Clippers Looking To Bounce Back, Host Wizards
The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Washington Wizards at crypto.com Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Clippers (17-14) are coming off a 111-95 loss against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. They were led by Terance Mann, amassing 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris generated 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. John Wall tallied 12 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Moses Brown had five points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Boston led the bench with 16 points and three assists. The Clippers saw the end of their three-game winning streak with the loss against Phoenix, but they’ve still gone 3-2 in their last five contests. Plus, the Clippers have also gone 9-7 at home.
Paul George (knee), Kawhi Leonard (knee), Reggie Jackson (Achilles), Ivica Zubac (knee) and Luke Kennard (calf) have all been listed as game-time decisions, while Norman Powell (groin) has been ruled out.
The Wizards (11-18) are coming off a 141-128 road loss against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. They were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Will Barton led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 20 points and seven assists, while Deni Avdija accrued nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Corey Kispert also scored 16 points. Washington has been struggling mightily of late, losing eight games in a row and 11 of its last 12. Washington has also gone 3-11 away from home.
Bradley Beal (hamstring), Kristaps Porzingis (back) and Rui Hachimura (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out.
The Clippers (17-14) are coming off a 111-95 loss against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. They were led by Terance Mann, amassing 22 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Marcus Morris generated 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. John Wall tallied 12 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Moses Brown had five points and 12 rebounds. Brandon Boston led the bench with 16 points and three assists. The Clippers saw the end of their three-game winning streak with the loss against Phoenix, but they’ve still gone 3-2 in their last five contests. Plus, the Clippers have also gone 9-7 at home.
Paul George (knee), Kawhi Leonard (knee), Reggie Jackson (Achilles), Ivica Zubac (knee) and Luke Kennard (calf) have all been listed as game-time decisions, while Norman Powell (groin) has been ruled out.
The Wizards (11-18) are coming off a 141-128 road loss against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. They were led by Kyle Kuzma, collecting 24 points, two rebounds and four assists. Will Barton led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 20 points and seven assists, while Deni Avdija accrued nine points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Corey Kispert also scored 16 points. Washington has been struggling mightily of late, losing eight games in a row and 11 of its last 12. Washington has also gone 3-11 away from home.
Bradley Beal (hamstring), Kristaps Porzingis (back) and Rui Hachimura (ankle) have been listed as game-time decisions, while Delon Wright (hamstring) remains out.
Heat and Spurs Tangle in Texas
The Miami Heat takes on the San Antonio Spurs at Mexico City Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Heat (15-15) have struggled with consistency all season, but they'll check into Saturday's game in solid recent form after winning four of their last five games. Their most recent success came in the form of a narrow 111-108 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 41 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, four steals and three blocks. Caleb Martin furnished 13 points and two boards. Max Strus supplied 12 points, five assists and four boards.
The Heat is listing every player on the roster with an injury designation after being fined $25,000 by the league this week for incomplete injury reporting. The only players ruled out for Miami are Gabe Vincent (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle).
The Spurs (9-19) have been an erratic team to say the least, but they recently experienced a rare taste of multi-game success with three consecutive wins, one of which was a 115-111 road victory over the Heat. However, San Antonio saw that stretch come to an end with a 128-112 drubbing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and two assists. Doug McDermott poured in 14 points. Keita Bates-Diop and Devin Vassell produced matching 13-point tallies while adding four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Richardson poured in 11 points, while Tre Jones delivered 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Spurs will list Zach Collins (ankle), Romeo Langford (ankle) and Jakob Poeltl (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. Richardson (personal) and Blake Wesley (knee) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Heat (15-15) have struggled with consistency all season, but they'll check into Saturday's game in solid recent form after winning four of their last five games. Their most recent success came in the form of a narrow 111-108 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 41 points, adding six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, four steals and three blocks. Caleb Martin furnished 13 points and two boards. Max Strus supplied 12 points, five assists and four boards.
The Heat is listing every player on the roster with an injury designation after being fined $25,000 by the league this week for incomplete injury reporting. The only players ruled out for Miami are Gabe Vincent (knee) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle).
The Spurs (9-19) have been an erratic team to say the least, but they recently experienced a rare taste of multi-game success with three consecutive wins, one of which was a 115-111 road victory over the Heat. However, San Antonio saw that stretch come to an end with a 128-112 drubbing at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and two assists. Doug McDermott poured in 14 points. Keita Bates-Diop and Devin Vassell produced matching 13-point tallies while adding four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Richardson poured in 11 points, while Tre Jones delivered 10 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Spurs will list Zach Collins (ankle), Romeo Langford (ankle) and Jakob Poeltl (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. Richardson (personal) and Blake Wesley (knee) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead.
