Bucks Visit Pistons Looking To Bounce Back
The Detroit Pistons will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Pistons (16-58) are coming off a 118-97 road loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Jaden Ivey was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. James Wiseman finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Marvin Bagley III also had 14 points, but he pulled down nine boards as well. Isaiah Livers had 12 points, and he added four rebounds and two assists. R.J. Hampton recorded 13 points off the bench. Detroit has been struggling badly and enters this game on the heels of a five-game losing streak while losing 16 of its last 17 games. The Pistons also own a 9-29 mark at home.
Alec Burks (foot), Cory Joseph (illness), Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles) and Rodney McGruder (foot) are game-time calls for Monday. Isaiah Stewart (shoulder), Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) are out.
The Bucks (53-21) are coming off a 129-106 road loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Khris Middleton supplied 13 points, eight boards, five assists and two steals. Grayson Allen and Brook Lopez posted matching 13-point, one-assist tallies while pulling down four and two rebounds, respectively. Bobby Portis delivered 11 points and six boards. The loss against the Nuggets snapped a three-game winning streak for a Bucks team that owns a 23-14 mark away from home this season.
Goran Dragic (knee), Meyers Leonard (calf) and Jae Crowder (calf) are all listed as game-time decisions for Monday’s game.
The Pistons (16-58) are coming off a 118-97 road loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Jaden Ivey was the leading scorer for the Pistons with 20 points, eight assists and three rebounds. James Wiseman finished with 14 points and four rebounds. Marvin Bagley III also had 14 points, but he pulled down nine boards as well. Isaiah Livers had 12 points, and he added four rebounds and two assists. R.J. Hampton recorded 13 points off the bench. Detroit has been struggling badly and enters this game on the heels of a five-game losing streak while losing 16 of its last 17 games. The Pistons also own a 9-29 mark at home.
Alec Burks (foot), Cory Joseph (illness), Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles) and Rodney McGruder (foot) are game-time calls for Monday. Isaiah Stewart (shoulder), Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) are out.
The Bucks (53-21) are coming off a 129-106 road loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Khris Middleton supplied 13 points, eight boards, five assists and two steals. Grayson Allen and Brook Lopez posted matching 13-point, one-assist tallies while pulling down four and two rebounds, respectively. Bobby Portis delivered 11 points and six boards. The loss against the Nuggets snapped a three-game winning streak for a Bucks team that owns a 23-14 mark away from home this season.
Goran Dragic (knee), Meyers Leonard (calf) and Jae Crowder (calf) are all listed as game-time decisions for Monday’s game.
Mavericks, Pacers Aim For Turnaround Performance
The Indiana Pacers will host the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Pacers (33-42) are coming off a 143-103 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Jordan Nwora led the Pacers off the bench with 33 points. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 19 points and 13 assists, while Isaiah Jackson had 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. Aaron Nesmith had 11 points and three rebounds. Buddy Hield had 16 points, four boards and five assists while coming off the bench. The Pacers have lost two in a row and four of their last five games. They also own a 19-17 mark at home this season.
Myles Turner (back) and Chris Duarte (ankle) are game-time calls for Monday. Kendall Brown (lower leg) is out for the season.
The Mavericks (36-39) are coming off a 110-104 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Luka Doncic dazzled despite the loss, ending with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals. However, he picked up his 16th technical foul of the season and will be suspended for this contest. Kyrie Irving had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. No other Dallas starter had double-digit points in this loss. Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 14 points, four boards and two blocks. The Mavericks have dropped four games in a row and enter this game with a 14-24 mark when playing on the road.
Doncic’s suspension is the only unavailability concern for Dallas ahead of this game.
The Pacers (33-42) are coming off a 143-103 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Jordan Nwora led the Pacers off the bench with 33 points. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 19 points and 13 assists, while Isaiah Jackson had 14 points, five rebounds and three steals. Aaron Nesmith had 11 points and three rebounds. Buddy Hield had 16 points, four boards and five assists while coming off the bench. The Pacers have lost two in a row and four of their last five games. They also own a 19-17 mark at home this season.
Myles Turner (back) and Chris Duarte (ankle) are game-time calls for Monday. Kendall Brown (lower leg) is out for the season.
