76ers host Bucks in Eastern Conference showdown
The Philadelphia 76ers host the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday.
The Bucks (36-21) are coming off an impressive 112-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Milwaukee is still adjusting to new head coach Doc Rivers, who took over for Adrian Griffin in late January, and the Bucks are 4-7 since the change. The Bucks sit in third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, and any movement into the top two will be reliant on the performance of All-Star Game MVP Damian Lillard. Over his last 10 games, Lillard has averaged 21.5 points on 42.5 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.0 steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday’s game while Khris Middleton (knee) has been ruled out.
Meanwhile the 76ers (33-23) are still navigating their season without reigning MVP Joel Embiid. First-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey has helped with the offensive load and the fourth-year guard is averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game this season. Philadelphia sit in fifth place in the East and are just two games ahead of the seventh-seeded Miami Heat, so Maxey, Tobias Harris and the rest of the 76ers players will have to step up and keep the team in the top six of the standings to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
KJ Martin (ankle) is probable to play Sunday.
Sunday’s contest is the second of three games between the Bucks and 76ers this season. Milwaukee won the first contest, 118-117, on Oct. 26.
The Bucks (36-21) are coming off an impressive 112-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Milwaukee is still adjusting to new head coach Doc Rivers, who took over for Adrian Griffin in late January, and the Bucks are 4-7 since the change. The Bucks sit in third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, and any movement into the top two will be reliant on the performance of All-Star Game MVP Damian Lillard. Over his last 10 games, Lillard has averaged 21.5 points on 42.5 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.0 steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday’s game while Khris Middleton (knee) has been ruled out.
Meanwhile the 76ers (33-23) are still navigating their season without reigning MVP Joel Embiid. First-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey has helped with the offensive load and the fourth-year guard is averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game this season. Philadelphia sit in fifth place in the East and are just two games ahead of the seventh-seeded Miami Heat, so Maxey, Tobias Harris and the rest of the 76ers players will have to step up and keep the team in the top six of the standings to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
KJ Martin (ankle) is probable to play Sunday.
Sunday’s contest is the second of three games between the Bucks and 76ers this season. Milwaukee won the first contest, 118-117, on Oct. 26.
Suns, Lakers Tangle In Phoenix
The Phoenix Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center on Sunday.
The Suns (33-24) have slightly underperformed this season, as they were expected to contend for a high seed in the Western Conference led by their “big three” of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, they have not lived up to those expectations, and if the season ended today, they would be forced to participate in the Play-In Tournament. Phoenix has been playing well in recent weeks, but the Suns have looked a bit out of sorts after the All-Star break, losing their two contests against the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, though both games were on the road. The Suns have looked far better at home thanks to an 18-11 record in front of their fans.
Eric Gordon (groin) and Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) are game-time decisions for Sunday. Bradley Beal (hamstring) and Damion Lee (knee) are out.
The Lakers (31-27) are riding a similar boat to the Suns this season, as they are also stuck in the Play-In Tournament zone. Sitting in ninth place of the standings ahead of this contest, the Lakers have struggled with health and consistency all season long despite winning the In-Season Tournament in December. The Lakers have been on the rise of late, though, as they enter this game fresh off a 123-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. The Lakers have gone 4-1 over their last five games, but they need to find a way to improve their road play. The Lakers have gone 11-18 when playing on the road, but they seem to have the upper hand against the Suns this season, winning three of the four head-to-head meetings in 2023-24.
LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (hip) and Cam Reddish (ankle) are all listed as game-time calls for Sunday. Gabe Vincent (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) are out.
The Suns (33-24) have slightly underperformed this season, as they were expected to contend for a high seed in the Western Conference led by their “big three” of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. However, they have not lived up to those expectations, and if the season ended today, they would be forced to participate in the Play-In Tournament. Phoenix has been playing well in recent weeks, but the Suns have looked a bit out of sorts after the All-Star break, losing their two contests against the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, though both games were on the road. The Suns have looked far better at home thanks to an 18-11 record in front of their fans.
Eric Gordon (groin) and Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) are game-time decisions for Sunday. Bradley Beal (hamstring) and Damion Lee (knee) are out.
