Magic, Jazz Tangle In Florida
The Orlando Magic will host the Utah Jazz at Kia Center on Thursday.
The Magic (33-26) were in dire need of a bounce-back performance following their 109-82 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and the team responded with a 108-81 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Magic have been trending in the right direction in recent games, and the absence of Paolo Banchero (illness) hasn’t impacted the team as expected, with Orlando winning four of its last five. The Magic have looked quite good at home as well, recording a 19-8 mark in front of their fans. Orlando has also won four of its last five contests at home.
Paolo Banchero (illness) and Jonathan Isaac (illness) are both questionable to play Thursday.
The Jazz (27-32) are not ruled out of a potential Play-In Tournament berth, but they have their work cut out since they need to compete for that final spot with both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Utah was not expected to compete this season, however, so everything the team accomplishes will be a step in the right direction in its rebuilding process. The Jazz have been slumping of late, however, losing four of their last five games following their 124-97 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. The Jazz have also lost their last four games away from home, and six of their last eight.
Walker Kessler (foot) has been tabbed a game-time call for Thursday. Otto Porter (not injury related) remains out.
The Magic (33-26) were in dire need of a bounce-back performance following their 109-82 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, and the team responded with a 108-81 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The Magic have been trending in the right direction in recent games, and the absence of Paolo Banchero (illness) hasn’t impacted the team as expected, with Orlando winning four of its last five. The Magic have looked quite good at home as well, recording a 19-8 mark in front of their fans. Orlando has also won four of its last five contests at home.
Paolo Banchero (illness) and Jonathan Isaac (illness) are both questionable to play Thursday.
The Jazz (27-32) are not ruled out of a potential Play-In Tournament berth, but they have their work cut out since they need to compete for that final spot with both the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Utah was not expected to compete this season, however, so everything the team accomplishes will be a step in the right direction in its rebuilding process. The Jazz have been slumping of late, however, losing four of their last five games following their 124-97 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. The Jazz have also lost their last four games away from home, and six of their last eight.
Walker Kessler (foot) has been tabbed a game-time call for Thursday. Otto Porter (not injury related) remains out.
Bucks Aim For Second Straight Win Over Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on Thursday.
The Hornets (15-43) have shown some signs of progress over the last few weeks, and even though a spot in the Play-In Tournament would be too much for them, the team seems to be trending in the right direction for the future of the franchise. Charlotte is coming off a 123-85 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, and while that was an expected result given the gulf of difference when it comes to both teams’ talent, it’s worth noting it also ended Charlotte’s four-game road trip on an encouraging 2-2 record. A 3-2 mark over the team’s last five games, and the play of young players such as Tre Mann, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should give Charlotte reasons for hope to, at least, end the season on a strong note. The Hornets have gone 8-21 at home this season, however, so that’s an area where the team needs to progress.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) both remain out for Charlotte.
Among all the title contenders in the NBA this season, few teams have had as much scrutiny as the Bucks (38-21) so far. Milwaukee changed its head coach and has tweaked its approach on both ends of the court, and while the team has struggled to dominate, there are some evident signs of progress. For starters, the Bucks enter this matchup on a three-game winning streak, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard continue to play better and better as a duo of late. These two players are going to carry the Bucks in the playoffs, so the quicker they can get on sync, the better for Milwaukee’s title chances. The Bucks have also had good results on the road, posting a 14-14 mark away from Fiserv Forum.
Andre Jackson (illness), Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and MarJon Beauchamp (illness) have all been listed as game-time calls for Thursday. Khris Middleton (ankle) has been ruled out.
The Hornets (15-43) have shown some signs of progress over the last few weeks, and even though a spot in the Play-In Tournament would be too much for them, the team seems to be trending in the right direction for the future of the franchise. Charlotte is coming off a 123-85 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, and while that was an expected result given the gulf of difference when it comes to both teams’ talent, it’s worth noting it also ended Charlotte’s four-game road trip on an encouraging 2-2 record. A 3-2 mark over the team’s last five games, and the play of young players such as Tre Mann, Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges should give Charlotte reasons for hope to, at least, end the season on a strong note. The Hornets have gone 8-21 at home this season, however, so that’s an area where the team needs to progress.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) both remain out for Charlotte.