Mavericks and Cavaliers Face Off in Cleveland
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Mavericks (15-14) have been struggling with consistency of late with a 2-3 record in the last five games. However, their most recent time on the floor was a rousing success, as Dallas throttled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 130-110 score. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, adding nine assists and six rebounds. Christian Wood generated a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Tim Hardaway posted 17 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Mavericks may continue without Josh Green (elbow) and Davis Bertans (illness) for Saturday's game. Maxi Kleber (hamstring) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (19-11) have been in better form than their opponent of late, recording three wins over the last four contests. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they got past the Indiana Pacers by a 118-112 score. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 41 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland compiled 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Evan Mobley supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman poured in 14 points, while Caris LeVert totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Cavaliers are expected to remain without Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers own a 1-0 series lead.
The Mavericks (15-14) have been struggling with consistency of late with a 2-3 record in the last five games. However, their most recent time on the floor was a rousing success, as Dallas throttled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 130-110 score. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, adding nine assists and six rebounds. Christian Wood generated a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two blocks. Tim Hardaway posted 17 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie delivered 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Mavericks may continue without Josh Green (elbow) and Davis Bertans (illness) for Saturday's game. Maxi Kleber (hamstring) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (19-11) have been in better form than their opponent of late, recording three wins over the last four contests. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they got past the Indiana Pacers by a 118-112 score. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 41 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland compiled 20 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and two steals. Evan Mobley supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Cedi Osman poured in 14 points, while Caris LeVert totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Cavaliers are expected to remain without Dylan Windler (ankle), Dean Wade (shoulder) and Ricky Rubio (knee) for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers own a 1-0 series lead.
Rockets Host Blazers on Saturday
The Houston Rockets play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Toyota Center on Saturday.
The Trail Blazers (16-13) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games. With that said, they suffered an ugly defeat on Friday, being blown out by the Dallas Mavericks on the road. That means this is the second half of a back-to-back set, but most of these Portland starters sat in the second half of that loss because of the lopsided nature of that game. Damian Lillard had just 24 points and three assists, but he was flirting with a 35-point average in that previous winning streak. Trendon Watford was the one bright spot in that defeat, collecting 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists off the bench. He posted lines like that throughout the second half of last season, and getting more from him off of the bench could be a huge boost going forward.
The Rockets (9-19) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, and that's played out thus far. With that said, Houston comes into this matchup with a 6-5 record across their last 11 games. That promising stretch has fans ecstatic because this young core is finally coming together. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter have been growing in the backcourt, while Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun have been holding down the paint. That's a solid foursome to build around, and it'll be interesting to see what the next step is in this endless rebuild. In any case, they still sit dead last in the Western Conference and have a long way to go to compete with the elite.
These teams played on October 28, with Portland prevailing, 125-111. That gives the Trail Blazers eight wins in their last 11 meetings with the Rockets.
The Trail Blazers (16-13) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games. With that said, they suffered an ugly defeat on Friday, being blown out by the Dallas Mavericks on the road. That means this is the second half of a back-to-back set, but most of these Portland starters sat in the second half of that loss because of the lopsided nature of that game. Damian Lillard had just 24 points and three assists, but he was flirting with a 35-point average in that previous winning streak. Trendon Watford was the one bright spot in that defeat, collecting 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists off the bench. He posted lines like that throughout the second half of last season, and getting more from him off of the bench could be a huge boost going forward.
The Rockets (9-19) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, and that's played out thus far. With that said, Houston comes into this matchup with a 6-5 record across their last 11 games. That promising stretch has fans ecstatic because this young core is finally coming together. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter have been growing in the backcourt, while Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun have been holding down the paint. That's a solid foursome to build around, and it'll be interesting to see what the next step is in this endless rebuild. In any case, they still sit dead last in the Western Conference and have a long way to go to compete with the elite.
These teams played on October 28, with Portland prevailing, 125-111. That gives the Trail Blazers eight wins in their last 11 meetings with the Rockets.
Bucks Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Bucks (20-8) are coming off a 41-point blowout loss in Memphis on Thursday, which marked their second loss in the last three games. They hope to get back on track at home and add to their 13-3 home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 30.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday (illness) missed the last two games but is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. He averages 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Bobby Portis continues his impressive play, averaging 14.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Khris Middleton (knee) is listed as out. The Bucks average 112.2 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.8 points, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (17-14) are coming off back-to-back home wins over the Pelicans. They will look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a three-game road trip with a chance to build on their 6-9 road record. Lauri Markkanen continues his solid play, averaging 22.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Jordan Clarkson is coming off a 39-point outing and is averages 20.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Kelly Olynyk gets the job done at the center position, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals, in 29 minutes per game. The Jazz average 117.9 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average of 115.8 points.
