Luka, Mavericks visit Mitchell, Cavaliers in interconfernce clash Tuesday
The Dallas Mavericks continue their four-game Eastern Conference road trip Tuesday when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The Mavericks (33-24) have been one of the best teams in the West as of late, but saw their seven-game winning streak snapped Sunday in a 133-111 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers. Although Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 62 points Sunday, Dallas were not able to get meaningful contributions from the rest of its role players, including trade deadline acquisition PJ Washington who had just four points on 1-for-6 shooting. Thanks to their latest success, the Mavericks have climbed to eighth in the Western Conference standings, but the team will need production from their role players to complement the All-Star level play of Doncic and Irving if the team wishes to climb out of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Doncic (nose), Josh Green (elbow), Dereck Lively (nose) and Maxi Kleber (nose) are all expected to play Tuesday, while Dante Exum (knee) is listed as doubtful.
Meanwhile the Cavaliers (37-19) have cooled off from their 18-2 record in the 20 games before the All-Star break, having lost two of their last three contests. They are coming off a 114-105 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, but the Cavaliers will have to prove that their ascension to the second seed in the Eastern Conference was not due to a soft schedule. Much like the Mavericks, the Cavs’ success over the last stretch of the regular season will come down to contributions from its role players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Max Strus to complement All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. A top-two finish in the East is in the books for Cleveland if the team can continue its momentum.
Tuesday’s contest is the second and final matchup between the Mavericks and Cavaliers this season, with Cleveland winning the first contest, 113-110, on Dec. 27.
The Mavericks (33-24) have been one of the best teams in the West as of late, but saw their seven-game winning streak snapped Sunday in a 133-111 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers. Although Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 62 points Sunday, Dallas were not able to get meaningful contributions from the rest of its role players, including trade deadline acquisition PJ Washington who had just four points on 1-for-6 shooting. Thanks to their latest success, the Mavericks have climbed to eighth in the Western Conference standings, but the team will need production from their role players to complement the All-Star level play of Doncic and Irving if the team wishes to climb out of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Doncic (nose), Josh Green (elbow), Dereck Lively (nose) and Maxi Kleber (nose) are all expected to play Tuesday, while Dante Exum (knee) is listed as doubtful.
Meanwhile the Cavaliers (37-19) have cooled off from their 18-2 record in the 20 games before the All-Star break, having lost two of their last three contests. They are coming off a 114-105 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, but the Cavaliers will have to prove that their ascension to the second seed in the Eastern Conference was not due to a soft schedule. Much like the Mavericks, the Cavs’ success over the last stretch of the regular season will come down to contributions from its role players like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Max Strus to complement All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell. A top-two finish in the East is in the books for Cleveland if the team can continue its momentum.
Tuesday’s contest is the second and final matchup between the Mavericks and Cavaliers this season, with Cleveland winning the first contest, 113-110, on Dec. 27.
Magic Aim To Bounce Back, Host Nets
The Orlando Magic will host the Brooklyn Nets at Kia Center on Tuesday.
The Magic (32-26) are coming off a 109-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks the last time out, a defeat that snapped Orlando’s three-game winning run. Not having their star player available in Paolo Banchero proved to be detrimental to their cause, but the All-Star forward is considered questionable for this upcoming matchup. The Magic are looking to strengthen their playoff case in this one, and they need to get back to winning ways here to not complicate their situation further. This might be a revenge game for them as well, as the Nets have won the previous two head-to-head meetings against the Magic this season..
Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Paolo Banchero (illness) are both game-time calls for Tuesday.
The Nets (22-35) are coming off a 111-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies the last time out. That result not only gave them their first win since the All-Star break, but it also snapped their four-game losing streak. Owners of a 3-7 mark across their last 10 games, this hasn’t been an easy season for the Nets, but some of the team’s young players have been making progress as Brooklyn looks to build toward the future. The duo of Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton has been surprisingly good for Brooklyn. While Bridges is the team’s leading scorer with 21.4 points per contest, Claxton has been an asset on both ends of the court, averaging a double-double of 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) is out for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
The Magic (32-26) are coming off a 109-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks the last time out, a defeat that snapped Orlando’s three-game winning run. Not having their star player available in Paolo Banchero proved to be detrimental to their cause, but the All-Star forward is considered questionable for this upcoming matchup. The Magic are looking to strengthen their playoff case in this one, and they need to get back to winning ways here to not complicate their situation further. This might be a revenge game for them as well, as the Nets have won the previous two head-to-head meetings against the Magic this season..
Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Paolo Banchero (illness) are both game-time calls for Tuesday.
The Nets (22-35) are coming off a 111-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies the last time out. That result not only gave them their first win since the All-Star break, but it also snapped their four-game losing streak. Owners of a 3-7 mark across their last 10 games, this hasn’t been an easy season for the Nets, but some of the team’s young players have been making progress as Brooklyn looks to build toward the future. The duo of Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton has been surprisingly good for Brooklyn. While Bridges is the team’s leading scorer with 21.4 points per contest, Claxton has been an asset on both ends of the court, averaging a double-double of 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) is out for the rest of the 2023-24 season.
Warriors, Wizards Tangle In DC
The Washington Wizards will host the Golden State Warriors at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (9-48) have been struggling badly this season, but that shouldn’t be much of a surprise given their injuries, underperforming players, and moves prior to the trade deadline. Washington is clearly thinking about getting a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and the team enters this game against the Warriors on a 0-3 record following the All-Star break. That’s not the worst thing, however, as Washington is now riding an 11-game losing streak following its 114-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The play of Kyle Kuzma and the move of Jordan Poole to the bench have been encouraging, but the Wizards haven’t had many reasons to smile this season. If anything, the progression of young players such as Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avdija is one of the few bright spots for them in 2023-24. The Wizards’ biggest woes have come at home, where they own a 3-24 mark.
The Wizards are listing Landry Shamet (neck), Deni Avdija (heel) and Corey Kispert (illness) as game-time calls for Tuesday. Bilal Coulibaly (pelvis) is out, same as Isaiah Livers (hip).
The Warriors (29-27) have been enduring a fair share of struggles this season, but the team remains in contention for a playoff berth in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Golden State is coming off a 119-103 loss to the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, the last time out, and that loss snapped a three-game winning run. The Warriors have been relying heavily on Stephen Curry throughout most of the season, and the sharpshooter will need to be at his best if the Warriors are going to return to winning ways here. Curry is averaging 27.7 points and 5.1 assists per game on the season. The Warriors also own a 13-12 mark when playing on the road.
The Warriors are listing Gui Santos (knee) as out.
The Wizards (9-48) have been struggling badly this season, but that shouldn’t be much of a surprise given their injuries, underperforming players, and moves prior to the trade deadline. Washington is clearly thinking about getting a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and the team enters this game against the Warriors on a 0-3 record following the All-Star break. That’s not the worst thing, however, as Washington is now riding an 11-game losing streak following its 114-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. The play of Kyle Kuzma and the move of Jordan Poole to the bench have been encouraging, but the Wizards haven’t had many reasons to smile this season. If anything, the progression of young players such as Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avdija is one of the few bright spots for them in 2023-24. The Wizards’ biggest woes have come at home, where they own a 3-24 mark.
The Wizards are listing Landry Shamet (neck), Deni Avdija (heel) and Corey Kispert (illness) as game-time calls for Tuesday. Bilal Coulibaly (pelvis) is out, same as Isaiah Livers (hip).
The Warriors (29-27) have been enduring a fair share of struggles this season, but the team remains in contention for a playoff berth in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Golden State is coming off a 119-103 loss to the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, the last time out, and that loss snapped a three-game winning run. The Warriors have been relying heavily on Stephen Curry throughout most of the season, and the sharpshooter will need to be at his best if the Warriors are going to return to winning ways here. Curry is averaging 27.7 points and 5.1 assists per game on the season. The Warriors also own a 13-12 mark when playing on the road.
The Warriors are listing Gui Santos (knee) as out.
Jazz and Hawks Set for Interconference Showdown
The Utah Jazz take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Tuesday night.
The Jazz (27-31) had been mired in a five-game losing streak that had extended to their first post-All-Star-break contest, but they snapped that skid with a 128-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Lauri Markkanen led the way with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jordan Clarkson delivered a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. John Collins registered 20 points, eight boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Collin Sexton supplied 16 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and four steals.
The Jazz will continue without Otto Porter (recent trade acquisition) for Tuesday's contest.
The Hawks (25-32) were also in a funk going into Sunday, as they'd dropped three consecutive contests before prevailing over the Orlando Magic by a 109-92 score Sunday. Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson managed a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 17 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey offered 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Hawks will remain without Onyeka Okongwu (toe) for Tuesday's game. Mouhamed Gueye (back) will likely be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
The Jazz (27-31) had been mired in a five-game losing streak that had extended to their first post-All-Star-break contest, but they snapped that skid with a 128-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Lauri Markkanen led the way with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Jordan Clarkson delivered a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included two rebounds. John Collins registered 20 points, eight boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Collin Sexton supplied 16 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and four steals.
