Suns, Pelicans Collide Once Again
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
This is going to be a rematch, as these two teams already met Friday and the Pelicans escaped with a 128-117 win. This result marked a third straight defeat for the Suns, while the Pelicans continue to show why they remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jose Alvarado followed up with 20 points, two assists and three steals, while C.J. McCollum tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 51 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Torrey Craig and Devin Booker totaled 14 points each. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 22-of-44 from deep.
When it comes to injuries, Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) are questionable for New Orleans, while E.J. Liddell (knee) is out. As for the Suns, Jae Crowder (not injury related), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Duane Washington (hip) are out.
This is going to be a rematch, as these two teams already met Friday and the Pelicans escaped with a 128-117 win. This result marked a third straight defeat for the Suns, while the Pelicans continue to show why they remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jose Alvarado followed up with 20 points, two assists and three steals, while C.J. McCollum tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 51 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Torrey Craig and Devin Booker totaled 14 points each. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 22-of-44 from deep.
When it comes to injuries, Brandon Ingram (toe) and Herbert Jones (ankle) are questionable for New Orleans, while E.J. Liddell (knee) is out. As for the Suns, Jae Crowder (not injury related), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Duane Washington (hip) are out.
Lakers Aiming To Bounce Back, Host Pistons
The Detroit Pistons will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
The Pistons (7-21) are coming off a 114-103 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 19 points and four rebounds, in 22 minutes. Jalen Duren tallied 10 points and 12 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Kevin Knox chipped in 13 points and four rebounds. The Pistons shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
Isaiah Livers (shoulder) has been tipped as a game-time decision, while Cade Cunningham (lower leg) has already been ruled out.
The Lakers (10-15) are coming off a 133-122 overtime loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. LeBron James totaled 23 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Russell Westbrook finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Cole Swider (foot) is a game-time decision for the Lakers, while Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) have been ruled out.
The Pistons (7-21) are coming off a 114-103 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 19 points and four rebounds, in 22 minutes. Jalen Duren tallied 10 points and 12 rebounds. Isaiah Stewart finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Kevin Knox chipped in 13 points and four rebounds. The Pistons shot 40 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from long range.
Isaiah Livers (shoulder) has been tipped as a game-time decision, while Cade Cunningham (lower leg) has already been ruled out.
The Lakers (10-15) are coming off a 133-122 overtime loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Austin Reaves followed up with 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. LeBron James totaled 23 points, four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Russell Westbrook finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and four steals. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Cole Swider (foot) is a game-time decision for the Lakers, while Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) have been ruled out.
Knicks Host Kings Looking To Build Off Recent Win
The New York Knicks will host the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
The Knicks (13-13) are coming off a 121-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 33 points and seven rebounds, while RJ Barrett ended with a strong performance after posting 26 points, seven rebounds and four dimes. Both Quentin Grimes and Jalen Brunson finished with 11 points, with Grimes recording six boards and Brunson dishing out 11 assists. Mitchell Robinson pulled down 13 boards while adding six rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein and Immanuel Quickley had 11 points off the bench. Miles McBride scored 10 points.
Trevor Keels (groin) and Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions for New York, while Obi Toppin (knee) is out.
The Kings (14-10) are coming off a 106-95 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 20 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one block. Kevin Huerter supplied 19 points, five boards, two assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated an 18-point, 18-rebound double-double that included six assists, three steals and two blocks. Keegan Murray matched Sabonis' scoring while adding two rebounds, one steal and one block.
De’Aaron Fox (foot) and Terence Davis (back) have all been listed as game-time calls for Sunday’s matchup.
The Knicks (13-13) are coming off a 121-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks and finished with 33 points and seven rebounds, while RJ Barrett ended with a strong performance after posting 26 points, seven rebounds and four dimes. Both Quentin Grimes and Jalen Brunson finished with 11 points, with Grimes recording six boards and Brunson dishing out 11 assists. Mitchell Robinson pulled down 13 boards while adding six rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein and Immanuel Quickley had 11 points off the bench. Miles McBride scored 10 points.
Trevor Keels (groin) and Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions for New York, while Obi Toppin (knee) is out.
The Kings (14-10) are coming off a 106-95 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 20 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one block. Kevin Huerter supplied 19 points, five boards, two assists and three steals. Domantas Sabonis generated an 18-point, 18-rebound double-double that included six assists, three steals and two blocks. Keegan Murray matched Sabonis' scoring while adding two rebounds, one steal and one block.
