Pacers, Wizards Battle In Duel Of Struggling Teams
The Indiana Pacers will host the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (13-12) are coming off a 121-115 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. They were led by Buddy Hield, totaling 26 points and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 26 points, two rebounds, 15 assists and three steals. Myles Turner amassed 23 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds. No other player had more than nine points, four rebounds or three assists. Indiana has been struggling of late and enters this game having lost four of its last five.
Jalen Smith (knee) and Chris Duarte (ankle) are both listed as game-time calls for Friday’s game, while Daniel Theis (knee) is out.
The Wizards (11-14) are coming off a 115-111 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 28 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Monte Morris delivered 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford generated matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies while also recording two and one steal, respectively. Deni Avdija provided 10 points as well while complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Washington enters this game on a four-game losing skid.
Rui Hachimura (ankle), Vernon Carey (illness), Devon Dotson (COVID-19) and Johnny Davis (COVID-19) are game-time decisions, while Bradley Beal and Delon Wright are both out due to hamstring injuries.
The Pacers (13-12) are coming off a 121-115 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. They were led by Buddy Hield, totaling 26 points and three rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 26 points, two rebounds, 15 assists and three steals. Myles Turner amassed 23 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Benedict Mathurin led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds. No other player had more than nine points, four rebounds or three assists. Indiana has been struggling of late and enters this game having lost four of its last five.
Jalen Smith (knee) and Chris Duarte (ankle) are both listed as game-time calls for Friday’s game, while Daniel Theis (knee) is out.
The Wizards (11-14) are coming off a 115-111 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis led the Wizards with 28 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Monte Morris delivered 17 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Daniel Gafford generated matching 10-point, three-rebound tallies while also recording two and one steal, respectively. Deni Avdija provided 10 points as well while complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Washington enters this game on a four-game losing skid.
Rui Hachimura (ankle), Vernon Carey (illness), Devon Dotson (COVID-19) and Johnny Davis (COVID-19) are game-time decisions, while Bradley Beal and Delon Wright are both out due to hamstring injuries.
Magic Looking To Start Winning Run, Host Raptors
The Orlando Magic will host the Toronto Raptors at Amway Center on Friday.
The Magic (6-20) are coming off a 116-111 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and that win snapped the team’s nine-game losing skid. Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol produced matching 20-point, three-assist, two-steals tallies. Wagner also notched 13 rebounds, while Bol pulled down nine boards and swatted two shots. Franz Wagner finished with 15 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 13 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Orlando has gone 5-9 at home this season.
Gary Harris (hamstring) has been listed as a game-time call for Friday, the same as Wendell Carter (foot), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Jalen Suggs (ankle). Meanwhile, Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out.
The Raptors (13-12) are coming off a 126-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with matching 25-point, seven-assist contributions. Siakam added 10 rebounds and two steals, while VanVleet also recorded four boards. O.G. Anunoby supplied 23 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gary Trent Jr. netted 18 points. Chris Boucher compiled 16 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Barnes managed a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists. That win over the Lakers means Toronto has gone 2-3 in its last five games, but the team has won two of its last three contests. The Raptors have also gone 3-9 on the road this season.
Otto Porter (toe) is listed as a game-time call for Friday, while Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) have been ruled out.
The Magic (6-20) are coming off a 116-111 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and that win snapped the team’s nine-game losing skid. Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for the Magic and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Moritz Wagner and Bol Bol produced matching 20-point, three-assist, two-steals tallies. Wagner also notched 13 rebounds, while Bol pulled down nine boards and swatted two shots. Franz Wagner finished with 15 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 13 points, four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Orlando has gone 5-9 at home this season.
Gary Harris (hamstring) has been listed as a game-time call for Friday, the same as Wendell Carter (foot), Chuma Okeke (knee) and Jalen Suggs (ankle). Meanwhile, Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out.
