Magic and Celtics Set for Rematch
The Orlando Magic takes on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Magic (10-20) has suddenly caught fire after a dismal first 25 games of the season, as they'll come into Sunday's contest with five consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Friday night against this same Celtics squad in the form of a 117-109 road victory. Moritz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Paolo Banchero delivered 20 points, five boards, five assists and one steal. Franz Wagner furnished 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony supplied 14 points, five boards and three assists. Markelle Fultz totaled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
The Magic are expected to list Chuma Okeke (knee), Wendell Carter (foot), Gary Harris (hamstring) and Jalen Suggs (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game. Jonathan Isaac (knee) will remain out.
The Celtics' (22-8) loss to the Magic on Friday night was Boston's third in the last four games, making it the worst stretch of their season thus far. In the defeat, Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown provided 26 points, four boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Smart registered 10 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Celtics will come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
The Magic (10-20) has suddenly caught fire after a dismal first 25 games of the season, as they'll come into Sunday's contest with five consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Friday night against this same Celtics squad in the form of a 117-109 road victory. Moritz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Paolo Banchero delivered 20 points, five boards, five assists and one steal. Franz Wagner furnished 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony supplied 14 points, five boards and three assists. Markelle Fultz totaled 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
The Magic are expected to list Chuma Okeke (knee), Wendell Carter (foot), Gary Harris (hamstring) and Jalen Suggs (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game. Jonathan Isaac (knee) will remain out.
The Celtics' (22-8) loss to the Magic on Friday night was Boston's third in the last four games, making it the worst stretch of their season thus far. In the defeat, Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown provided 26 points, four boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 15 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Smart registered 10 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Celtics will come into Sunday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
Knicks and Pacers Face Off in Midwest Clash
The New York Knicks take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (16-13) check into Sunday's game in the midst of their best stretch of the season, as they've rattled off six straight wins. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they notched a convincing 114-91 win over the Chicago Bulls. R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes posted matching 22-point, two-rebound tallies, with Brunson adding six assists and three steals. Julius Randle generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and one block.
The Knicks will remain without Obi Toppin (lower leg) for Sunday's game.
The Pacers (15-15), in contrast, have been in much poorer form than their opponent of late, losing three of the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a 118-112 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton followed with a 17-point, 14-assist double-double that included three steals and two blocks. Buddy Hield and Aaron Nesmith generated matching 14-point tallies while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Isaiah Jackson delivered 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pacers are expected to list Chris Duarte (ankle) as a game-time decision. Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) will remain out.
Sunday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two clubs split the 2021-22 four-game regular-season series.
The Knicks (16-13) check into Sunday's game in the midst of their best stretch of the season, as they've rattled off six straight wins. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they notched a convincing 114-91 win over the Chicago Bulls. R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes posted matching 22-point, two-rebound tallies, with Brunson adding six assists and three steals. Julius Randle generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three steals and one block.
The Knicks will remain without Obi Toppin (lower leg) for Sunday's game.
The Pacers (15-15), in contrast, have been in much poorer form than their opponent of late, losing three of the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a 118-112 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 22 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton followed with a 17-point, 14-assist double-double that included three steals and two blocks. Buddy Hield and Aaron Nesmith generated matching 14-point tallies while adding five assists and four rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double. Isaiah Jackson delivered 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pacers are expected to list Chris Duarte (ankle) as a game-time decision. Kendall Brown (leg) and Daniel Theis (knee) will remain out.
Sunday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The two clubs split the 2021-22 four-game regular-season series.
Slumping Pistons Host Streaking Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
The Pistons (8-23) dropped four of their last five games, but hope to get back on track in the second game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to improve on their 4-10 home record. Bojan Bogdanovic leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Jaden Ivey is averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals, while Isaiah Stewart is averaging 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Jalen Duren has also been playing great lately, averaging 9.4 points, 14.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists over the last five games. The Pistons average 111.0 points per game, but they are giving up 117.7 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Nets (18-12) won nine of their last 10 games and have a chance to continue building on their 8-7 road record, as they look to close up a four-game trip undefeated. They are coming off a hard-fought win in Toronto on Friday, where Kyrie Irving stepped up with the last-second three for the win. Irving is averaging 25.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 29.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 blocks, while Nicolas Claxton averages 11.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. The Nets average 112.7 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 111.1 points. Patty Mills (illness) missed the last two games and doubtful to play on Sunday.
The Pistons (8-23) dropped four of their last five games, but hope to get back on track in the second game of a three-game home stand, with a chance to improve on their 4-10 home record. Bojan Bogdanovic leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Jaden Ivey is averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals, while Isaiah Stewart is averaging 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Jalen Duren has also been playing great lately, averaging 9.4 points, 14.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists over the last five games. The Pistons average 111.0 points per game, but they are giving up 117.7 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Nets (18-12) won nine of their last 10 games and have a chance to continue building on their 8-7 road record, as they look to close up a four-game trip undefeated. They are coming off a hard-fought win in Toronto on Friday, where Kyrie Irving stepped up with the last-second three for the win. Irving is averaging 25.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 29.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 blocks, while Nicolas Claxton averages 11.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. The Nets average 112.7 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 111.1 points. Patty Mills (illness) missed the last two games and doubtful to play on Sunday.
