Raptors visit Hawks on Friday in Eastern Conference showdown
The Atlanta Hawks begin their three-game homestand Friday when they host the Toronto Raptors at State Farm Arena.
The Raptors (20-36) entered All-Star weekend on a three-game losing streak, but came out of the break with a big 121-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Gary Trent and Immanuel Quickley led the way for the Raptors with 25 and 24 points respectively, while first-time All-Star Scottie Barnes finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and three steals for his 22nd double-double of the season. Barnes will have to continue to produce at an All-Star level if Toronto wants to make a late push for the playoffs.
Meanwhile the Hawks (24-31) are losers of two straight and lost both games by double digits, including a 122-99 blowout loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 14. The Hawks opted to keep their core together at the trade deadline, so if they want to make a push for the NBA Play-In Tournament, it will come from the likes of All-Star Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Young, for his part, is averaging a career-high 10.9 assists per game -- second in the NBA -- and is shooting 37.1 percent from three, his best mark since the 2021-22 season.
Friday’s contest will be the fourth and final time that the Raptors and Hawks will face each other this season. Atlanta have won the last two games, including a thrilling 126-125 win over Toronto on Jan. 28.
The Raptors (20-36) entered All-Star weekend on a three-game losing streak, but came out of the break with a big 121-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Gary Trent and Immanuel Quickley led the way for the Raptors with 25 and 24 points respectively, while first-time All-Star Scottie Barnes finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and three steals for his 22nd double-double of the season. Barnes will have to continue to produce at an All-Star level if Toronto wants to make a late push for the playoffs.
Meanwhile the Hawks (24-31) are losers of two straight and lost both games by double digits, including a 122-99 blowout loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 14. The Hawks opted to keep their core together at the trade deadline, so if they want to make a push for the NBA Play-In Tournament, it will come from the likes of All-Star Trae Young, Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Young, for his part, is averaging a career-high 10.9 assists per game -- second in the NBA -- and is shooting 37.1 percent from three, his best mark since the 2021-22 season.
Friday’s contest will be the fourth and final time that the Raptors and Hawks will face each other this season. Atlanta have won the last two games, including a thrilling 126-125 win over Toronto on Jan. 28.
Cavaliers, 76ers to engage in battle
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (32-23) are coming off a 110-96 loss against the New York Knicks on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey monopolized the Sixers on offense despite the loss and posted 35 points, but Thursday’s contest was the best sign of the team needing more help while Joel Embiid (knee) is sidelined. The Sixers have decent depth across the board, but some of their role players need to step up as well. The Sixers are also in dire need of a bounce-back performance since they’ve lost two in a row. Philadelphia owns a 17-12 record at home.
De’Anthony Melton (back) should be a game-time call for this game. Robert Covington (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) have both been ruled out.
The Cavaliers (36-18) didn’t perform at their best in their first game following the All-Star break, and they suffered a 116-109 loss against another potential playoff team in the East, the Orlando Magic. Players such as Darius Garland, who finished with 18 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, and Jarrett Allen, who posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, will carry the Cavaliers, but there’s no secret this team will only go as far as Donovan Mitchell can carry it. The star guard didn’t play against the Magic on Thursday due to illness, but his return could provide a massive boost for the Cavaliers on offense. The Cavaliers have gone 17-8 when playing on the road this season.
Mitchell is a game-time call due to his illness. Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are out.
The 76ers (32-23) are coming off a 110-96 loss against the New York Knicks on Thursday. Tyrese Maxey monopolized the Sixers on offense despite the loss and posted 35 points, but Thursday’s contest was the best sign of the team needing more help while Joel Embiid (knee) is sidelined. The Sixers have decent depth across the board, but some of their role players need to step up as well. The Sixers are also in dire need of a bounce-back performance since they’ve lost two in a row. Philadelphia owns a 17-12 record at home.
De’Anthony Melton (back) should be a game-time call for this game. Robert Covington (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) have both been ruled out.
