Clippers Aiming For Another Road Win, Visit Magic
The Orlando Magic will host the Los Angeles Clippers at Amway Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (5-20) have been struggling badly this season and are coming off a 109-102 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, a defeat that means Orlando has now dropped nine games in a row. During the loss vs Milwaukee, Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 25 points and six rebounds, while Paolo Banchero sniffed a triple-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Markelle Fultz recorded 20 points, but he also added four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic shot 36.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep. The Magic have gone 4-9 at home.
The Magic are expected to be depleted in terms of injuries. Gary Harris (hamstring), Mo Bamba (back), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Jalen Suggs (ankle) are questionable, while Wendell Carter (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are out.
The Clippers (14-11) snapped their two-game losing streak Monday against the Charlotte Hornets, as they escaped with a late 119-117 win. Paul George scored 19 points to carry the Clippers in this win, and he also added seven assists with three rebounds. Kawhi Leonard, who played a big role in the win, had 16 points and six rebounds, while Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, two boards and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. posted 12 points, five boards and three assists, and John Wall finished with a 12-point, 12-assist double-double. Nicolas Batum had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. The Clippers have gone 7-5 on the road.
Norman Powell (groin) has been listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday.
The Magic (5-20) have been struggling badly this season and are coming off a 109-102 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, a defeat that means Orlando has now dropped nine games in a row. During the loss vs Milwaukee, Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 25 points and six rebounds, while Paolo Banchero sniffed a triple-double after posting 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Markelle Fultz recorded 20 points, but he also added four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic shot 36.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep. The Magic have gone 4-9 at home.
The Magic are expected to be depleted in terms of injuries. Gary Harris (hamstring), Mo Bamba (back), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Jalen Suggs (ankle) are questionable, while Wendell Carter (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) are out.
The Clippers (14-11) snapped their two-game losing streak Monday against the Charlotte Hornets, as they escaped with a late 119-117 win. Paul George scored 19 points to carry the Clippers in this win, and he also added seven assists with three rebounds. Kawhi Leonard, who played a big role in the win, had 16 points and six rebounds, while Reggie Jackson finished with 13 points, two boards and two assists. Marcus Morris Sr. posted 12 points, five boards and three assists, and John Wall finished with a 12-point, 12-assist double-double. Nicolas Batum had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. The Clippers have gone 7-5 on the road.
Norman Powell (groin) has been listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday.
Nets Looking To Bounce Back, Play Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Nets (13-12) remain above the .500 mark but are looking to bounce back here following their 103-92 loss against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Joe Harris registered 13 points, six boards and two steals. Nicolas Claxton posted nine points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Brooklyn’s loss against the Celtics snapped its four-game winning streak, and the team has managed to win seven of its last 10 games.
Ben Simmons (knee), Edmond Sumner (lower body), Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) and Alondes Williams (thigh) are all listed as game-time decisions for Wednesday.
The Hornets (7-17) are coming off a 119-117 home loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, and they are now preparing to face another potential playoff contender. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with a game-high 28 points, and he also added seven rebounds. P.J. Washington delivered 26 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Terry Rozier recorded 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Naz Richards had 11 points and 10 rebounds while coming off the bench. Mason Plumlee had eight points but he also added 12 rebounds. Charlotte have now lost two in a row and three of its last four, but the losses in that span have come against the Clippers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics, so this has been a complicated stretch for them.
Dennis Smith (back), LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) have been listed as game-time call decisions for Charlotte, while Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) are out.
The Nets (13-12) remain above the .500 mark but are looking to bounce back here following their 103-92 loss against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block. Joe Harris registered 13 points, six boards and two steals. Nicolas Claxton posted nine points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Brooklyn’s loss against the Celtics snapped its four-game winning streak, and the team has managed to win seven of its last 10 games.
Ben Simmons (knee), Edmond Sumner (lower body), Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) and Alondes Williams (thigh) are all listed as game-time decisions for Wednesday.
