Mavericks, Hornets Collide In Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Hornets (24-51) and the Mavericks (36-38) are meeting once again after crossing paths Friday. During that game, the Hornets looked impressive and established a 14-point lead at the break. Dallas, which had plenty of postseason-related incentive coming in, made a six-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but Charlotte matched Dallas bucket for bucket during the last 12 minutes to record the upset victory. The Mavericks are looking for vengeance and are in dire need of a win.
P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 25 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Dennis Smith and Mark Williams provided matching 13-point contributions while nine assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Smith also posted five boards. The Hornets have gone 12-24 at home this season and enter this game with a 2-3 mark in their last five games.
Meanwhile, when it comes to Dallas, Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving registered 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Christian Wood and Dwight Powell offered matching 14-point, two-assist efforts while posting six and five rebounds, respectively. Dallas has gone 14-22 on the road this season. The Mavericks also enter this matchup on the heels of a three-game losing streak.
The Hornets (24-51) and the Mavericks (36-38) are meeting once again after crossing paths Friday. During that game, the Hornets looked impressive and established a 14-point lead at the break. Dallas, which had plenty of postseason-related incentive coming in, made a six-point dent in their deficit during the third quarter, but Charlotte matched Dallas bucket for bucket during the last 12 minutes to record the upset victory. The Mavericks are looking for vengeance and are in dire need of a win.
P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward furnished 25 points, nine assists and three rebounds. Dennis Smith and Mark Williams provided matching 13-point contributions while nine assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Smith also posted five boards. The Hornets have gone 12-24 at home this season and enter this game with a 2-3 mark in their last five games.
Meanwhile, when it comes to Dallas, Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 34-point, 10-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one block. Kyrie Irving registered 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Christian Wood and Dwight Powell offered matching 14-point, two-assist efforts while posting six and five rebounds, respectively. Dallas has gone 14-22 on the road this season. The Mavericks also enter this matchup on the heels of a three-game losing streak.
Bulls and Lakers Set for Key Interconference Clash
The Chicago Bulls take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls (35-38) come into Sunday's contest trending in the right direction, as they won six of the last 10 contests and currently hold the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they walloped the Portland Trail Blazers by a 124-96 score. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Coby White supplied 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu netted 13 points, while Patrick Williams registered 10 points, three boards, three blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (foot) as questionable and Javonte Green (knee) as out for Sunday's game.
The Lakers (37-37) are in even better recent shape than their opponent, winning three straight games that have helped allow them to grab hold of the No. 8 seed for the time being. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they bested the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 116-111 score. Anthony Davis led the way with a 37-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder provided 21 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Lonnie Walker registered 20 points, four rebounds and three steals. Austin Reaves totaled 11 points, nine assists and six boards.
The Lakers will list Davis (foot) as probable, Russell (hip) as questionable and LeBron James (foot) as doubtful for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
The Bulls (35-38) come into Sunday's contest trending in the right direction, as they won six of the last 10 contests and currently hold the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they walloped the Portland Trail Blazers by a 124-96 score. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 33 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double that included four assists and one steal. Coby White supplied 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals. Ayo Dosunmu netted 13 points, while Patrick Williams registered 10 points, three boards, three blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will list Alex Caruso (foot) as questionable and Javonte Green (knee) as out for Sunday's game.
The Lakers (37-37) are in even better recent shape than their opponent, winning three straight games that have helped allow them to grab hold of the No. 8 seed for the time being. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they bested the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 116-111 score. Anthony Davis led the way with a 37-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal. Dennis Schroder provided 21 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Lonnie Walker registered 20 points, four rebounds and three steals. Austin Reaves totaled 11 points, nine assists and six boards.
The Lakers will list Davis (foot) as probable, Russell (hip) as questionable and LeBron James (foot) as doubtful for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Bulls swept the two-game 2021-22 regular-season series.
Hawks Host Grizzlies Looking To Get Closer To Playoffs
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Memphis Grizzlies at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks (37-37) are coming off a 143-130 home win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. John Collins led the Hawks with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Trae Young had 14 points and five assists before getting ejected. Dejounte Murray finished with a 20-point, 12-assist double-double. Clint Capela also had a double-double thanks to his 17 points and 17 rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Garrison Mathews (14), Onyeka Okongwu (12) and A.J. Griffin (11) all scored in double digits coming off the bench. The Hawks have gone 21-15 at home this season and enter this matchup having won three of their last six contests.