The Raptors (13-12) are coming off a 126-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with matching 25-point, seven-assist contributions. Siakam added 10 rebounds and two steals, while VanVleet also recorded four boards. O.G. Anunoby supplied 23 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Gary Trent Jr. netted 18 points. Chris Boucher compiled 16 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Barnes managed a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that included four assists. That win over the Lakers means Toronto has gone 2-3 in its last five games, but the team has won two of its last three contests. The Raptors have also gone 3-9 on the road this season.
Otto Porter (toe) is listed as a game-time call for Friday, while Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) have been ruled out.
Knicks and Hornets Face Off in Charlotte
The New York Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Knicks (12-13) have had an up-and-down season as their record indicates, but they'll enter Friday's game having recorded consecutive victories to come within a game of .500. Their latest success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Atlanta Hawks by a 113-89 score. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 34 points, complementing them with 17 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes furnished 23 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett turned in 15 points, seven boards and one steal. Mitchell Robinson produced eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
The Knicks expect to be without Ryan Arcidiacono (knee) and Obi Toppin (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Hornets (7-18) have frequently found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard this season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped three straight games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Brooklyn Nets by a 122-116 score. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 29 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kelly Oubre delivered 28 points, eight boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Jalen McDaniels posted 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. P.J. Washington compiled 12 points, seven assists, five boards and one block.
The Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Dennis Smith (ankle), Mark Williams (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks own a 1-0 series lead.
The Knicks (12-13) have had an up-and-down season as their record indicates, but they'll enter Friday's game having recorded consecutive victories to come within a game of .500. Their latest success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Atlanta Hawks by a 113-89 score. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 34 points, complementing them with 17 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes furnished 23 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett turned in 15 points, seven boards and one steal. Mitchell Robinson produced eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
The Knicks expect to be without Ryan Arcidiacono (knee) and Obi Toppin (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Hornets (7-18) have frequently found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard this season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped three straight games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Brooklyn Nets by a 122-116 score. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 29 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kelly Oubre delivered 28 points, eight boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Jalen McDaniels posted 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. P.J. Washington compiled 12 points, seven assists, five boards and one block.
The Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Dennis Smith (ankle), Mark Williams (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) for Friday's contest.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks own a 1-0 series lead.
Kings and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Battle
The Sacramento Kings take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Kings (13-10) have been one of the most improved of either conference over the first month-plus of the season, and they'll enter Friday's game having just seen a three-game winning streak snapped with a 126-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes supplied 20 points, three boards and two assists. Malik Monk delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Keegan Murray and De'Aaron Fox posted matching 15-point tallies while recording four and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Huerter netted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Kings will list Fox (foot) and Terence Davis (back) as questionable for Friday's contest.
The Cavaliers (16-9) have been hot of late as well, as they'll approach Friday's interconference clash with three victories in their last four games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers, which they toppled by a 116-102 score Tuesday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 43 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and one block. Darius Garland collected 21 points, 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Cavaliers are expected to be without Kevin Love (back), Dylan Windler (ankle), Ricky Rubio (knee) and Dean Wade (shoulder) for Friday's game. Mitchell (lower leg) will carry a questionable tag.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Kings (13-10) have been one of the most improved of either conference over the first month-plus of the season, and they'll enter Friday's game having just seen a three-game winning streak snapped with a 126-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes supplied 20 points, three boards and two assists. Malik Monk delivered 16 points, six rebounds and one assist. Keegan Murray and De'Aaron Fox posted matching 15-point tallies while recording four and two rebounds, respectively. Kevin Huerter netted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Kings will list Fox (foot) and Terence Davis (back) as questionable for Friday's contest.
The Cavaliers (16-9) have been hot of late as well, as they'll approach Friday's interconference clash with three victories in their last four games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers, which they toppled by a 116-102 score Tuesday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 43 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jarrett Allen generated a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist, three steals and one block. Darius Garland collected 21 points, 11 assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Cavaliers are expected to be without Kevin Love (back), Dylan Windler (ankle), Ricky Rubio (knee) and Dean Wade (shoulder) for Friday's game. Mitchell (lower leg) will carry a questionable tag.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 1-0 series lead.