The Mavericks (36-39) are coming off a 110-104 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Luka Doncic dazzled despite the loss, ending with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and two steals. However, he picked up his 16th technical foul of the season and will be suspended for this contest. Kyrie Irving had 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. No other Dallas starter had double-digit points in this loss. Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered 15 points and five rebounds off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 14 points, four boards and two blocks. The Mavericks have dropped four games in a row and enter this game with a 14-24 mark when playing on the road.
Doncic’s suspension is the only unavailability concern for Dallas ahead of this game.
Rockets and Knicks Meet in Big Apple
The Houston Rockets take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
The Rockets (18-57) check into Monday's contest reeling from a pair of recent lopsided defeats. Houston has lost five straight games overall, the most recent by a 108-91 score against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Alperen Sengun registered 14 points, eight boards, four assists and one block. Kenyon Martin Jr. delivered 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jabari Smith compiled 12 points, four boards, one assist and two steals.
The Rockets are likely to list Jae'Sean Tate (knee) as no better than a game-time decision Monday.
The Knicks (42-33) are looking to build some momentum ahead of the postseason, but they've done the exact opposite of late by dropping three straight contests. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they were edged by the Orlando Magic, 111-106. Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 25 points while also recording five rebounds apiece and adding seven and six assists, respectively. Julius Randle supplied 23 points, nine boards, four assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett provided 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Knicks will remain without Trevor Keels (foot) and Duane Washington (hip) for Monday's game. Jalen Brunson (hand) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Rockets (18-57) check into Monday's contest reeling from a pair of recent lopsided defeats. Houston has lost five straight games overall, the most recent by a 108-91 score against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 30 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Alperen Sengun registered 14 points, eight boards, four assists and one block. Kenyon Martin Jr. delivered 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jabari Smith compiled 12 points, four boards, one assist and two steals.
The Rockets are likely to list Jae'Sean Tate (knee) as no better than a game-time decision Monday.
The Knicks (42-33) are looking to build some momentum ahead of the postseason, but they've done the exact opposite of late by dropping three straight contests. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they were edged by the Orlando Magic, 111-106. Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 25 points while also recording five rebounds apiece and adding seven and six assists, respectively. Julius Randle supplied 23 points, nine boards, four assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett provided 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Knicks will remain without Trevor Keels (foot) and Duane Washington (hip) for Monday's game. Jalen Brunson (hand) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead.
Suns and Jazz Tangle in Key Clash
The Phoenix Suns take on the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Monday night.
The Suns (39-35) had been trending in a worrisome direction recently with the postseason inching closer, but they were able to snap a three-game losing streak with a 125-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Devin Booker led the way with 29 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Bismack Biyombo generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and five blocks. T.J. Warren furnished 16 points, eight boards, one steal and one block. Terrance Ross supplied 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne registered 14 points, seven assists and two boards. Chris Paul went for 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Suns will list Deandre Ayton (hip) as probable for Monday's game. Kevin Durant (ankle) will remain out.
The Jazz (35-39) have also played less than their best lately and endangered their postseason prospects in the process, with Utah now having lost three consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they fell to the Sacramento Kings by a 121-113 score. Walker Kessler led the Jazz with a 31-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Ochai Agbaji managed 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and three blocks. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and one steal. Jarrell Brantley netted 13 points, while Kris Dunn finished with 12 points, five assists and four boards.
The Jazz will list Lauri Markkanen (hand) as questionable for Monday's game. Jordan Clarkson (finger), Collin Sexton (hamstring) and Rudy Gay (back) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns and Jazz have split the first two games.
The Suns (39-35) had been trending in a worrisome direction recently with the postseason inching closer, but they were able to snap a three-game losing streak with a 125-105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night. Devin Booker led the way with 29 points, adding five assists and three rebounds. Bismack Biyombo generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and five blocks. T.J. Warren furnished 16 points, eight boards, one steal and one block. Terrance Ross supplied 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne registered 14 points, seven assists and two boards. Chris Paul went for 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Suns will list Deandre Ayton (hip) as probable for Monday's game. Kevin Durant (ankle) will remain out.