Slumping Raptors Host Hobbled Warriors
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Golden State Warriors at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The Raptors (13-16) have dropped four in a row but hope to turn things around as they face the third and final game of a home stand, with the chance to build on their 10-5 home record. They continue to deal with a number of injuries, as Gary Trent (quadriceps) is listed as questionable, while Precious Achiuwa (ankle), Otto Porter (toe) and O.G. Anunoby (hip) are out. Fred VanVleet is coming off back-to-back 39-point outings and is averaging 28.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.0 steals over the last five games. Pascal Siakam averages 24.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals, while Scottie Barnes is averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. The Raptors average 111.5 points per game and are giving up an average of 110.8 points.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (14-16) dropped five of their last six games and continue to deal with injury trouble, as Draymond Green (quadriceps) and Andrew Wiggins (groin) are listed as questionable, while Stephen Curry (shoulder) will be sidelined. They face the fourth game of a six-game road trip, looking to improve on their 2-14 road record. Jordan Poole averages 18.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists and will have to step up in the absence of Curry. Klay Thompson is also up for an emphasized role on offense, while he averages 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Donte DiVincenzo has also been playing great lately, averaging 11.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Warriors average 117.0 points per game but are giving up an average of 116.8 points.
The Raptors (13-16) have dropped four in a row but hope to turn things around as they face the third and final game of a home stand, with the chance to build on their 10-5 home record. They continue to deal with a number of injuries, as Gary Trent (quadriceps) is listed as questionable, while Precious Achiuwa (ankle), Otto Porter (toe) and O.G. Anunoby (hip) are out. Fred VanVleet is coming off back-to-back 39-point outings and is averaging 28.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.0 steals over the last five games. Pascal Siakam averages 24.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals, while Scottie Barnes is averaging 14.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. The Raptors average 111.5 points per game and are giving up an average of 110.8 points.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (14-16) dropped five of their last six games and continue to deal with injury trouble, as Draymond Green (quadriceps) and Andrew Wiggins (groin) are listed as questionable, while Stephen Curry (shoulder) will be sidelined. They face the fourth game of a six-game road trip, looking to improve on their 2-14 road record. Jordan Poole averages 18.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists and will have to step up in the absence of Curry. Klay Thompson is also up for an emphasized role on offense, while he averages 18.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Donte DiVincenzo has also been playing great lately, averaging 11.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Warriors average 117.0 points per game but are giving up an average of 116.8 points.
T'Wolves Host Bulls on Sunday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Chicago Bulls at Target Center on Sunday.
The Bulls (11-17) have been one of the biggest disappointments of the NBA, losing six of their last eight games. They were still below .500 when that stretch started, and it's hard to put a finger on what the issue is. The only glaring problem in the stat sheet is the lack of three-point shooting. That's just how this team was built though, and they had success with the same roster last season. The only major missing piece is Lonzo Ball, but there's some thought he won't be ready to play this year after some complications from knee surgery. That's a sad development for such a talented player, and it puts this franchise in a bind. If the losing ways continue, there could be some major changes in the Windy City over the coming months.
The Timberwolves (14-15) have been trying to steady the ship without Karl-Anthony Towns (calf), and they've had mixed results since then. The one issue is that the injuries keep flowing in. D'Angelo Russell and Rudy Gobert are also sidelined right now, but it led to a career night for Naz Reid on Friday. The big man scored 28 points in that victory over Oklahoma City, and he's always proven to be an elite talent in limited minutes. The good news is that Russell and Gobert are expected back in the coming days, and both guys could be ready to suit up here. The simple fact is, this team won't win many games until their three best players are fully healthy.
Chicago swept the two-game season series last year, with both games having over 244 combined points. No team has scored less than 117 points in the last four meetings between these teams.
The Bulls (11-17) have been one of the biggest disappointments of the NBA, losing six of their last eight games. They were still below .500 when that stretch started, and it's hard to put a finger on what the issue is. The only glaring problem in the stat sheet is the lack of three-point shooting. That's just how this team was built though, and they had success with the same roster last season. The only major missing piece is Lonzo Ball, but there's some thought he won't be ready to play this year after some complications from knee surgery. That's a sad development for such a talented player, and it puts this franchise in a bind. If the losing ways continue, there could be some major changes in the Windy City over the coming months.