The Lakers (31-27) are riding a similar boat to the Suns this season, as they are also stuck in the Play-In Tournament zone. Sitting in ninth place of the standings ahead of this contest, the Lakers have struggled with health and consistency all season long despite winning the In-Season Tournament in December. The Lakers have been on the rise of late, though, as they enter this game fresh off a 123-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. The Lakers have gone 4-1 over their last five games, but they need to find a way to improve their road play. The Lakers have gone 11-18 when playing on the road, but they seem to have the upper hand against the Suns this season, winning three of the four head-to-head meetings in 2023-24.
LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (hip) and Cam Reddish (ankle) are all listed as game-time calls for Sunday. Gabe Vincent (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) are out.
Mavericks Aim To Extend Run Against Pacers
The Indiana Pacers will host the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.
The Pacers (32-25) sit seven games above the .500 mark, and barring an epic disaster, they should make the playoffs relatively comfortably in the Eastern Conference. Indiana has had a fair share of ups and downs this season, but the team has looked good in recent weeks, winning two in a row and three of their last four. The Pacers came firing off the All-Star break following a 129-115 win over the Detroit Pistons, a game where Tyrese Haliburton once again showed he belongs among the best floor generals in the league. Haliburton is leading the Pacers in both points (21.9) and assists (11.7) per game. The Pacers have also gone 18-11 when playing at home this season.
Jalen Smith (back) is questionable to play Sunday, while Aaron Nesmith (ankle) has been ruled out.
The Mavericks (33-23) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks, and they enter this one fresh off a 123-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. That win over the Suns represented Dallas’ seventh victory in a row, a stretch the Mavericks will aim to continue here, knowing they’ve gone 15-10 on the road this season. The Mavericks strengthened their depth before the trade deadline after adding P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, but this team will go as far as Luka Doncic can carry it. Doncic is leading the Mavericks in all major categories since he’s averaging nearly a triple-double per game: 34.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.6 assists per contest.
Maxi Kleber, Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively are all listed as probable for Sunday’s game due to nose injuries. Dante Exum is out due to a knee injury.
The Pacers (32-25) sit seven games above the .500 mark, and barring an epic disaster, they should make the playoffs relatively comfortably in the Eastern Conference. Indiana has had a fair share of ups and downs this season, but the team has looked good in recent weeks, winning two in a row and three of their last four. The Pacers came firing off the All-Star break following a 129-115 win over the Detroit Pistons, a game where Tyrese Haliburton once again showed he belongs among the best floor generals in the league. Haliburton is leading the Pacers in both points (21.9) and assists (11.7) per game. The Pacers have also gone 18-11 when playing at home this season.
Jalen Smith (back) is questionable to play Sunday, while Aaron Nesmith (ankle) has been ruled out.
The Mavericks (33-23) have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks, and they enter this one fresh off a 123-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. That win over the Suns represented Dallas’ seventh victory in a row, a stretch the Mavericks will aim to continue here, knowing they’ve gone 15-10 on the road this season. The Mavericks strengthened their depth before the trade deadline after adding P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, but this team will go as far as Luka Doncic can carry it. Doncic is leading the Mavericks in all major categories since he’s averaging nearly a triple-double per game: 34.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 9.6 assists per contest.
Maxi Kleber, Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively are all listed as probable for Sunday’s game due to nose injuries. Dante Exum is out due to a knee injury.
Cavaliers Looking To Bounce Back Against Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
The Wizards (9-47) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season. Even though Washington was expected to struggle, a team with Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole was not expected to reach under 10 wins at the All-Star break. The struggles have continued for Washington, and the team lost its two games since the league resumed by 20 or more points against the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wizards are winless in February and have dropped their last 10 games. To make things even more complicated, the Wizards have posted a negative 3-23 record at home this season. This team is thinking about next season, and their recent personnel moves reflect that, such as moving Poole to the bench permanently.
Deni Avdija (heel) is a game-time call for Sunday, while Isaiah Livers (hip) has been ruled out.
The Cavaliers (36-19) have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last two months, and even though the team is coming off a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers the last time out, no one can rule them out in the Eastern Conference race. The Cavaliers have lost two in a row -- against the Orlando Magic and the 76ers -- and three of their last four contests, but that shouldn’t take away from what they’ve done lately. Plus, the recent returns of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, and the expected presence of Donovan Mitchell in this upcoming contest, should do nothing but boost Cleveland’s chances of returning to the win column. Furthermore, the Cavs have been one of the best road teams in the league, with a 17-9 record away from home.
Donovan Mitchell (illness) is probable to play Sunday and should make his return after missing Cleveland’s two games following the All-Star break. Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are out.
