Pistons Aiming To Start Winning Run, Host Kings
The Detroit Pistons will host the Sacramento Kings at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
The Pistons (8-22) snapped a three-game losing skid Wednesday with a 141-134 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets. In that win, Alec Burks led the Pistons with 27 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Killian Hayes supplied 25 points, eight assists and seven boards. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Kevin Knox poured in 17 points. Jaden Ivey furnished 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jalen Duren registered seven points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Marvin Bagley (knee) and Isaiah Livers (shoulder) are game-time calls for Friday, while Cade Cunningham (lower leg) is out for the rest of the season.
The Kings (15-12) bounced back from back-to-back losses Wednesday and secured a 124-123 win over the Toronto Raptors on the second half of a back-to-back. In that win, De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 27 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Malik Monk supplied 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 21-point, 20-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Terence Davis turned in 19 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Harrison Barnes posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Alex Len (illness) and Kevin Huerter (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions for Friday. No Sacramento players have been ruled out so far.
The Pistons (8-22) snapped a three-game losing skid Wednesday with a 141-134 overtime win over the Charlotte Hornets. In that win, Alec Burks led the Pistons with 27 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Killian Hayes supplied 25 points, eight assists and seven boards. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, four rebounds and four assists. Isaiah Stewart generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks. Kevin Knox poured in 17 points. Jaden Ivey furnished 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jalen Duren registered seven points, 19 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Marvin Bagley (knee) and Isaiah Livers (shoulder) are game-time calls for Friday, while Cade Cunningham (lower leg) is out for the rest of the season.
The Kings (15-12) bounced back from back-to-back losses Wednesday and secured a 124-123 win over the Toronto Raptors on the second half of a back-to-back. In that win, De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 27 points, adding 10 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Malik Monk supplied 24 points, three rebounds and three assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 21-point, 20-rebound double-double that included seven assists, one steal and one block. Terence Davis turned in 19 points, three boards, two assists and one block. Harrison Barnes posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Alex Len (illness) and Kevin Huerter (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions for Friday. No Sacramento players have been ruled out so far.
Hawks, Hornets Collide In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (7-21) can’t stop losing and extended their skid to six straight defeats following a 141-134 overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. During that loss, Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, complementing them with eight boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Terry Rozier managed 25 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball generated a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound. Jalen McDaniels registered 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. P.J. Washington supplied 13 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee turned in a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Gordon Hayward (shoulder), Dennis Smith (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) have all been listed as game-time decisions for Friday’s game. Cody Martin (knee) has been ruled out.
The Hawks (14-15) have been struggling of late and are coming off another loss, this time a 135-124 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The team has lost two games in a row and four of its last five. During that loss against the Magic, De’Andre Hunter was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds, while Trae Young had a double-double of 19 points and 16 assists that also included three rebounds. Clint Capela had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while AJ Griffin finished with 15 points in 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Clint Capela (calf) has been listed as a game-time decision for Friday’s game, while John Collins and Dejounte Murray have been ruled out due to ankle injuries. The injuries to key players are a big reason why Atlanta has struggled so much in recent weeks.
The Hornets (7-21) can’t stop losing and extended their skid to six straight defeats following a 141-134 overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. During that loss, Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 28 points, complementing them with eight boards, one assist, three steals and one block. Terry Rozier managed 25 points, five boards, two assists, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball generated a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that included one rebound. Jalen McDaniels registered 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. P.J. Washington supplied 13 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Mason Plumlee turned in a 12-point, 18-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Gordon Hayward (shoulder), Dennis Smith (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) have all been listed as game-time decisions for Friday’s game. Cody Martin (knee) has been ruled out.
The Hawks (14-15) have been struggling of late and are coming off another loss, this time a 135-124 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The team has lost two games in a row and four of its last five. During that loss against the Magic, De’Andre Hunter was the best player for the Hawks, finishing with 25 points and six rebounds, while Trae Young had a double-double of 19 points and 16 assists that also included three rebounds. Clint Capela had 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, while AJ Griffin finished with 15 points in 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Clint Capela (calf) has been listed as a game-time decision for Friday’s game, while John Collins and Dejounte Murray have been ruled out due to ankle injuries. The injuries to key players are a big reason why Atlanta has struggled so much in recent weeks.
