Celtics Host Pacers In Eastern Conference Matchup
The Boston Celtics will host the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on Friday.
The Celtics (50-23) are coming off a 132-109 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. They were led by Jayson Tatum, who recorded 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown finished with 27 points, five rebounds and four assists. Derrick White had 20 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while Marcus Smart accrued 17 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Boston has gone 26-9 at home and enters this contest having won three of its last four.
The Celtics have listed Payton Pritchard (heel) and Danilo Gallinari (knee) as out.
The Pacers (33-40) are coming off a 118-114 road win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner furnished 16 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. McConnell compiled 14 points, seven assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield went for 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. The Pacers have gone 14-23 on the road this season and enter this game having lost three of their last five.
Tyrese Haliburton (knee) and Chris Duarte (ankle) have been tabbed as game-time decisions for Friday’s contest. Kendall Brown (lower leg) is out for the season.
The Celtics (50-23) are coming off a 132-109 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. They were led by Jayson Tatum, who recorded 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown finished with 27 points, five rebounds and four assists. Derrick White had 20 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while Marcus Smart accrued 17 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Boston has gone 26-9 at home and enters this contest having won three of its last four.
The Celtics have listed Payton Pritchard (heel) and Danilo Gallinari (knee) as out.
The Pacers (33-40) are coming off a 118-114 road win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Myles Turner furnished 16 points, seven boards, three assists and one block. Bennedict Mathurin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. McConnell compiled 14 points, seven assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Buddy Hield went for 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. The Pacers have gone 14-23 on the road this season and enter this game having lost three of their last five.
Tyrese Haliburton (knee) and Chris Duarte (ankle) have been tabbed as game-time decisions for Friday’s contest. Kendall Brown (lower leg) is out for the season.
Wizards Host Spurs In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Washington Wizards will host the San Antonio Spurs at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (32-41) are coming off a 118-104 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis posted 25 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Wizards. Deni Avdija delivered 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Goodwin posted 12 points and four rebounds. Corey Kispert delivered nine points and three rebounds. Monte Morris notched eight points, five assists and two rebounds. The Wizards have gone 16-19 at home this season and enter this game having lost four in a row.
The Wizards have listed Bradley Beal (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) as game-time calls for Friday.
The Spurs (19-54) are coming off a 130-94 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Keita Bates-Diop followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Jeremy Sochan added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Sandro Mamukelashvili and Zach Collins chipped in 12 points each. The Spurs have gone 6-29 on the road this season and enter this matchup having lost four of their last five.
The Spurs are listing several players as game-time calls for Friday. The list includes Doug McDermott (hip), Khem Birch (knee), Devonte’ Graham (quadriceps), Romeo Langford (thigh), Keldon Johnson (neck) and Tre Jones (rest). Charles Bassey (kneecap) is out for the rest of the season.
The Wizards (32-41) are coming off a 118-104 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis posted 25 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Wizards. Deni Avdija delivered 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jordan Goodwin posted 12 points and four rebounds. Corey Kispert delivered nine points and three rebounds. Monte Morris notched eight points, five assists and two rebounds. The Wizards have gone 16-19 at home this season and enter this game having lost four in a row.
The Wizards have listed Bradley Beal (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) as game-time calls for Friday.
The Spurs (19-54) are coming off a 130-94 road loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Keita Bates-Diop followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Jeremy Sochan added 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Sandro Mamukelashvili and Zach Collins chipped in 12 points each. The Spurs have gone 6-29 on the road this season and enter this matchup having lost four of their last five.
The Spurs are listing several players as game-time calls for Friday. The list includes Doug McDermott (hip), Khem Birch (knee), Devonte’ Graham (quadriceps), Romeo Langford (thigh), Keldon Johnson (neck) and Tre Jones (rest). Charles Bassey (kneecap) is out for the rest of the season.
Pistons and Raptors Clash North of the Border
The Detroit Pistons take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Pistons (16-57) are finishing off another disappointing season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having lost four consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they took a 129-107 thumping from the Atlanta Hawks. Marvin Bagley paced the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Killian Hayes delivered 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. Jaden Ivey supplied 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. Cory Joseph managed 12 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Pistons will remain without Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles), Alec Burks (foot), Hamidou Diallo (ankle), Rodney McGruder (foot) and Isaiah Stewart (shoulder/hip) for Friday's game. Isaiah Livers (hip) will carry a probable tag.
The Raptors (35-38) remain in the midst of a playoff push, but they've been their own worst enemy of late with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers by a 118-114 score. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Fred VanVleet mustered a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Jakob Poeltl delivered 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher registered 11 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Raptors will list Scottie Barnes (wrist), Gary Trent (elbow), Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) and Joe Weiskamp (hamstring) as questionable for Friday's contest. Dalano Blanton (thumb) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 3-0 series lead.