The Jazz will continue without Otto Porter (recent trade acquisition) for Tuesday's contest.
The Hawks (25-32) were also in a funk going into Sunday, as they'd dropped three consecutive contests before prevailing over the Orlando Magic by a 109-92 score Sunday. Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 25 points, supplementing them with 11 assists, nine rebounds and two steals. Jalen Johnson managed a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in 17 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey offered 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Hawks will remain without Onyeka Okongwu (toe) for Tuesday's game. Mouhamed Gueye (back) will likely be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
76ers and Celtics Face Off in Conference Showdown
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (33-24) continue to try to navigate the ongoing absence of their biggest star, and they've most recently dropped three of the last four games. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 119-98 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 24 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. De'Anthony Melton supplied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Paul Reed furnished 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals. Buddy Hield managed 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The 76ers will list KJ Martin (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Joel Embiid (knee) and Robert Covington (knee) will remain out.
The Celtics (45-12) were not slowed in the least by the All-Star break, as they'll enter Tuesday's game with eight consecutive victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New York Knicks by a 116-102 score Saturday night. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 30 points, adding eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Jayson Tatum turned in 19 points, six boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White finished with 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jrue Holiday contributed 12 points, six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block.
The Celtics will come into Tuesday's game without any injuries to report.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 2-1 series lead.
The 76ers (33-24) continue to try to navigate the ongoing absence of their biggest star, and they've most recently dropped three of the last four games. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 119-98 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 24 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. De'Anthony Melton supplied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Paul Reed furnished 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals. Buddy Hield managed 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The 76ers will list KJ Martin (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Joel Embiid (knee) and Robert Covington (knee) will remain out.
The Celtics (45-12) were not slowed in the least by the All-Star break, as they'll enter Tuesday's game with eight consecutive victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New York Knicks by a 116-102 score Saturday night. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 30 points, adding eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 22 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Jayson Tatum turned in 19 points, six boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Derrick White finished with 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jrue Holiday contributed 12 points, six assists, one rebound, two steals and one block.
The Celtics will come into Tuesday's game without any injuries to report.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 2-1 series lead.
Knicks Host Shorthanded Pelicans
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Knicks (35-23), after a hard-fought home win over the Pistons on Monday. The Knicks led by two points after one quarter and by four at the break. They pushed the lead to eight points entering the fourth but lost control and trailed in the final seconds, before Josh Hart scored the go-ahead bucket to close out their second win in three games. Jalen Brunson led the way in the win with 35 points, 12 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Hart followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while Donte DiVincenzo tallied 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Knicks will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 20-9, home record as they face the third game of a four-game home stand.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (34-24) have dropped two in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-12, road record. CJ McCollum (ankle) and Zion Williamson (foot) are listed as questionable for action, while Jose Alvarado (suspension) and Dyson Daniels (knee) will be sidelined. Brandon Ingram is the team's next-leading scorer, after Williamson, averaging 21.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Jonas Valanciunas averages 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, while Trey Murphy is averaging 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Knicks (35-23), after a hard-fought home win over the Pistons on Monday. The Knicks led by two points after one quarter and by four at the break. They pushed the lead to eight points entering the fourth but lost control and trailed in the final seconds, before Josh Hart scored the go-ahead bucket to close out their second win in three games. Jalen Brunson led the way in the win with 35 points, 12 assists and two steals, in 40 minutes. Hart followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block, while Donte DiVincenzo tallied 21 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Knicks will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 20-9, home record as they face the third game of a four-game home stand.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (34-24) have dropped two in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the first game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-12, road record. CJ McCollum (ankle) and Zion Williamson (foot) are listed as questionable for action, while Jose Alvarado (suspension) and Dyson Daniels (knee) will be sidelined. Brandon Ingram is the team's next-leading scorer, after Williamson, averaging 21.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Jonas Valanciunas averages 13.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 blocks, while Trey Murphy is averaging 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game.
Bulls Host Struggling Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Detroit Pistons at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The Bulls (27-30) are coming off a win and hope to keep rolling as they face the first game of a three-game home stand and with chance to build on their, 15-13, home record. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Coby White averages 19.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Bulls average 111.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 113.1 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (8-49), after a heart-breaking loss in New York on Monday. The game was out to a competitive start as the Pistons trailed by two points after one quarter and by four at the break. They could not get anything going in the third and trialed by eight points entering the final frame. Still they did not give up and fought back to grab the lead with seconds left, before they gave up the game-winning bucket just before the buzzer. Cade Cunningham led the team with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Jaden Ivey totaled 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Quentin Grimes finished with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. The Pistons will look to avoid a seventh straight loss as they face the second and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 4-25, road record.