The Cavaliers (36-18) didn’t perform at their best in their first game following the All-Star break, and they suffered a 116-109 loss against another potential playoff team in the East, the Orlando Magic. Players such as Darius Garland, who finished with 18 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, and Jarrett Allen, who posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, will carry the Cavaliers, but there’s no secret this team will only go as far as Donovan Mitchell can carry it. The star guard didn’t play against the Magic on Thursday due to illness, but his return could provide a massive boost for the Cavaliers on offense. The Cavaliers have gone 17-8 when playing on the road this season.
Mitchell is a game-time call due to his illness. Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are out.
Pels, Heat Collide In New Orleans
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Miami Heat at Smoothie King Center on Friday.
The Pelicans (34-22) are coming off a comfortable 127-105 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday in each team’s first game following the All-Star break. Despite not having Brandon Ingram due to illness, the Pelicans had an impressive outing. CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, while Zion Williamson generated a 27-point, nine-assist outing. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 20 points, 14 boards, three assists and one steal as well. The Pelicans have been on a tear of late and have won four in a row.
Brandon Ingram (ilness) is questionable to play Saturday.
The Heat (30-25) will play their first game following the All-Star break and are set to compete on the road, but recent results have lifted the Heat in the standings. They’re coming off a 109-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, and the win over the Sixers means the Heat have won three of their last four, and five of their last six contests. The Heat will only go as their star duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo can carry it, however, but the good results in recent weeks have been positive for them. Having dealt with injuries all season long, the Heat will aim to be as healthy as possible for the playoffs. If they do, they'll have a good chance to be competitive come postseason time.
Tyler Herro (foot) is questionable to play Saturday. Terry Rozier (knee), Josh Richardson (shoulder) and Dru Smith (is out for the playoffs) won’t see action here, at least for now.
The Pelicans (34-22) are coming off a comfortable 127-105 win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday in each team’s first game following the All-Star break. Despite not having Brandon Ingram due to illness, the Pelicans had an impressive outing. CJ McCollum paced the Pelicans with 28 points, while Zion Williamson generated a 27-point, nine-assist outing. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 20 points, 14 boards, three assists and one steal as well. The Pelicans have been on a tear of late and have won four in a row.
Brandon Ingram (ilness) is questionable to play Saturday.
The Heat (30-25) will play their first game following the All-Star break and are set to compete on the road, but recent results have lifted the Heat in the standings. They’re coming off a 109-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, and the win over the Sixers means the Heat have won three of their last four, and five of their last six contests. The Heat will only go as their star duo of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo can carry it, however, but the good results in recent weeks have been positive for them. Having dealt with injuries all season long, the Heat will aim to be as healthy as possible for the playoffs. If they do, they'll have a good chance to be competitive come postseason time.
Tyler Herro (foot) is questionable to play Saturday. Terry Rozier (knee), Josh Richardson (shoulder) and Dru Smith (is out for the playoffs) won’t see action here, at least for now.
Suns, Rockets Collide In Houston
The Houston Rockets will host the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Friday.
The Rockets (24-31) are coming off a 127-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Rockets continue to go through a rebuilding process, but the team has shown a marked improvement compared to the 2022-23 campaign. Houston has been struggling in terms of form, as Houston has now lost five of its last six games. The Rockets need to bounce back, but they shouldn’t be overly confident based on recent results, as things won’t be easy for them in this one against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Tari Eason (lower leg) has been ruled out for Friday’s game. Steven Adams (knee) is out for the season.
The Suns (33-23) didn’t have a good return to action following the 2024 NBA All-Star break, as they suffered a 123-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix is not expected to have Bradley Beal (hamstring) available. The Suns have yet to peak in terms of form, but they seem to be trending in the right direction with four wins across their last six contests. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are going to carry the Suns in both the regular season and the playoffs. Durant is leading the Suns in scoring with 28.2 points per game, while Booker leads the team with 7.0 assists per contest. The Suns will look to tighten their grip on a potential playoff berth against a rebuilding team such as the Rockets. Phoenix has gone 15-12 when playing on the road this season.
Bradley Beal (hamstring) is a game-time call for Friday, while Damion Lee (knee) is out.
