Warriors Continue Road Trip, Visit Pacers
The Indiana Pacers will host the Golden State Warriors at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (14-14) are coming off a 87-82 loss at home against the Miami Heat on Monday. Buddy Hield had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, while Andrew Nembhard had 18 points and five rebounds. Myles Turner finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds while also adding four blocks. Tyrese Haliburton struggled from the field and finished with one point (0-9 FG) and six assists. Indiana has lost three of its last four games and has not looked dominant at home, posting a 8-6 mark in front of their fans.
Aaron Nesmith (shoulder) has been tabbed as a game-time decision for Wednesday, while Chris Duarte (ankle), Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) are all out.
The Warriors (14-14) had a tough game Tuesday and had to settle for a 128-111 road loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 20 points and six rebounds, while Jordan Poole had 18 points and three assists. Klay Thompson scored fourteen points while going 6-for-16 from the field. Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points and three assists across 27 minutes of the bench. Donte DiVincenzo posted 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals across 26 minutes. Golden State has struggled massively on the road and have gone 2-11 playing away from home this season. Plus, Golden State has also lost three of its last four games.
Andrew Wiggins (groin) and Andre Iguodala (hip) are out for Golden State.
The Pacers (14-14) are coming off a 87-82 loss at home against the Miami Heat on Monday. Buddy Hield had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, while Andrew Nembhard had 18 points and five rebounds. Myles Turner finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds while also adding four blocks. Tyrese Haliburton struggled from the field and finished with one point (0-9 FG) and six assists. Indiana has lost three of its last four games and has not looked dominant at home, posting a 8-6 mark in front of their fans.
Aaron Nesmith (shoulder) has been tabbed as a game-time decision for Wednesday, while Chris Duarte (ankle), Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) are all out.
The Warriors (14-14) had a tough game Tuesday and had to settle for a 128-111 road loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors with 20 points and six rebounds, while Jordan Poole had 18 points and three assists. Klay Thompson scored fourteen points while going 6-for-16 from the field. Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points and three assists across 27 minutes of the bench. Donte DiVincenzo posted 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals across 26 minutes. Golden State has struggled massively on the road and have gone 2-11 playing away from home this season. Plus, Golden State has also lost three of its last four games.
Andrew Wiggins (groin) and Andre Iguodala (hip) are out for Golden State.
Hawks and Magic Set for Sunshine State Battle
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (14-14) have been trending in the wrong direction, with key injuries certainly playing a part. Atlanta comes into Wednesday's contest having lost seven of the last 10 games, with their most recent stumble a 128-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, a game they were forced to play without Trae Young due to a back injury. De'Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 19 points, adding one rebound and one steal. Aaron Holiday supplied 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals. Jalen Johnson furnished 14 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. AJ. Griffin and Frank Kaminsky posted matching 13-point, three-assist tallies.
The Hawks will remain without Dejounte Murray (ankle) and John Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Young (back) will be listed as questionable.
The Magic (8-20) are enjoying a rare stretch of winning, as they've rattled off three consecutive victories coming into Wednesday's game. Orlando's most recent success came Sunday night, when they closed out a two-game sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 111-99 win. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 23 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one block. Paolo Banchero generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. Mo Bamba furnished 18 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Cole Anthony supplied 14 points, six boards, six assists and one steal.
The Magic will remain without Jalen Suggs (ankle), Gary Harris (hamstring), Wendell Carter (foot), Chuma Okeke (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks own 2-0 series lead.
The Hawks (14-14) have been trending in the wrong direction, with key injuries certainly playing a part. Atlanta comes into Wednesday's contest having lost seven of the last 10 games, with their most recent stumble a 128-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, a game they were forced to play without Trae Young due to a back injury. De'Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 19 points, adding one rebound and one steal. Aaron Holiday supplied 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals. Jalen Johnson furnished 14 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. AJ. Griffin and Frank Kaminsky posted matching 13-point, three-assist tallies.
The Hawks will remain without Dejounte Murray (ankle) and John Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Young (back) will be listed as questionable.
The Magic (8-20) are enjoying a rare stretch of winning, as they've rattled off three consecutive victories coming into Wednesday's game. Orlando's most recent success came Sunday night, when they closed out a two-game sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 111-99 win. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 23 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one block. Paolo Banchero generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block. Mo Bamba furnished 18 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Cole Anthony supplied 14 points, six boards, six assists and one steal.