Magic and Celtics Clash in Beantown
The Orlando Magic takes on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Magic (9-20) checks into Friday's game in the midst of a rare stretch of success. as they've recorded four straight victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they notched an impressive 135-124 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 24 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one block. Bol Bol provided 21 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Paolo Banchero supplied 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Moritz Wagner registered 17 points, five rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz contributed 16 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Cole Anthony tallied 13 points, six assists and five rebounds. Mo Bamba and Terrence Ross produced matching 11-point efforts while recording seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic will continue without Wendell Carter (foot), Gary Harris (hamstring), Chuma Okeke (knee), Jalen Suggs (ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (knee).
The Celtics (22-7) have had a bit of a rockier time than usual lately, but they just snapped a brief two-game losing streak in their most recent contest by topping the Los Angeles Lakers, 122-118, in overtime Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 44 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one block. Jaylen Brown generated a 25-point, 15-rebound double-double that included five assists and three steals. Marcus Smart supplied 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Derrick White poured in 10 points.
The Celtics will list Al Horford (personal) and Robert Williams (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics holds a 1-0 series lead.
The Magic (9-20) checks into Friday's game in the midst of a rare stretch of success. as they've recorded four straight victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they notched an impressive 135-124 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 24 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one block. Bol Bol provided 21 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Paolo Banchero supplied 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Moritz Wagner registered 17 points, five rebounds and one steal. Markelle Fultz contributed 16 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, four steals and one block. Cole Anthony tallied 13 points, six assists and five rebounds. Mo Bamba and Terrence Ross produced matching 11-point efforts while recording seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Magic will continue without Wendell Carter (foot), Gary Harris (hamstring), Chuma Okeke (knee), Jalen Suggs (ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (knee).
The Celtics (22-7) have had a bit of a rockier time than usual lately, but they just snapped a brief two-game losing streak in their most recent contest by topping the Los Angeles Lakers, 122-118, in overtime Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 44 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and one block. Jaylen Brown generated a 25-point, 15-rebound double-double that included five assists and three steals. Marcus Smart supplied 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Derrick White poured in 10 points.
The Celtics will list Al Horford (personal) and Robert Williams (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics holds a 1-0 series lead.
Pacers and Cavs Set for Midwest Clash
The Indiana Pacers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Pacers (15-14) have struggled with consistency this season, but they'll come into Friday's game off a big 125-119 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 29 points, adding six assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Bennedict Mathurin provided 24 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Myles Turner collected 21 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield delivered 17 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
The Pacers will remain without Chris Duarte (ankle), Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) for Friday's contest.
The Cavaliers (18-11) have also been alternating wins and losses with regularity recently, but they'll come into Friday having notched an impressive 105-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 34 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Lamar Stevens generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen generated matching 14-point contributions while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Mobley also dished out six assists. Darius Garland totaled 12 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pacers.
The Pacers (15-14) have struggled with consistency this season, but they'll come into Friday's game off a big 125-119 win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 29 points, adding six assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Bennedict Mathurin provided 24 points, six boards, three assists and one steal. Myles Turner collected 21 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield delivered 17 points, five boards, one assist and one steal.
The Pacers will remain without Chris Duarte (ankle), Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) for Friday's contest.
The Cavaliers (18-11) have also been alternating wins and losses with regularity recently, but they'll come into Friday having notched an impressive 105-90 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 34 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Lamar Stevens generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen generated matching 14-point contributions while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Mobley also dished out six assists. Darius Garland totaled 12 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers swept the four-game 2021-22 regular-season series from the Pacers.
Warriors and 76ers Face Off in Philly
The Golden State Warriors take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Warriors (14-15) continue to find consistency elusive as their title-defense season approaches its halfway point, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped four of the last five games. Their most recent stumble was also costly as Stephen Curry suffered a shoulder injury in Wednesday's 125-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers that's expected to keep him out multiple weeks. Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. Jordan Poole supplied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green generated matching 15-point tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Moses Moody netted 13 points, three assists and one rebound.