The Jazz (35-39) have also played less than their best lately and endangered their postseason prospects in the process, with Utah now having lost three consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they fell to the Sacramento Kings by a 121-113 score. Walker Kessler led the Jazz with a 31-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Ochai Agbaji managed 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and three blocks. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-assist double-double that included eight rebounds and one steal. Jarrell Brantley netted 13 points, while Kris Dunn finished with 12 points, five assists and four boards.
The Jazz will list Lauri Markkanen (hand) as questionable for Monday's game. Jordan Clarkson (finger), Collin Sexton (hamstring) and Rudy Gay (back) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns and Jazz have split the first two games.
Streaking Nuggets Host 76ers
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena on Monday evening.
The Nuggets (50-24) have won three in a row and look to keep it rolling on the second game of a three-game home stand, where they can add to their, 31-6, home record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 24.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Jamal Murray averages 20.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals, while Michael Porter averages 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The Nuggets average 116.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (49-25) hope to bounce back from a two-game slide, as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip with a chance to build on their, 23-14, road record. They will need guys to be ready to step up and lead the way, as Joel Embiid (calf) and James Harden (Achilles) are both listed as questionable for action. Tyrese Maxey poured in 37 points in the last game and is averaging 20.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the season. Tobias Harris averages 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game The 76ers average 115.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.5 points, which is third fewest in the league.
The Nuggets (50-24) have won three in a row and look to keep it rolling on the second game of a three-game home stand, where they can add to their, 31-6, home record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 24.9 points, 11.8 rebounds, 9.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Jamal Murray averages 20.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals, while Michael Porter averages 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The Nuggets average 116.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (49-25) hope to bounce back from a two-game slide, as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip with a chance to build on their, 23-14, road record. They will need guys to be ready to step up and lead the way, as Joel Embiid (calf) and James Harden (Achilles) are both listed as questionable for action. Tyrese Maxey poured in 37 points in the last game and is averaging 20.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the season. Tobias Harris averages 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while De'Anthony Melton is averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game The 76ers average 115.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.5 points, which is third fewest in the league.
Slumping Trail Blazers Host Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Trail Blazers (32-42), after they fell short against the Thunder on Sunday, marking their third straight loss. Despite missing a number of key players, the squad put up a formidable fight and took the game down to the wire. Shaedon Sharpe led the way, with 29 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nassir Little followed up with 28 points and six rebounds, while Keon Johnson chipped in 14 points and five assists. The Blazers face the third game of a five-game home stand and hope to add to their, 17-20, home record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jerami Grant (quadriceps), Jusuf Nurkic (knee) and Anfernee Simons (foot) are all listed as questionable for action. Damian Lillard (calf) is listed as doubtful and is leaning towards being shut down for the season.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (37-37) have won four in a row and will look to keep it rolling on the second game of a four-game trip with a chance to build on their,13-24, road record. Brandon Ingram continues to lead the way, averaging 23.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. CJ McCollum averages 21.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists, while Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The Pelicans average 114.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.7 points. Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Jose Alvarado (leg) remain out.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Trail Blazers (32-42), after they fell short against the Thunder on Sunday, marking their third straight loss. Despite missing a number of key players, the squad put up a formidable fight and took the game down to the wire. Shaedon Sharpe led the way, with 29 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nassir Little followed up with 28 points and six rebounds, while Keon Johnson chipped in 14 points and five assists. The Blazers face the third game of a five-game home stand and hope to add to their, 17-20, home record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jerami Grant (quadriceps), Jusuf Nurkic (knee) and Anfernee Simons (foot) are all listed as questionable for action. Damian Lillard (calf) is listed as doubtful and is leaning towards being shut down for the season.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (37-37) have won four in a row and will look to keep it rolling on the second game of a four-game trip with a chance to build on their,13-24, road record. Brandon Ingram continues to lead the way, averaging 23.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. CJ McCollum averages 21.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists, while Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 14.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The Pelicans average 114.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.7 points. Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Jose Alvarado (leg) remain out.