Among all the title contenders in the NBA this season, few teams have had as much scrutiny as the Bucks (38-21) so far. Milwaukee changed its head coach and has tweaked its approach on both ends of the court, and while the team has struggled to dominate, there are some evident signs of progress. For starters, the Bucks enter this matchup on a three-game winning streak, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard continue to play better and better as a duo of late. These two players are going to carry the Bucks in the playoffs, so the quicker they can get on sync, the better for Milwaukee’s title chances. The Bucks have also had good results on the road, posting a 14-14 mark away from Fiserv Forum.
Andre Jackson (illness), Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and MarJon Beauchamp (illness) have all been listed as game-time calls for Thursday. Khris Middleton (ankle) has been ruled out.
Hawks and Nets Battle in Big Apple
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Thursday night.
The Hawks (26-32) are currently managing the absence of their biggest star in Trae Young (finger), but they'll come into Thursday's game having won two straight. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they throttled the Utah Jazz by a 124-97 score. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 20 points, five rebounds and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Dejounte Murray generated a 17-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Saddiq Bey furnished 16 points and seven boards.
In addition to Young, the Hawks will list Onyeka Okongwu (toe) as out for Thursday's game.
The Nets (22-36) continue to spiral as the season nears the stretch run, as they'll enter Thursday's game having lost five of the last six contests. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, when they fell to the Orlando Magic by a 108-81 score. Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 15 points complementing them with two assists, one rebound and three steals. Trendon Watford delivered 14 points and seven boards. Nicolas Claxton contributed 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Nets will be without Cam Thomas (ankle) for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
The Hawks (26-32) are currently managing the absence of their biggest star in Trae Young (finger), but they'll come into Thursday's game having won two straight. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they throttled the Utah Jazz by a 124-97 score. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter supplied 20 points, five rebounds and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Dejounte Murray generated a 17-point, 11-assist double-double that included four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Saddiq Bey furnished 16 points and seven boards.
In addition to Young, the Hawks will list Onyeka Okongwu (toe) as out for Thursday's game.
The Nets (22-36) continue to spiral as the season nears the stretch run, as they'll enter Thursday's game having lost five of the last six contests. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, when they fell to the Orlando Magic by a 108-81 score. Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 15 points complementing them with two assists, one rebound and three steals. Trendon Watford delivered 14 points and seven boards. Nicolas Claxton contributed 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Nets will be without Cam Thomas (ankle) for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
Warriors and Knicks Set for Big Apple Battle
The Golden State Warriors take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Warriors (30-27) may finally be starting to hit their stride as the season nears its stretch run, as they'll enter Thursday's contest having prevailed in nine of the last 11 games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they prevailed by a 123-112 score over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Klay Thompson led the way with 25 points, complementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Stephen Curry supplied 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Gary Payton II totaled 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Moses Moody furnished 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Warriors will list Andrew Wiggins (personal) and Gui Santos (knee) as out for Thursday's game.
The Knicks (35-24) have been finding wins hard to come by of late, as they've dropped six of their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 115-92 score. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 23 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic furnished 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa generated matching 15-point contributions while posting 10 and seven rebounds, respectively. Miles McBride finished with 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Knicks will remain without Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) for Thursday's game. Brunson (neck) will be listed as questionable.
Thursday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
The Warriors (30-27) may finally be starting to hit their stride as the season nears its stretch run, as they'll enter Thursday's contest having prevailed in nine of the last 11 games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they prevailed by a 123-112 score over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Klay Thompson led the way with 25 points, complementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jonathan Kuminga delivered 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Stephen Curry supplied 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Gary Payton II totaled 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Moses Moody furnished 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Warriors will list Andrew Wiggins (personal) and Gui Santos (knee) as out for Thursday's game.