De’Aaron Fox (foot) and Terence Davis (back) have all been listed as game-time calls for Sunday’s matchup.
Magic Host Raptors on Sunday
The Orlando Magic play host to the Toronto Raptors at Amway Center on Sunday.
The Raptors (13-13) have always been a much better team at home throughout their history, and that trend is playing out again this year. This team is just 3-10 on the road this year while posting the opposite record at home. That's become way too common for this club, and it has fans wondering where this team truly is. No one can doubt this is one of the most dangerous starting units in the NBA, with Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby all playing brilliantly this year. The one thing holding them back is their depth, and that's become an issue ever since they won a championship. With that said, those three aforementioned studs swallow up a ton of minutes and will keep this club competitive all year.
The Magic (7-20) are in their best stretch of the season right now, winning their last two games. They actually had the worst record in the NBA before that mini-winning streak and are a loss here away from being tied for that mark yet again. The rebuilding nature was expected, though, because this group has been trying to find its core for years. The Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier days are a thing of the past, and it's Paolo Banchero, Bol Bol, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz looking like the future. That's a solid group of youngsters, and it has Magic fans excited for the first time in nearly two decades. With all that said, the losing ways are likely to continue because there's a lot of learning that needs to be done.
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the road team winning both games. With that said, the Raptors have won nine of their last 11 games in this series.
The Raptors (13-13) have always been a much better team at home throughout their history, and that trend is playing out again this year. This team is just 3-10 on the road this year while posting the opposite record at home. That's become way too common for this club, and it has fans wondering where this team truly is. No one can doubt this is one of the most dangerous starting units in the NBA, with Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby all playing brilliantly this year. The one thing holding them back is their depth, and that's become an issue ever since they won a championship. With that said, those three aforementioned studs swallow up a ton of minutes and will keep this club competitive all year.
The Magic (7-20) are in their best stretch of the season right now, winning their last two games. They actually had the worst record in the NBA before that mini-winning streak and are a loss here away from being tied for that mark yet again. The rebuilding nature was expected, though, because this group has been trying to find its core for years. The Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton and Evan Fournier days are a thing of the past, and it's Paolo Banchero, Bol Bol, Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz looking like the future. That's a solid group of youngsters, and it has Magic fans excited for the first time in nearly two decades. With all that said, the losing ways are likely to continue because there's a lot of learning that needs to be done.
These teams split their two meetings last season, with the road team winning both games. With that said, the Raptors have won nine of their last 11 games in this series.
Sixers Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Sixers (13-12), after they defeated the visting Los Angeles Lakers, 133-122, on Friday evening. The game got out to a tight start but the 76ers pulled away with an 11-point lead after one quarter, and they maintained a two-point edge by halftime. The Sixers kept the momentum in the third and pushed ahead to a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. They rallied to a 16-point advantage with four minutes left in the fourth, but they fell apart in the final minutes and were forced into overtime. They got back on track in the extra period and outscored the visitors 12-2, to secure the home win and end a three-game slide. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 38 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while De'Anthony Melton followed up with 33 points, four rebounds, two assists and seven steals, and James Harden added 28 points, four rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block. The Sixers will look to keep it rolling as they face the second game of a seven-game home stand, with a chance to add to their 8-5 home record.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (7-19) hope to end a four-game slide, as they head back out on the road with a chance to improves on their 3-10 road record. Terry Rozier leads the team, averaging 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Kelly Oubre is averaging 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists ad 1.7 steals, while P.J. Washington is averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. The Hornets average 109.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Dennis Smith (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, while Gordon Hayward (shoulder) remains out.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Sixers (13-12), after they defeated the visting Los Angeles Lakers, 133-122, on Friday evening. The game got out to a tight start but the 76ers pulled away with an 11-point lead after one quarter, and they maintained a two-point edge by halftime. The Sixers kept the momentum in the third and pushed ahead to a 10-point lead heading into the final frame. They rallied to a 16-point advantage with four minutes left in the fourth, but they fell apart in the final minutes and were forced into overtime. They got back on track in the extra period and outscored the visitors 12-2, to secure the home win and end a three-game slide. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 38 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while De'Anthony Melton followed up with 33 points, four rebounds, two assists and seven steals, and James Harden added 28 points, four rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block. The Sixers will look to keep it rolling as they face the second game of a seven-game home stand, with a chance to add to their 8-5 home record.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (7-19) hope to end a four-game slide, as they head back out on the road with a chance to improves on their 3-10 road record. Terry Rozier leads the team, averaging 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Kelly Oubre is averaging 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists ad 1.7 steals, while P.J. Washington is averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. The Hornets average 109.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Dennis Smith (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, while Gordon Hayward (shoulder) remains out.