The Pistons (16-57) are finishing off another disappointing season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having lost four consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they took a 129-107 thumping from the Atlanta Hawks. Marvin Bagley paced the Pistons with 31 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Killian Hayes delivered 21 points, six assists and two rebounds. Jaden Ivey supplied 17 points, five assists and four rebounds. Cory Joseph managed 12 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The Pistons will remain without Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles), Alec Burks (foot), Hamidou Diallo (ankle), Rodney McGruder (foot) and Isaiah Stewart (shoulder/hip) for Friday's game. Isaiah Livers (hip) will carry a probable tag.
The Raptors (35-38) remain in the midst of a playoff push, but they've been their own worst enemy of late with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers by a 118-114 score. Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Fred VanVleet mustered a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Jakob Poeltl delivered 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher registered 11 points, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Raptors will list Scottie Barnes (wrist), Gary Trent (elbow), Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) and Joe Weiskamp (hamstring) as questionable for Friday's contest. Dalano Blanton (thumb) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 3-0 series lead.
Rockets and Grizzlies Clash in Memphis
The Houston Rockets take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Rockets (18-55) are in the final stages of a disappointing campaign, and they'll enter Friday's game with three consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble occurred Wednesday night, when they fell to these same Memphis Grizzlies by a 130-125 score. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Kenyon Martin furnished 31 points, six boards and two blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jabari Smith registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Porter generated a 14-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal.
The Rockets will be without Jae'Sean Tate (knee) for Friday's game.
The Grizzlies' (45-27) win over Houston on Wednesday was their fourth straight and also marked the return of Ja Morant from a nine-game absence. Against the Rockets, Jaren Jackson paced the Memphis with 37 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane contributed 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Morant finished with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyus Jones registered 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Luke Kennard and David Roddy generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down four and three rebounds, respectively.
The Grizzlies will remain without Steven Adams (knee), Ziaire Williams (foot) and Vince Williams (shoulder) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Grizzlies own a 3-0 series lead.
The Rockets (18-55) are in the final stages of a disappointing campaign, and they'll enter Friday's game with three consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble occurred Wednesday night, when they fell to these same Memphis Grizzlies by a 130-125 score. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds and three assists. Kenyon Martin furnished 31 points, six boards and two blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jabari Smith registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kevin Porter generated a 14-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal.
The Rockets will be without Jae'Sean Tate (knee) for Friday's game.
The Grizzlies' (45-27) win over Houston on Wednesday was their fourth straight and also marked the return of Ja Morant from a nine-game absence. Against the Rockets, Jaren Jackson paced the Memphis with 37 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Desmond Bane contributed 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Morant finished with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyus Jones registered 14 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Luke Kennard and David Roddy generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down four and three rebounds, respectively.
The Grizzlies will remain without Steven Adams (knee), Ziaire Williams (foot) and Vince Williams (shoulder) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Grizzlies own a 3-0 series lead.
Hornets and Mavericks Set for Interconference Battle
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Friday night.
The Hornets (23-51) come into Friday trying to finish off what has turned into a profoundly disappointing season, and they'll be just 24 hours removed from a 115-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 18 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Svi Mykhailiuk managed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gordon Hayward furnished 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nick Richards compiled nine points, 14 rebounds and one assist.
The Hornets will likely list Terry Rozier (foot), Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and Dennis Smith (illness) as no better than questionable for Friday's game. Mark Williams (thumb) will also likely be labeled as questionable, while Cody Martin (knee) will remain out.
The Mavericks (36-37) continue to jockey for a postseason spot in the West, but they'll enter Friday with back-to-back untimely losses. Their most recent defeat came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Golden State Warriors, 127-125. Making his return from a five-game absence, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 30-point, 17-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one steal. Jaden Hardy went for 27 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Christian Wood furnished 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Bullock netted 15 points. Dwight Powell and Josh Green produced 13 and 12 points, respectively, while pulling down four rebounds apiece.
The Mavericks will list Irving (foot) and Tim Hardaway (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets and Mavericks split the two-game 2021-22 season series.
The Hornets (23-51) come into Friday trying to finish off what has turned into a profoundly disappointing season, and they'll be just 24 hours removed from a 115-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 18 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Svi Mykhailiuk managed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Gordon Hayward furnished 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nick Richards compiled nine points, 14 rebounds and one assist.
The Hornets will likely list Terry Rozier (foot), Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and Dennis Smith (illness) as no better than questionable for Friday's game. Mark Williams (thumb) will also likely be labeled as questionable, while Cody Martin (knee) will remain out.
