Bucks, Magic Collide In Florida
The Orlando Magic will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center on Monday.
The Magic (5-19) suffered yet another loss, this time it was a 121-108 defeat against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Bol Bol tallied 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Terrence Ross finished with 18 points on 7-of-7 shooting and two steals off the bench, to lead the way for the Magic. Admiral Schofield added 13 points and three assists, and Cole Anthony chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field in that loss, including 11-of-28 from long range.
The Magic are expected to be depleted in terms of injuries. Gary Harris (hamstring), Mo Bamba (back), Chuma Okeke (knee), Jalen Suggs (ankle), Wendell Carter (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are all expected to be out.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, the Bucks (16-6) held an 11-point lead by halftime and stayed in control the rest of the way to secure a road win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. Jordan Nwora followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal. Brook Lopez added 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and six blocks, while Jevon Carter tallied 14 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Joe Ingles (knee) has been ruled out for Monday, but four other players are questionable for Milwaukee. The list includes Serge Ibaka (illness), Jrue Holiday (knee), Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and MarJon Beauchamp (illness).
The Magic (5-19) suffered yet another loss, this time it was a 121-108 defeat against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Bol Bol tallied 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, while Terrence Ross finished with 18 points on 7-of-7 shooting and two steals off the bench, to lead the way for the Magic. Admiral Schofield added 13 points and three assists, and Cole Anthony chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field in that loss, including 11-of-28 from long range.
The Magic are expected to be depleted in terms of injuries. Gary Harris (hamstring), Mo Bamba (back), Chuma Okeke (knee), Jalen Suggs (ankle), Wendell Carter (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are all expected to be out.
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton, the Bucks (16-6) held an 11-point lead by halftime and stayed in control the rest of the way to secure a road win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Bobby Portis led the Bucks with 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds and seven assists, in 31 minutes. Jordan Nwora followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a steal. Brook Lopez added 14 points, six rebounds, three assists and six blocks, while Jevon Carter tallied 14 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Joe Ingles (knee) has been ruled out for Monday, but four other players are questionable for Milwaukee. The list includes Serge Ibaka (illness), Jrue Holiday (knee), Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and MarJon Beauchamp (illness).
Hornets Host Slipping Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Spectrum Center on Monday evening.
The Hornets (7-16) have won three of their last five games but need to bounce back from a loss in their most recent outing to build on their 4-7 home record. Kelly Oubre continues his strong play, averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Terry Rozier averages 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists, while Mason Plumlee is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. LaMelo Ball (ankle) has missed the last seven games and remains questionable for Monday. Dennis Smith (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) are also listed as questionable, while Gordon Hayward (shoulder) and Cody Martin (knee) will remain out.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (13-11) are coming off back-to-back losses and are looking to turn things around as they kick off a four-game road trip with a chance to improve on their 6-5 road record. Paul George (hamstring) has missed the last seven games and is listed as questionable. Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has missed six in a row and is also listed as questionable, along with Norman Powell (groin) and Luke Kennard (calf). On a positive note, Ivica Zubac continues to play well, averaging 11.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks over the last 10 games. Reggie Jackson averages 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, while Marcus Morris is averaging 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. The Clippers average a league-low 106.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 108.5 points against.
The Hornets (7-16) have won three of their last five games but need to bounce back from a loss in their most recent outing to build on their 4-7 home record. Kelly Oubre continues his strong play, averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Terry Rozier averages 21.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists, while Mason Plumlee is averaging 9.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. LaMelo Ball (ankle) has missed the last seven games and remains questionable for Monday. Dennis Smith (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) are also listed as questionable, while Gordon Hayward (shoulder) and Cody Martin (knee) will remain out.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (13-11) are coming off back-to-back losses and are looking to turn things around as they kick off a four-game road trip with a chance to improve on their 6-5 road record. Paul George (hamstring) has missed the last seven games and is listed as questionable. Kawhi Leonard (ankle) has missed six in a row and is also listed as questionable, along with Norman Powell (groin) and Luke Kennard (calf). On a positive note, Ivica Zubac continues to play well, averaging 11.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks over the last 10 games. Reggie Jackson averages 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, while Marcus Morris is averaging 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. The Clippers average a league-low 106.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 108.5 points against.
Hawks Host Thunder on Monday
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at State Farm Arena on Monday.
