Knicks Aim To Extend Winning Run, Host Nuggets
The New York Knicks will host the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
The Knicks (41-30) are coming off a 123-107 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. They were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett generated 22 points and five rebounds. Miles McBride led the bench with 18 points, three assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart had 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. New York has gone 19-16 at home and enters this game on a two-game winning run.
The Nuggets (47-23) are coming off a 119-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double and finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists and six boards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 20 points, three steals and two assists. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 15 points, and Gordon also added eight rebounds. Denver has gone 17-17 on the road so far and enters this game on the heels of snapping a four-game losing streak.
The Knicks (41-30) are coming off a 123-107 road win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. They were led by Immanuel Quickley, collecting 26 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle registered 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. RJ Barrett generated 22 points and five rebounds. Miles McBride led the bench with 18 points, three assists and two blocks, while Josh Hart had 16 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. New York has gone 19-16 at home and enters this game on a two-game winning run.
The Nuggets (47-23) are coming off a 119-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Nikola Jokic came close to a triple-double and finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Jamal Murray contributed 19 points, 10 assists and six boards. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope recorded 20 points, three steals and two assists. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. each had 15 points, and Gordon also added eight rebounds. Denver has gone 17-17 on the road so far and enters this game on the heels of snapping a four-game losing streak.
Clippers Host Magic Looking To Extend Streak
The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Orlando Magic at crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Clippers (37-33) are coming off a 134-126 home win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. They were led by Kawhi Leonard, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Paul George provided 24 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 19 points, 16 rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook accumulated 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Terance Mann led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Clippers have gone 19-15 at home and enter this game on the heels of a four-game winning streak.
The Magic (28-42) are coming off a 116-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. They were led by Markelle Fultz, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals on 11-of-17 shooting. Paolo Banchero provided 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wendell Carter tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Franz Wagner had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Magic have been struggling of late and enter this game having lost four of their last five games. Orlando also has gone 12-23 on the road.
The Clippers (37-33) are coming off a 134-126 home win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. They were led by Kawhi Leonard, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Paul George provided 24 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Ivica Zubac amassed 19 points, 16 rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook accumulated 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Terance Mann led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Clippers have gone 19-15 at home and enter this game on the heels of a four-game winning streak.
The Magic (28-42) are coming off a 116-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. They were led by Markelle Fultz, collecting 25 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals on 11-of-17 shooting. Paolo Banchero provided 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wendell Carter tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Franz Wagner had 16 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Magic have been struggling of late and enter this game having lost four of their last five games. Orlando also has gone 12-23 on the road.
76ers and Pacers Battle in Indy
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The 76ers (47-22) come into Saturday's contest running hot, as they've rattled off seven straight victories. Their most recent win was particularly lopsided, as they decimated the Charlotte Hornets by a 121-82 score Friday night. Joel Embiid led the way with a 38-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and four blocks. Tobias Harris furnished 18 points, five rebounds and one steal. Tyrese Maxey managed 13 points, two boards and two assists. Shake Milton turned in 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. James Harden pitched in an 11-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
The 76ers will likely list Jalen McDaniels (hip) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game.
The Pacers (32-38) are still fighting for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, and they're starting to build some momentum with three wins in the last four contests. Indiana's most recent win was one of its noteworthy of the season, as they fashioned a 139-123 road upset of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night despite being down multiple key players. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 24 points, adding five assists and one rebound. Aaron Nesmith registered 22 points, five boards and one block. Buddy Hield totaled 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. T.J. McConnell contributed a 19-point, 12-assist double-double, while George Hill, Jordan Nwora and Myles Turner produced 15, 12 and 11 points, respectively. Nwora and Turner also recorded nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton (knee), Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) and Chris Duarte (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead.
The 76ers (47-22) come into Saturday's contest running hot, as they've rattled off seven straight victories. Their most recent win was particularly lopsided, as they decimated the Charlotte Hornets by a 121-82 score Friday night. Joel Embiid led the way with a 38-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and four blocks. Tobias Harris furnished 18 points, five rebounds and one steal. Tyrese Maxey managed 13 points, two boards and two assists. Shake Milton turned in 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. James Harden pitched in an 11-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
The 76ers will likely list Jalen McDaniels (hip) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game.
The Pacers (32-38) are still fighting for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, and they're starting to build some momentum with three wins in the last four contests. Indiana's most recent win was one of its noteworthy of the season, as they fashioned a 139-123 road upset of the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night despite being down multiple key players. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 24 points, adding five assists and one rebound. Aaron Nesmith registered 22 points, five boards and one block. Buddy Hield totaled 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. T.J. McConnell contributed a 19-point, 12-assist double-double, while George Hill, Jordan Nwora and Myles Turner produced 15, 12 and 11 points, respectively. Nwora and Turner also recorded nine and eight rebounds, respectively.