The Rockets (24-31) are coming off a 127-105 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 22 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Alperen Sengun delivered 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Rockets continue to go through a rebuilding process, but the team has shown a marked improvement compared to the 2022-23 campaign. Houston has been struggling in terms of form, as Houston has now lost five of its last six games. The Rockets need to bounce back, but they shouldn’t be overly confident based on recent results, as things won’t be easy for them in this one against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Tari Eason (lower leg) has been ruled out for Friday’s game. Steven Adams (knee) is out for the season.
The Suns (33-23) didn’t have a good return to action following the 2024 NBA All-Star break, as they suffered a 123-113 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix is not expected to have Bradley Beal (hamstring) available. The Suns have yet to peak in terms of form, but they seem to be trending in the right direction with four wins across their last six contests. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are going to carry the Suns in both the regular season and the playoffs. Durant is leading the Suns in scoring with 28.2 points per game, while Booker leads the team with 7.0 assists per contest. The Suns will look to tighten their grip on a potential playoff berth against a rebuilding team such as the Rockets. Phoenix has gone 15-12 when playing on the road this season.
Bradley Beal (hamstring) is a game-time call for Friday, while Damion Lee (knee) is out.
Wizards and Thunder Tangle in Interconference Battle
The Washington Wizards take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Friday night.
The Wizards (9-46) didn't emerge from the All-Star break any better than they entered it, as they dropped a 130-110 decision to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night in their return to action, their ninth consecutive loss. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 31 points, adding 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tyus Jones generated a 13-point, 14-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Corey Kispert furnished 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards are likely to list Isaiah Livers (hip) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Thunder (38-17), conversely, carried over their momentum into their first game back from the All-Star break Thursday by recording a third straight win with an impressive 129-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, supplementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luguentz Dort furnished 19 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Williams supplied 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Chet Holmgren generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey registered 12 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
The Thunder comes into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead.
The Wizards (9-46) didn't emerge from the All-Star break any better than they entered it, as they dropped a 130-110 decision to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night in their return to action, their ninth consecutive loss. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 31 points, adding 12 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tyus Jones generated a 13-point, 14-assist double-double that included two rebounds. Corey Kispert furnished 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards are likely to list Isaiah Livers (hip) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Thunder (38-17), conversely, carried over their momentum into their first game back from the All-Star break Thursday by recording a third straight win with an impressive 129-107 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 31 points, supplementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luguentz Dort furnished 19 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Williams supplied 18 points, six assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Chet Holmgren generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and three blocks. Josh Giddey registered 12 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
The Thunder comes into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead.
Clippers and Grizzlies Square off in Memphis
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Clippers (36-18) went into the All-Star break with an impressive 130-125 comeback win over the Golden State Warriors, but they resumed play Thursday night with an alarming 129-107 thrashing at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 20 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Norman Powell supplied 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block. James Harden registered 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Paul George furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal.
The Clippers come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Grizzlies (20-36) have been besieged by a serious of key injuries that have essentially derailed their season, but they managed to go into the All-Star break with an encouraging two-game winning streak. Their most recent success came Thursday, Feb. 15, when they upset the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-110 score. Ziaire Williams and GG Jackson co-led the Grizzlies with matching 27-point tallies, with Williams adding four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Vince Williams Jr. posted an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. Lamar Stevens recorded 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jordan Goodwin delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trey Jemison finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Grizzlies will list Jaren Jackson Jr. (quadriceps) as probable for Friday's game. Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Marcus Smart (finger) and Desmond Bane (ankle) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final game between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 2-1 series lead.
The Clippers (36-18) went into the All-Star break with an impressive 130-125 comeback win over the Golden State Warriors, but they resumed play Thursday night with an alarming 129-107 thrashing at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 20 points, adding three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Norman Powell supplied 19 points, two rebounds, one assist and one block. James Harden registered 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Paul George furnished 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal.
The Clippers come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Grizzlies (20-36) have been besieged by a serious of key injuries that have essentially derailed their season, but they managed to go into the All-Star break with an encouraging two-game winning streak. Their most recent success came Thursday, Feb. 15, when they upset the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-110 score. Ziaire Williams and GG Jackson co-led the Grizzlies with matching 27-point tallies, with Williams adding four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Vince Williams Jr. posted an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. Lamar Stevens recorded 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jordan Goodwin delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trey Jemison finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Grizzlies will list Jaren Jackson Jr. (quadriceps) as probable for Friday's game. Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Marcus Smart (finger) and Desmond Bane (ankle) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final game between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 2-1 series lead.