The Wizards (9-47) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA this season. Even though Washington was expected to struggle, a team with Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole was not expected to reach under 10 wins at the All-Star break. The struggles have continued for Washington, and the team lost its two games since the league resumed by 20 or more points against the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wizards are winless in February and have dropped their last 10 games. To make things even more complicated, the Wizards have posted a negative 3-23 record at home this season. This team is thinking about next season, and their recent personnel moves reflect that, such as moving Poole to the bench permanently.
Deni Avdija (heel) is a game-time call for Sunday, while Isaiah Livers (hip) has been ruled out.
The Cavaliers (36-19) have been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last two months, and even though the team is coming off a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers the last time out, no one can rule them out in the Eastern Conference race. The Cavaliers have lost two in a row -- against the Orlando Magic and the 76ers -- and three of their last four contests, but that shouldn’t take away from what they’ve done lately. Plus, the recent returns of Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, and the expected presence of Donovan Mitchell in this upcoming contest, should do nothing but boost Cleveland’s chances of returning to the win column. Furthermore, the Cavs have been one of the best road teams in the league, with a 17-9 record away from home.
Donovan Mitchell (illness) is probable to play Sunday and should make his return after missing Cleveland’s two games following the All-Star break. Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are out.
Magic and Hawks Face Off in Peach State Battle
The Orlando Magic takes on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Sunday night.
The Magic (32-25) went into and have come out of the All-Star break hot, as they've prevailed in three straight games. Their most recent success came Saturday night, when they prevailed by a 112-109 score over the Detroit Pistons. Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 15 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner produced 14 points apiece while recording five rebounds, seven assists and five rebounds, respectively. Cole Anthony supplied 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris provided matching 12-point efforts while recording six and three rebounds, respectively. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Magic come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Hawks (24-32) have been trending in the opposite direction of their opponents, as they've dropped three straight games coming into Sunday. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they were edged by the Toronto Raptors, 123-121. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter furnished 22 points, five rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey delivered 18 points, nine boards and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three blocks and one steal. Bruno Fernando matched Johnson's scoring and also managed four rebounds. Trae Young finished with 11 points, seven assists and three rebounds before exiting with an injury.
The Hawks will be without Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu (toe) and Mouhamed Gueye (back) for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks own a 2-1 series lead.
The Magic (32-25) went into and have come out of the All-Star break hot, as they've prevailed in three straight games. Their most recent success came Saturday night, when they prevailed by a 112-109 score over the Detroit Pistons. Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 15 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner produced 14 points apiece while recording five rebounds, seven assists and five rebounds, respectively. Cole Anthony supplied 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jonathan Isaac and Gary Harris provided matching 12-point efforts while recording six and three rebounds, respectively. Wendell Carter Jr. generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Magic come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Hawks (24-32) have been trending in the opposite direction of their opponents, as they've dropped three straight games coming into Sunday. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they were edged by the Toronto Raptors, 123-121. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter furnished 22 points, five rebounds and two assists. Saddiq Bey delivered 18 points, nine boards and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, three blocks and one steal. Bruno Fernando matched Johnson's scoring and also managed four rebounds. Trae Young finished with 11 points, seven assists and three rebounds before exiting with an injury.
The Hawks will be without Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu (toe) and Mouhamed Gueye (back) for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Hawks own a 2-1 series lead.
Bulls and Pelicans Set for Interconference Clash
The Chicago Bulls take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Sunday night.
The Bulls (26-30) offered some reasons for optimism shortly before the All-Star break, but after heading into the pause in play with a loss, they've opened the final stretch of their season with a second straight defeat, a 129-112 walloping at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Nikola Vucevic led the way with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. Coby White supplied 20 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. DeMar DeRozan totaled 19 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu managed 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Alex Caruso went for 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond managed 11 points, eight rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will be without Torrey Craig (knee) for Sunday's game in terms of short-term injuries.
The Pelicans (34-23) went into the All-Star break with three straight victories and kept the momentum going in their return to action Thursday night, but the four-game winning streak was snapped Friday with a 106-95 loss to the Miami Heat. Zion Williamson led the way for New Orleans with 23 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Herbert Jones registered 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jordan Hawkins recorded 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonas Valacinunas generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Larry Nance Jr. turned in 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans will list Williamson (foot) and Brandon Ingram (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. CJ McCollum (ankle) and Dyson Daniels (knee) will be out.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bulls hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Bulls (26-30) offered some reasons for optimism shortly before the All-Star break, but after heading into the pause in play with a loss, they've opened the final stretch of their season with a second straight defeat, a 129-112 walloping at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Nikola Vucevic led the way with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that included two assists. Coby White supplied 20 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. DeMar DeRozan totaled 19 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu managed 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Alex Caruso went for 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond managed 11 points, eight rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will be without Torrey Craig (knee) for Sunday's game in terms of short-term injuries.