The Hornets (7-17) are coming off a 119-117 home loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, and they are now preparing to face another potential playoff contender. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Hornets with a game-high 28 points, and he also added seven rebounds. P.J. Washington delivered 26 points, four rebounds and four assists, and Terry Rozier recorded 22 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Naz Richards had 11 points and 10 rebounds while coming off the bench. Mason Plumlee had eight points but he also added 12 rebounds. Charlotte have now lost two in a row and three of its last four, but the losses in that span have come against the Clippers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics, so this has been a complicated stretch for them.
Dennis Smith (back), LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) have been listed as game-time call decisions for Charlotte, while Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) are out.
Hawks and Knicks Square Off in Big Apple
The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (13-11) continue to struggle with consistency and are now dealing with a couple of key injuries, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped four of the last six games. Their most recent stumble came in their most recent game on the court, when they dropped a 121-114 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, adding six rebounds, three assists. two steals and two blocks. Trae Young delivered 23 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 17 points, three rebounds one assist and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two blocks.
The Hawks will continue without De'Andre Hunter (hip) and John Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Knicks (11-13) have also fashioned a 2-4 record in their last six contests, but their most recent time on the floor culminated in a 92-81 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one block. Julius Randle supplied 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett registered 15 points, eight boards, one assist and one steal. Immanuel Quickley totaled 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein provided 10 points, nine boards and one assist.
The Knicks are likely to continue without Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks own a 1-0 series lead.
The Hawks (13-11) continue to struggle with consistency and are now dealing with a couple of key injuries, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped four of the last six games. Their most recent stumble came in their most recent game on the court, when they dropped a 121-114 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, adding six rebounds, three assists. two steals and two blocks. Trae Young delivered 23 points, 10 assists and three rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic furnished 17 points, three rebounds one assist and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 14-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two blocks.
The Hawks will continue without De'Andre Hunter (hip) and John Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Knicks (11-13) have also fashioned a 2-4 record in their last six contests, but their most recent time on the floor culminated in a 92-81 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 23 points, adding four assists, two rebounds and one block. Julius Randle supplied 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett registered 15 points, eight boards, one assist and one steal. Immanuel Quickley totaled 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Isaiah Hartenstein provided 10 points, nine boards and one assist.
The Knicks are likely to continue without Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks own a 1-0 series lead.
Raptors Hoping To Bounce Back Against Lakers
The Toronto Raptors will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The Raptors (12-12) fell to .500 once again as they suffered a 116-110 tight loss against the Boston Celtics on Monday. Pascal Siakam's 29 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds and seven assists, led the Raptors in this loss. Scottie Barnes' contributions included 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Gary Trent netted 20 points. O.G. Anunoby's tally included 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. Toronto has gone 9-3 at home so far but has been struggling of late with three losses in its last four contests.
Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) are out for the Raptors, while Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) is a game-time decision.
The Lakers (10-13) lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. LeBron James led the Lakers with 21 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Thomas Bryant followed up with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook tallied 16 points each. The Lakers shot 43 percent from the field, including 6-of-36 from deep. Anthony Davis left the game in the first quarter and did not return.
Anthony Davis (illness) is a game-time decision for Wednesday. Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) is out.
The Raptors (12-12) fell to .500 once again as they suffered a 116-110 tight loss against the Boston Celtics on Monday. Pascal Siakam's 29 points, which he supplemented with eight rebounds and seven assists, led the Raptors in this loss. Scottie Barnes' contributions included 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Gary Trent netted 20 points. O.G. Anunoby's tally included 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. Toronto has gone 9-3 at home so far but has been struggling of late with three losses in its last four contests.
Otto Porter (toe) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) are out for the Raptors, while Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) is a game-time decision.
The Lakers (10-13) lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. LeBron James led the Lakers with 21 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Thomas Bryant followed up with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook tallied 16 points each. The Lakers shot 43 percent from the field, including 6-of-36 from deep. Anthony Davis left the game in the first quarter and did not return.
Anthony Davis (illness) is a game-time decision for Wednesday. Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) is out.