The Magic will remain without Jalen Suggs (ankle), Gary Harris (hamstring), Wendell Carter (foot), Chuma Okeke (foot) and Jonathan Isaac (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks own 2-0 series lead.
Pistons and Hornets Set for Eastern Conference Clash
The Detroit Pistons take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (7-22) check into Wednesday's game in the midst of another skid, as they've dropped three consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 124-117 score. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 38 points, adding four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden Ivey delivered 16 points, two assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Alec Burks managed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marvin Bagley totaled 10 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
The Pistons will be without Isaiah Livers (shoulder) for Wednesday's game. Cade Cunningham (lower leg) will miss the rest of the season.
The Hornets (7-20) are also dealing with a prolonged slump, as they've lost five straight games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, which walloped them by 131-113 score Sunday night. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre produced matching 29-point tallies, with Rozier adding eight boards and six assists. Jalen McDaniels contributed 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nick Richards and Theo Maledon supplied matching nine-point efforts, with Richards adding eight boards.
The Hornets will remain without Dennis Smith (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (ankle), Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets took the three-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pistons by a 2-1 margin.
The Pistons (7-22) check into Wednesday's game in the midst of another skid, as they've dropped three consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 124-117 score. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 38 points, adding four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden Ivey delivered 16 points, two assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Saddiq Bey registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Alec Burks managed 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marvin Bagley totaled 10 points, four boards, one assist and one block.
The Pistons will be without Isaiah Livers (shoulder) for Wednesday's game. Cade Cunningham (lower leg) will miss the rest of the season.
The Hornets (7-20) are also dealing with a prolonged slump, as they've lost five straight games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, which walloped them by 131-113 score Sunday night. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre produced matching 29-point tallies, with Rozier adding eight boards and six assists. Jalen McDaniels contributed 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nick Richards and Theo Maledon supplied matching nine-point efforts, with Richards adding eight boards.
The Hornets will remain without Dennis Smith (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (ankle), Cody Martin (knee) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets took the three-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pistons by a 2-1 margin.
Knicks and Bulls Set for Windy City Clash
The New York Knicks take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (14-13) went through an extended rough patch after an encouraging start to the season, but they'll enter Wednesday's contest having rattled off four straight victories. Their most recent success came Sunday night, when they bested the Sacramento Kings by a 112-99 score. R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle co-led the Knicks with 27 points while adding nine and eight rebounds, respectively. Barrett added six assists, three steals and two blocks. Jalen Brunson registered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mitchell Robinson and Immanuel Quickley generated matching 12-point efforts while pulling down nine and four rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks will list Brunson (foot), Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) and Trevor Keels (groin) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Obi Toppin (lower leg) will remain out.
The Bulls (11-15) have been having trouble putting extended stretches of winning together, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped a 123-122 overtime decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night after back-to-back victories. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with a 34-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Zach LaVine supplied 21 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond and Derrick Jones posted matching 14-point efforts, with Drummond adding nine rebounds and five steals. Nikola Vucevic generated 13 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Coby White compiled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (back) and Ayo Dosunmu (abdomen) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Lonzo Ball (knee) remains out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the four-game 2021-22 regular season series.
The Knicks (14-13) went through an extended rough patch after an encouraging start to the season, but they'll enter Wednesday's contest having rattled off four straight victories. Their most recent success came Sunday night, when they bested the Sacramento Kings by a 112-99 score. R.J. Barrett and Julius Randle co-led the Knicks with 27 points while adding nine and eight rebounds, respectively. Barrett added six assists, three steals and two blocks. Jalen Brunson registered 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mitchell Robinson and Immanuel Quickley generated matching 12-point efforts while pulling down nine and four rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks will list Brunson (foot), Ryan Arcidiacono (ankle) and Trevor Keels (groin) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Obi Toppin (lower leg) will remain out.
The Bulls (11-15) have been having trouble putting extended stretches of winning together, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest having dropped a 123-122 overtime decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night after back-to-back victories. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with a 34-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists. Zach LaVine supplied 21 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andre Drummond and Derrick Jones posted matching 14-point efforts, with Drummond adding nine rebounds and five steals. Nikola Vucevic generated 13 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Coby White compiled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (back) and Ayo Dosunmu (abdomen) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Lonzo Ball (knee) remains out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the four-game 2021-22 regular season series.