Hawks Looking To Snap Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Chicago Bulls at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks (13-13) have dropped three in a row and hope to get back on track, as they return home with a chance to build on their 8-5 home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Dejounte Murray (ankle) and John Collins (ankle) will remain out, while Onyeka Okongwu (foot) and De'Andre Hunter (hip) are listed as questionable for action. Trae Young leads the team, averaging 27.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game. Clint Capela averages 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while A.J. Griffin is averaging 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic is coming off his best game since his recent season debut, as he totaled 31 points on 67 percent shooting, in 34 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (11-14), after an impressive,144-115, home win over the Mavericks on Saturday. The Bulls jumped out to a great start in the game with a 40-30 lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors, 42-23, to take a 29-point cushion into the break. They stayed in control the rest of the way and closed out their second straight win. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls will look to keep it rolling as they head to Atlanta with the goal of adding to their 4-9 road record.
The Hawks (13-13) have dropped three in a row and hope to get back on track, as they return home with a chance to build on their 8-5 home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Dejounte Murray (ankle) and John Collins (ankle) will remain out, while Onyeka Okongwu (foot) and De'Andre Hunter (hip) are listed as questionable for action. Trae Young leads the team, averaging 27.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game. Clint Capela averages 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while A.J. Griffin is averaging 9.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic is coming off his best game since his recent season debut, as he totaled 31 points on 67 percent shooting, in 34 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (11-14), after an impressive,144-115, home win over the Mavericks on Saturday. The Bulls jumped out to a great start in the game with a 40-30 lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors, 42-23, to take a 29-point cushion into the break. They stayed in control the rest of the way and closed out their second straight win. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, in 31 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bulls will look to keep it rolling as they head to Atlanta with the goal of adding to their 4-9 road record.
Rockets Host Bucks on Sunday
The Houston Rockets play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Toyota Center on Sunday.
The Bucks (19-6) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games. Runs like that have become common for this club over the last decade, sitting with the second-best record in the NBA. What makes that scary is that Khris Middleton just returned from off-season wrist surgery. Getting an All-Star player back on one of the best teams is a scary sight for the rest of the NBA, especially with the way Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing. The former MVP has scored at least 28 points in nine straight games, and he's doing that while dominating the boards and playing elite defense. That has him as one of the MVP frontrunners yet again, which is bad news for the rest of the NBA.
The Rockets (7-18) have the worst record in the Western Conference. That's pretty much been the case ever since James Harden was traded, sending this franchise into a full-on rebuild mode. The good thing about that is that this club is finally nearing a competitive stage. The pieces are in play to compete with the elite, sending out a lineup with Jalen Green, Kevin Porter, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. All of those youngsters have flashed moments of brilliance this season, and it'll be fun to watch these guys grow up together over the next few years. It remains to be seen if that's enough, but things are finally starting to turn around!
These teams played on October 22, with Milwaukee prevailing, 125-105. That gives the Bucks four straight wins in this series.
The Bucks (19-6) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games. Runs like that have become common for this club over the last decade, sitting with the second-best record in the NBA. What makes that scary is that Khris Middleton just returned from off-season wrist surgery. Getting an All-Star player back on one of the best teams is a scary sight for the rest of the NBA, especially with the way Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing. The former MVP has scored at least 28 points in nine straight games, and he's doing that while dominating the boards and playing elite defense. That has him as one of the MVP frontrunners yet again, which is bad news for the rest of the NBA.
The Rockets (7-18) have the worst record in the Western Conference. That's pretty much been the case ever since James Harden was traded, sending this franchise into a full-on rebuild mode. The good thing about that is that this club is finally nearing a competitive stage. The pieces are in play to compete with the elite, sending out a lineup with Jalen Green, Kevin Porter, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. All of those youngsters have flashed moments of brilliance this season, and it'll be fun to watch these guys grow up together over the next few years. It remains to be seen if that's enough, but things are finally starting to turn around!
These teams played on October 22, with Milwaukee prevailing, 125-105. That gives the Bucks four straight wins in this series.