Pistons and Pelicans Tangle in Big Easy
The Detroit Pistons take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (7-19) have mostly endured a miserable season to this point, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest fresh off a surprising 116-96 win over the Miami Heat in South Florida on Tuesday night, only Detroit's third road victory. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and three steals. Alec Burks furnished 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey delivered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Isaiah Stewart and Cory Joseph generated matching 11-point tallies, with Stewart also pulling down 11 rebounds and Joseph dishing out five assists. Jaden Ivey supplied 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Pistons will continue without Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Isaiah Livers (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
The Pelicans (15-8) have been heading in the right direction most of the season and especially lately, as they've rattled off four consecutive victories heading into Wednesday's game. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they upended the Denver Nuggets by a 121-106 score. Jose Alvarado led the Pelicans with 38 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Zion Williamson supplied 25 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block. Trey Murphy and Willy Hernangomez generated matching 12-point tallies, with Hernangomez also pulling down eight boards.
The Pelicans are expected to remain without Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Devonte' Graham (toe) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Pelicans swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pistons.
The Pistons (7-19) have mostly endured a miserable season to this point, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest fresh off a surprising 116-96 win over the Miami Heat in South Florida on Tuesday night, only Detroit's third road victory. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and three steals. Alec Burks furnished 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey delivered 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Isaiah Stewart and Cory Joseph generated matching 11-point tallies, with Stewart also pulling down 11 rebounds and Joseph dishing out five assists. Jaden Ivey supplied 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Pistons will continue without Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Isaiah Livers (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
The Pelicans (15-8) have been heading in the right direction most of the season and especially lately, as they've rattled off four consecutive victories heading into Wednesday's game. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they upended the Denver Nuggets by a 121-106 score. Jose Alvarado led the Pelicans with 38 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Zion Williamson supplied 25 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block. Trey Murphy and Willy Hernangomez generated matching 12-point tallies, with Hernangomez also pulling down eight boards.
The Pelicans are expected to remain without Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Devonte' Graham (toe) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Pelicans swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pistons.
Wizards and Bulls Face Off in Windy City
The Washington Wizards take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (11-13) have certainly had their moments over the first month-plus of the season, but they'll check into Wednesday's game mired in a three-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Sunday evening, when they took a 130-119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma furnished 26 points, seven boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Corey Kispert poured in 16 points, while Monte Morris registered 14 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Wizards will continue without Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (9-14) have endured even tougher times than their opponent, and they'll also head into Wednesday's contest trying to snap a three-game skid. Chicago's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, which toppled them by a 110-101 score Sunday evening. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and four steals. DeMar DeRozan totaled 18 points, five boards and four assists. Nikola Vucevic pitched in 12 points and six rebounds. Patrick Williams finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (ankle) as questionable and Javonte Green (knee) as doubtful for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards own a 1-0 series lead.
The Wizards (11-13) have certainly had their moments over the first month-plus of the season, but they'll check into Wednesday's game mired in a three-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Sunday evening, when they took a 130-119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Kyle Kuzma furnished 26 points, seven boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford supplied 19 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Corey Kispert poured in 16 points, while Monte Morris registered 14 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Wizards will continue without Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (9-14) have endured even tougher times than their opponent, and they'll also head into Wednesday's contest trying to snap a three-game skid. Chicago's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, which toppled them by a 110-101 score Sunday evening. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 41 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and four steals. DeMar DeRozan totaled 18 points, five boards and four assists. Nikola Vucevic pitched in 12 points and six rebounds. Patrick Williams finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (ankle) as questionable and Javonte Green (knee) as doubtful for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards own a 1-0 series lead.
Bucks Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks (17-6) have won seven of their last 10 games, including the last two in a row. They will look to keep the momentum going with the hope of improving on their already impressive, 11-3 home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 31.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday averages 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 15.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 3.0 blocks per game. The Bucks average 112.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents 107.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Grayson Allen (foot) missed the last game and remains questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Kings (13-9) look yo build on a three-game win streak as they face the first game of a six-game road trip, with a chance to build on their 5-5 road record. De'Aaron Fox leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis averages 16.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists, while Kevin Huerter is averaging 15.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Kings average 119.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, while they are giving up an average of 115.5 points against. Terence Davis (back) missed the last game and is questionable for action on Wednesday.