The Thunder (10-13) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, but things have been going better than anyone could have anticipated. What's made them so good is the breakout of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The future All-Star is leading the team with 31.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1,7 steals per game. That's why he was the prized possession in the Paul George trade, and it looks like OKC won that deal. He was the first step in a lengthy rebuilding process, and there's still a long way to go. Getting Chet Holmgren (foot) back next season is the next step, and there is still plenty of draft picks in the near future as well.
The Hawks (13-10) had high expectations coming into the year, and it's been mixed results so far. While they do have a solid 13-10 record, this team has had too many bad losses. It's no fault of this dangerous backcourt, though, with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray both playing at All-Star levels. It's going to be up to those guys to carry this group to where they want to be because the rest of this group has been playing well below expectations. The guy they really need to get going is John Collins. He's got All-Star potential but has been amid trade discussions for most of his career. This franchise needs to decide that he's a major piece or get rid of him and bring in someone new. It's even more frustrating right now because he's out for the next weeks due to an ankle sprain.
These teams played two lopsided games last year, with Atlanta sweeping the season series.
The Thunder (10-13) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, but things have been going better than anyone could have anticipated. What's made them so good is the breakout of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The future All-Star is leading the team with 31.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1,7 steals per game. That's why he was the prized possession in the Paul George trade, and it looks like OKC won that deal. He was the first step in a lengthy rebuilding process, and there's still a long way to go. Getting Chet Holmgren (foot) back next season is the next step, and there is still plenty of draft picks in the near future as well.
The Hawks (13-10) had high expectations coming into the year, and it's been mixed results so far. While they do have a solid 13-10 record, this team has had too many bad losses. It's no fault of this dangerous backcourt, though, with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray both playing at All-Star levels. It's going to be up to those guys to carry this group to where they want to be because the rest of this group has been playing well below expectations. The guy they really need to get going is John Collins. He's got All-Star potential but has been amid trade discussions for most of his career. This franchise needs to decide that he's a major piece or get rid of him and bring in someone new. It's even more frustrating right now because he's out for the next weeks due to an ankle sprain.
These teams played two lopsided games last year, with Atlanta sweeping the season series.
Celtics and Raptors Tangle North of the Border
The Boston Celtics take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Monday night.
The Celtics (19-5) check into the contest with no real signs of slowing down, as they've prevailed in six of the last seven games. Their most recent success just came Sunday evening, when they toppled the Brooklyn Nets by a 103-92 score. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points -- 20 which came in the first quarter -- and added 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 10 points, five points, one assist and three steals.
The Celtics will likely list Marcus Smart (hip) as no better than questionable for Monday's game. Robert Williams (knee) and Danilo Gallinari (knee) will remain out.
The Raptors (12-11) have been struggling with consistency of late, as they'll check into Monday's clash having lost four of their last seven games. However, Toronto has won nine of 11 at home, with its most recent success coming in the form of a 121-108 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. O.G. Anunoby paced the Raptors with 32 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 26-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and three steals. Scottie Barnes generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet furnished 13 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals.
The Raptors will remain without Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) for Monday's game. Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) will be listed as doubtful.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. Boston and Toronto split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Celtics (19-5) check into the contest with no real signs of slowing down, as they've prevailed in six of the last seven games. Their most recent success just came Sunday evening, when they toppled the Brooklyn Nets by a 103-92 score. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 34 points -- 20 which came in the first quarter -- and added 10 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and four steals. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 10 points, five points, one assist and three steals.
The Celtics will likely list Marcus Smart (hip) as no better than questionable for Monday's game. Robert Williams (knee) and Danilo Gallinari (knee) will remain out.
The Raptors (12-11) have been struggling with consistency of late, as they'll check into Monday's clash having lost four of their last seven games. However, Toronto has won nine of 11 at home, with its most recent success coming in the form of a 121-108 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night. O.G. Anunoby paced the Raptors with 32 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds and three steals. Pascal Siakam generated a 26-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and three steals. Scottie Barnes generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet furnished 13 points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals.
The Raptors will remain without Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) for Monday's game. Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) will be listed as doubtful.
Monday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. Boston and Toronto split the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Rockets Take On Slumping Sixers
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center on Monday.
