Celtics Aim To Extend Streak Against Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (33-42) are coming off a 114-104 home loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. They were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who provided 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert amassed 19 points and three rebounds. Deni Avdija accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Delon Wright had five points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Wizards have gone 17-19 at home and enter this game having lost four of their last five. Washington is in the outside looking in when it comes to a play-in berth.
Bradley Beal (knee), Monte Morris (groin) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) are all game-time calls for this game.
The Celtics (52-23) are coming off a 137-93 blowout win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick White furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Smart went for 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Robert Williams turned in 11 points, eight rebounds and one block. Boston has already locked up a playoff spot. The Celtics have gone 24-14 on the road and enter this game on a three-game winning streak.
Jayson Tatum (hip) and Payton Pritchard (heel) are both listed as game-time calls for Tuesday. Danilo Gallinari (knee) is out.
This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams. The Celtics have won the previous two contests, 112-94 and 130-121, respectively.
The Wizards (33-42) are coming off a 114-104 home loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. They were led by Kristaps Porzingis, who provided 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Corey Kispert amassed 19 points and three rebounds. Deni Avdija accrued 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Daniel Gafford generated 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Delon Wright had five points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Wizards have gone 17-19 at home and enter this game having lost four of their last five. Washington is in the outside looking in when it comes to a play-in berth.
Bradley Beal (knee), Monte Morris (groin) and Kyle Kuzma (ankle) are all game-time calls for this game.
The Celtics (52-23) are coming off a 137-93 blowout win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 41 points, supplementing them with 13 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 20 points, nine assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Derrick White furnished 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Smart went for 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Robert Williams turned in 11 points, eight rebounds and one block. Boston has already locked up a playoff spot. The Celtics have gone 24-14 on the road and enter this game on a three-game winning streak.
Jayson Tatum (hip) and Payton Pritchard (heel) are both listed as game-time calls for Tuesday. Danilo Gallinari (knee) is out.
This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams. The Celtics have won the previous two contests, 112-94 and 130-121, respectively.
Hawks, Cavaliers Meet In Final H2H Meeting
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena on Tuesday.
The Hawks (37-38) are coming off a 123-119 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Young paced the Hawks with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, four blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray and Onyeka Okongwu posted 13 points apiece while recording nine assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Bogdanovic netted 10 points. The Hawks have gone 3-2 in their last five games and sit in eighth place of the Eastern Conference. They have also gone 21-16 at home.
Jalen Johnson (hamstring) is a game-time call for Saturday’s contest.
The Cavaliers (48-28) are coming off a 108-91 home win over the Houston Rockets. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 14 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block. Evan Mobley added 19 points, five assists, three blocks and a steal, while Darius Garland tallied 17 points, four rebounds and eight assists. The Cavaliers have gone 18-20 away from home but enter this game on a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers already locked up a play-off berth.
Danny Green (illness), Raul Neto (hamstring), Dean Wade (illness) and Isaac Okoro (knee) are game-time calls for Tuesday’s contest.
This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams. The series is currently tied 1-1.
The Hawks (37-38) are coming off a 123-119 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Young paced the Hawks with a 28-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, four blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter registered 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Dejounte Murray and Onyeka Okongwu posted 13 points apiece while recording nine assists and seven rebounds, respectively. Bogdanovic netted 10 points. The Hawks have gone 3-2 in their last five games and sit in eighth place of the Eastern Conference. They have also gone 21-16 at home.
Jalen Johnson (hamstring) is a game-time call for Saturday’s contest.
The Cavaliers (48-28) are coming off a 108-91 home win over the Houston Rockets. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, 14 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. Donovan Mitchell followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block. Evan Mobley added 19 points, five assists, three blocks and a steal, while Darius Garland tallied 17 points, four rebounds and eight assists. The Cavaliers have gone 18-20 away from home but enter this game on a four-game winning streak. The Cavaliers already locked up a play-off berth.
Danny Green (illness), Raul Neto (hamstring), Dean Wade (illness) and Isaac Okoro (knee) are game-time calls for Tuesday’s contest.
This will be the third and final meeting between these two teams. The series is currently tied 1-1.
Heat and Raptors Face Off North of Border
The Miami Heat takes on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Heat (40-35) are on a somewhat uneven track going as the postseason approaches, and some of their recent struggles have led to a drop to the No. 7 seed for the time being. Miami is 6-4 over its last 10 games, and their most recent time on the floor resulted in a 129-100 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Tyler Herro and Max Strus co-led the Heat with 23 points while recording three assists and five rebounds, respectively. Jimmy Butler registered 18 points, five assists and one rebound. Bam Adebayo furnished 16 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Heat will list Kyle Lowry (knee) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Nikola Jovic (back) will be remain out.
The Raptors (37-38) are fighting to remain in their current No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference at minimum, and they've helped their cause recently with two straight wins. Their most recent success came Sunday evening when they recorded a 114-104 win over the Washington Wizards. O.G. Anunoby led the way with 29 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 28 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block. Pascal Siakam generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes registered 13 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
The Raptors will list Will Barton (ankle) as doubtful and Gary Trent (elbow) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Dalano Blanton (thumb) and Joe Wieskamp (hamstring) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors own a 2-1 series lead.
The Heat (40-35) are on a somewhat uneven track going as the postseason approaches, and some of their recent struggles have led to a drop to the No. 7 seed for the time being. Miami is 6-4 over its last 10 games, and their most recent time on the floor resulted in a 129-100 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Tyler Herro and Max Strus co-led the Heat with 23 points while recording three assists and five rebounds, respectively. Jimmy Butler registered 18 points, five assists and one rebound. Bam Adebayo furnished 16 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block.