The Bucks (20-8) are coming off a 41-point blowout loss in Memphis on Thursday, which marked their second loss in the last three games. They hope to get back on track at home and add to their 13-3 home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 30.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday (illness) missed the last two games but is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. He averages 19.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Bobby Portis continues his impressive play, averaging 14.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Khris Middleton (knee) is listed as out. The Bucks average 112.2 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.8 points, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (17-14) are coming off back-to-back home wins over the Pelicans. They will look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a three-game road trip with a chance to build on their 6-9 road record. Lauri Markkanen continues his solid play, averaging 22.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Jordan Clarkson is coming off a 39-point outing and is averages 20.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Kelly Olynyk gets the job done at the center position, averaging 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals, in 29 minutes per game. The Jazz average 117.9 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average of 115.8 points.
Thunder Host Grizzlies on Saturday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Paycom Arena on Saturday.
The Grizzlies (19-9) are the hottest team in the NBA, winning seven straight and nine of their last 10 games in total. It culminated in one of the best performances in Memphis' franchise history on Thursday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks by 41 points in their most recent game. They led by 51 points at times in that victory, and it's amazing they did that damage against a dominant team like Milwaukee. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr have been running things for this team, and it's scary that they've been doing this damage without Desmond Bane (toe). That has to concern the rest of the NBA because this is possibly the best team in the Western Conference right now, and Bane will be back sooner rather than later.
The Thunder (11-18) surprised the NBA world with a .500 start through the opening month of the season, but the last two weeks have been on par with preseason expectations. Oklahoma City comes into this matchup amid a five-game losing streak, beating beat by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night in their most recent outing. That means this is the second half of a back-to-back set, and that's a difficult task for any team. It becomes even more worrisome with how shorthanded this team is, playing without Darius Bazley and losing Luguentz Dort in that Friday defeat. There's also a chance some players might rest here, and it'll be interesting to see what this starting lineup ends up looking like.
Memphis has dominated this series over recent years, winning eight of their last 10 games over Oklahoma City. They're also winning those games by an average of 19.1 points per game.
The Grizzlies (19-9) are the hottest team in the NBA, winning seven straight and nine of their last 10 games in total. It culminated in one of the best performances in Memphis' franchise history on Thursday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks by 41 points in their most recent game. They led by 51 points at times in that victory, and it's amazing they did that damage against a dominant team like Milwaukee. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr have been running things for this team, and it's scary that they've been doing this damage without Desmond Bane (toe). That has to concern the rest of the NBA because this is possibly the best team in the Western Conference right now, and Bane will be back sooner rather than later.
The Thunder (11-18) surprised the NBA world with a .500 start through the opening month of the season, but the last two weeks have been on par with preseason expectations. Oklahoma City comes into this matchup amid a five-game losing streak, beating beat by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night in their most recent outing. That means this is the second half of a back-to-back set, and that's a difficult task for any team. It becomes even more worrisome with how shorthanded this team is, playing without Darius Bazley and losing Luguentz Dort in that Friday defeat. There's also a chance some players might rest here, and it'll be interesting to see what this starting lineup ends up looking like.
Memphis has dominated this series over recent years, winning eight of their last 10 games over Oklahoma City. They're also winning those games by an average of 19.1 points per game.
Suns Host Slumping Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Footprint Center on Saturday evening.
The Suns (17-12) snapped a five-game losing streak with a win in their last outing. They look to keep trending in the right direction as they kick off a four-game home stand with the opportunity add to their 12-3 home record. Unfortunately, the Suns continue to deal with injury trouble, as Deandre Ayton (ankle), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Cameron Payne (foot) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Devin Booker averages 26.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals and is back in the lineup for his second game after a two-game absence. Chris Paul averages 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.5 steals, while Mikal Bridges averages 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals. The Suns average 115.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.7 points.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (18-10) are coming off back-to-back losses in Utah, and they hope to turn things around on the third and final game of a road trip, with the chance to build on their 6-7 road record. They remain without Brandon Ingram (toe), while Jose Alvarado (ribs) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action on Saturday. Zion Williamson has kept up his strong play, averaging 28.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. CJ McCollum averages 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Pelicans average 117.4 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 111.8 points.
The Suns (17-12) snapped a five-game losing streak with a win in their last outing. They look to keep trending in the right direction as they kick off a four-game home stand with the opportunity add to their 12-3 home record. Unfortunately, the Suns continue to deal with injury trouble, as Deandre Ayton (ankle), Cameron Johnson (knee) and Cameron Payne (foot) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Devin Booker averages 26.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals and is back in the lineup for his second game after a two-game absence. Chris Paul averages 10.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.5 steals, while Mikal Bridges averages 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals. The Suns average 115.3 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.7 points.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (18-10) are coming off back-to-back losses in Utah, and they hope to turn things around on the third and final game of a road trip, with the chance to build on their 6-7 road record. They remain without Brandon Ingram (toe), while Jose Alvarado (ribs) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action on Saturday. Zion Williamson has kept up his strong play, averaging 28.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. CJ McCollum averages 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 13.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Pelicans average 117.4 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 111.8 points.