Raptors Hoping To Bounce Back Against Kings
The Toronto Raptors will host the Sacramento Kings at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The Raptors (13-14) have struggled in recent weeks and are coming off yet another loss, this time it was a 111-99 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 24 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 20 points, seven assists, four boards and four steals. Pascal Siakam supplied 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Chris Boucher registered 12 points, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 11 points, two boards and one steal. Toronto has gone 10-3 at home, but the team has also lost two in a row and three of its last four.
Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) is a game-time call for Wednesday, while OG Anunoby (hip), Precious Achiuwa (ankle) and Otto Porter (toe) are out.
The Kings (14-12) took part in a high-scoring game Tuesday, but they ended with a loss after a 123-103 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers. Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Kings with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while De’Aaron fox finished with 13 points and four rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. No other Sacramento starter scored in double digits, though Malik Monk had 16 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench. Sacramento has lost three of its last four.
Alex Len (illness) has been tabbed as a game-time call for the Kings. The rest of the team is healthy and available.
The Raptors (13-14) have struggled in recent weeks and are coming off yet another loss, this time it was a 111-99 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 24 points, adding three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 20 points, seven assists, four boards and four steals. Pascal Siakam supplied 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Chris Boucher registered 12 points, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Scottie Barnes delivered 11 points, two boards and one steal. Toronto has gone 10-3 at home, but the team has also lost two in a row and three of its last four.
Juancho Hernangomez (ankle) is a game-time call for Wednesday, while OG Anunoby (hip), Precious Achiuwa (ankle) and Otto Porter (toe) are out.
The Kings (14-12) took part in a high-scoring game Tuesday, but they ended with a loss after a 123-103 defeat against the Philadelphia 76ers. Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Kings with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, while De’Aaron fox finished with 13 points and four rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. No other Sacramento starter scored in double digits, though Malik Monk had 16 points, four assists and three rebounds off the bench. Sacramento has lost three of its last four.
Alex Len (illness) has been tabbed as a game-time call for the Kings. The rest of the team is healthy and available.
Spurs Looking To Extend Three-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs (9-18) look to build on a three-game win streak as they face the second game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to improve on their 5-10 home record. Keldon Johnson leads the team, averaging 20.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Devin Vassell averages 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tre Jones is averaging 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Spurs average 110.1 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they give up a league-most 120.1 points per game. Keita Bates-Diop (foot) and Josh Richardson (hand) are listed as questionable for action, while Romeo Langford (hand) and Zach Collins (ankle) are listed as doubtful. Jakob Poeltl (knee) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (15-12) have won four of their last five games and will look to keep it rolling as they kick off a six-game road trip with the hopes of building on their 8-6 road record. Damian Lillard has been great since returning to the lineup, averaging 33.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals through four games. Anfernee Simons continues his impressive play, averaging 23.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while Jerami Grant averages 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Blazers average 112.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 111.6 points against. Drew Eubanks (hip) is listed as probable for action, while Nassir Little (hip) and Gary Payton (abdomen) will remain out.
The Spurs (9-18) look to build on a three-game win streak as they face the second game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to improve on their 5-10 home record. Keldon Johnson leads the team, averaging 20.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Devin Vassell averages 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tre Jones is averaging 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. The Spurs average 110.1 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they give up a league-most 120.1 points per game. Keita Bates-Diop (foot) and Josh Richardson (hand) are listed as questionable for action, while Romeo Langford (hand) and Zach Collins (ankle) are listed as doubtful. Jakob Poeltl (knee) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (15-12) have won four of their last five games and will look to keep it rolling as they kick off a six-game road trip with the hopes of building on their 8-6 road record. Damian Lillard has been great since returning to the lineup, averaging 33.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals through four games. Anfernee Simons continues his impressive play, averaging 23.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while Jerami Grant averages 22.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Blazers average 112.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 111.6 points against. Drew Eubanks (hip) is listed as probable for action, while Nassir Little (hip) and Gary Payton (abdomen) will remain out.