The Bucks (17-6) have won seven of their last 10 games, including the last two in a row. They will look to keep the momentum going with the hope of improving on their already impressive, 11-3 home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 31.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday averages 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 15.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 3.0 blocks per game. The Bucks average 112.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents 107.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Grayson Allen (foot) missed the last game and remains questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Kings (13-9) look yo build on a three-game win streak as they face the first game of a six-game road trip, with a chance to build on their 5-5 road record. De'Aaron Fox leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis averages 16.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists, while Kevin Huerter is averaging 15.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Kings average 119.6 points per game, which is second most in the league, while they are giving up an average of 115.5 points against. Terence Davis (back) missed the last game and is questionable for action on Wednesday.
Timberwolves Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Indiana Pacers at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
After a five-game win streak, the Timberwolves (11-12) have dropped four of their last five games. They hope to make a move in the right direction as they face the third and final game of a home stand, looking to improve on their 6-7 home record. Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves with 23.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals, while Rudy Gobert averages 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 115.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.1 points against, which is fifth most in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (13-11) face the seventh and final game of a road trip, where they have gone 2-6 so far. On the bright side, they picked up an impressive win in Golden State in their last outing, to improve to 6-7 on the road on the season. Rookie, Bennedict Mathurin averages 18.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Buddy Hield averages 16.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Andrew Nembhard is averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The Pacers average 115.0 points per game, which is eighth most in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 115.9 points per game, which is seventh most. Tyrese Haliburton (groin) missed the last two games and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. T. J. McConnell (illness) and Myles Turner (hamstring) are also listed as questionable for action.
After a five-game win streak, the Timberwolves (11-12) have dropped four of their last five games. They hope to make a move in the right direction as they face the third and final game of a home stand, looking to improve on their 6-7 home record. Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves with 23.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals, while Rudy Gobert averages 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 115.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 116.1 points against, which is fifth most in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (13-11) face the seventh and final game of a road trip, where they have gone 2-6 so far. On the bright side, they picked up an impressive win in Golden State in their last outing, to improve to 6-7 on the road on the season. Rookie, Bennedict Mathurin averages 18.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Buddy Hield averages 16.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Andrew Nembhard is averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists. The Pacers average 115.0 points per game, which is eighth most in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 115.9 points per game, which is seventh most. Tyrese Haliburton (groin) missed the last two games and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. T. J. McConnell (illness) and Myles Turner (hamstring) are also listed as questionable for action.
Grizzlies Look To Build On Three-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies (15-9) have won their last three games and will look to keep it rolling as they face the second game of a five-game home stand, with the hopes of building on their 9-2 home record. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 28.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jaren Jackson averages 19.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks, while Dillon Brooks averages 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 114.8 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 112.8 points.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (11-13) have won three in a row and will look to keep it rolling as they face the third game of a five-game road trip with the chance to continue building on their 5-8 road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists, while Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 rebound, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Thunder average 117.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.7 points, which is third most in the league.
The Grizzlies (15-9) have won their last three games and will look to keep it rolling as they face the second game of a five-game home stand, with the hopes of building on their 9-2 home record. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 28.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jaren Jackson averages 19.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks, while Dillon Brooks averages 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 114.8 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 112.8 points.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (11-13) have won three in a row and will look to keep it rolling as they face the third game of a five-game road trip with the chance to continue building on their 5-8 road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists, while Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 rebound, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Thunder average 117.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.7 points, which is third most in the league.
Jazz Host Warriors on Wednesday
The Utah Jazz play host to the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Warriors (13-12) have some of the most lopsided splits in the NBA, posting a 2-10 record on the road this year. That's hard to fathom because it's on par with some of the worst teams in the NBA. It looks even more unbelievable when you see that they're nearly undefeated at home, and it's strange to see the defending champs have such massive splits. In any case, they come into this matchup winning seven of their last 10 games. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been much better in that most recent stretch, with Stephen Curry continuing his MVP form. As long as those three remain healthy, this is a team no one ever wants to play, no matter where the games are being played.