The Grizzlies (46-27) are coming off a 151-114 home win over the Houston Rockets on Friday, which boosted their winning streak to five contests. Luke Kennard paced the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding three assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 25 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson generated matching 18-point tallies while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones, Dillon Brooks and Kenneth Lofton all contributed 11 points, with Jones also dishing out nine assists. The Grizzlies have gone 14-22 playing away from home this season.
The Hawks (37-37) are coming off a 143-130 home win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. John Collins led the Hawks with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two blocks. Trae Young had 14 points and five assists before getting ejected. Dejounte Murray finished with a 20-point, 12-assist double-double. Clint Capela also had a double-double thanks to his 17 points and 17 rebounds. Saddiq Bey had 18 points and six rebounds coming off the bench. Garrison Mathews (14), Onyeka Okongwu (12) and A.J. Griffin (11) all scored in double digits coming off the bench. The Hawks have gone 21-15 at home this season and enter this matchup having won three of their last six contests.
The Grizzlies (46-27) are coming off a 151-114 home win over the Houston Rockets on Friday, which boosted their winning streak to five contests. Luke Kennard paced the Grizzlies with 30 points, adding three assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 25 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson generated matching 18-point tallies while recording eight assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Tyus Jones, Dillon Brooks and Kenneth Lofton all contributed 11 points, with Jones also dishing out nine assists. The Grizzlies have gone 14-22 playing away from home this season.
Celtics Take On Slumping Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (51-23) have won two in a row and four of their last five games. They look to keep it rolling on the second and final game of a home stand with a chance to add to their, 27-9, home record. Jayson Tatum (hip) and Payton Pritchard (heel) are listed as questionable for action. Jaylen Brown averages 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game and could have to step up if Tatum is out. Derrick White is averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while Marcus Smart is averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Malcolm Brogdon missed the last game but is expected to be ready for action. The Celtics average 117.9 points per game, which is third most in the league, while they hold opponents to 112.0 points, which is fourth fewest.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (19-55) have dropped three in a row and face the fourth and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-30, road record. Keldon Johnson leads the team, averaging 22.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Devin Vassell averages 18.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals, while Zach Collins is averaging 11.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up a league-high 122.3 points per game. Malaki Branham (back), Romeo Langford (thigh) are listed as questionable for action, while Jeremy Sochan (knee) will be sidelined.
The Celtics (51-23) have won two in a row and four of their last five games. They look to keep it rolling on the second and final game of a home stand with a chance to add to their, 27-9, home record. Jayson Tatum (hip) and Payton Pritchard (heel) are listed as questionable for action. Jaylen Brown averages 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game and could have to step up if Tatum is out. Derrick White is averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while Marcus Smart is averaging 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Malcolm Brogdon missed the last game but is expected to be ready for action. The Celtics average 117.9 points per game, which is third most in the league, while they hold opponents to 112.0 points, which is fourth fewest.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (19-55) have dropped three in a row and face the fourth and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-30, road record. Keldon Johnson leads the team, averaging 22.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Devin Vassell averages 18.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals, while Zach Collins is averaging 11.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up a league-high 122.3 points per game. Malaki Branham (back), Romeo Langford (thigh) are listed as questionable for action, while Jeremy Sochan (knee) will be sidelined.
Rockets and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Battle
The Houston Rockets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Rockets (18-56) are inching toward the end of another disappointing season and enter Sunday's contest with four straight losses. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they took a 151-114 throttling from the Memphis Grizzlies. Tari Eason led the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Porter and Jabari Smith posted 20 points each, with Porter adding seven rebounds and six assists and Smith tallying eight boards and one block. Jalen Green supplied 13 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Rockets will remain without Jae'Sean Tate (knee) for Sunday's contest.
The Cavaliers (47-28) enter Sunday's game with a firm hold on the No. 4 seed in the East for the moment and have rattled off three straight wins. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they edged the Brooklyn Nets by a 116-114 score. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and one block. Evan Mobley posted a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, four blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 13 points, eight assists, one rebound and three steals. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert generated matching 12-point, two-assist contributions, with Allen adding 10 rebounds. Isaac Okoro netted 11 points.
The Cavaliers will list Raul Neto (hamstring) as questionable for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Rockets (18-56) are inching toward the end of another disappointing season and enter Sunday's contest with four straight losses. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they took a 151-114 throttling from the Memphis Grizzlies. Tari Eason led the Rockets with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Porter and Jabari Smith posted 20 points each, with Porter adding seven rebounds and six assists and Smith tallying eight boards and one block. Jalen Green supplied 13 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Rockets will remain without Jae'Sean Tate (knee) for Sunday's contest.