Thunder Looking To End Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Miami Heat at Paycom Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Thunder (11-16) have dropped three in a row and need to get back on track as the kick off a seven-game home stand with the opportunity to build on their 6-5 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks, in 35.5 minutes per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while Luguentz Dort averages 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals. The Thunder average 115.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, but they are giving up 117.7 points per game, which is second most. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) is listed as questionable for action, while Kenrich Williams (knee) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Heat (13-15) hope to build off a win in their last outing, as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with a chance to improve on their 4-9 road record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jimmy Butler (knee) will be sidelined through Wednesday's action. Bam Adebayo averages 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game and will have to step up in Butler's absence. Tyler Herro, who averages 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists, and Kyle Lowry who averages 14.0 points, 4.8 rebonds, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals will also have to come up big to avoid an upset. The Heat average a league-low 107.9 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.3 points against. Jimmy
The Thunder (11-16) have dropped three in a row and need to get back on track as the kick off a seven-game home stand with the opportunity to build on their 6-5 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks, in 35.5 minutes per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while Luguentz Dort averages 13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals. The Thunder average 115.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, but they are giving up 117.7 points per game, which is second most. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) is listed as questionable for action, while Kenrich Williams (knee) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Heat (13-15) hope to build off a win in their last outing, as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with a chance to improve on their 4-9 road record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jimmy Butler (knee) will be sidelined through Wednesday's action. Bam Adebayo averages 20.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game and will have to step up in Butler's absence. Tyler Herro, who averages 19.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists, and Kyle Lowry who averages 14.0 points, 4.8 rebonds, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals will also have to come up big to avoid an upset. The Heat average a league-low 107.9 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.3 points against. Jimmy
Mavs Host Cavs on Wednesday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (17-11) looked like the best team in the NBA when they had a 10-3 record, but they've been average since then. They have a 7-8 record since that hot start, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in their most recent outing. A five-game winning streak at the end of that 10-3 start is what really killed them because Cleveland enters this matchup with a 9-5 record across their last 14 games. That's the club everyone expected to see, and it directly correlates with the health of this roster. Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell both returned from injuries in that hot streak, and those two pair beautifully with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. As long as this group stays healthy, they'll be a threat all season.
The Mavericks (14-13) shocked the NBA world with a Western Conference Finals appearance last season, but they've been an average team this season. They're just one game above .500, getting to that mark with a narrow win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. That does give Dallas four wins in their last six games in total, and fans are hopeful it's the start of a lengthy run. Luka Doncic is doing everything possible to get this team going, averaging 32.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. He's going to do that every night, and it'll be up to guys like Tim Hardaway Jr, Christian Wood and Spencer Dinwiddie to get them over the hump.
These teams played a back-to-back set last season, with the road team winning each outing. With that said, Dallas has won seven of their last eight games in this series.
The Cavaliers (17-11) looked like the best team in the NBA when they had a 10-3 record, but they've been average since then. They have a 7-8 record since that hot start, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in their most recent outing. A five-game winning streak at the end of that 10-3 start is what really killed them because Cleveland enters this matchup with a 9-5 record across their last 14 games. That's the club everyone expected to see, and it directly correlates with the health of this roster. Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell both returned from injuries in that hot streak, and those two pair beautifully with Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. As long as this group stays healthy, they'll be a threat all season.
The Mavericks (14-13) shocked the NBA world with a Western Conference Finals appearance last season, but they've been an average team this season. They're just one game above .500, getting to that mark with a narrow win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. That does give Dallas four wins in their last six games in total, and fans are hopeful it's the start of a lengthy run. Luka Doncic is doing everything possible to get this team going, averaging 32.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. He's going to do that every night, and it'll be up to guys like Tim Hardaway Jr, Christian Wood and Spencer Dinwiddie to get them over the hump.
These teams played a back-to-back set last season, with the road team winning each outing. With that said, Dallas has won seven of their last eight games in this series.
Nuggets Host Wizards on Wednesday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Washington Wizards at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
The Wizards (11-17) come into this matchup losing seven straight and 10 of their last 11 games in total. That run has undone the great start to the season, but the injury bug has been running rampant through this team. Bradley Beal is out due to a hamstring issue, and Kristaps Porzingis just suffered a back injury on Monday. KP has been a revelation in a career year, and this club simply doesn't have enough to compete with those two All-Stars sitting on the sidelines. Both of those guys aren't looking at long-term absences, though, but this hole is getting deeper by the day. If they continue to lose, don't be surprised to see some trade whispers featuring those guys and Kyle Kuzma.