In addition to Curry, the Warriors will remain without Andrew Wiggins (groin) and Andre Iguodala (hip). Draymond Green (quadriceps) will carry a questionable tag.
The 76ers (15-12) check into the game trending in the opposite direct of their opposition, as they've won three straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Sacramento Kings, which they bested by a 123-103 score Tuesday night. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. James Harden posted a 21-point, 15-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and five steals. Tobias Harris matched Harden's scoring and added nine assists, seven boards, one steal and one block. Matisse Thybulle and Shake Milton finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The 76ers will list Danuel House (foot) and Furkan Korkmaz (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Tyrese Maxey (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Golden State and Philadelphia split the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Warriors (14-15) continue to find consistency elusive as their title-defense season approaches its halfway point, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped four of the last five games. Their most recent stumble was also costly as Stephen Curry suffered a shoulder injury in Wednesday's 125-119 loss to the Indiana Pacers that's expected to keep him out multiple weeks. Curry led the Warriors with 38 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block. Jordan Poole supplied 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green generated matching 15-point tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively. Moses Moody netted 13 points, three assists and one rebound.
In addition to Curry, the Warriors will remain without Andrew Wiggins (groin) and Andre Iguodala (hip). Draymond Green (quadriceps) will carry a questionable tag.
The 76ers (15-12) check into the game trending in the opposite direct of their opposition, as they've won three straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Sacramento Kings, which they bested by a 123-103 score Tuesday night. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. James Harden posted a 21-point, 15-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and five steals. Tobias Harris matched Harden's scoring and added nine assists, seven boards, one steal and one block. Matisse Thybulle and Shake Milton finished with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The 76ers will list Danuel House (foot) and Furkan Korkmaz (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Tyrese Maxey (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Golden State and Philadelphia split the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Slumping Raptors Host Streaking Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors (13-15) have dropped three in a row and four of their last five games. They hope to get back on track facing the second game of a three-game home stand, with the chance to add to their 10-4 home record. Pascal Siakam leads the team, averaging 24.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals, while Scottie Barnes is averaging 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. O.G. Anunoby (hip) missed the last two games and is expected to remain out, along with Precious Achiuwa (ankle) and Otto Porter (toe). The Raptors average 111.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.5 points.
Meanwhile, the Nets (17-12) have won four in a row and eight of their last nine games. They look to keep it rolling as they face the third game of a four-game road trip, with the chance to improve on their 7-7 road record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 30.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.7 blocks, in 37 minutes per game. Kyrie Irving averages 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 blocks, while Nicolas Claxton is averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. Royce O"Neale (personal) is listed as questionable, while Patty Mills (illness) is listed as doubtful for Friday's action. The Spurs average 110.2 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up a league-high 120.4 points.
The Raptors (13-15) have dropped three in a row and four of their last five games. They hope to get back on track facing the second game of a three-game home stand, with the chance to add to their 10-4 home record. Pascal Siakam leads the team, averaging 24.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 18.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals, while Scottie Barnes is averaging 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. O.G. Anunoby (hip) missed the last two games and is expected to remain out, along with Precious Achiuwa (ankle) and Otto Porter (toe). The Raptors average 111.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.5 points.
Meanwhile, the Nets (17-12) have won four in a row and eight of their last nine games. They look to keep it rolling as they face the third game of a four-game road trip, with the chance to improve on their 7-7 road record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 30.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.7 blocks, in 37 minutes per game. Kyrie Irving averages 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 blocks, while Nicolas Claxton is averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. Royce O"Neale (personal) is listed as questionable, while Patty Mills (illness) is listed as doubtful for Friday's action. The Spurs average 110.2 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up a league-high 120.4 points.
