Trail Blazers and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Battle
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers (10-7) have seen a hot start evaporate some in recent games, with key injuries playing a role. Portland checks into Wednesday's game in the midst of a three-game skid, with its most recent stumble a 119-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 18 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Hart supplied 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Trenton Watford managed 10 points and four rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will be without Damian Lillard (calf), Keon Johnson (hip) and Gary Payton (abdomen) for Wednesday's game.
The Cavaliers (11-6) have experienced their fair share of highs and lows thus far this season, as they opened the campaign 8-1, lost five straight and have now bounced back to win three straight. Their most recent success came Monday night, when then they toppled the Atlanta Hawks by a 114-102 margin. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 29 points, adding nine assists, four rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland pitched in 26 points, nine assists and one steal. Cedi Osman delivered 23 points and three rebounds. Evan Mobley went for 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will list Caris LeVert (ankle), Dylan Windler (ankle) and Ricky Rubio (knee) as out for Wednesday's game. Dean Wade (knee) will carry a probable tag, while Kevin Love (thumb) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Trail Blazers.
The Trail Blazers (10-7) have seen a hot start evaporate some in recent games, with key injuries playing a role. Portland checks into Wednesday's game in the midst of a three-game skid, with its most recent stumble a 119-111 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jerami Grant furnished 18 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Hart supplied 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Trenton Watford managed 10 points and four rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will be without Damian Lillard (calf), Keon Johnson (hip) and Gary Payton (abdomen) for Wednesday's game.
The Cavaliers (11-6) have experienced their fair share of highs and lows thus far this season, as they opened the campaign 8-1, lost five straight and have now bounced back to win three straight. Their most recent success came Monday night, when then they toppled the Atlanta Hawks by a 114-102 margin. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 29 points, adding nine assists, four rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland pitched in 26 points, nine assists and one steal. Cedi Osman delivered 23 points and three rebounds. Evan Mobley went for 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will list Caris LeVert (ankle), Dylan Windler (ankle) and Ricky Rubio (knee) as out for Wednesday's game. Dean Wade (knee) will carry a probable tag, while Kevin Love (thumb) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Trail Blazers.
Timberwolves and Pacers Tangle in Midwest Clash
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (9-8) hit a rough patch shortly after a strong start to the season, but they've bounced back to record four consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they edged the Miami Heat by a 105-101 score. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Anthony Edwards registered 22 points, seven boards, four assists, four steals and one block. Jaden McDaniels compiled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jordan McLaughlin contributed 12 points.
The Timberwolves will list Kyle Anderson (back) and McLaughlin (calf) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Pacers (10-6) check into Wednesday's game in even more impressive fashion, as they've rattled off five straight wins following a 5-6 start. Their most recent success also came Monday night, when they bested the Orlando Magic by a 123-102 score. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and one assist. T.J. McConnell generated a 19-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Haliburton pitched in an 18-point, 14-assist double-double that also featured four rebounds. Oshae Brissett matched Haliburton's scoring and added three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson posted matching 10-point tallies while adding five and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will list Jackson (ankle) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's contest. Chris Duarte (ankle) and Daniel Theis (knee) will be out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Timberwolves swept the two-game 2021-22 season series from the Pacers.
The Timberwolves (9-8) hit a rough patch shortly after a strong start to the season, but they've bounced back to record four consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they edged the Miami Heat by a 105-101 score. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Anthony Edwards registered 22 points, seven boards, four assists, four steals and one block. Jaden McDaniels compiled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jordan McLaughlin contributed 12 points.
The Timberwolves will list Kyle Anderson (back) and McLaughlin (calf) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Pacers (10-6) check into Wednesday's game in even more impressive fashion, as they've rattled off five straight wins following a 5-6 start. Their most recent success also came Monday night, when they bested the Orlando Magic by a 123-102 score. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding five rebounds and one assist. T.J. McConnell generated a 19-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Haliburton pitched in an 18-point, 14-assist double-double that also featured four rebounds. Oshae Brissett matched Haliburton's scoring and added three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson posted matching 10-point tallies while adding five and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will list Jackson (ankle) and Andrew Nembhard (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's contest. Chris Duarte (ankle) and Daniel Theis (knee) will be out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Timberwolves swept the two-game 2021-22 season series from the Pacers.