The Rockets (6-17) have dropped three of their last four games and hope to bounce back as they return home or a chance to improve on their 3-5 home record. Jalen Green leads the team, averaging 21.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Kevin Porter averages 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals, while Alperen Sengun averages 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. The Rockets average 110.0 points per game, but they give up an average of 116.9 points, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (12-11) look to snap a two-game slide, as they face the third and final game of a road trip, with a chance to add to their 5-6 road record. Joel Embiid has looked great, averaging 28.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks over three games since returning from a four-game absence. Tobias Harris averages 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals, while P.J. Tucker averages 3.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists, making most of his impact on the defensive end. James Harden (foot) missed the last month of action but is hoping to be ready for Monday's game. Tyrese Maxey (foot) has missed the last eight games and remains sidelined. The Sixers average 108.3 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
The Rockets (6-17) have dropped three of their last four games and hope to bounce back as they return home or a chance to improve on their 3-5 home record. Jalen Green leads the team, averaging 21.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Kevin Porter averages 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.3 steals, while Alperen Sengun averages 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. The Rockets average 110.0 points per game, but they give up an average of 116.9 points, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (12-11) look to snap a two-game slide, as they face the third and final game of a road trip, with a chance to add to their 5-6 road record. Joel Embiid has looked great, averaging 28.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks over three games since returning from a four-game absence. Tobias Harris averages 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals, while P.J. Tucker averages 3.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists, making most of his impact on the defensive end. James Harden (foot) missed the last month of action but is hoping to be ready for Monday's game. Tyrese Maxey (foot) has missed the last eight games and remains sidelined. The Sixers average 108.3 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 106.6 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Heat and Grizzlies Set for Interconference Clash
The Miami Heat takes on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Monday night.
The Heat (11-12) comes into Monday's game seemingly trending in the right direction, as they've won four of the last five contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of none other than the Boston Celtics, which they bested by a 120-116 score in overtime Friday night. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 26 points, five boards, three assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler generated a 25-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry delivered 20 points, five boards and four assists.
The Heat will list Butler (knee), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Dewayne Dedmon (foot) as probable for Monday's game. Herro (ankle), Max Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle) and Haywood Highsmith (ankle) will all carry probable tags, while Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) will remain out.
The Grizzlies (14-9) have also been frequent visitors to the win column of late, as they've prevailed in four of the last five games in their own right. Their most recent success came Sunday evening, when they knocked off the Detroit Pistons, 122-112. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson posted matching 22-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Brooks also dished out five assists and recorded two steals. Brandon Clarke generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. John Konchar furnished 11 points, five rebounds and four steals.
The Grizzlies will remain without Desmond Bane (toe), Ziaire Williams (knee) and Danny Green (knee) for Monday's game. Steven Adams (hip) and Jake LaRavia (foot) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Monday night's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Heat (11-12) comes into Monday's game seemingly trending in the right direction, as they've won four of the last five contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of none other than the Boston Celtics, which they bested by a 120-116 score in overtime Friday night. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro delivered 26 points, five boards, three assists and three steals. Jimmy Butler generated a 25-point, 15-rebound double-double that included three assists, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry delivered 20 points, five boards and four assists.
The Heat will list Butler (knee), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Dewayne Dedmon (foot) as probable for Monday's game. Herro (ankle), Max Strus (shoulder), Duncan Robinson (ankle) and Haywood Highsmith (ankle) will all carry probable tags, while Victor Oladipo (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) will remain out.
The Grizzlies (14-9) have also been frequent visitors to the win column of late, as they've prevailed in four of the last five games in their own right. Their most recent success came Sunday evening, when they knocked off the Detroit Pistons, 122-112. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with a 33-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson posted matching 22-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively. Brooks also dished out five assists and recorded two steals. Brandon Clarke generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. John Konchar furnished 11 points, five rebounds and four steals.
The Grizzlies will remain without Desmond Bane (toe), Ziaire Williams (knee) and Danny Green (knee) for Monday's game. Steven Adams (hip) and Jake LaRavia (foot) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Monday night's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Mavericks, Suns Tangle In Western Matchup
The Dallas Mavericks will host the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center on Monday.
The Mavericks (11-11) are coming off a comfortable win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, defeating them by a 121-100 score on the road and moving to .500 once again. Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks in this win and carried the team with a 30-point performance that also included eight rebounds and seven assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie came close to a triple-double after delivering 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Tim Hardaway had an outstanding performance as well and notched 28 points with seven boards, and Maxi Kleber added 13 points with three rebounds off the bench. Dallas has now gone 9-3 when playing at home this season.
Christian Wood, Tyler Dorsey and McKinley Wright are all questionable for Monday’s matchup due to illness. Kemba Walker (not injury related) remains out.
