Nets Looking To Bounce Back Against Pistons
The Detroit Pistons will host the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Pistons (16-63) are coming off a 118-105 home loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Jaden Ivey led the way for Detroit with 30 points and seven assists. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. James Wiseman had 14 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Livers recorded 15 points and three boards. Eugene Omoruyi notched 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Detroit is riding a 10-game losing streak.
Alec Burks (foot), Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles), Rodney McGruder (foot) and Marvin Bagley (concussion) are questionable. Isaiah Stewart (shoulder), Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) are all out.
The Nets (43-36) are coming off a 107-102 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges netted 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson pitched in matching 14-point , three-assist tallies, with Finney-Smith adding 10 rebounds. This loss snapped Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak.
The Nets will come into Wednesday's game with no short-term injuries to report.
The Pistons (16-63) are coming off a 118-105 home loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Jaden Ivey led the way for Detroit with 30 points and seven assists. Jalen Duren posted a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds. James Wiseman had 14 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Livers recorded 15 points and three boards. Eugene Omoruyi notched 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Detroit is riding a 10-game losing streak.
Alec Burks (foot), Bojan Bogdanovic (Achilles), Rodney McGruder (foot) and Marvin Bagley (concussion) are questionable. Isaiah Stewart (shoulder), Cade Cunningham (lower leg) and Hamidou Diallo (ankle) are all out.
The Nets (43-36) are coming off a 107-102 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one block. Mikal Bridges netted 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson pitched in matching 14-point , three-assist tallies, with Finney-Smith adding 10 rebounds. This loss snapped Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak.
The Nets will come into Wednesday's game with no short-term injuries to report.
Knicks Visit Struggling Pacers On Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (34-45) are coming off a 115-105 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. They were led by Bennedict Mathurin, who finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, in this loss. Jordan Nwora amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jalen Smith led the bench with 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Indiana has now lost seven of its last nine games.
Myles Turner (back) has been listed as a game-time call for Wednesday. Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), Chris Duarte (ankle) and Kendall Brown (lower leg) are out.
The Knicks (46-33) enter this game fresh off a 118-109 home win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 27 points while dishing out eight and five assists, respectively. Immanuel Quickley delivered 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Obi Toppin furnished 21 points, four assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. New York is riding a four-game winning streak.
RJ Barrett (illness) has been listed as questionable, while Julius Randle (ankle) is out. Duane Washington (hip) and DaQuan Jeffries (calf) are out as well.
The Pacers (34-45) are coming off a 115-105 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. They were led by Bennedict Mathurin, who finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, in this loss. Jordan Nwora amassed 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith accrued 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Andrew Nembhard collected 13 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jalen Smith led the bench with 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Indiana has now lost seven of its last nine games.
Myles Turner (back) has been listed as a game-time call for Wednesday. Tyrese Haliburton (ankle), Chris Duarte (ankle) and Kendall Brown (lower leg) are out.
The Knicks (46-33) enter this game fresh off a 118-109 home win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes co-led the Knicks with 27 points while dishing out eight and five assists, respectively. Immanuel Quickley delivered 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Obi Toppin furnished 21 points, four assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. New York is riding a four-game winning streak.
RJ Barrett (illness) has been listed as questionable, while Julius Randle (ankle) is out. Duane Washington (hip) and DaQuan Jeffries (calf) are out as well.
Wizards and Hawks Tangle in Peach State Battle
The Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (34-45) have officially been eliminated from play-in contention, as they dropped their third straight game Tuesday night, a 140-128 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Kendrick Nunn led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Johnny Davis furnished 20 points, five boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Jay Huff managed 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford delivered 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Jordan Goodwin supplied 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Quenton Jackson contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Wizards will list Bradley Beal (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Kyle Kuzma (ankle), Monte Morris (ankle) and Delon Wright (illness) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Deni Avdija (elbow) will remain out.
The Hawks (40-39) are slotted into the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference but still have a shot to improve on that standing coming into Wednesday's contest. Atlanta has won two straight games, with its most recent success a 123-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 26 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Saddiq Bey finished with 18 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Dejounte Murray pitched in 17 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson offered 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Clint Capela went for 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Hawks will list Trae Young (illness) and De'Andre Hunter (knee) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 2-1 series lead.
The Wizards (34-45) have officially been eliminated from play-in contention, as they dropped their third straight game Tuesday night, a 140-128 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Kendrick Nunn led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Johnny Davis furnished 20 points, five boards, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Jay Huff managed 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Daniel Gafford delivered 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Jordan Goodwin supplied 14 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one block. Corey Kispert and Quenton Jackson contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Wizards will list Bradley Beal (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Kyle Kuzma (ankle), Monte Morris (ankle) and Delon Wright (illness) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Deni Avdija (elbow) will remain out.
The Hawks (40-39) are slotted into the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference but still have a shot to improve on that standing coming into Wednesday's contest. Atlanta has won two straight games, with its most recent success a 123-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 26 points, adding five assists and four rebounds. Saddiq Bey finished with 18 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Dejounte Murray pitched in 17 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Johnson offered 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Clint Capela went for 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Hawks will list Trae Young (illness) and De'Andre Hunter (knee) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 2-1 series lead.