Warriors Host Streaking Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Chase Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (28-26), after a confident home win over the Lakers on Thursday. The Warriors held a three-point edge after the first quarter and pushed their lead to 11 points by halftime. They continued building on their lead in third quarter and stayed in front down the stretch to close out their second straight win. Stephen Curry led the way with 32 points, eight assists and three steals in the win. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Trayce Jackson-Davis added 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Looking ahead the Warriors hope to keep rolling and add to their, 15-14, home record. Chris Paul (hand) has not played since early January and will remain out through Friday's action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hornets (14-41), after they picked up their fourth consecutive win, as they topped the Jazz, 115-107, in Utah on Thursday. Miles Bridges led the way in the win with 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, in 41 minutes. Grant Williams followed up with 24 points, two assists and a steal, while Brandon Miller totaled 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. The Hornets will look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a four-game road trip, with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-20, road record. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Davis Bertans (knee) are both listed as questionable for action, while Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (28-26), after a confident home win over the Lakers on Thursday. The Warriors held a three-point edge after the first quarter and pushed their lead to 11 points by halftime. They continued building on their lead in third quarter and stayed in front down the stretch to close out their second straight win. Stephen Curry led the way with 32 points, eight assists and three steals in the win. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Trayce Jackson-Davis added 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Looking ahead the Warriors hope to keep rolling and add to their, 15-14, home record. Chris Paul (hand) has not played since early January and will remain out through Friday's action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hornets (14-41), after they picked up their fourth consecutive win, as they topped the Jazz, 115-107, in Utah on Thursday. Miles Bridges led the way in the win with 26 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, in 41 minutes. Grant Williams followed up with 24 points, two assists and a steal, while Brandon Miller totaled 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. The Hornets will look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a four-game road trip, with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-20, road record. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Davis Bertans (knee) are both listed as questionable for action, while Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
Timberwolves Play Host To Slumping Bucks
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves (39-16) entered the break on a four-game win streak and look to keep the momentum going as they are set to begin a seven-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 19-5, home record. Anthony Edwards leads the squad, averaging 26.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.7 points, 12.5 rebounds 1.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 114.0 points per game, and they limit opponents to a league-low average of 106.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (35-21) dropped their last two games heading into the break. They hope to get back on track as they kick off action again with a two-game road trip and the opportunity to improve on their, 12-14, road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Damian Lillard is averaging 24.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 13.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. The Bucks average 122.0 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average 118.8 points per game, which is eighth most in the league. Khris Middleton (ankle) missed six of the last seven games before the break and remains questionable for action on Friday.
The Timberwolves (39-16) entered the break on a four-game win streak and look to keep the momentum going as they are set to begin a seven-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 19-5, home record. Anthony Edwards leads the squad, averaging 26.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.7 points, 12.5 rebounds 1.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 114.0 points per game, and they limit opponents to a league-low average of 106.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (35-21) dropped their last two games heading into the break. They hope to get back on track as they kick off action again with a two-game road trip and the opportunity to improve on their, 12-14, road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Damian Lillard is averaging 24.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Brook Lopez averages 13.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. The Bucks average 122.0 points per game, which is second most in the league, but they give up an average 118.8 points per game, which is eighth most in the league. Khris Middleton (ankle) missed six of the last seven games before the break and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Blazers Host Nuggets on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Denver Nuggets at Moda Center on Friday.
The Nuggets (37-19) had their worst stretch of the season going into the All-Star break, losing three straight games. The good news is that they came out of the break healthy, beating the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Even with the poor run headed into the break, Denver still has a chance to capture the top spot in the Western Conference. They currently sit in fourth but are just 2.5 games back of the Minnesota Timberwolves in first. Those four teams are going to battle for those homecourt spots, and where they finish could be a huge advantage deeper into the playoffs. As long as Nikola Jokic keeps playing at an MVP level, Denver has to remain one of the favorites.