The Jazz (14-12) got off to an unbelievable start this season, but their record is regressing back to where it should be. They come into this matchup losing nine of their last 14 games, undoing all the good work of a 10-3 start. Everyone knew that 13-game spurt at the beginning of the year was the outlier because this team established themselves as a rebuilding group in the offseason. They got rid of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic, replacing them with Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Kelly Olynyk. All of those guys have been great filling in, but it's just not the same anymore. In any case, this club is playing well above expectations, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out for this unpredictable team.
These teams played on November 25, with Golden State prevailing, 129-118. That gives the Warriors six wins in their last seven meetings with the Jazz in total.
The Warriors (13-12) have some of the most lopsided splits in the NBA, posting a 2-10 record on the road this year. That's hard to fathom because it's on par with some of the worst teams in the NBA. It looks even more unbelievable when you see that they're nearly undefeated at home, and it's strange to see the defending champs have such massive splits. In any case, they come into this matchup winning seven of their last 10 games. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have been much better in that most recent stretch, with Stephen Curry continuing his MVP form. As long as those three remain healthy, this is a team no one ever wants to play, no matter where the games are being played.
The Jazz (14-12) got off to an unbelievable start this season, but their record is regressing back to where it should be. They come into this matchup losing nine of their last 14 games, undoing all the good work of a 10-3 start. Everyone knew that 13-game spurt at the beginning of the year was the outlier because this team established themselves as a rebuilding group in the offseason. They got rid of Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic, replacing them with Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Kelly Olynyk. All of those guys have been great filling in, but it's just not the same anymore. In any case, this club is playing well above expectations, and it'll be interesting to see how things play out for this unpredictable team.
These teams played on November 25, with Golden State prevailing, 129-118. That gives the Warriors six wins in their last seven meetings with the Jazz in total.
Suns Host Celtics on Wednesday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Boston Celtics at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
The Celtics (20-5) have the best record in the NBA, and it's not relatively close. This club has been superior to every other team in the league, and it's hard to find a weakness. They rank in the Top-3 of almost every defensive metric and still have one of the best offenses as well. Having wings like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will do that because those two are well on their way to the All-Star game. Those aren't the only ones stepping up, though, with veterans like Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon all playing well too. This is simply one of the most talented teams in the league, and it's scary because they have some of the best depth as well.
The Suns (16-8) have been unstoppable at home this season, posting a 12-2 record at Footprint Center. They also come into this matchup amid their best stretch of the year, winning seven of their last nine in total. That's the club that led the NBA in wins last season, and it's impressive watching this team come together. They got that league-leading mark last year with numerous players getting injured, and that's happening again this year. Chris Paul has been out for a month with a heel issue, and it's unclear if or when he'll be ready to return. Cameron Payne has been fantastic in his absence, though, averaging nearly 20 points and 10 assists per game. As long as he's doing that, this team should be fine with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton balling out.
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the home team winning both. Those matchups were both lopsided games, each being decided by 15 points or more.
The Celtics (20-5) have the best record in the NBA, and it's not relatively close. This club has been superior to every other team in the league, and it's hard to find a weakness. They rank in the Top-3 of almost every defensive metric and still have one of the best offenses as well. Having wings like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will do that because those two are well on their way to the All-Star game. Those aren't the only ones stepping up, though, with veterans like Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon all playing well too. This is simply one of the most talented teams in the league, and it's scary because they have some of the best depth as well.
The Suns (16-8) have been unstoppable at home this season, posting a 12-2 record at Footprint Center. They also come into this matchup amid their best stretch of the year, winning seven of their last nine in total. That's the club that led the NBA in wins last season, and it's impressive watching this team come together. They got that league-leading mark last year with numerous players getting injured, and that's happening again this year. Chris Paul has been out for a month with a heel issue, and it's unclear if or when he'll be ready to return. Cameron Payne has been fantastic in his absence, though, averaging nearly 20 points and 10 assists per game. As long as he's doing that, this team should be fine with Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton balling out.
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the home team winning both. Those matchups were both lopsided games, each being decided by 15 points or more.