The Cavaliers (47-28) enter Sunday's game with a firm hold on the No. 4 seed in the East for the moment and have rattled off three straight wins. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they edged the Brooklyn Nets by a 116-114 score. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and one block. Evan Mobley posted a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, four blocks and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 13 points, eight assists, one rebound and three steals. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert generated matching 12-point, two-assist contributions, with Allen adding 10 rebounds. Isaac Okoro netted 11 points.
The Cavaliers will list Raul Neto (hamstring) as questionable for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Nets and Magic Tangle in Central Florida Clash
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Nets (40-34) headed into a key Saturday night matchup against the Miami Heat with a five-game losing streak, but they busted out of it with a 129-100 upset road win. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 27 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cameron Johnson furnished 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 15 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 10 rebound double-double that included four assists and three blocks. Dorian Finney-Smith and Edmond Sumner provided matching 12-point tallies, with Finney-Smith also recording six rebounds.
The Nets will be without Seth Curry (personal) for Sunday's game. Sumner (hip) will likely be listed as no better than a game-time decision.
The Magic (31-43) are still fighting for a postseason spot, and they'll enter Sunday's contest with three wins in the last four games. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 111-106 margin. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Cole Anthony supplied 18 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter and Franz Wagner generated matching 16-point efforts while recording eight rebounds and six assists, respectively. Moritz Wagner went for 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Magic will list Jalen Suggs (concussion) and Franz Wagner (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the second of third meetings between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Nets (40-34) headed into a key Saturday night matchup against the Miami Heat with a five-game losing streak, but they busted out of it with a 129-100 upset road win. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 27 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cameron Johnson furnished 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie supplied 15 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 10 rebound double-double that included four assists and three blocks. Dorian Finney-Smith and Edmond Sumner provided matching 12-point tallies, with Finney-Smith also recording six rebounds.
The Nets will be without Seth Curry (personal) for Sunday's game. Sumner (hip) will likely be listed as no better than a game-time decision.
The Magic (31-43) are still fighting for a postseason spot, and they'll enter Sunday's contest with three wins in the last four games. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they toppled the New York Knicks by a 111-106 margin. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Cole Anthony supplied 18 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter and Franz Wagner generated matching 16-point efforts while recording eight rebounds and six assists, respectively. Moritz Wagner went for 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Magic will list Jalen Suggs (concussion) and Franz Wagner (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the second of third meetings between the teams this season. The Nets hold a 1-0 series lead.
Raptors Hope To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Washington Wizards at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors (36-38) are, 24-14, at home and will look to stay on the right track as they face the third game of a four-game home stand. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Precious Achiuwa (hamstring), Scottie Barnes (wrist) and Gary Trent (elbow) are listed as questionable for action. Pascal SIakam leads the team, averaging 24.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 19.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.7 steals, while O.G. Anunoby is averaging 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The Raptors average 113.0 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.0 points, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (33-41) snapped a four-game slide with a win in their last outing. They will look to keep the momentum going as they head out on the road with a chance to improve on their, 16-22, road record. They will need players to step up in the absence of Bradley Beal (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle), who will be sidelined. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 23.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. Monte Morris averages 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while Corey Kispert is averaging 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Wizards average 113.0 points per game, but they give up an average of 113.8 points per game.
The Raptors (36-38) are, 24-14, at home and will look to stay on the right track as they face the third game of a four-game home stand. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Precious Achiuwa (hamstring), Scottie Barnes (wrist) and Gary Trent (elbow) are listed as questionable for action. Pascal SIakam leads the team, averaging 24.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 19.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.7 steals, while O.G. Anunoby is averaging 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The Raptors average 113.0 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.0 points, which is fifth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Wizards (33-41) snapped a four-game slide with a win in their last outing. They will look to keep the momentum going as they head out on the road with a chance to improve on their, 16-22, road record. They will need players to step up in the absence of Bradley Beal (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle), who will be sidelined. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 23.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. Monte Morris averages 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while Corey Kispert is averaging 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Wizards average 113.0 points per game, but they give up an average of 113.8 points per game.
Blazers Host Thunder on Sunday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center on Sunday.
