard to understand why. It all started when Rudy Gobert landed in COVID protocols, but he's been back for the last three games now. The most recent loss was the most telling, getting beat at home by a 12-win Houston Rockets team. That's a club that Utah is expected to handle easily, and it's difficult to understand why they're struggling so badly. In any case, this is one of the most talented teams in the NBA, and we expect an equally long winning streak to be right around the corner.
These teams played on January 10, with Detroit prevailing, 126-116. That actually snapped a 10-game winning streak from the Jazz prior, dating all the way back to 2017.
The Pistons (11-33) just pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season on Wednesday, beating the Sacramento Kings, 133-131. The nature of that win is what made it so big, with the Pistons finishing on an 11-0 run over the closing 2:10 to pull off that shocking comeback. Kelly Olynyk returned from a two-month absence to provide 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists off the bench. His presence can't be overlooked, and it paired beautifully with a 30-spot from Saddiq Bey. The next step is to get the youngsters on board because Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham have been struggling mightily over recent weeks. That looks even better with Jerami Grant's return right around the corner, and this team might be better than the record would indicate.
The Jazz (29-16) are in their worst stretch of the season right now, entering this matchup losing six of their last seven games. That's actually their worst stretch in two years, and it's hard to understand why. It all started when Rudy Gobert landed in COVID protocols, but he's been back for the last three games now. The most recent loss was the most telling, getting beat at home by a 12-win Houston Rockets team. That's a club that Utah is expected to handle easily, and it's difficult to understand why they're struggling so badly. In any case, this is one of the most talented teams in the NBA, and we expect an equally long winning streak to be right around the corner.
These teams played on January 10, with Detroit prevailing, 126-116. That actually snapped a 10-game winning streak from the Jazz prior, dating all the way back to 2017.
Warriors Host Rockets on Friday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Houston Rockets at Chase Center on Friday.
The Rockets (14-32) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA coming into the season, and they've lived up to all those low expectations. With that said, they enter this matchup winning three of their last four games. Some of those victories have been borderline miracles, too, grabbing all three of them on the road and a win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Winning in Utah is no easy task, and it says a lot about how much this young core has developed. Players like Kevin Porter Jr and Christian Wood have made major strides this season, and it has fans excited for the first time since they traded away James Harden.
The Warriors (32-13) find themselves with a 4-6 record over their last 10 games, losing to an Indiana team missing four starters on Thursday. That's rare to see from the second-best team in the NBA but stretches like that are inevitable for everyone. In any case, it directly correlates with Klay Thompson's return and Draymond Green's injury. That's a lot of changes in a small amount of time, and it's definitely played a huge factor in the struggles. In any case, getting Thompson back and fully healthy has been a blessing. This is the perfect opportunity for him to get going and find his rhythm because Thompson is one of the best two-way players in the NBA when he's right.
These teams played on November 7, with Golden State prevailing, 120-107. That gives the Warriors four straight wins in this series, winning all of them by 13 points or more.
The Rockets (14-32) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA coming into the season, and they've lived up to all those low expectations. With that said, they enter this matchup winning three of their last four games. Some of those victories have been borderline miracles, too, grabbing all three of them on the road and a win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Winning in Utah is no easy task, and it says a lot about how much this young core has developed. Players like Kevin Porter Jr and Christian Wood have made major strides this season, and it has fans excited for the first time since they traded away James Harden.
The Warriors (32-13) find themselves with a 4-6 record over their last 10 games, losing to an Indiana team missing four starters on Thursday. That's rare to see from the second-best team in the NBA but stretches like that are inevitable for everyone. In any case, it directly correlates with Klay Thompson's return and Draymond Green's injury. That's a lot of changes in a small amount of time, and it's definitely played a huge factor in the struggles. In any case, getting Thompson back and fully healthy has been a blessing. This is the perfect opportunity for him to get going and find his rhythm because Thompson is one of the best two-way players in the NBA when he's right.
These teams played on November 7, with Golden State prevailing, 120-107. That gives the Warriors four straight wins in this series, winning all of them by 13 points or more.