Hawks and Nets Battle in Big Apple
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Arena on Friday night.
The Hawks (13-12) have struggled to put together consistent stretches of winning over their first 25 games, and they'll enter Friday's contest with having lost back-to-back games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were thumped by the New York Knicks, 113-89. Trae Young led the Hawks with 19 points, supplementing them with six assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one block. Onyeka Okongwu provided 10 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Hawks will be without John Collins (ankle) and Dejounte Murray (ankle) for Friday's game. De'Andre Hunter (hip) and Trent Forrest (concussion) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (14-12) have been mostly hitting all the right notes of late after a forgettable start to the season, and they'll enter Fridays contest having won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they got past the Charlotte Hornets, 122-116. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and four blocks. Kevin Durant supplied 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Seth Curry totaled 20 points, six assists and five boards. Nicolas Claxton registered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Nets will be without Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets won the three-game 2021-22 season series with the Hawks by a 2-1 margin.
The Hawks (13-12) have struggled to put together consistent stretches of winning over their first 25 games, and they'll enter Friday's contest with having lost back-to-back games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were thumped by the New York Knicks, 113-89. Trae Young led the Hawks with 19 points, supplementing them with six assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one block. Onyeka Okongwu provided 10 points, six rebounds and one block.
The Hawks will be without John Collins (ankle) and Dejounte Murray (ankle) for Friday's game. De'Andre Hunter (hip) and Trent Forrest (concussion) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (14-12) have been mostly hitting all the right notes of late after a forgettable start to the season, and they'll enter Fridays contest having won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they got past the Charlotte Hornets, 122-116. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and four blocks. Kevin Durant supplied 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Seth Curry totaled 20 points, six assists and five boards. Nicolas Claxton registered 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Nets will be without Yuta Watanabe (hamstring) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets won the three-game 2021-22 season series with the Hawks by a 2-1 margin.
Sixers Return Home After Winless Road Trip
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The 76ers (12-12) look to get back on track and add to their 7-5 home record, after an ugly 0-3 road trip. Joel Embiid leads the team, averaging 31.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Tobias Harris averages 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals, while De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game. James Harden looked good with 21 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals in his first game back after a month-long absence. The Sixers are averaging 109.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Lakers (10-14) are coming off back-to-back losses and face the fourth game of a six-game road trip, looking to improve on their 4-8 road record. Both Anthony Davis (illness) and LeBron James (ankle) missed the last game but are expected to return for Friday's action. James averages 25.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while Davis is averaging 27.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Dennis Schroder has been solid lately, averaging 11.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists over his last seven games. The Lakers average 114.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against.
The 76ers (12-12) look to get back on track and add to their 7-5 home record, after an ugly 0-3 road trip. Joel Embiid leads the team, averaging 31.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Tobias Harris averages 16.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals, while De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.0 steals per game. James Harden looked good with 21 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals in his first game back after a month-long absence. The Sixers are averaging 109.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Lakers (10-14) are coming off back-to-back losses and face the fourth game of a six-game road trip, looking to improve on their 4-8 road record. Both Anthony Davis (illness) and LeBron James (ankle) missed the last game but are expected to return for Friday's action. James averages 25.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while Davis is averaging 27.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Dennis Schroder has been solid lately, averaging 11.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists over his last seven games. The Lakers average 114.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against.
Grizzlies Riding Four-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Detroit Pistons a t FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (16-9) have won four in a row and have a chance to improve on their 10-2 home record if they can keep it rolling on the third game of a five-game home stand. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 28.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.1 steals, in 33 minutes per game. Jaren Jackson is averaging 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals, while Dillon Brooks averages 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 115.1 points per game, which is ninth most in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 112.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (7-20) look to bounce back from a loss on the third and final game of a road trip, with the hope of improving on their 3-12 road record. Bojan Bogdanovic leads the team, averaging 20.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists, in 31 minutes per game. Jaden Ivey is averaging 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Isaiah Stewart averages 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. The Pistons average 109.9 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. They are also struggling defensively, as they allow an average of 116.9 points against, which is fourth most int the league.