The Timberwolves (14-15) have been trying to steady the ship without Karl-Anthony Towns (calf), and they've had mixed results since then. The one issue is that the injuries keep flowing in. D'Angelo Russell and Rudy Gobert are also sidelined right now, but it led to a career night for Naz Reid on Friday. The big man scored 28 points in that victory over Oklahoma City, and he's always proven to be an elite talent in limited minutes. The good news is that Russell and Gobert are expected back in the coming days, and both guys could be ready to suit up here. The simple fact is, this team won't win many games until their three best players are fully healthy.
Chicago swept the two-game season series last year, with both games having over 244 combined points. No team has scored less than 117 points in the last four meetings between these teams.
Nuggets Host Hornets on Sunday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Ball Arena on Sunday.
The Hornets (7-22) come into this matchup amid a seven-game losing streak, possessing the worst record in the NBA. Most people had the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder or Detroit Pistons pegged as the worst team at the beginning of the season, and it's sad to see Charlotte take such a steep decline. The injuries have been the primary reason for the struggles, but reinforcements are on the way. LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward both returned from injuries this week, and it'll surely end that losing streak sooner rather than later. There's too much talent on this roster to have 22 losses through 29 games, and it'll be interesting to see if changes are on the way for this underperforming team.
The Nuggets (17-11) have been much better over the last two weeks, winning three of their last four games. With that said, they did lose to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, and it's hard to understand why they played so poorly. The defense is the thing that let them down, with the Nuggets sitting 26th in defensive efficiency. That's an inexcusable mark from a title contender, but that looks like it's going to be an issue all season. The good news is that the offense ranks second in offensive efficiency ratings, and that'll remain the case as long as Nikola Jokic continues his MVP ways. If the MVP is fully healthy, this team will always be competitive.
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the road team winning both meetings. With that said, the Nuggets have won six of their last seven games in this series.
The Hornets (7-22) come into this matchup amid a seven-game losing streak, possessing the worst record in the NBA. Most people had the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder or Detroit Pistons pegged as the worst team at the beginning of the season, and it's sad to see Charlotte take such a steep decline. The injuries have been the primary reason for the struggles, but reinforcements are on the way. LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward both returned from injuries this week, and it'll surely end that losing streak sooner rather than later. There's too much talent on this roster to have 22 losses through 29 games, and it'll be interesting to see if changes are on the way for this underperforming team.
The Nuggets (17-11) have been much better over the last two weeks, winning three of their last four games. With that said, they did lose to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, and it's hard to understand why they played so poorly. The defense is the thing that let them down, with the Nuggets sitting 26th in defensive efficiency. That's an inexcusable mark from a title contender, but that looks like it's going to be an issue all season. The good news is that the offense ranks second in offensive efficiency ratings, and that'll remain the case as long as Nikola Jokic continues his MVP ways. If the MVP is fully healthy, this team will always be competitive.
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the road team winning both meetings. With that said, the Nuggets have won six of their last seven games in this series.
Lakers Aim To Start Winning Run, Host Wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Washington Wizards at crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Lakers (12-16) are coming off a 126-108 home win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. They were led by LeBron James, who finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on 13-of-20 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 15 points, three assists and two steals. Patrick Beverley provided 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Thomas Bryant led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double off the bench, collecting 15 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. The Lakers have been struggling of late despite this win, and they’ve gone 2-4 in their last six contests.
Anthony Davis (foot), Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and Cole Swider (foot) are game-time decisions for Sunday, while Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) is out.
The Wizards (11-19) suffered yet another loss on the road and were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers by a 102-93 score on Saturday. Kristaps Porzingis was the best player for the Wizards with 29 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Deni Avdija ended with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kyle Kuzma had 17 points and six rebounds, and Monte Morris delivered 12 points, five assists and three rebounds across 31 minutes. Will Barton had a strong game off the bench and finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes. The Wizards have now gone 3-12 on the road and have lost nine in a row.
Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) have all been tipped as out for Sunday’s game.
The Lakers (12-16) are coming off a 126-108 home win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. They were led by LeBron James, who finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals on 13-of-20 from the field. Dennis Schroder generated 15 points, three assists and two steals. Patrick Beverley provided 10 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Thomas Bryant led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and two steals. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double off the bench, collecting 15 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. The Lakers have been struggling of late despite this win, and they’ve gone 2-4 in their last six contests.
Anthony Davis (foot), Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder) and Cole Swider (foot) are game-time decisions for Sunday, while Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) is out.
The Wizards (11-19) suffered yet another loss on the road and were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers by a 102-93 score on Saturday. Kristaps Porzingis was the best player for the Wizards with 29 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Deni Avdija ended with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kyle Kuzma had 17 points and six rebounds, and Monte Morris delivered 12 points, five assists and three rebounds across 31 minutes. Will Barton had a strong game off the bench and finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists across 23 minutes. The Wizards have now gone 3-12 on the road and have lost nine in a row.
Bradley Beal (hamstring), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Delon Wright (hamstring) have all been tipped as out for Sunday’s game.