The Pelicans (34-23) went into the All-Star break with three straight victories and kept the momentum going in their return to action Thursday night, but the four-game winning streak was snapped Friday with a 106-95 loss to the Miami Heat. Zion Williamson led the way for New Orleans with 23 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Herbert Jones registered 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jordan Hawkins recorded 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Jonas Valacinunas generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one block. Larry Nance Jr. turned in 10 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Pelicans will list Williamson (foot) and Brandon Ingram (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. CJ McCollum (ankle) and Dyson Daniels (knee) will be out.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bulls hold a 1-0 series lead.
Streaking Warriors Host Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (29-26) have won three in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they face the third and final game of a home stand with the chance to add to their, 16-14, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 27.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Klay Thompson is averaging 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The Warriors average 119.5 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they give up an average of 117.4 points per game. Chris Paul (hand) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (38-19) have won two in a row and hope to keep rolling with an opportunity to improve on their, 16-14, road record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Michael Porter averages 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.5 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) and Jamal Murray (leg) are listed as questionable for action.
The Warriors (29-26) have won three in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they face the third and final game of a home stand with the chance to add to their, 16-14, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 27.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Klay Thompson is averaging 17.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The Warriors average 119.5 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they give up an average of 117.4 points per game. Chris Paul (hand) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (38-19) have won two in a row and hope to keep rolling with an opportunity to improve on their, 16-14, road record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 26.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Michael Porter averages 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.5 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.8 points per game, which is seventh most in the league. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) and Jamal Murray (leg) are listed as questionable for action.
Rockets Host Rolling Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Rockets (25-31) have dropped six of their last eight games, but they are coming off a win in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the second and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 20-9, home record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game Jalen Green averages 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. The Rockets average 113.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (39-17) enter on a four-game win streak and hope to keep rolling as they face a one-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 16-11, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the way with his dominant play, averaging 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jalen Williams averages 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. The Thunder average 121.4 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.4 points per game.
The Rockets (25-31) have dropped six of their last eight games, but they are coming off a win in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the second and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 20-9, home record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game Jalen Green averages 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. The Rockets average 113.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.9 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (39-17) enter on a four-game win streak and hope to keep rolling as they face a one-game road trip with a chance to improve on their, 16-11, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the way with his dominant play, averaging 31.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jalen Williams averages 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. The Thunder average 121.4 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.4 points per game.
Slumping Jazz Host Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center on Sunday evening.
The Jazz (26-31) have dropped five in a row and look to end the skid as they face the second and final game of a home stand with the chance to build on their, 17-11, home record. Lauri Markkanen continues to lead the team, averaging 23.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Collin Sexton is averaging 17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Jordan Clarkson averages 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The Jazz average 117.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points, which is fifth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (11-46) have dropped three in a row and two straight since returning from the all-star break. They hope to get back on track as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-25, road record. Victor Wembanyama continues to amaze and is coming off a a historic performance, where he became the youngest player ever to record at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a single game, as he finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and five blocks in a road loss against the Lakers on Friday. Wembanyama leads the Spurs, averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.3 blocks on the season. Devin Vassell averages 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.1 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points per game, which is tied with the Jazz for fifth most in the league.
The Jazz (26-31) have dropped five in a row and look to end the skid as they face the second and final game of a home stand with the chance to build on their, 17-11, home record. Lauri Markkanen continues to lead the team, averaging 23.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Collin Sexton is averaging 17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists, while Jordan Clarkson averages 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The Jazz average 117.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points, which is fifth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (11-46) have dropped three in a row and two straight since returning from the all-star break. They hope to get back on track as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-25, road record. Victor Wembanyama continues to amaze and is coming off a a historic performance, where he became the youngest player ever to record at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a single game, as he finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and five blocks in a road loss against the Lakers on Friday. Wembanyama leads the Spurs, averaging 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.3 blocks on the season. Devin Vassell averages 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.1 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points per game, which is tied with the Jazz for fifth most in the league.