Raptors and Celtics Tangle at TD
The Toronto Raptors take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (40-39) have now clinched a play-in spot thanks to a strong stretch run, one that now includes five wins in the last six contests. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they thumped the Charlotte Hornets by a 120-100 score. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher furnished 21 points and two boards. O.G. Anunoby delivered 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet supplied 16 points, six assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
The Raptors will likely list Gary Trent (elbow) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Celtics (54-25) had been chasing the Milwaukee Bucks for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but that quest will be over with one more loss on the part of Joe Mazzulla's squad. Boston has won five of its last seven games, but one of the defeats during that span came Tuesday night in the form of a 103-101 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. Derrick White led the way with 26 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jayson Tatum delivered 19 points, six boards, six assists and three steals. Malcolm Brogdon posted 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart registered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Al Horford offered 11 points, eight boards and six assists. Grant Williams recorded 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Celtics will likely list Jaylen Brown (back), Robert Williams (rest) and Payton Pritchard (heel) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 2-0 series lead.
The Raptors (40-39) have now clinched a play-in spot thanks to a strong stretch run, one that now includes five wins in the last six contests. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they thumped the Charlotte Hornets by a 120-100 score. Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, two steals and two blocks. Chris Boucher furnished 21 points and two boards. O.G. Anunoby delivered 17 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet supplied 16 points, six assists, one rebound, four steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
The Raptors will likely list Gary Trent (elbow) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Celtics (54-25) had been chasing the Milwaukee Bucks for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but that quest will be over with one more loss on the part of Joe Mazzulla's squad. Boston has won five of its last seven games, but one of the defeats during that span came Tuesday night in the form of a 103-101 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. Derrick White led the way with 26 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jayson Tatum delivered 19 points, six boards, six assists and three steals. Malcolm Brogdon posted 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart registered 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Al Horford offered 11 points, eight boards and six assists. Grant Williams recorded 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
The Celtics will likely list Jaylen Brown (back), Robert Williams (rest) and Payton Pritchard (heel) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 2-0 series lead.
Bucks Host Bulls On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bucks (57-22), after they defeated the Wizards, 140-128, in Washington on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the team, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Jrue Holiday averages 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 15.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. The Bucks are looking for their third straight win as they kick off a their final home stand of the season. Grayson Allen (ankle) will remain out, while Pat Connaughton (ankle), Khris Middleton (knee) and Jevon Carter (knee) are questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (38-41), after a home loss against the Hawks on Tuesday. They fell behind early and trailed, 36-26, after one quarter and then by 12 points at the break. They brought a better effort in the third but could only trim two points off the deficit, as they faced a 10-point deficit heading into the final frame. They had no answers down the stretch and came up short for the home loss. Zach LaVine led the team with 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while DeMar DeRozan followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, and Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls will look to bounce back as they begin their final road trip of the season with the hopes of adding to their, 17-22, road record.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bucks (57-22), after they defeated the Wizards, 140-128, in Washington on Tuesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the team, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. Jrue Holiday averages 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 15.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. The Bucks are looking for their third straight win as they kick off a their final home stand of the season. Grayson Allen (ankle) will remain out, while Pat Connaughton (ankle), Khris Middleton (knee) and Jevon Carter (knee) are questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Bulls (38-41), after a home loss against the Hawks on Tuesday. They fell behind early and trailed, 36-26, after one quarter and then by 12 points at the break. They brought a better effort in the third but could only trim two points off the deficit, as they faced a 10-point deficit heading into the final frame. They had no answers down the stretch and came up short for the home loss. Zach LaVine led the team with 26 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while DeMar DeRozan followed up with 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, and Nikola Vucevic added 19 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. The Bulls will look to bounce back as they begin their final road trip of the season with the hopes of adding to their, 17-22, road record.
Pelicans Hope To Bounce Back In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pelicans (40-39), after they came up short at home against the Kings on Tuesday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 11 points at halftime. They could not gather any momentum in the second half, where they were outscored, 56-49, as they picked up their 14th home loss of the season. Brandon Ingram led the team with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block, while Trey Murphy tallied 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, and Jonas Valanciunas added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Pelicans hope to get back on track, as they face their second-last home game of the season.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (50-29), after they earned a home win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. They jumped out to a strong start with a, 41-25, lead after one quarter and held on to a four-point lead at halftime. They lost control in the third but maintained a one-point edge heading into the final frame, where they closed the game on an, 18-8, run to secure the win. Desmond Bane led the way with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block, while Ja Morant followed up with 23 points, six rebounds nine assists, a steal and a block, and Luke Kennard added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Grizzlies hope to stay on track and add to their, 15-23, road record as they kick off a three-game road trip to close out their season.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pelicans (40-39), after they came up short at home against the Kings on Tuesday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 11 points at halftime. They could not gather any momentum in the second half, where they were outscored, 56-49, as they picked up their 14th home loss of the season. Brandon Ingram led the team with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block, while Trey Murphy tallied 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, and Jonas Valanciunas added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Pelicans hope to get back on track, as they face their second-last home game of the season.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (50-29), after they earned a home win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. They jumped out to a strong start with a, 41-25, lead after one quarter and held on to a four-point lead at halftime. They lost control in the third but maintained a one-point edge heading into the final frame, where they closed the game on an, 18-8, run to secure the win. Desmond Bane led the way with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a block, while Ja Morant followed up with 23 points, six rebounds nine assists, a steal and a block, and Luke Kennard added 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Grizzlies hope to stay on track and add to their, 15-23, road record as they kick off a three-game road trip to close out their season.