The Mavericks (36-37) continue to jockey for a postseason spot in the West, but they'll enter Friday with back-to-back untimely losses. Their most recent defeat came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Golden State Warriors, 127-125. Making his return from a five-game absence, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 30-point, 17-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and one steal. Jaden Hardy went for 27 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Christian Wood furnished 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Bullock netted 15 points. Dwight Powell and Josh Green produced 13 and 12 points, respectively, while pulling down four rebounds apiece.
The Mavericks will list Irving (foot) and Tim Hardaway (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Hornets and Mavericks split the two-game 2021-22 season series.
Jazz Host High-Powered Bucks
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz (35-37) hope to bounce back from a loss in their last outing and add to their, 22-14, home record as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jordan Clarkson (finger), Rudy Gay (back), Lauri Markkanen (hand) and Collin Sexton (hamstring) are listed as questionable for action. Kelly Olynyk continues to play well, averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Walker Kessler averages 8.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Kris Dunn has also been playing well lately, averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (52-20) have won four of their last five games and look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a four-game road trip with a chance to build on their, 22-13, road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Jrue Holiday averages 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals, while Brook Lopez is averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bucks average 116.4 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.1 points, which is fifth fewest in the league.
The Jazz (35-37) hope to bounce back from a loss in their last outing and add to their, 22-14, home record as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jordan Clarkson (finger), Rudy Gay (back), Lauri Markkanen (hand) and Collin Sexton (hamstring) are listed as questionable for action. Kelly Olynyk continues to play well, averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Walker Kessler averages 8.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. Kris Dunn has also been playing well lately, averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (52-20) have won four of their last five games and look to keep the momentum going as they kick off a four-game road trip with a chance to build on their, 22-13, road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 31.2 points, 11.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Jrue Holiday averages 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals, while Brook Lopez is averaging 15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bucks average 116.4 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.1 points, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Warriors Kick Off Home Stand Against Dominant 76ers
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The Warriors (38-36) have won two in a row and look to stay on track as they return home to kick off a four-game stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 29-7, home record. Stephen Curry continues to lead the team, averaging 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 21.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Jordan Poole is averaging 20.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. The Warriors average 118.4 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.0 points against. Andrew Wiggins (personal) remains out.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (49-23) have won nine of their last 10 games and hope to keep it rolling on the second game of a four-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 23-12, road record. Joel Embiid (calf) is listed as probable for action, while James Harden (Achilles) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) are questionable. Tobias Harris averages 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tyrese Maxey is averaging 20.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The 76ers average 115.4 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.2 points, which is second fewest in the league.
The Warriors (38-36) have won two in a row and look to stay on track as they return home to kick off a four-game stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 29-7, home record. Stephen Curry continues to lead the team, averaging 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 21.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Jordan Poole is averaging 20.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. The Warriors average 118.4 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.0 points against. Andrew Wiggins (personal) remains out.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (49-23) have won nine of their last 10 games and hope to keep it rolling on the second game of a four-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 23-12, road record. Joel Embiid (calf) is listed as probable for action, while James Harden (Achilles) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) are questionable. Tobias Harris averages 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Tyrese Maxey is averaging 20.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The 76ers average 115.4 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.2 points, which is second fewest in the league.
Trail Blazers Hope To Stay On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Chicago Bulls at Moda Center on Friday evening.
The Trail Blazers (32-40) snapped a six-game slide with a win in their last. outing. They hope to keep the momentum going as they begin a five-game home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-18, home record. Damian Lillard leads the team, averaging 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. Jusuf Nurkic averages 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Drew Eubanks averages 6.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The Trail Blazers average 114.4 points per game, but they give up an average of 116.1 points. Jerami Grant (quadriceps) and Anfernee Simons (foot) are listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (34-38) saw a three-game win streak halted in their last outing but look to get back on track and add to their, 14-21 road record as they kick off a three-game road trip. Zach LaVine averages 24.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while Patrick Williams averages 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. The Bulls average 113.2 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 112.5 points. DeMar DeRozan (quadriceps) exited the last game early and remains questionable for action. Alex Caruso (foot) is also listed as questionable, while Javonte Green (knee) is likely to play.
The Trail Blazers (32-40) snapped a six-game slide with a win in their last. outing. They hope to keep the momentum going as they begin a five-game home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-18, home record. Damian Lillard leads the team, averaging 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. Jusuf Nurkic averages 13.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Drew Eubanks averages 6.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The Trail Blazers average 114.4 points per game, but they give up an average of 116.1 points. Jerami Grant (quadriceps) and Anfernee Simons (foot) are listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (34-38) saw a three-game win streak halted in their last outing but look to get back on track and add to their, 14-21 road record as they kick off a three-game road trip. Zach LaVine averages 24.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.6 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while Patrick Williams averages 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. The Bulls average 113.2 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 112.5 points. DeMar DeRozan (quadriceps) exited the last game early and remains questionable for action. Alex Caruso (foot) is also listed as questionable, while Javonte Green (knee) is likely to play.