The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton (knee), Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) and Chris Duarte (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead.
Timberwolves and Raptors Clash North of the Border
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
The Timberwolves (35-36) are fighting to remain relevant in the Western Conference playoff picture, but they'll enter Saturday's interconference showdown having lost four of their last five games. Minnesota's most recent stumble was an exhausting one, a 139-131 double-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Mike Conley led the Timberwolves with 28 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Jaden McDaniels supplied 25 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 21-point, 19-rebound double-double that included one assist and five blocks. Naz Reid turned in 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson posted an 11-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves will likely list Edwards (ankle) and Jaylen Nowell (knee) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) will remain out.
The Raptors (34-36) similarly profile as a borderline postseason candidate over in the Eastern Conference, and they'll head into Saturday's game with back-to-back wins to aid their cause. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they toppled by a 128-111 score Thursday night. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Gary Trent pitched in 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet mustered matching 19-point, six-assist tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. VanVleet added four steals. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Raptors will remain without Dalano Blanton (thumb) for Saturday's game. Christian Koloko (nose) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Timberwolves (35-36) are fighting to remain relevant in the Western Conference playoff picture, but they'll enter Saturday's interconference showdown having lost four of their last five games. Minnesota's most recent stumble was an exhausting one, a 139-131 double-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday night. Mike Conley led the Timberwolves with 28 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Jaden McDaniels supplied 25 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 21-point, 19-rebound double-double that included one assist and five blocks. Naz Reid turned in 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson posted an 11-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves will likely list Edwards (ankle) and Jaylen Nowell (knee) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) will remain out.
The Raptors (34-36) similarly profile as a borderline postseason candidate over in the Eastern Conference, and they'll head into Saturday's game with back-to-back wins to aid their cause. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they toppled by a 128-111 score Thursday night. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 25-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Gary Trent pitched in 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet mustered matching 19-point, six-assist tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. VanVleet added four steals. O.G. Anunoby posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Raptors will remain without Dalano Blanton (thumb) for Saturday's game. Christian Koloko (nose) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 1-0 series lead.
Bulls Look To Stay Strong On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Miami Heat at United Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (32-37), after an eight-point home win in overtime against the Timberwolves on Friday evening. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 49 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 52 minutes of action. Zach LaVine followed up with 39 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. The Bulls will look to keep rolling after three wins in four games. They face the third and final game of a home stand, with a chance to improve on their, 19-16, home record.
Meanwhile, the Heat (38-33) have won two in a row and six of their last 10 games. They will look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 14-20, road record. Jimmy Butler leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Bam Adebayo averages 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Tyler Herro is averaging 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. The Heat average a league-low, 109.1 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.6 points per game. Cody Zeller (nose) remains questionable for action.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (32-37), after an eight-point home win in overtime against the Timberwolves on Friday evening. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 49 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 52 minutes of action. Zach LaVine followed up with 39 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. The Bulls will look to keep rolling after three wins in four games. They face the third and final game of a home stand, with a chance to improve on their, 19-16, home record.
Meanwhile, the Heat (38-33) have won two in a row and six of their last 10 games. They will look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 14-20, road record. Jimmy Butler leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Bam Adebayo averages 21.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Tyler Herro is averaging 20.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. The Heat average a league-low, 109.1 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.6 points per game. Cody Zeller (nose) remains questionable for action.
Wizards Host Streaking Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Sacramento Kings, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (32-38), after a 23-point loss in Cleveland on Friday. They got out to a slow start in the game and trailed by 17 points at halftime. They could not recover in the second half and fell short for their fourth loss in five games. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Kristaps Porzingis averages 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks, while Kyle Kuzma is averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The Wizards hope to get back on track as they face an opportunity to add to their, 16-17, home record.
Meanwhile, the Kings (42-27) have won two in a row and five of their last six games. They hope to keep the momentum going on the third game of a four-game road trip, where they have a chance to improve on their, 21-13, road record. De'Aaron Fox continues to lead the team, averaging 25.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis is coming off a massive outing, where he totaled 24 points, 21 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, and he is averaging 19.0 points, 12.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists on the season. Harrison Barnes averages 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. The Kings average a league-high 120.9 points per game, and they give up an average of 118.2 points against. Kevin Huerter (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (32-38), after a 23-point loss in Cleveland on Friday. They got out to a slow start in the game and trailed by 17 points at halftime. They could not recover in the second half and fell short for their fourth loss in five games. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Kristaps Porzingis averages 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks, while Kyle Kuzma is averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The Wizards hope to get back on track as they face an opportunity to add to their, 16-17, home record.