The Grizzlies (16-9) have won four in a row and have a chance to improve on their 10-2 home record if they can keep it rolling on the third game of a five-game home stand. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 28.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.1 steals, in 33 minutes per game. Jaren Jackson is averaging 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.0 steals, while Dillon Brooks averages 17.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 115.1 points per game, which is ninth most in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 112.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (7-20) look to bounce back from a loss on the third and final game of a road trip, with the hope of improving on their 3-12 road record. Bojan Bogdanovic leads the team, averaging 20.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists, in 31 minutes per game. Jaden Ivey is averaging 15.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Isaiah Stewart averages 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. The Pistons average 109.9 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. They are also struggling defensively, as they allow an average of 116.9 points against, which is fourth most int the league.
Pelicans Host Suns on Friday
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Friday.
The Suns (16-9) have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, but Wednesday's game was truly embarrassing. The Boston Celtics led by as many as 45 points in a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, but that team has been doing that to many of their opponents. Losing to the best team in the NBA is nothing to be ashamed of, especially since Chris Paul returned in that defeat. He missed 14 games because of a heel issue, and having one of the best point guards of all time back in action is obviously a massive boost. One blip on the radar is nothing to be concerned with, but a 4-6 record on the road is. They need to solve that to get to where they want to be, but this will be another tough task against a formidable opponent.
The Pelicans (16-8) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They enter this matchup amid a five-game winning streak, winning 10 of their last 12 games in total. This team had lofty expectations coming into the year, and it's scary they're doing most of this damage without Brandon Ingram (toe). CJ McCollum has been in and out of the lineup as well, but Zion Williamson is amid the best year of his career. The power forward is averaging nearly 30 points per game since Ingram went down, and it's fun watching this guy make the rest of the league look like little children. As long as this club stays healthy, they have the talent to beat anyone in the league.
These teams played on October 28, with Phoenix prevailing, 124-111. That gives the Suns five wins in their last six meetings with the Pelicans.
The Suns (16-9) have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, but Wednesday's game was truly embarrassing. The Boston Celtics led by as many as 45 points in a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, but that team has been doing that to many of their opponents. Losing to the best team in the NBA is nothing to be ashamed of, especially since Chris Paul returned in that defeat. He missed 14 games because of a heel issue, and having one of the best point guards of all time back in action is obviously a massive boost. One blip on the radar is nothing to be concerned with, but a 4-6 record on the road is. They need to solve that to get to where they want to be, but this will be another tough task against a formidable opponent.
The Pelicans (16-8) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They enter this matchup amid a five-game winning streak, winning 10 of their last 12 games in total. This team had lofty expectations coming into the year, and it's scary they're doing most of this damage without Brandon Ingram (toe). CJ McCollum has been in and out of the lineup as well, but Zion Williamson is amid the best year of his career. The power forward is averaging nearly 30 points per game since Ingram went down, and it's fun watching this guy make the rest of the league look like little children. As long as this club stays healthy, they have the talent to beat anyone in the league.
These teams played on October 28, with Phoenix prevailing, 124-111. That gives the Suns five wins in their last six meetings with the Pelicans.
Jazz Host T'Wolves on Friday
The Utah Jazz play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Vivint Arena on Friday.
The Timberwolves (12-12) have been all over the map this season, and a 12-12 record is a good indicator of where this team is at right now. There were some lofty expectations coming into the year, but the Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns combination hasn't worked quite as expected. Towns actually got injured last week, though, and likely won't return for at least a month. Ironically, D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have been playing some of the best basketball since that injury, while Rudy is coming off his best game of the year. The French center had 15 points and 20 rebounds in their most recent win over the Indiana Pacers, and fans want to see him play like that more consistently going forward.