The Thunder (36-38) had a rough two nights in LA, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers on Thursday and Friday. Those two defeats put a major damper on this club's playoff hopes, dropping them to 10th in the west. While that is still a play-in spot. Oklahoma City is tied with the Dallas Mavericks and is just 0,5 games up on the Utah Jazz behind them. Most people would bet on Dallas finishing ahead of Oklahoma City, but people have been counting this team out all season. The youngsters have come in and made them one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams all performing brilliantly at times this year.
The Trail Blazers (32-41) come into this matchup losing 11 of their last 15 games. The horrific stretch has ended all of the playoff hopes for this club, throwing in the white flag in their most recent outing. They decided to sit Damian Lillard, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons on Friday, leading to one of their worst defeats of the year. The Chicago Bulls handed them that 124-96 beatdown, and it's unclear if any of those starters will return anytime soon. That means it's time for the youngsters to take over, with Shaedon Sharpe, Nassir Little and Trendon Watford looking like the best prospects on this dismantled roster.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Oklahoma City looking for the season sweep. They now have seven straight wins over Portland in total.
The Thunder (36-38) had a rough two nights in LA, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers on Thursday and Friday. Those two defeats put a major damper on this club's playoff hopes, dropping them to 10th in the west. While that is still a play-in spot. Oklahoma City is tied with the Dallas Mavericks and is just 0,5 games up on the Utah Jazz behind them. Most people would bet on Dallas finishing ahead of Oklahoma City, but people have been counting this team out all season. The youngsters have come in and made them one of the biggest surprises in the NBA, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams all performing brilliantly at times this year.
The Trail Blazers (32-41) come into this matchup losing 11 of their last 15 games. The horrific stretch has ended all of the playoff hopes for this club, throwing in the white flag in their most recent outing. They decided to sit Damian Lillard, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic and Anfernee Simons on Friday, leading to one of their worst defeats of the year. The Chicago Bulls handed them that 124-96 beatdown, and it's unclear if any of those starters will return anytime soon. That means it's time for the youngsters to take over, with Shaedon Sharpe, Nassir Little and Trendon Watford looking like the best prospects on this dismantled roster.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Oklahoma City looking for the season sweep. They now have seven straight wins over Portland in total.
Warriors Host T'Wolves on Sunday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on Sunday.
The Timberwolves (37-37) come into this matchup winning two straight, but the biggest victory was the return of Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man missed nearly three months because of a severe calf strain, and he hit the game-winning free-throws in the most recent win against the Atlanta Hawks. Those two wins also moved Minnesota up to seventh in the Western Conference, but they have some work to hold that spot. They're just 1.5 games up in the Utah Jazz in 12th, and it'll be a battle down to the final day of the regular season. The next big step is to get Anthony Edwards back, and there's some thought the All-Star could return here from his ankle issue.
The Warriors (39-36) had a tough matchup on Friday, but they pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season. They trailed for most of that game against the Philadelphia 76ers but rode a 41-24 fourth quarter to their comeback win. That's what this club has been doing all season at home, posting a 30-7 record at Chase Center. That's an amazing mark, but it makes the 9-29 road record challenging to understand. These are the defending champs, and there's no excuse to have such massive splits. The good news is that this club is fully healthy for the first time all year, and Andrew Wiggins is the only piece missing. That has Golden State entering this matchup amid a three-game winning streak, climbing up to the six-seed in the convoluted west.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three. These teams have traded off wins and losses in nine straight meetings, with the Warriors winning the most recent matchup.
The Timberwolves (37-37) come into this matchup winning two straight, but the biggest victory was the return of Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man missed nearly three months because of a severe calf strain, and he hit the game-winning free-throws in the most recent win against the Atlanta Hawks. Those two wins also moved Minnesota up to seventh in the Western Conference, but they have some work to hold that spot. They're just 1.5 games up in the Utah Jazz in 12th, and it'll be a battle down to the final day of the regular season. The next big step is to get Anthony Edwards back, and there's some thought the All-Star could return here from his ankle issue.
The Warriors (39-36) had a tough matchup on Friday, but they pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season. They trailed for most of that game against the Philadelphia 76ers but rode a 41-24 fourth quarter to their comeback win. That's what this club has been doing all season at home, posting a 30-7 record at Chase Center. That's an amazing mark, but it makes the 9-29 road record challenging to understand. These are the defending champs, and there's no excuse to have such massive splits. The good news is that this club is fully healthy for the first time all year, and Andrew Wiggins is the only piece missing. That has Golden State entering this matchup amid a three-game winning streak, climbing up to the six-seed in the convoluted west.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three. These teams have traded off wins and losses in nine straight meetings, with the Warriors winning the most recent matchup.