Meanwhile, the Kings (42-27) have won two in a row and five of their last six games. They hope to keep the momentum going on the third game of a four-game road trip, where they have a chance to improve on their, 21-13, road record. De'Aaron Fox continues to lead the team, averaging 25.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis is coming off a massive outing, where he totaled 24 points, 21 rebounds, five assists and four blocks, and he is averaging 19.0 points, 12.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists on the season. Harrison Barnes averages 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. The Kings average a league-high 120.9 points per game, and they give up an average of 118.2 points against. Kevin Huerter (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action.
Grizzlies Host Warriors on Saturday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Golden State Warriors at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
The Warriors (36-35) have been tough to figure out. While they've been one of the best teams in the NBA at home, they've been equally bad on the road. In fact, Golden State has a 7-28 record outside of Chase Center and comes into this matchup losing nine straight road games. That's hard to fathom for the defending champs, but the home form has kept this team's season alive. The Warriors sit sixth in the Western Conference but are just two games up on the teams in 11th and 12th. That shows just how convoluted this conference is right now, and anything can happen over the closing four weeks. This club doesn't want to fall into the play-in, but missing the playoffs altogether isn't out of the realm of possibility either.
The Grizzlies (42-27) looked to be in big trouble when they lost Ja Morant two weeks ago, but they come into this matchup winning four of their last five games without him. The NBA also decided to hand the All-Star an eight-game suspension, which means he could be ready to return sometime next week. Getting a dynamic player like that would be massive for this club, but it's been nice seeing them play well without him. It looks like the Grizzlies are locked into either second or third in the west, sitting 0.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings in second. They're also 4.5 games up on the team in fourth and it's a successful season no matter what's happened off the floor.
This is is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three.
The Warriors (36-35) have been tough to figure out. While they've been one of the best teams in the NBA at home, they've been equally bad on the road. In fact, Golden State has a 7-28 record outside of Chase Center and comes into this matchup losing nine straight road games. That's hard to fathom for the defending champs, but the home form has kept this team's season alive. The Warriors sit sixth in the Western Conference but are just two games up on the teams in 11th and 12th. That shows just how convoluted this conference is right now, and anything can happen over the closing four weeks. This club doesn't want to fall into the play-in, but missing the playoffs altogether isn't out of the realm of possibility either.
The Grizzlies (42-27) looked to be in big trouble when they lost Ja Morant two weeks ago, but they come into this matchup winning four of their last five games without him. The NBA also decided to hand the All-Star an eight-game suspension, which means he could be ready to return sometime next week. Getting a dynamic player like that would be massive for this club, but it's been nice seeing them play well without him. It looks like the Grizzlies are locked into either second or third in the west, sitting 0.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings in second. They're also 4.5 games up on the team in fourth and it's a successful season no matter what's happened off the floor.
This is is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three.
Jazz Host Celtics on Saturday
The Boston Celtics travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
The Celtics (49-22) are in the middle of a west coast road trip, but they come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. The only issue is that they lost four of five before this run, and it dropped Boston out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. It'll be tough for them to recapture that spot, too, because Milwaukee is now 1.5 games up after ripping off one of the lengthiest winning streaks of the year. The Philadelphia 76ers are hot on their heels as well, sitting just 2.5 games behind in third. These three teams looked locked into the top-three seeds, but having homecourt could be a massive boost in the postseason.
The Jazz (33-36) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games. That poor stretch is putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy, with Utah sitting 11th in the Western Conference. The good news is that they're only 0.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers in 10th and 11th. For the Jazz to even be in this spot is quite a miracle because everyone thought this was a rebuilding year for this club. They got rid of Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert in the offseason, but this new core with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler looks dangerous for years to come. They also have numerous first-round picks in the coming years, and not many franchises could have turned things around this quickly.
These teams played twice last year, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, Utah has won four of its last five meetings in this series.
The Celtics (49-22) are in the middle of a west coast road trip, but they come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. The only issue is that they lost four of five before this run, and it dropped Boston out of the top spot in the Eastern Conference. It'll be tough for them to recapture that spot, too, because Milwaukee is now 1.5 games up after ripping off one of the lengthiest winning streaks of the year. The Philadelphia 76ers are hot on their heels as well, sitting just 2.5 games behind in third. These three teams looked locked into the top-three seeds, but having homecourt could be a massive boost in the postseason.
The Jazz (33-36) come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games. That poor stretch is putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy, with Utah sitting 11th in the Western Conference. The good news is that they're only 0.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers in 10th and 11th. For the Jazz to even be in this spot is quite a miracle because everyone thought this was a rebuilding year for this club. They got rid of Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert in the offseason, but this new core with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler looks dangerous for years to come. They also have numerous first-round picks in the coming years, and not many franchises could have turned things around this quickly.
These teams played twice last year, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, Utah has won four of its last five meetings in this series.