The Trail Blazers (15-39) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA, entering this matchup losing six straight games. It's hard to see things getting much better either because they've had numerous lengthy losing streaks throughout the year. If there's a silver lining, it's that Portland has decided to insert Scoot Henderson into the starting lineup. The Top 3 pick has looked great at times but has also really struggled in a bench role as well. Getting him more consistent minutes is huge for his development, and it'll be exciting to see what he brings to the table in the absence of Malcolm Brogdon (elbow). With that said, he's not expected to suit up here because of an adductor issue. Don't be surprised to see more Portland veterans miss time over the final month of the year.
These teams played twice earlier in the month, with Denver winning both matchups. The Nuggets have won seven of their last eight games over the Blazers in total.
The Nuggets (37-19) had their worst stretch of the season going into the All-Star break, losing three straight games. The good news is that they came out of the break healthy, beating the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Even with the poor run headed into the break, Denver still has a chance to capture the top spot in the Western Conference. They currently sit in fourth but are just 2.5 games back of the Minnesota Timberwolves in first. Those four teams are going to battle for those homecourt spots, and where they finish could be a huge advantage deeper into the playoffs. As long as Nikola Jokic keeps playing at an MVP level, Denver has to remain one of the favorites.
The Trail Blazers (15-39) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA, entering this matchup losing six straight games. It's hard to see things getting much better either because they've had numerous lengthy losing streaks throughout the year. If there's a silver lining, it's that Portland has decided to insert Scoot Henderson into the starting lineup. The Top 3 pick has looked great at times but has also really struggled in a bench role as well. Getting him more consistent minutes is huge for his development, and it'll be exciting to see what he brings to the table in the absence of Malcolm Brogdon (elbow). With that said, he's not expected to suit up here because of an adductor issue. Don't be surprised to see more Portland veterans miss time over the final month of the year.
These teams played twice earlier in the month, with Denver winning both matchups. The Nuggets have won seven of their last eight games over the Blazers in total.
Lakers Host Spurs on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Spurs (11-45) suffered a loss in their first game out of the break, but that's been common for this club all season. They come into this matchup losing nine of their last 10 games. Sadly, that's not the worst stretch this team has had, and it's clear they're in line for another top pick in next year's draft. That's what fans want, though, because they need someone to pair up with Victor Wembanyama. The French rookie is leading the league in blocks in his rookie season and truly looks like a revolutionary player. This kid is only scratching the surface of what he could become, and it's scary to think that he's a Top 20 player and is still learning the game.
The Lakers (30-27) were one of the hottest teams heading into the All-Star break, winning six of seven games before some time off. They started the "second half" with a road game against the Golden State Warriors, losing that game in narrow fashion. The signs are encouraging from this team, though, because Anthony Davis has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. More importantly, they're getting about 25 points and six assists from D'Angelo Russell since the trade deadline rumors were squashed, and he looks like a new player with that reassurance and confidence. We didn't even mention LeBron James, who just made his 20th All-Star appearance over the weekend, but missed that defeat on Thursday.
These teams played a back-to-back in December, splitting those matchups. With that said, Los Angeles has won five of their last six games over San Antonio in total.
The Spurs (11-45) suffered a loss in their first game out of the break, but that's been common for this club all season. They come into this matchup losing nine of their last 10 games. Sadly, that's not the worst stretch this team has had, and it's clear they're in line for another top pick in next year's draft. That's what fans want, though, because they need someone to pair up with Victor Wembanyama. The French rookie is leading the league in blocks in his rookie season and truly looks like a revolutionary player. This kid is only scratching the surface of what he could become, and it's scary to think that he's a Top 20 player and is still learning the game.
The Lakers (30-27) were one of the hottest teams heading into the All-Star break, winning six of seven games before some time off. They started the "second half" with a road game against the Golden State Warriors, losing that game in narrow fashion. The signs are encouraging from this team, though, because Anthony Davis has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. More importantly, they're getting about 25 points and six assists from D'Angelo Russell since the trade deadline rumors were squashed, and he looks like a new player with that reassurance and confidence. We didn't even mention LeBron James, who just made his 20th All-Star appearance over the weekend, but missed that defeat on Thursday.
These teams played a back-to-back in December, splitting those matchups. With that said, Los Angeles has won five of their last six games over San Antonio in total.