The Knicks (35-24) have been finding wins hard to come by of late, as they've dropped six of their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 115-92 score. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 23 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic furnished 20 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart and Precious Achiuwa generated matching 15-point contributions while posting 10 and seven rebounds, respectively. Miles McBride finished with 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Knicks will remain without Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) for Thursday's game. Brunson (neck) will be listed as questionable.
Thursday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
Slumping Spurs Host Streaking Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center on Thursday evening.
The Spurs (11-48) enter on a five-game slide, looking to turn things around and improve on their, 5-21, home record. This marks the first game of a two-game stand, before they head out for a two-game trip. Victor Wembanyama continues to impress and leads the team, averaging 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Spurs average 111.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (41-17) have won six in a row and hope to keep rolling as they face the first game of a four-game road trip with the chance to build on their, 17-11, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to deliver supreme play, averaging 31.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jalen Williams averages 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7. blocks per game. Josh Giddey also continues to deliver a well-rounded contribution, averaging 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The Thunder average 121.3 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.0 points per game.
The Spurs (11-48) enter on a five-game slide, looking to turn things around and improve on their, 5-21, home record. This marks the first game of a two-game stand, before they head out for a two-game trip. Victor Wembanyama continues to impress and leads the team, averaging 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The Spurs average 111.9 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (41-17) have won six in a row and hope to keep rolling as they face the first game of a four-game road trip with the chance to build on their, 17-11, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to deliver supreme play, averaging 31.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jalen Williams averages 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.0 steals, while Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7. blocks per game. Josh Giddey also continues to deliver a well-rounded contribution, averaging 11.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The Thunder average 121.3 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.0 points per game.
Suns Host Struggling Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center on Thursday evening.
The Suns (34-24) halted a two-game slide with a home win over the Lakers in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to add to their, 19-11, home record. Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) missed the game-before last but bounced back with 18 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in the Suns' most recent outing. Nurkic is listed as probable for action on Thursday. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The Suns average 117.5 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 114.5 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (25-33) have dropped four of their last five games and have have not won on the road since January 26, in Charlotte. They hope to end the slide with the chance to improve on their, 5-23, road record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. Jalen Green averages 17.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 0.9 blocks per game. The Rockets average 112.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 113.0 points per game. Tari Eason (leg) remains out.
The Suns (34-24) halted a two-game slide with a home win over the Lakers in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to add to their, 19-11, home record. Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) missed the game-before last but bounced back with 18 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in the Suns' most recent outing. Nurkic is listed as probable for action on Thursday. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 18.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The Suns average 117.5 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 114.5 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (25-33) have dropped four of their last five games and have have not won on the road since January 26, in Charlotte. They hope to end the slide with the chance to improve on their, 5-23, road record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 21.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. Jalen Green averages 17.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 0.9 blocks per game. The Rockets average 112.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 113.0 points per game. Tari Eason (leg) remains out.
Nuggets Host Heat on Thursday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Miami Heat at Ball Arena on Thursday.
The Heat (33-25) are one of the scariest teams in the NBA right now, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games. What's scary is that they did most of that damage with a shorthanded roster, missing Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro for most of that. Herro is the only guy who remains out, and there's some thought he could remain here. That's bad news for the rest of the NBA because Miami always seems to do this at the end of the season. They finished eighth in the Eastern Conference last year, but they made it all the way to the NBA Finals. No one is counting them out to do that again because this is an even better roster than the one we saw last season.
The Nuggets (40-19) are also one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning four straight games. Nikola Jokic has been playing at a different level in that span, posting triple-double averages in that winning streak. He's well on his way to a third MVP in four years, and not enough people talk about how truly dominant this big man is. He's not the only reason this team is successful, though, because Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray are underrated assets as well. That's why this team is the defending champs, and they're likely the favorites once again despite sitting third in the Western Conference. They're only two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in first, and this is a team no one wants to see finish first behind their 23-5 home record.