Sixers Looking For Another Win, Face Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (4-14) are coming off a loss against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Kelly Oubre Jr. paced the Hornets with 23 points, adding seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 20 points, five boards and four assists. P.J. Washington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block. Nick Richards generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The 76ers (9-8) are coming off a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, while DeAnthony Melton posted 22 points, four boards, four dimes and three steals. Shake Milton got another start and posted 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Paul Reed posted 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and he also added three steals and two blocks. Georges Niang also had a good game off the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
The Hornets (4-14) are coming off a loss against the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Kelly Oubre Jr. paced the Hornets with 23 points, adding seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 20 points, five boards and four assists. P.J. Washington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block. Nick Richards generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The 76ers (9-8) are coming off a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 24 points, six rebounds and three assists, while DeAnthony Melton posted 22 points, four boards, four dimes and three steals. Shake Milton got another start and posted 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Paul Reed posted 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and he also added three steals and two blocks. Georges Niang also had a good game off the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
Red-Hot Kings Take On Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Sacramento Kings at StateFarm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (10-7) are coming off a 114-102 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double, while John Collins scored 16 points. A.J. Griffin posted 17 points and two boards, and Dejounte Murray delivered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points and 10 boards.
The Kings (10-6) are coming off a 113-109 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for Sacramento with 32 points, but he also added eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Harrison Barnes delivered 26 points and four rebounds. Domantas Sabonis only had nine points, but he also posted 13 rebounds and eight assists. Kevin Huerter notched 18 points and six rebounds, but he also added three assists. Malik Monk had 14 points, and Chimizie Metu notched 10 points with three boards.
The Hawks (10-7) are coming off a 114-102 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double, while John Collins scored 16 points. A.J. Griffin posted 17 points and two boards, and Dejounte Murray delivered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu posted 18 points and 10 boards.
The Kings (10-6) are coming off a 113-109 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. De’Aaron Fox led the way for Sacramento with 32 points, but he also added eight rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Harrison Barnes delivered 26 points and four rebounds. Domantas Sabonis only had nine points, but he also posted 13 rebounds and eight assists. Kevin Huerter notched 18 points and six rebounds, but he also added three assists. Malik Monk had 14 points, and Chimizie Metu notched 10 points with three boards.
Mavericks and Celtics Set for TD Showdown
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (9-7) have enjoyed their fair share of success early this season while riding the MVP-caliber coattails of Luka Doncic, but they'll come into Wednesday's showdown having lost two of their last three games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they dropped a narrow 98-97 decision to the Denver Nuggets. Josh Green led the Mavericks with 23 points, complementing them with two rebounds. Doncic provided 22 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Dwight Powell and Spencer Dinwiddie generated matching 11-point tallies while recording five rebounds and eight assists, respectively.
The Mavericks will list Dinwiddie (shoulder) as questionable and Maxi Kleber (back) as doubtful for Wednesday's game.
The Celtics (13-4) went into a Monday night visit to the Bulls riding a nine-game winning streak, but they saw the torrid stretch snapped with a 121-107 loss. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown furnished 25 points, seven boards and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points, six assists and one rebound. Grant Williams compiled 13 points, seven boards and one assist.
The Celtics will list Tatum (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks swept the two-game 2021-22 season series from the Celtics.
The Mavericks (9-7) have enjoyed their fair share of success early this season while riding the MVP-caliber coattails of Luka Doncic, but they'll come into Wednesday's showdown having lost two of their last three games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they dropped a narrow 98-97 decision to the Denver Nuggets. Josh Green led the Mavericks with 23 points, complementing them with two rebounds. Doncic provided 22 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Dwight Powell and Spencer Dinwiddie generated matching 11-point tallies while recording five rebounds and eight assists, respectively.
The Mavericks will list Dinwiddie (shoulder) as questionable and Maxi Kleber (back) as doubtful for Wednesday's game.