Kings Host Suns on Friday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
The Suns (38-34) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games. That poor stretch directly correlates with the Kevin Durant ankle injury, and it's becoming clear just how valuable he is to this team. It's the trade that's really crippled them because missing Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson from that deal hurts just as bad. They've also had to play the last two games without Deandre Ayton, and this club simply won't win many games with so many players missing. It's also putting some of their playoff hopes in jeopardy because the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz are all within 3.5 games. Those clubs are sitting 10th, 11th and 12th, which is scary for the rest of the teams in this conference.
The Kings (43-29) climbed all the way up to second in the west early last week, but they've lost their last two games to forfeit that spot. The Memphis Grizzlies are now two games up on the Kings, and it looks like Sacramento is locked into either second or third. That's quite the accomplishment for a club that hasn't reached the postseason in nearly 20 years, which was the longest streak in the NBA. De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis both earned an All-Star berth this year, and both of those guys have been unstoppable since then. Sabonis is actually just shy of a triple-double average in that span, and it's clear he's going to get some MVP consideration as well.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Phoenix winning two of three. That gives the Suns six wins in their last nine matchups with the Kings in total.
The Suns (38-34) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games. That poor stretch directly correlates with the Kevin Durant ankle injury, and it's becoming clear just how valuable he is to this team. It's the trade that's really crippled them because missing Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson from that deal hurts just as bad. They've also had to play the last two games without Deandre Ayton, and this club simply won't win many games with so many players missing. It's also putting some of their playoff hopes in jeopardy because the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz are all within 3.5 games. Those clubs are sitting 10th, 11th and 12th, which is scary for the rest of the teams in this conference.
The Kings (43-29) climbed all the way up to second in the west early last week, but they've lost their last two games to forfeit that spot. The Memphis Grizzlies are now two games up on the Kings, and it looks like Sacramento is locked into either second or third. That's quite the accomplishment for a club that hasn't reached the postseason in nearly 20 years, which was the longest streak in the NBA. De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis both earned an All-Star berth this year, and both of those guys have been unstoppable since then. Sabonis is actually just shy of a triple-double average in that span, and it's clear he's going to get some MVP consideration as well.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Phoenix winning two of three. That gives the Suns six wins in their last nine matchups with the Kings in total.
Lakers Host Thunder on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Thunder (36-37) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, sitting eighth in the Western Conference standings. Many experts thought this team would battle for lottery balls this year, but the rebuild has come quicker than anyone could have anticipated. Jalen Williams has developed into one of the most dangerous rookies in the NBA, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an all-pro player. That's scary because we haven't even seen Chet Holmgren, and they also have a gluttony of first-round picks in the coming years. They do need to be careful to hold this spot, though, because the New Orleans Pelicans are only 0.5 games behind, sitting 12th in the conference.
The Lakers (36-37) picked up a critical win on Wednesday, moving them into a play-in spot. They're now tied with the Dallas Mavericks for ninth and 10th in the west, which is quite the accomplishment since this club started with a disastrous 2-10 record. They've also been playing much better recently, winning 10 of their last 15 games in total. They've done most of that damage with LeBron James sidelined, and it's unclear when the superstar will be ready to return. Austin Reaves has been one of the best players in his absence, providing a career-high in scoring over the weekend and then dishing out a career-high in assists on Wednesday.
These teams have played twice this season, with the road team splitting those two matchups. That gives the Lakers 11 wins in their last 16 matchups with the Thunder in total.
The Thunder (36-37) have been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, sitting eighth in the Western Conference standings. Many experts thought this team would battle for lottery balls this year, but the rebuild has come quicker than anyone could have anticipated. Jalen Williams has developed into one of the most dangerous rookies in the NBA, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an all-pro player. That's scary because we haven't even seen Chet Holmgren, and they also have a gluttony of first-round picks in the coming years. They do need to be careful to hold this spot, though, because the New Orleans Pelicans are only 0.5 games behind, sitting 12th in the conference.
The Lakers (36-37) picked up a critical win on Wednesday, moving them into a play-in spot. They're now tied with the Dallas Mavericks for ninth and 10th in the west, which is quite the accomplishment since this club started with a disastrous 2-10 record. They've also been playing much better recently, winning 10 of their last 15 games in total. They've done most of that damage with LeBron James sidelined, and it's unclear when the superstar will be ready to return. Austin Reaves has been one of the best players in his absence, providing a career-high in scoring over the weekend and then dishing out a career-high in assists on Wednesday.
These teams have played twice this season, with the road team splitting those two matchups. That gives the Lakers 11 wins in their last 16 matchups with the Thunder in total.