The Bulls (27-30) are coming off a win and hope to keep rolling as they face the first game of a three-game home stand and with chance to build on their, 15-13, home record. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Coby White averages 19.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Bulls average 111.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 113.1 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (8-49), after a heart-breaking loss in New York on Monday. The game was out to a competitive start as the Pistons trailed by two points after one quarter and by four at the break. They could not get anything going in the third and trialed by eight points entering the final frame. Still they did not give up and fought back to grab the lead with seconds left, before they gave up the game-winning bucket just before the buzzer. Cade Cunningham led the team with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 36 minutes. Jaden Ivey totaled 14 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Quentin Grimes finished with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. The Pistons will look to avoid a seventh straight loss as they face the second and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 4-25, road record.
Bucks Look To Keep Rolling At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Bucks (37-21) have won two in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they return home with a chance to improve on their, 23-7, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has not missed a game since mid-January but continues to carry a probable tag. He leads the team, averaging 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Damian Lillard averages 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.1 steals, while Brook Lopez is averaging 13.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. The Bucks average 121.8 points per game, which is second-most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.3 points per game, which is seventh most in the league. Khris Middleton (ankle) has been sidelined since February 6, and will remain out .
Meanwhile, the Hornets (15-42) hope to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 7-21, road record as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip. Miles Bridges is leading the way, averaging 21.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Brandon Miller averages 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game, while Nick Richards is averaging 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Hornets average 108.1 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they give up an average of 118.1 points per game. Seth Curry (hip) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action. Davis Bertans (knee) is listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will both remain sidelined.
The Bucks (37-21) have won two in a row and look to keep the momentum going as they return home with a chance to improve on their, 23-7, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) has not missed a game since mid-January but continues to carry a probable tag. He leads the team, averaging 30.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Damian Lillard averages 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.1 steals, while Brook Lopez is averaging 13.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. The Bucks average 121.8 points per game, which is second-most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.3 points per game, which is seventh most in the league. Khris Middleton (ankle) has been sidelined since February 6, and will remain out .
Meanwhile, the Hornets (15-42) hope to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 7-21, road record as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip. Miles Bridges is leading the way, averaging 21.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Brandon Miller averages 16.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game, while Nick Richards is averaging 9.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Hornets average 108.1 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they give up an average of 118.1 points per game. Seth Curry (hip) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action. Davis Bertans (knee) is listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will both remain sidelined.
Spurs and Timberwolves Battle at Target
The San Antonio takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Tuesday night.
The Spurs (11-47) continue to primarily bank on optimism for their Victor Wembanyama-led future to get through another miserable season, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having dropped 11 of their last 12 games, including four straight. Their most recent stumble came Sunday, when they fell to the Utah Jazz by a 128-109 score. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Wembanyama provided a 22-point, 10-rebund double-double that included two assists, five blocks and one steal. Zach Collins supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tre Jones furnished 15 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Malaki Branham netted 14 points.
The Spurs are expected to remain without Marcus Morris (recent trade acquisition) for Tuesday's game.
The Timberwolves (40-17) continue to barrel toward one of the top seeds in the Western Conference come playoff time, and they'll enter Tuesday's game with five wins in the last six contests. Their most recent success came Saturday, when they toppled the Brooklyn Nets by a 101-86 score. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 28 points, nine boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley finished with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kyle Anderson posted 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Gobert (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 series lead.
The Spurs (11-47) continue to primarily bank on optimism for their Victor Wembanyama-led future to get through another miserable season, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having dropped 11 of their last 12 games, including four straight. Their most recent stumble came Sunday, when they fell to the Utah Jazz by a 128-109 score. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 27 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Wembanyama provided a 22-point, 10-rebund double-double that included two assists, five blocks and one steal. Zach Collins supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tre Jones furnished 15 points, nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. Malaki Branham netted 14 points.
The Spurs are expected to remain without Marcus Morris (recent trade acquisition) for Tuesday's game.
The Timberwolves (40-17) continue to barrel toward one of the top seeds in the Western Conference come playoff time, and they'll enter Tuesday's game with five wins in the last six contests. Their most recent success came Saturday, when they toppled the Brooklyn Nets by a 101-86 score. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 28 points, nine boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley finished with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kyle Anderson posted 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Gobert (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 series lead.