Mavericks Host Kings on Wednesday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Sacramento Kings at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
The Kings (47-32) have been the biggest surprise in the NBA. This team hasn't made the postseason in nearly 20 years, and they snapped that streak in glorious fashion. The Kings have the third-best record in the Western Conference and have earned homecourt through the opening round of the playoffs. These dedicated Sacramento fans deserve that, but it'll be a tough task no matter who they face. What's made Sacramento so dangerous is their offense, scoring over 120 points per game. They've done that damage thanks to Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox, one of the best duos in the league. Many people will make them underdogs in the first round, but that's right where this Kings team has been all season.
The Mavericks (37-42) are developing into one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. They come into this matchup losing seven of their last eight games. That ugly run has dropped Dallas down to 11th in the west, and they're just two losses away from missing the postseason altogether. It's hard to understand how a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can play so poorly, but the defense has been embarrassing since that big trade. The Mavericks have the worst defensive rating in the NBA since the blockbuster deal, regularly allowing 130 points per game. It would be tough to imagine that Irving hangs around if this team misses the postseason, and it'll put this franchise in an interesting spot going forward.
This is the third and final meeting between these teams, splitting those two matchups. With that said, Dallas has won three of their last four games in this series.
The Kings (47-32) have been the biggest surprise in the NBA. This team hasn't made the postseason in nearly 20 years, and they snapped that streak in glorious fashion. The Kings have the third-best record in the Western Conference and have earned homecourt through the opening round of the playoffs. These dedicated Sacramento fans deserve that, but it'll be a tough task no matter who they face. What's made Sacramento so dangerous is their offense, scoring over 120 points per game. They've done that damage thanks to Domantas Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox, one of the best duos in the league. Many people will make them underdogs in the first round, but that's right where this Kings team has been all season.
The Mavericks (37-42) are developing into one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. They come into this matchup losing seven of their last eight games. That ugly run has dropped Dallas down to 11th in the west, and they're just two losses away from missing the postseason altogether. It's hard to understand how a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can play so poorly, but the defense has been embarrassing since that big trade. The Mavericks have the worst defensive rating in the NBA since the blockbuster deal, regularly allowing 130 points per game. It would be tough to imagine that Irving hangs around if this team misses the postseason, and it'll put this franchise in an interesting spot going forward.
This is the third and final meeting between these teams, splitting those two matchups. With that said, Dallas has won three of their last four games in this series.
Clippers Host Lakers on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Lakers (41-38) are one of the scariest teams in the NBA right now, winning seven of their last eight games. That run has nearly secured a playoff berth for this club, and a victory here would put them in position to avoid the play-in tournament. It's easy to look at the trade deadline and say that's what changed things because D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley have been massive additions. What's most important is that their superstars are finally healthy. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy for the first time in months, and we didn't even discuss the breakout of Austin Reaves. All of these pieces make LA extremely dangerous, and it'll be fun to see what they do in the postseason.
The Clippers (41-38) just ended a three-game road trip, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans in their two most recent outings. Those are teams LA might face in the postseason, and it's discouraging to see them struggle against such good teams. The absence of Paul George is what's really killed their momentum, and it's unclear when the superstar will be able to return from his knee issue. This team won't get far in the postseason without him, but there's some thought he'll be ready to go once the playoffs commence next week. If he is able to return, this is one of the sneakiest teams in the playoffs as well.
This is the third and final meeting between these teams, with the Clippers looking for the season sweep. They've won 10 straight games in this series in total, dating back four years.
The Lakers (41-38) are one of the scariest teams in the NBA right now, winning seven of their last eight games. That run has nearly secured a playoff berth for this club, and a victory here would put them in position to avoid the play-in tournament. It's easy to look at the trade deadline and say that's what changed things because D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley have been massive additions. What's most important is that their superstars are finally healthy. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy for the first time in months, and we didn't even discuss the breakout of Austin Reaves. All of these pieces make LA extremely dangerous, and it'll be fun to see what they do in the postseason.
The Clippers (41-38) just ended a three-game road trip, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans in their two most recent outings. Those are teams LA might face in the postseason, and it's discouraging to see them struggle against such good teams. The absence of Paul George is what's really killed their momentum, and it's unclear when the superstar will be able to return from his knee issue. This team won't get far in the postseason without him, but there's some thought he'll be ready to go once the playoffs commence next week. If he is able to return, this is one of the sneakiest teams in the playoffs as well.
This is the third and final meeting between these teams, with the Clippers looking for the season sweep. They've won 10 straight games in this series in total, dating back four years.