The Nuggets (16-10) had a bizarre three-game losing streak last week but enter this matchup winning their last two. That gives Denver a 7-4 record across their last 11 games in total, with that small three-game skid looking like a blip on an otherwise clean radar. Nikola Jokic is what makes this team so scary, averaging nearly 30 points a night while falling just shy of triple-doubles averages. That's why this guy is the two-time reigning MVP, but he looks unlikely to repeat this year. It's actually a good thing for Denver that he won't because Jamal Murray is back and stealing touches from the big man. The point guard returned from an ACL tear earlier in the year, and he's been stellar over the last month of action. Murray and Jokic are one of the best duos in the league, and this team will get even scarier when Michael Porter Jr (heel) returns as well.
Denver swept the two-game season series over Washington last year. That snapped a three-game winning streak by the Wizards before that.
The Wizards (11-17) come into this matchup losing seven straight and 10 of their last 11 games in total. That run has undone the great start to the season, but the injury bug has been running rampant through this team. Bradley Beal is out due to a hamstring issue, and Kristaps Porzingis just suffered a back injury on Monday. KP has been a revelation in a career year, and this club simply doesn't have enough to compete with those two All-Stars sitting on the sidelines. Both of those guys aren't looking at long-term absences, though, but this hole is getting deeper by the day. If they continue to lose, don't be surprised to see some trade whispers featuring those guys and Kyle Kuzma.
The Nuggets (16-10) had a bizarre three-game losing streak last week but enter this matchup winning their last two. That gives Denver a 7-4 record across their last 11 games in total, with that small three-game skid looking like a blip on an otherwise clean radar. Nikola Jokic is what makes this team so scary, averaging nearly 30 points a night while falling just shy of triple-doubles averages. That's why this guy is the two-time reigning MVP, but he looks unlikely to repeat this year. It's actually a good thing for Denver that he won't because Jamal Murray is back and stealing touches from the big man. The point guard returned from an ACL tear earlier in the year, and he's been stellar over the last month of action. Murray and Jokic are one of the best duos in the league, and this team will get even scarier when Michael Porter Jr (heel) returns as well.
Denver swept the two-game season series over Washington last year. That snapped a three-game winning streak by the Wizards before that.
Clippers Host T'Wolves on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (13-14) come into this matchup losing seven of their last 10 games. An injury to Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) is the thing that started this poor stretch, and it's hard to see this team getting much better without their superstar center. D'Angelo Russell, Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards have all been much better since he went down, but it's tough for any team to compete when their best player is sidelined. It's a sad revelation, too, because many people had this team pegged as a potential breakout. There's still time for them to do that but sitting below .500 through 27 games is certainly not an encouraging sign going forward.
The Clippers (16-13) just pulled off their most impressive win of the season on Monday. They manhandled the Boston Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA. More importantly, they had Kawhi Leonard play his best game of the year, dropping a season-high 25 points on 10-of-12 from the field. They've been waiting for this superstar to return to that form, and it's a scary sight for the rest of the NBA. Paul George and Marcus Morris all played well in that win, and it's the first time all year that those three guys have been clicking. That's why many experts picked the Clippers to go deep into the postseason, and this could be the start of a lengthy winning streak if this sort of play continues.
These teams played four times last season, with LA winning three of those. That gives the Clippers nine wins in their last 11 matchups with the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves (13-14) come into this matchup losing seven of their last 10 games. An injury to Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) is the thing that started this poor stretch, and it's hard to see this team getting much better without their superstar center. D'Angelo Russell, Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards have all been much better since he went down, but it's tough for any team to compete when their best player is sidelined. It's a sad revelation, too, because many people had this team pegged as a potential breakout. There's still time for them to do that but sitting below .500 through 27 games is certainly not an encouraging sign going forward.
The Clippers (16-13) just pulled off their most impressive win of the season on Monday. They manhandled the Boston Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA. More importantly, they had Kawhi Leonard play his best game of the year, dropping a season-high 25 points on 10-of-12 from the field. They've been waiting for this superstar to return to that form, and it's a scary sight for the rest of the NBA. Paul George and Marcus Morris all played well in that win, and it's the first time all year that those three guys have been clicking. That's why many experts picked the Clippers to go deep into the postseason, and this could be the start of a lengthy winning streak if this sort of play continues.
These teams played four times last season, with LA winning three of those. That gives the Clippers nine wins in their last 11 matchups with the Timberwolves.