Kings Host T'Wolves on Monday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
The Timberwolves (38-37) pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Monday. They grabbed a road victory against the Golden State Warriors, which is something not many teams have done this year. They got that win with their defense and had some terrible performances from their studs. Naz Reid was the leading scorer off the bench with 23 points, while Kyle Anderson collected 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Getting gems like that from role players is huge because Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards will be better. That victory moved Minnesota up to eighth in the west as well, and they now have a 1.5-game cushion in front of the Dallas Mavericks in 11th.
The Kings (45-29) come into this matchup winning 13 of their last 17 games. That incredible stretch has secured a top-three seed for Sacramento which is a miracle since this club hasn't reached the postseason in nearly 20 years. What makes them so dangerous is their blistering offense, scoring the most points in the NBA. They did lose De'Aaron Fox to a hamstring injury over the weekend, though, and this club needs its ball-handler to be healthy headed into the final two weeks of the season. As long as Fox and Domantas Sabonis are fully healthy, this club will be one of the most dangerous teams in the fast-approaching postseason.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Minnesota winning two of three.
The Timberwolves (38-37) pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Monday. They grabbed a road victory against the Golden State Warriors, which is something not many teams have done this year. They got that win with their defense and had some terrible performances from their studs. Naz Reid was the leading scorer off the bench with 23 points, while Kyle Anderson collected 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Getting gems like that from role players is huge because Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards will be better. That victory moved Minnesota up to eighth in the west as well, and they now have a 1.5-game cushion in front of the Dallas Mavericks in 11th.
The Kings (45-29) come into this matchup winning 13 of their last 17 games. That incredible stretch has secured a top-three seed for Sacramento which is a miracle since this club hasn't reached the postseason in nearly 20 years. What makes them so dangerous is their blistering offense, scoring the most points in the NBA. They did lose De'Aaron Fox to a hamstring injury over the weekend, though, and this club needs its ball-handler to be healthy headed into the final two weeks of the season. As long as Fox and Domantas Sabonis are fully healthy, this club will be one of the most dangerous teams in the fast-approaching postseason.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Minnesota winning two of three.
Clippers Host Bulls on Monday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on Monday.
The Bulls (36-38) have quietly been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, posting a 7-2 record across their last nine games. That run has nearly secured a berth into the play-in tournament, with Chicago sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference. While that is the final spot, the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are down 3.5 games behind them. Those teams are in tanking mode too, and it looks like Chicago will sneak in. No one wants to play a team that's this hot either because they have the talent to compete with anyone. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic form one of the best threesomes in the NBA, and they'll be a threat until the end.
The Clippers (39-36) come into this matchup losing three of their last five games. That poor stretch is putting a damper on LA's playoff hopes because they're in jeopardy of falling into the play-in tournament. Los Angeles is fifth in the west right now, but they're only 2.5 games up om the teams in ninth and 10th. That's scary since the Clippers just lost Paul George, and it's a wonder how this club will respond without the All-Star. The good news is that his injury isn't too serious, and there's some thought he could be back for the postseason. If that is the case, the Clippers have to be one of the favorites in a convoluted Western Conference.
These teams played back on January 31, with Los Angeles prevailing, 108-103. That gives the Clippers 10 wins in their last 13 meetings with the Bulls in total.
The Bulls (36-38) have quietly been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, posting a 7-2 record across their last nine games. That run has nearly secured a berth into the play-in tournament, with Chicago sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference. While that is the final spot, the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are down 3.5 games behind them. Those teams are in tanking mode too, and it looks like Chicago will sneak in. No one wants to play a team that's this hot either because they have the talent to compete with anyone. Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic form one of the best threesomes in the NBA, and they'll be a threat until the end.
The Clippers (39-36) come into this matchup losing three of their last five games. That poor stretch is putting a damper on LA's playoff hopes because they're in jeopardy of falling into the play-in tournament. Los Angeles is fifth in the west right now, but they're only 2.5 games up om the teams in ninth and 10th. That's scary since the Clippers just lost Paul George, and it's a wonder how this club will respond without the All-Star. The good news is that his injury isn't too serious, and there's some thought he could be back for the postseason. If that is the case, the Clippers have to be one of the favorites in a convoluted Western Conference.
These teams played back on January 31, with Los Angeles prevailing, 108-103. That gives the Clippers 10 wins in their last 13 meetings with the Bulls in total.