The Celtics (13-4) went into a Monday night visit to the Bulls riding a nine-game winning streak, but they saw the torrid stretch snapped with a 121-107 loss. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown furnished 25 points, seven boards and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 23 points, six assists and one rebound. Grant Williams compiled 13 points, seven boards and one assist.
The Celtics will list Tatum (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks swept the two-game 2021-22 season series from the Celtics.
Heat Looking To End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Washington Wizards at FTX Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Heat (7-11) have lost four in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the first of back-to-back home matchups against the Wizards. They have won their last three home games and are 6-4 home at home on the season. Unfortunately, they must continue to battle through injury trouble, as Omer Yurtseven (ankle), Max Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle), Victor Oladipo (knee) and Jimmy Butler (knee) will remain sidelined, while Gabe Vincent (knee) and Tyler Herro (ankle) are listed as questionable for action. Bam Adebayo (knee) is listed as probable for action. In more positive news, Kyle Lowry has been playing great, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. Rookie, Nikola Jovic is averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists over four consecutive starts.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (10-7) look to build on their two-game winning streak as they face the first game of a three-game road trip, with a chance to add to their 3-3 road record. However, they may have some injury trouble, as Bradley Beal (quadriceps), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Monte Morris (ankle) are all listed as questionable for action, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out. On the bright side, Kristaps Porzingis continues to play well, averaging 23.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 35 minutes per game over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma averages 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while, Will Barton is averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
The Heat (7-11) have lost four in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the first of back-to-back home matchups against the Wizards. They have won their last three home games and are 6-4 home at home on the season. Unfortunately, they must continue to battle through injury trouble, as Omer Yurtseven (ankle), Max Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle), Victor Oladipo (knee) and Jimmy Butler (knee) will remain sidelined, while Gabe Vincent (knee) and Tyler Herro (ankle) are listed as questionable for action. Bam Adebayo (knee) is listed as probable for action. In more positive news, Kyle Lowry has been playing great, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. Rookie, Nikola Jovic is averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists over four consecutive starts.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (10-7) look to build on their two-game winning streak as they face the first game of a three-game road trip, with a chance to add to their 3-3 road record. However, they may have some injury trouble, as Bradley Beal (quadriceps), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Monte Morris (ankle) are all listed as questionable for action, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out. On the bright side, Kristaps Porzingis continues to play well, averaging 23.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals in 35 minutes per game over the last five games. Kyle Kuzma averages 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while, Will Barton is averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
Nets, Raptors Looking To Bounce Back
The Toronto Raptors will host the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (9-8) are coming off a 124-122 overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Scottie Barnes came close to a triple-double after posting 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. OG Anunoby posted 27 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Thaddeus Young ended with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, and Juan Hernagomez posted 10 points with nine rebounds. Fred VanVleet notched 15 points and five dimes. Malachi Flynn had 17 points.
The Nets (8-10) are coming off a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 23 points, while Ben Simmons delivered 11 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Kevin Durant had 20 points and five rebounds to go along with five assists. Nic Claxton had 12 points with four rebounds. Royce O’Neale ended with 11 points, seven boards and six assists.
The Raptors (9-8) are coming off a 124-122 overtime loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Scottie Barnes came close to a triple-double after posting 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. OG Anunoby posted 27 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Thaddeus Young ended with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, and Juan Hernagomez posted 10 points with nine rebounds. Fred VanVleet notched 15 points and five dimes. Malachi Flynn had 17 points.
The Nets (8-10) are coming off a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 23 points, while Ben Simmons delivered 11 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Kevin Durant had 20 points and five rebounds to go along with five assists. Nic Claxton had 12 points with four rebounds. Royce O’Neale ended with 11 points, seven boards and six assists.