Blazers Host Heat on Tuesday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Miami Heat at Moda Center on Tuesday.
The Heat (32-25) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning eight of their last 10 games. The one thing holding them back has been the absences, with Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro both nicked up right now. They were also missing Jimmy Butler due to a suspension on Monday, and it's hard to believe they've been playing so well with so many key players sidelined. That can be a testament to the rest of this roster because Miami always seems to figure it out no matter who's on the floor. They finished eighth last year and made it all the way to the NBA Finals, so anything is possible for this team.
The Trail Blazers (15-41) come into this matchup amid an eight-game losing streak. The most recent loss on Sunday was one of the most embarrassing of the year, being beaten by the Charlotte Hornets. They allowed that shorthanded Charlotte team to rip off an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter, and that's a team Portland should be beating. Deandre Ayton did have one of his best games of the year, though, providing 26 points and 19 rebounds. That's hard to believe since Portland scored just 80 points in that defeat, shooting 3-of-31 from three-point range. Not many teams will win when shooting like that, but this has developed into one of the worst offenses in the NBA.
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the road team winning both games. With that said, Miami has won four of their last five games over Portland in total.
The Heat (32-25) have been much better in the second half of the season, entering this matchup winning eight of their last 10 games. The one thing holding them back has been the absences, with Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro both nicked up right now. They were also missing Jimmy Butler due to a suspension on Monday, and it's hard to believe they've been playing so well with so many key players sidelined. That can be a testament to the rest of this roster because Miami always seems to figure it out no matter who's on the floor. They finished eighth last year and made it all the way to the NBA Finals, so anything is possible for this team.
The Trail Blazers (15-41) come into this matchup amid an eight-game losing streak. The most recent loss on Sunday was one of the most embarrassing of the year, being beaten by the Charlotte Hornets. They allowed that shorthanded Charlotte team to rip off an 18-2 run in the fourth quarter, and that's a team Portland should be beating. Deandre Ayton did have one of his best games of the year, though, providing 26 points and 19 rebounds. That's hard to believe since Portland scored just 80 points in that defeat, shooting 3-of-31 from three-point range. Not many teams will win when shooting like that, but this has developed into one of the worst offenses in the NBA.
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the road team winning both games. With that said, Miami has won four of their last five games over Portland in total.
Thunder Host Rockets on Tuesday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Houston Rockets at Frostbank Center on Tuesday.
The Rockets (25-32) have been one of the worst road teams in the NBA, posting a 5-22 record outside of Houston. That has single-handedly killed their season because they're probably not even going to finish the year with double-digit road victories. That's hard to do, especially with how good this team has looked at times this season. With that said, the Rockets come into this matchup losing seven of their last nine games. The recent slide has almost ruined any playoff chances this team had, but there are some promising signs for the future. Alperen Sengun looks like a stud, while youngsters like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith look like great young players in the making.
The Thunder (40-17) had some high expectations coming into the year, and they've surpassed almost all of them. This club is tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference, and many people have OKC pegged to land that spot. What's scary is that this is just the start of their potential dynasty because all of these studs are 25 or younger. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the frontrunners for MVP, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have been stellar as well. They also have plenty of first-round picks in the coming year, and there's no franchise in a better spot over the next decade than this Thunder team.
These teams have split both of their matchups this season, but both were in Houston. With that said, OKC has won three of their last four games over Houston by an average of 27 points per game.
The Rockets (25-32) have been one of the worst road teams in the NBA, posting a 5-22 record outside of Houston. That has single-handedly killed their season because they're probably not even going to finish the year with double-digit road victories. That's hard to do, especially with how good this team has looked at times this season. With that said, the Rockets come into this matchup losing seven of their last nine games. The recent slide has almost ruined any playoff chances this team had, but there are some promising signs for the future. Alperen Sengun looks like a stud, while youngsters like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith look like great young players in the making.
The Thunder (40-17) had some high expectations coming into the year, and they've surpassed almost all of them. This club is tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference, and many people have OKC pegged to land that spot. What's scary is that this is just the start of their potential dynasty because all of these studs are 25 or younger. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the frontrunners for MVP, while Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have been stellar as well. They also have plenty of first-round picks in the coming year, and there's no franchise in a better spot over the next decade than this Thunder team.
These teams have split both of their matchups this season, but both were in Houston. With that said, OKC has won three of their last four games over Houston by an average of 27 points per game.