Denver won both of their games over Miami last season and won the NBA Finals in five games. If you include that series, the Nuggets have won 10 of their last 11 games over the Heat in total.
The Heat (33-25) are one of the scariest teams in the NBA right now, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games. What's scary is that they did most of that damage with a shorthanded roster, missing Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro for most of that. Herro is the only guy who remains out, and there's some thought he could remain here. That's bad news for the rest of the NBA because Miami always seems to do this at the end of the season. They finished eighth in the Eastern Conference last year, but they made it all the way to the NBA Finals. No one is counting them out to do that again because this is an even better roster than the one we saw last season.
The Nuggets (40-19) are also one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning four straight games. Nikola Jokic has been playing at a different level in that span, posting triple-double averages in that winning streak. He's well on his way to a third MVP in four years, and not enough people talk about how truly dominant this big man is. He's not the only reason this team is successful, though, because Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray are underrated assets as well. That's why this team is the defending champs, and they're likely the favorites once again despite sitting third in the Western Conference. They're only two games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in first, and this is a team no one wants to see finish first behind their 23-5 home record.
Denver won both of their games over Miami last season and won the NBA Finals in five games. If you include that series, the Nuggets have won 10 of their last 11 games over the Heat in total.
Lakers Host Wizards on Thursday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.
The Wizards (9-48) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, and they've definitely lived up to those low expectations. They come into this road matchup amid a 12-game losing streak. That's hard to fathom, but things aren't going to get better anytime soon. What's sad is that we're seeing breakout seasons from Kyle Kuzma and Tyus Jones. Kuzma is averaging 22 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, while Jones is handing out nearly 15 assists per game over the last three weeks. That's a great twosome to build around, but trading away Daniel Gafford really killed them down low. They've also gotten a nightmarish season from Jordan Poole, and it's hard to see where this franchise goes from here.
The Lakers (33-27) are one of the hottest teams in the league, but this is a tough spot for this team. This marks a back-to-back for Los Angeles and that';s always tough when you gave aging veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both of those superstars need time off, and it remains to be seen if they'll be able to suit up here. In any case, the Lakers come into this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games. The win on Wednesday was one of the most remarkable of the season, overcoming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers. That has pretty much earned them at least a Play-In berth, but this team desperately wants to finish sixth and avoid that tourney. They're 3.5 games behind the teams in fifth and sixth, which will be quite the hill since three other teams are ahead of them as well.
Los Angeles swept the season series over Washington last year and comes into this matchup winning three of their last four games over them in total.
The Wizards (9-48) were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA, and they've definitely lived up to those low expectations. They come into this road matchup amid a 12-game losing streak. That's hard to fathom, but things aren't going to get better anytime soon. What's sad is that we're seeing breakout seasons from Kyle Kuzma and Tyus Jones. Kuzma is averaging 22 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, while Jones is handing out nearly 15 assists per game over the last three weeks. That's a great twosome to build around, but trading away Daniel Gafford really killed them down low. They've also gotten a nightmarish season from Jordan Poole, and it's hard to see where this franchise goes from here.
The Lakers (33-27) are one of the hottest teams in the league, but this is a tough spot for this team. This marks a back-to-back for Los Angeles and that';s always tough when you gave aging veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Both of those superstars need time off, and it remains to be seen if they'll be able to suit up here. In any case, the Lakers come into this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games. The win on Wednesday was one of the most remarkable of the season, overcoming a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers. That has pretty much earned them at least a Play-In berth, but this team desperately wants to finish sixth and avoid that tourney. They're 3.5 games behind the teams in fifth and sixth, which will be quite the hill since three other teams are ahead of them as well.
Los Angeles swept the season series over Washington last year and comes into this matchup winning three of their last four games over them in total.