Bucks Host Bulls on Wednesday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
The Bulls (7-10) had the best record in the Eastern Conference midway through last season, but it's been downhill since the Lonzo Ball (knee) injury. They have just seven wins through 17 games and sit 12th in the east. The good news is that everyone is bunched up, but there are numerous glaring issues with this team. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic have been performing all year, but Zach LaVine continues to struggle with a knee issue of his own. Having your two guards deal with knee problems is never a good sign this early into the year, and it puts them in a major predicament with DeRozan and Vucevic at the back end of their careers. One silver lining is that they snapped a four-game losing streak against the Boston Celtics on Monday, and a win like that can hopefully kickstart a much-needed run.
The Bucks (12-4) were the final team to pick up a loss but enter this matchup with a 3-4 record across their last seven games. Injuries are the thing that's held this club back, with Khris Middleton (wrist) yet to make his season debut and Jrue Holiday in and out of the lineup as well. That's even more frustrating since Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dealing with knee soreness, and Milwaukee fans are horrified that this team won't make it through the whole year. In any case, they still have the best record in the Eastern Conference and could give these studs some rest later in the year. It's all about championships for this team, and they'll sacrifice some regular season games to make sure they're fully healthy in May and June.
Milwaukee swept the four-game season series over Chicago last season.
The Bulls (7-10) had the best record in the Eastern Conference midway through last season, but it's been downhill since the Lonzo Ball (knee) injury. They have just seven wins through 17 games and sit 12th in the east. The good news is that everyone is bunched up, but there are numerous glaring issues with this team. DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic have been performing all year, but Zach LaVine continues to struggle with a knee issue of his own. Having your two guards deal with knee problems is never a good sign this early into the year, and it puts them in a major predicament with DeRozan and Vucevic at the back end of their careers. One silver lining is that they snapped a four-game losing streak against the Boston Celtics on Monday, and a win like that can hopefully kickstart a much-needed run.
The Bucks (12-4) were the final team to pick up a loss but enter this matchup with a 3-4 record across their last seven games. Injuries are the thing that's held this club back, with Khris Middleton (wrist) yet to make his season debut and Jrue Holiday in and out of the lineup as well. That's even more frustrating since Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dealing with knee soreness, and Milwaukee fans are horrified that this team won't make it through the whole year. In any case, they still have the best record in the Eastern Conference and could give these studs some rest later in the year. It's all about championships for this team, and they'll sacrifice some regular season games to make sure they're fully healthy in May and June.
Milwaukee swept the four-game season series over Chicago last season.
Spurs Host Pelicans on Wednesday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
The Pelicans (9-7) had a favorable matchup on Monday and took care of business just like they were supposed to. They played the Golden State Warriors without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, bombarding them, 128-83. That was one of the most lopsided results of the season, but it was encouraging to see this Pels team take care of a game they were supposed to. That's something we didn't see from past New Orleans teams, but this club has too much talent to let opportunities like that slip by. That gives the Pels four wins in their last five games in total, with the only defeat coming against an elite Boston Celtics team. This is simply one of the most talented rosters in the league, and they're one to look out for in the final months of the season.
The Spurs (6-12) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA but started the season with a 5-2 record. It's been downhill since then, though, entering this matchup amid a five-game losing streak. They've also lost 10 of their last 11 games in total, and it looks like the preseason notions are finally coming true. The talent on this team isn't up to par with the rest of the NBA, and it'll be interesting to see who sticks around. Despite the struggles, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Jakob Poeltl and Devin Vassell have all looked brilliant at times this year, and any one of them could be a key trade piece or a young player to build around the future. These are decisions management will have to make over the coming months because the losing ways are likely to continue.
San Antonio has dominated this series over recent years, winning nine of their last 11 games over New Orleans.
The Pelicans (9-7) had a favorable matchup on Monday and took care of business just like they were supposed to. They played the Golden State Warriors without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, bombarding them, 128-83. That was one of the most lopsided results of the season, but it was encouraging to see this Pels team take care of a game they were supposed to. That's something we didn't see from past New Orleans teams, but this club has too much talent to let opportunities like that slip by. That gives the Pels four wins in their last five games in total, with the only defeat coming against an elite Boston Celtics team. This is simply one of the most talented rosters in the league, and they're one to look out for in the final months of the season.