Blazers Host Hornets on Sunday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Moda Center on Sunday.
The Hornets (14-42) had the second-worst record in the NBA a week ago, but something has changed. This team made some major moves at the trade deadline and come into this matchup winning four of their last five games. It usually takes this team a month or two to win four games, and it says something about the newly acquired players. Tee Mann has looked superb as the team's starting point guard in the absence of LaMelo Ball, while Grant Williams has been a nice spark off of the bench. He lit a fire with that spark on Friday, though, escalating a scuffle with the Golden State Warriors. That's the sort of fire this veteran brings, and it remains to be seen if that's a positive for this young Hornets team, but early indications are that it is a good thing.
The Trail Blazers (15-40) come into this matchup amid a six-game losing streak, losing five of those by at least nine points. This was expected to be one of the worst teams when they got rid of Damian Lillard, and that's certainly proving to be the case. What is frustrating is that this team has plenty of talent to post a better record than this. Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon form a solid core, while Scoot Henderson is one of the most promising rookies in the NBA. The last two players mentioned are sidelined right now, and losing two ball-handlers after the Lillard trade has proven to be a disaster for this club.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Portland winning the first two. They won each of those by double-digit margins.
The Hornets (14-42) had the second-worst record in the NBA a week ago, but something has changed. This team made some major moves at the trade deadline and come into this matchup winning four of their last five games. It usually takes this team a month or two to win four games, and it says something about the newly acquired players. Tee Mann has looked superb as the team's starting point guard in the absence of LaMelo Ball, while Grant Williams has been a nice spark off of the bench. He lit a fire with that spark on Friday, though, escalating a scuffle with the Golden State Warriors. That's the sort of fire this veteran brings, and it remains to be seen if that's a positive for this young Hornets team, but early indications are that it is a good thing.
The Trail Blazers (15-40) come into this matchup amid a six-game losing streak, losing five of those by at least nine points. This was expected to be one of the worst teams when they got rid of Damian Lillard, and that's certainly proving to be the case. What is frustrating is that this team has plenty of talent to post a better record than this. Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon form a solid core, while Scoot Henderson is one of the most promising rookies in the NBA. The last two players mentioned are sidelined right now, and losing two ball-handlers after the Lillard trade has proven to be a disaster for this club.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Portland winning the first two. They won each of those by double-digit margins.
Clippers Host Kings on Sunday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Kings (32-23) have two victories since the All-Star break, which is massive since they lost four out of six heading into the break. That time off was huge for some of these players because Sacramento didn't have a single player make the All-Star team. Many people believed that Domantas Sabonis or De'Aaron Fox could make it, but not going is a blessing in disguise. Fox has been nursing numerous injuries in the second half, and it appears he's fully healthy in the first two games back. The play of Sabonis is what really changes everything for this team, though, because the big man is leading the league in double-doubles and is tied with Nikola Jokic in triple-doubles.
The Clippers (37-18) have traded off wins and losses in their last seven matchups, coming off a narrow win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their most recent outing. They also have the second-best record over the last two months, losing just a handful of games in that span. What's made them so good is that we're finally seeing all of these superstars healthy for the first time. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been carrying this team for years, but the addition of James Harden has changed everything. He's averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, establishing himself as the primary playmaker for this stacked roster.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with LA winning the first two. That snapped a three-game winning streak by Sacramento.
The Kings (32-23) have two victories since the All-Star break, which is massive since they lost four out of six heading into the break. That time off was huge for some of these players because Sacramento didn't have a single player make the All-Star team. Many people believed that Domantas Sabonis or De'Aaron Fox could make it, but not going is a blessing in disguise. Fox has been nursing numerous injuries in the second half, and it appears he's fully healthy in the first two games back. The play of Sabonis is what really changes everything for this team, though, because the big man is leading the league in double-doubles and is tied with Nikola Jokic in triple-doubles.
The Clippers (37-18) have traded off wins and losses in their last seven matchups, coming off a narrow win against the Memphis Grizzlies in their most recent outing. They also have the second-best record over the last two months, losing just a handful of games in that span. What's made them so good is that we're finally seeing all of these superstars healthy for the first time. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George have been carrying this team for years, but the addition of James Harden has changed everything. He's averaging 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, establishing himself as the primary playmaker for this stacked roster.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with LA winning the first two. That snapped a three-game winning streak by Sacramento.