Knicks, Bulls Face Off In Second Straight Game
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the New York Knicks at United Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second consecutive meeting between the Bulls and Knicks in Chicago, after an exciting showdown on Wednesday, where the Knicks broke away for the road win in overtime. The game got out to a tight start, but the Knicks rallied in the second to take a nine-point lead at the break. The Bulls came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a four-point game heading into the fourth. they kept pressing in the final quarter and came up clutch in the final minute to send the game to overtime. However, the Knicks took over in the extra period and outscored the hosts, 11-3, to run away with their fifth straight win. Julius Randle led the way fort the Knicks, with 31 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Jalen Brunson followed up with 30 points, two rebounds, seven assists and a. steal, while RJ Barrett added 22 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. On the other side, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Zach LaVine followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists and steal, while Nikola Vucevic tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Bulls (11-16) hope to bounce back from the home loss and get back on track to improve on their 7-6 home record. Ayo Dosunmu (abdomen) missed the last game and remains questionable for Friday's action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (15-13) will look to keep it rolling, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip, with the chance to keep building on their 8-6 road record. Obi Toppin (leg) missed the last three games and will remain out.
This marks the second consecutive meeting between the Bulls and Knicks in Chicago, after an exciting showdown on Wednesday, where the Knicks broke away for the road win in overtime. The game got out to a tight start, but the Knicks rallied in the second to take a nine-point lead at the break. The Bulls came out stronger in the third and trimmed it to a four-point game heading into the fourth. they kept pressing in the final quarter and came up clutch in the final minute to send the game to overtime. However, the Knicks took over in the extra period and outscored the hosts, 11-3, to run away with their fifth straight win. Julius Randle led the way fort the Knicks, with 31 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, while Jalen Brunson followed up with 30 points, two rebounds, seven assists and a. steal, while RJ Barrett added 22 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. On the other side, DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Zach LaVine followed up with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists and steal, while Nikola Vucevic tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
The Bulls (11-16) hope to bounce back from the home loss and get back on track to improve on their 7-6 home record. Ayo Dosunmu (abdomen) missed the last game and remains questionable for Friday's action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (15-13) will look to keep it rolling, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip, with the chance to keep building on their 8-6 road record. Obi Toppin (leg) missed the last three games and will remain out.
Thunder Hope To Get Back On Track Against Slumping Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The Thunder (11-17) have lost four in a row and look to get back on track as they face the second game of a seven-game home stand, with the hopes of adding to their 6-6 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.7 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while Luguentz Dort followed averages 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Thunder average 115.5 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they are giving up 117.4 points, which is the league's third most. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Kenrich Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (13-15) have dropped three in a row and will look to get back on track as they face the fourth game of a five-game road trip, with a chance to improve on their 6-8 road record. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) has missed the last seven games and will remain out, while D'Angelo Russell (knee) and Jordan McLaughlin (calf) are listed as questionable for action. Anthony Edwards leads the team, averaging 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.9 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Rudy Gobert is averaging 14.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while Jaylen Nowell averages 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Timberwolves average 114.3 points per game, but they allow an average of 116.1 points against.
The Thunder (11-17) have lost four in a row and look to get back on track as they face the second game of a seven-game home stand, with the hopes of adding to their 6-6 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 31.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.7 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Josh Giddey averages 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while Luguentz Dort followed averages 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Thunder average 115.5 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they are giving up 117.4 points, which is the league's third most. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Kenrich Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (13-15) have dropped three in a row and will look to get back on track as they face the fourth game of a five-game road trip, with a chance to improve on their 6-8 road record. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) has missed the last seven games and will remain out, while D'Angelo Russell (knee) and Jordan McLaughlin (calf) are listed as questionable for action. Anthony Edwards leads the team, averaging 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.9 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Rudy Gobert is averaging 14.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while Jaylen Nowell averages 11.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Timberwolves average 114.3 points per game, but they allow an average of 116.1 points against.
Mavericks Host Blazers on Friday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at American Airlines Center on Friday.
The Trail Blazers (16-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. The direct correlation with that winning streak is the return of Damian Lillard. He actually missed three weeks of action last month, and it led to Portland losing seven of eight. That's even crazier when you see that they were 10-3 before the injury, and it's becoming evident just how valuable that superstar point guard can be. He's got at least 36 points in four straight games, knocking down 30 three-pointers in that span. Half the league doesn't even have 30 threes on the year, and it's amazing since he's also flirting with double-digit assists as well. Don't sleep on Dame being a potential MVP candidate.