The Spurs (6-12) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA but started the season with a 5-2 record. It's been downhill since then, though, entering this matchup amid a five-game losing streak. They've also lost 10 of their last 11 games in total, and it looks like the preseason notions are finally coming true. The talent on this team isn't up to par with the rest of the NBA, and it'll be interesting to see who sticks around. Despite the struggles, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Jakob Poeltl and Devin Vassell have all looked brilliant at times this year, and any one of them could be a key trade piece or a young player to build around the future. These are decisions management will have to make over the coming months because the losing ways are likely to continue.
San Antonio has dominated this series over recent years, winning nine of their last 11 games over New Orleans.
Thunder Hope To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder (7-10) hope to get back on track and build on their 4-4 home record, as they face the second game of a three-game home stand after coming off back-to-back losses. Aleksej Pokusevski (ankle) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday, while Mike Muscala (finger) will be sidelined. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress, averaging 32.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. Josh Giddey is averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists, while Luguentz Dort averages 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Thunder average 116.4 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. However, they are giving up an average of 117.5 points against, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (10-7), as they are coming off a tough home loss against the Pistons on Tuesday. The game got out to a tight start as they led 29-28 after one quarter. They slipped in the second and fell behind by nine mid way through the second, but they rallied back to make it a one-point game by halftime. Neither side could break away in the third, as the visitors increased to a two-point edge heading into the final frame. The Nuggets fell behind by 13, mid way through the fourth and rallied back once again to make it a one-point game, but they could not complete the task. Nikola Jokic led the way with 31 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, while Michael Porter followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, and Aaron Gordon logged 17 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets will look to bounce back as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with a chance to build on their 6-5 road record. Bones Hyland (illness) and Ish Smith (calf) are questionable for action, while Collin Gillespie (leg and Jeff Green (knee) will remain out.
The Thunder (7-10) hope to get back on track and build on their 4-4 home record, as they face the second game of a three-game home stand after coming off back-to-back losses. Aleksej Pokusevski (ankle) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday, while Mike Muscala (finger) will be sidelined. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress, averaging 32.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games. Josh Giddey is averaging 15.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists, while Luguentz Dort averages 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. The Thunder average 116.4 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. However, they are giving up an average of 117.5 points against, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (10-7), as they are coming off a tough home loss against the Pistons on Tuesday. The game got out to a tight start as they led 29-28 after one quarter. They slipped in the second and fell behind by nine mid way through the second, but they rallied back to make it a one-point game by halftime. Neither side could break away in the third, as the visitors increased to a two-point edge heading into the final frame. The Nuggets fell behind by 13, mid way through the fourth and rallied back once again to make it a one-point game, but they could not complete the task. Nikola Jokic led the way with 31 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, while Michael Porter followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, and Aaron Gordon logged 17 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets will look to bounce back as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with a chance to build on their 6-5 road record. Bones Hyland (illness) and Ish Smith (calf) are questionable for action, while Collin Gillespie (leg and Jeff Green (knee) will remain out.
Jazz Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (12-7) look to bounce back from a loss in their last game, as they return home for a chance to improve on their impressive, 6-1 home record. Mike Conley (leg) missed the last game and will remain out, while Rudy Gay (finger) will also remain sidelined. Lauri Markkanen continues his stellar play, averaging 23.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists over the last 10 games. Jordan Clarkson averages 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt is averaging 7.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Jazz average 117.4 points per game, which is third most in the league. On the defensive end, they are giving up an average of 114.5 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.6 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (4-15), after an impressive win in Denver on Tuesday. The game got out to a tight start before the Pistons opened up a nine-point lead mid way through the second. However, they let it slip away and only held a one-point edge by halftime. Neither side could break away in the third, as the Pistons increased to a two-point edge heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and rallied to a 13-point lead mid way through the fourth. They almost let it slip away again as it came down to a one-point game in the fourth, but they held on to the lead and closed out their first road win of the season win and snapped a seven-game slide. The Pistons will look to keep it rolling as they face the fifth game of a six-game road trip, with a chance to add to their 1-10 road record. Saddiq Bey (ankle), Cade Cunningham (leg) and Isaiah Stewart (toe) each missed Tuesday's action and will remain sidelined.