The Suns (16-7) are coming off one of their best performances of the season following an impressive 133-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, in a game where they looked absolutely dominant from start to finish. Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker looked good in his role as the main playmaker and finished with 20 points and eight assists. Mikal Bridges also had 20 points and added four boards with three dimes, and Dario Saric recorded 17 points. Jock Landale had 12 points off the bench, and Landry Shamet finished with 10 points and three assists. Josh Okogie delivered nine points, 11 boards, five assists and three steals. Phoenix has now won seven of its last eight games and quickly bounced back from its ugly loss to the Houston Rockets, 122-121, a few days ago.
Chris Paul (heel), Torrey Craig (groin), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Jae Crowder (not injury related) are all out for this game.
The Mavericks (11-11) are coming off a comfortable win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, defeating them by a 121-100 score on the road and moving to .500 once again. Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks in this win and carried the team with a 30-point performance that also included eight rebounds and seven assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie came close to a triple-double after delivering 17 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Tim Hardaway had an outstanding performance as well and notched 28 points with seven boards, and Maxi Kleber added 13 points with three rebounds off the bench. Dallas has now gone 9-3 when playing at home this season.
Christian Wood, Tyler Dorsey and McKinley Wright are all questionable for Monday’s matchup due to illness. Kemba Walker (not injury related) remains out.
The Suns (16-7) are coming off one of their best performances of the season following an impressive 133-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, in a game where they looked absolutely dominant from start to finish. Deandre Ayton led the way for the Suns with 25 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Devin Booker looked good in his role as the main playmaker and finished with 20 points and eight assists. Mikal Bridges also had 20 points and added four boards with three dimes, and Dario Saric recorded 17 points. Jock Landale had 12 points off the bench, and Landry Shamet finished with 10 points and three assists. Josh Okogie delivered nine points, 11 boards, five assists and three steals. Phoenix has now won seven of its last eight games and quickly bounced back from its ugly loss to the Houston Rockets, 122-121, a few days ago.
Chris Paul (heel), Torrey Craig (groin), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Jae Crowder (not injury related) are all out for this game.
Warriors Host Pacers on Monday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on Monday.
The Pacers (12-11) got off to a great start this season, but they enter this matchup losing five of their last seven games. That has brought this team back down to earth because this was expected to be one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. That appears to be a fallacy, though, because this young core looks much better than anyone could have anticipated. Tyrese Haliburton is leading the NBA with nearly 11 assists per game, while Myles Turner has developed into an elite center. That pairs wonderfully with a sharpshooter like Buddy Hield, and it makes it hard to understand why this organization is trying to trade Buddy and Myles.
The Warriors (13-11) have been the most bizarre team in the NBA. They have one of the best home records in the NBA but also have one of the worst road marks as well. In fact, Golden State has an 11-1 record at Chase Center but a 2-10 record on the road. It's hard to believe that the defending champs could have such massive splits, but the home form is keeping this club alive. They've also looked much better over the last two weeks, winning seven of their last nine games. Stephen Curry has been dropping his usual 30 points every night, but Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been much better in this most recent hot streak. As long as those pieces are in play, no one wants to face this team.
These teams played two nail-biters last season, splitting those two meetings. The road team won both games, with each being decided by four points or fewer.
The Pacers (12-11) got off to a great start this season, but they enter this matchup losing five of their last seven games. That has brought this team back down to earth because this was expected to be one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. That appears to be a fallacy, though, because this young core looks much better than anyone could have anticipated. Tyrese Haliburton is leading the NBA with nearly 11 assists per game, while Myles Turner has developed into an elite center. That pairs wonderfully with a sharpshooter like Buddy Hield, and it makes it hard to understand why this organization is trying to trade Buddy and Myles.
The Warriors (13-11) have been the most bizarre team in the NBA. They have one of the best home records in the NBA but also have one of the worst road marks as well. In fact, Golden State has an 11-1 record at Chase Center but a 2-10 record on the road. It's hard to believe that the defending champs could have such massive splits, but the home form is keeping this club alive. They've also looked much better over the last two weeks, winning seven of their last nine games. Stephen Curry has been dropping his usual 30 points every night, but Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been much better in this most recent hot streak. As long as those pieces are in play, no one wants to face this team.
These teams played two nail-biters last season, splitting those two meetings. The road team won both games, with each being decided by four points or fewer.