The Heat will list Kyle Lowry (knee) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Nikola Jovic (back) will be remain out.
The Raptors (37-38) are fighting to remain in their current No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference at minimum, and they've helped their cause recently with two straight wins. Their most recent success came Sunday evening when they recorded a 114-104 win over the Washington Wizards. O.G. Anunoby led the way with 29 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Fred VanVleet furnished 28 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block. Pascal Siakam generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Scottie Barnes registered 13 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
The Raptors will list Will Barton (ankle) as doubtful and Gary Trent (elbow) as questionable for Tuesday's game. Dalano Blanton (thumb) and Joe Wieskamp (hamstring) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors own a 2-1 series lead.
Hornets and Thunder Set for Interconference Battle
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Tuesday night.
The Hornets (25-51) have long been eliminated from postseason contention, but they'll enter Tuesday's game having recorded consecutive victories and three wins in the last four contests overall. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they upended the Dallas Mavericks by a 110-104 score. Gordon Hayward led the way with 22 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Washington generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Mark Williams furnished 15 points, 16 rebounds and one assist. Dennis Smith finished with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets will remain without Terry Rozier (foot), Mark Williams (rest) and Cody Martin (knee) for Tuesday's game. Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and Hayward (thumb) will carry questionable and doubtful tags, respectively.
The Thunder (37-38) are trending in the right direction as the postseason approaches, as they've won six of the last nine games and have worked their way into the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference standings for the moment. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in a 118-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points, complementing them with three assists, two rebounds and four steals. Jalen Williams delivered 23 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Isaiah Joe supplied 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will be without Lindy Waters (foot) for Tuesday's game. Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hornets hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Hornets (25-51) have long been eliminated from postseason contention, but they'll enter Tuesday's game having recorded consecutive victories and three wins in the last four contests overall. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they upended the Dallas Mavericks by a 110-104 score. Gordon Hayward led the way with 22 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Washington generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Mark Williams furnished 15 points, 16 rebounds and one assist. Dennis Smith finished with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets will remain without Terry Rozier (foot), Mark Williams (rest) and Cody Martin (knee) for Tuesday's game. Kelly Oubre (shoulder) and Hayward (thumb) will carry questionable and doubtful tags, respectively.
The Thunder (37-38) are trending in the right direction as the postseason approaches, as they've won six of the last nine games and have worked their way into the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference standings for the moment. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in a 118-112 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points, complementing them with three assists, two rebounds and four steals. Jalen Williams delivered 23 points, five boards, four assists and two steals. Isaiah Joe supplied 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included six assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will be without Lindy Waters (foot) for Tuesday's game. Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hornets hold a 1-0 series lead.
Streaking Grizzlies Host Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Orlando Magic at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Grizzlies (47-27) have won six in a row and hope to keep the momentum going as they begin a three-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 32-5, home record. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Desmond Bane averages 21.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Jaren Jackson is averaging 18.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 116.8 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.4 points, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Magic (32-43) have won three in a row and will look to keep it rolling as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 13-24, road record. Paolo Banchero leads the team, averaging 19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Franz Wagner averages 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists, while Wendell Carter is averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game. The Magic average 111.8 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 114.2 points per game.
The Grizzlies (47-27) have won six in a row and hope to keep the momentum going as they begin a three-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 32-5, home record. Ja Morant leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Desmond Bane averages 21.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Jaren Jackson is averaging 18.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. The Grizzlies average 116.8 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.4 points, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Magic (32-43) have won three in a row and will look to keep it rolling as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 13-24, road record. Paolo Banchero leads the team, averaging 19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Franz Wagner averages 18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists, while Wendell Carter is averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game. The Magic average 111.8 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 114.2 points per game.
Warriors Host Pelicans on Tuesday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (38-37) are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now, winning five straight games coming into this matchup. They fell all the way out of the playoffs before this most recent run, though, posting a 10-25 record across their previous 35 games. That directly correlated with the Zion Williamson hamstring injury, and it's nice to see this club finally play well without their All-Star. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have played well all year, but it's the resurgence of Jonas Valanciunas that has carried them in their hot stretch. The big man is averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds in that winning streak, and they need him to keep playing like this with Zion out.
The Warriors (39-37) have lost four of their last seven games, suffering an ugly defeat on Sunday in their most recent outing. They had a lead in the final 20 seconds but committed two turnovers to lose 99-96 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined to shoot 13-of-40 from the field in that defeat, and the club really struggled from an offensive perspective. That defeat has put Golden State in jeopardy, too, because they're only one game ahead of the Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves in seventh and eighth. This team wants to do everything to avoid the play-in tournament, but this game could play a huge factor in who that team is.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with New Orleans winning two of three. All three games have been decided by nine points or more.
The Pelicans (38-37) are playing some of their best basketball of the season right now, winning five straight games coming into this matchup. They fell all the way out of the playoffs before this most recent run, though, posting a 10-25 record across their previous 35 games. That directly correlated with the Zion Williamson hamstring injury, and it's nice to see this club finally play well without their All-Star. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have played well all year, but it's the resurgence of Jonas Valanciunas that has carried them in their hot stretch. The big man is averaging 19 points and 16 rebounds in that winning streak, and they need him to keep playing like this with Zion out.
The Warriors (39-37) have lost four of their last seven games, suffering an ugly defeat on Sunday in their most recent outing. They had a lead in the final 20 seconds but committed two turnovers to lose 99-96 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined to shoot 13-of-40 from the field in that defeat, and the club really struggled from an offensive perspective. That defeat has put Golden State in jeopardy, too, because they're only one game ahead of the Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves in seventh and eighth. This team wants to do everything to avoid the play-in tournament, but this game could play a huge factor in who that team is.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with New Orleans winning two of three. All three games have been decided by nine points or more.