The Jazz (12-7) look to bounce back from a loss in their last game, as they return home for a chance to improve on their impressive, 6-1 home record. Mike Conley (leg) missed the last game and will remain out, while Rudy Gay (finger) will also remain sidelined. Lauri Markkanen continues his stellar play, averaging 23.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists over the last 10 games. Jordan Clarkson averages 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Jarred Vanderbilt is averaging 7.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Jazz average 117.4 points per game, which is third most in the league. On the defensive end, they are giving up an average of 114.5 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.6 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (4-15), after an impressive win in Denver on Tuesday. The game got out to a tight start before the Pistons opened up a nine-point lead mid way through the second. However, they let it slip away and only held a one-point edge by halftime. Neither side could break away in the third, as the Pistons increased to a two-point edge heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and rallied to a 13-point lead mid way through the fourth. They almost let it slip away again as it came down to a one-point game in the fourth, but they held on to the lead and closed out their first road win of the season win and snapped a seven-game slide. The Pistons will look to keep it rolling as they face the fifth game of a six-game road trip, with a chance to add to their 1-10 road record. Saddiq Bey (ankle), Cade Cunningham (leg) and Isaiah Stewart (toe) each missed Tuesday's action and will remain sidelined.
Warriors Host Clippers on Wednesday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center on Wednesday.
The Clippers (11-7) have had a tumultuous start to the year, but it's hard to complain about an 11-7 record. The problem is that no one is on the court at the same time. The depth was causing some issues through the first 10 games of the year, and it becomes even more frustrating with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard missing games as well. We've yet to see all of these guys play together for a long period of time, and it's tough to gauge where this team is at right now. In any case, the Clippers enter this matchup winning nine of their last 12 games, with Reggie Jackson, Ivica Zubac, Marcus Morris, John Wall and Norman Powell playing much better in that stretch. That showcases just how much depth this team possesses, and it'll be scary to see how they look when everyone is finally clicking.
The Warriors (8-10) just can't get out of their own way right now. They looked to be back to normal with two blowout wins against the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs but followed it up with a 128-83 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. All of the starters were rested in that defeat, but it still has the defending champs sitting below .500. Many people will argue that it's too early to worry, but 18 games are a significant part of the season. The good news is that Klay Thompson dropped 40 points in the Dubs most recent win, and they've been waiting for him to have a game like that all year. Stephen Curry is amid a career year as well, and a bounceback from Klay in the second half could get them right back on track. They're also ecstatic that they have a home game here, posting a 7-1 record at Chase Center and a 1-9 record on the road.
These teams played four times last season, with Golden State winning three of four.
The Clippers (11-7) have had a tumultuous start to the year, but it's hard to complain about an 11-7 record. The problem is that no one is on the court at the same time. The depth was causing some issues through the first 10 games of the year, and it becomes even more frustrating with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard missing games as well. We've yet to see all of these guys play together for a long period of time, and it's tough to gauge where this team is at right now. In any case, the Clippers enter this matchup winning nine of their last 12 games, with Reggie Jackson, Ivica Zubac, Marcus Morris, John Wall and Norman Powell playing much better in that stretch. That showcases just how much depth this team possesses, and it'll be scary to see how they look when everyone is finally clicking.
The Warriors (8-10) just can't get out of their own way right now. They looked to be back to normal with two blowout wins against the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs but followed it up with a 128-83 defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. All of the starters were rested in that defeat, but it still has the defending champs sitting below .500. Many people will argue that it's too early to worry, but 18 games are a significant part of the season. The good news is that Klay Thompson dropped 40 points in the Dubs most recent win, and they've been waiting for him to have a game like that all year. Stephen Curry is amid a career year as well, and a bounceback from Klay in the second half could get them right back on track. They're also ecstatic that they have a home game here, posting a 7-1 record at Chase Center and a 1-9 record on the road.
These teams played four times last season, with Golden State winning three of four.