The Jazz (15-12) got off to an unbelievable start with a 10-3 record, but it's been downhill since then. They have just five wins in 14 games since that hot start, but that's the team everyone expected to see at the beginning of the season. It was encouraging to see this rag-tag group play so well, but the talent isn't there for them to be a .500 team. Trading away Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic will do that to anyone, but it's promising to see this club play such resilient basketball in what's supposed to be a rebuilding year. They've certainly found a major piece of that rebuild, with Lauri Markkanen posting career-high averages across the board
These teams played an overtime thriller on October 26, with Utah prevailing, 132-126. With that said, Utah won three of its four matchups over Minnesota last season.
The Timberwolves (12-12) have been all over the map this season, and a 12-12 record is a good indicator of where this team is at right now. There were some lofty expectations coming into the year, but the Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns combination hasn't worked quite as expected. Towns actually got injured last week, though, and likely won't return for at least a month. Ironically, D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have been playing some of the best basketball since that injury, while Rudy is coming off his best game of the year. The French center had 15 points and 20 rebounds in their most recent win over the Indiana Pacers, and fans want to see him play like that more consistently going forward.
The Jazz (15-12) got off to an unbelievable start with a 10-3 record, but it's been downhill since then. They have just five wins in 14 games since that hot start, but that's the team everyone expected to see at the beginning of the season. It was encouraging to see this rag-tag group play so well, but the talent isn't there for them to be a .500 team. Trading away Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Bojan Bogdanovic will do that to anyone, but it's promising to see this club play such resilient basketball in what's supposed to be a rebuilding year. They've certainly found a major piece of that rebuild, with Lauri Markkanen posting career-high averages across the board
These teams played an overtime thriller on October 26, with Utah prevailing, 132-126. With that said, Utah won three of its four matchups over Minnesota last season.
Mavericks Host Bucks on Friday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Center on Friday.
The Bucks (18-6) grabbed another blowout win on Wednesday, and this is truly one of the best teams in the NBA. They have the second-best record in the league, and they'd be atop the standings if it weren't for a ridiculous run by the Boston Celtics. What has fans really encouraged is that this roster is at full health for the first time all year. Khris Middleton just returned from his wrist injury, and adding an All-Star to an already dominant team is a terrible sign for the rest of the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in nearly two weeks of games as well, and he's developing into an MVP frontrunner once again.
The Mavericks (13-11) have been incredible at home this season, winning 10 of their 13 games in American Airlines Center. That's been the case for this club for a few years now, but they need to find some consistency on the road. They've shown flashes in their current three-game winning streak, grabbing a road win against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. That was a back-to-back set for the Mavericks, and it was impressive to grab that victory over such a talented team. Luka Doncic provided another triple-double, but it's the play of Tim Hardaway that's carried them to this winning streak. The sharpshooter is averaging 24.2 points over the last five games, and that's all Luka needs to get this team over the hill.
These teams played on November 27, with Milwaukee prevailing, 124-115. A win here by Dallas would mark the third straight year these teams split their season series.
The Bucks (18-6) grabbed another blowout win on Wednesday, and this is truly one of the best teams in the NBA. They have the second-best record in the league, and they'd be atop the standings if it weren't for a ridiculous run by the Boston Celtics. What has fans really encouraged is that this roster is at full health for the first time all year. Khris Middleton just returned from his wrist injury, and adding an All-Star to an already dominant team is a terrible sign for the rest of the NBA. Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in nearly two weeks of games as well, and he's developing into an MVP frontrunner once again.
The Mavericks (13-11) have been incredible at home this season, winning 10 of their 13 games in American Airlines Center. That's been the case for this club for a few years now, but they need to find some consistency on the road. They've shown flashes in their current three-game winning streak, grabbing a road win against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. That was a back-to-back set for the Mavericks, and it was impressive to grab that victory over such a talented team. Luka Doncic provided another triple-double, but it's the play of Tim Hardaway that's carried them to this winning streak. The sharpshooter is averaging 24.2 points over the last five games, and that's all Luka needs to get this team over the hill.
These teams played on November 27, with Milwaukee prevailing, 124-115. A win here by Dallas would mark the third straight year these teams split their season series.