The Mavericks (14-14) have been disappointing all season, entering this matchup losing three of their last four games. The last two have been particularly embarrassing, getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. That's even more distressing with the way those two teams are struggling, and it's becoming clear this isn't the same Western Conference Finalists we saw last year. The simple fact is, Luka Doncic can't do it all on his own. The Slovenian is leading the NBA with a 38 percent usage rate while averaging 33.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. He's one of the greatest players in the NBA, but he needs some help if this team is to make another deep run.
These teams played on November 12, with Dallas prevailing, 117-112. That gives the Mavs five straight wins in this series.
The Trail Blazers (16-12) come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. The direct correlation with that winning streak is the return of Damian Lillard. He actually missed three weeks of action last month, and it led to Portland losing seven of eight. That's even crazier when you see that they were 10-3 before the injury, and it's becoming evident just how valuable that superstar point guard can be. He's got at least 36 points in four straight games, knocking down 30 three-pointers in that span. Half the league doesn't even have 30 threes on the year, and it's amazing since he's also flirting with double-digit assists as well. Don't sleep on Dame being a potential MVP candidate.
The Mavericks (14-14) have been disappointing all season, entering this matchup losing three of their last four games. The last two have been particularly embarrassing, getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls. That's even more distressing with the way those two teams are struggling, and it's becoming clear this isn't the same Western Conference Finalists we saw last year. The simple fact is, Luka Doncic can't do it all on his own. The Slovenian is leading the NBA with a 38 percent usage rate while averaging 33.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. He's one of the greatest players in the NBA, but he needs some help if this team is to make another deep run.
These teams played on November 12, with Dallas prevailing, 117-112. That gives the Mavs five straight wins in this series.
Lakers Host Nuggets on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Nuggets (17-10) come into this matchup amid a three-game winning streak, posting a 7-3 record across their last 10 games in total. Nikola Jokic has been playing like an MVP in that span, and he's been doing that for most of his career now. The role players determine just how far this team will go because Jamal Murray has been inconsistent while Michael Porter Jr continues to miss games. Those two were expected to help out the two-time reigning MVP, but both of those guys have struggled to stay on the court. Bruce Brown and Bones Hyland have been nice ancillary pieces, and it has this looking like one of the most dangerous teams with the potential of guys like Murray and Porter waiting in the wings.
The Lakers (11-16) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games. The most recent loss against the Boston Celtics was one of the most bizarre of the year. LA trailed for the majority of that game but went on a 32-4 run in the second half to get it into overtime. With that said, Boston responded with a 12-0 in the extra session to take back their win. The Lakers also had road defeats against the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers in that stretch. Most teams would struggle with that schedule, and it looks even better since Los Angeles won eight of their previous 10 games before this most recent slide. This team is playing much better, but it remains to be seen if it's enough to dig out of this hole.
These teams played two lopsided games last season, with the home team grabbing double-digit wins.
The Nuggets (17-10) come into this matchup amid a three-game winning streak, posting a 7-3 record across their last 10 games in total. Nikola Jokic has been playing like an MVP in that span, and he's been doing that for most of his career now. The role players determine just how far this team will go because Jamal Murray has been inconsistent while Michael Porter Jr continues to miss games. Those two were expected to help out the two-time reigning MVP, but both of those guys have struggled to stay on the court. Bruce Brown and Bones Hyland have been nice ancillary pieces, and it has this looking like one of the most dangerous teams with the potential of guys like Murray and Porter waiting in the wings.
The Lakers (11-16) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games. The most recent loss against the Boston Celtics was one of the most bizarre of the year. LA trailed for the majority of that game but went on a 32-4 run in the second half to get it into overtime. With that said, Boston responded with a 12-0 in the extra session to take back their win. The Lakers also had road defeats against the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers in that stretch. Most teams would struggle with that schedule, and it looks even better since Los Angeles won eight of their previous 10 games before this most recent slide. This team is playing much better, but it remains to be seen if it's enough to dig out of this hole.
These teams played two lopsided games last season, with the home team grabbing double-digit wins.