Pistons host Cavaliers in Central Division clash Friday
The Cleveland Cavaliers wrap up their brief two-game road trip Friday when they visit the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
The Cavaliers (38-20) are currently battling with the Milwaukee Bucks for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland’s grip on the two seed weakened slightly in a 132-123 double-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, in a game when the Bulls went 31-for-38 from the free throw line, compared to 11-for-19 by the Cavaliers. Cleveland faces three playoff teams over its next five games -- including the East-leading Boston Celtics on March 5 -- so capturing wins against sub-.500 teams will be critical for the Cavs as they battle to secure home-court advantage through the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs.
Meanwhile the Pistons (9-49) managed to snap their six-game losing skid -- including a heartbreaking 113-111 loss to the New York Knicks on Feb. 26 -- when they defeated the Bulls, 105-95, on Tuesday, in a game that saw Cade Cunningham lead the way with 26 points and five assists. While Cunningham has received plenty of praise and attention for his work in a losing situation, center Jalen Duren is quietly having a productive sophomore season. He’s registered a double-double in four consecutive games and is averaging 14.0 points on 58.7 percent shooting, 12.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks over 31.0 minutes per game in February. It seems like Detroit may very well have found their long-term answer at center in Duren.
Friday’s contest is the fourth and final time the Cavaliers and Pistons will face each other this season. Cleveland holds a 3-0 lead after a 128-121 victory over Detroit on Jan. 31.
The Cavaliers (38-20) are currently battling with the Milwaukee Bucks for second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Cleveland’s grip on the two seed weakened slightly in a 132-123 double-overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, in a game when the Bulls went 31-for-38 from the free throw line, compared to 11-for-19 by the Cavaliers. Cleveland faces three playoff teams over its next five games -- including the East-leading Boston Celtics on March 5 -- so capturing wins against sub-.500 teams will be critical for the Cavs as they battle to secure home-court advantage through the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs.
Meanwhile the Pistons (9-49) managed to snap their six-game losing skid -- including a heartbreaking 113-111 loss to the New York Knicks on Feb. 26 -- when they defeated the Bulls, 105-95, on Tuesday, in a game that saw Cade Cunningham lead the way with 26 points and five assists. While Cunningham has received plenty of praise and attention for his work in a losing situation, center Jalen Duren is quietly having a productive sophomore season. He’s registered a double-double in four consecutive games and is averaging 14.0 points on 58.7 percent shooting, 12.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks over 31.0 minutes per game in February. It seems like Detroit may very well have found their long-term answer at center in Duren.
Friday’s contest is the fourth and final time the Cavaliers and Pistons will face each other this season. Cleveland holds a 3-0 lead after a 128-121 victory over Detroit on Jan. 31.
Sixers Aiming To Bounce Back Against Hornets
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Charlotte Hornets at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (33-25) have not looked as dominant as they were in the early stages of the season, and it’s clear the loss of Joel Embiid due to injury has affected them badly. Even though Tyrese Maxey has stepped up offensively, Philadelphia has struggled on both ends of the court without Embiid, and its record reflects that. The 76ers have dropped four of their last five games, including a 117-99 loss to the Boston Celtics the last time out. Perhaps even more concerning is that their last three losses have come against playoff-caliber opponents: the Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks. Philadelphia does have a psychological advantage over the Hornets ahead of this matchup, however, after winning the previous two head-to-head meetings this season.
KJ Martin (ankle) is a game-time call for Friday’s game. De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) are out.
The Hornets (15-44) are ready to play the second half of a home back-to-back set following their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. That loss against Milwaukee comes on the heels of a 2-2 road trip, and overall, Charlotte has shown signs of progress thanks to a 3-3 record across its last six games. That’s far from impressive when looking at the big picture, but it’s a step in the right direction for a Hornets franchise that has underperformed again. Players such as Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges have been playing well in recent weeks, and now the Hornets aim to get back to winning ways at home, where they’ve gone 7-22 in the current campaign.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) are both out for Friday’s game.
The 76ers (33-25) have not looked as dominant as they were in the early stages of the season, and it’s clear the loss of Joel Embiid due to injury has affected them badly. Even though Tyrese Maxey has stepped up offensively, Philadelphia has struggled on both ends of the court without Embiid, and its record reflects that. The 76ers have dropped four of their last five games, including a 117-99 loss to the Boston Celtics the last time out. Perhaps even more concerning is that their last three losses have come against playoff-caliber opponents: the Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks. Philadelphia does have a psychological advantage over the Hornets ahead of this matchup, however, after winning the previous two head-to-head meetings this season.
KJ Martin (ankle) is a game-time call for Friday’s game. De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee) are out.
The Hornets (15-44) are ready to play the second half of a home back-to-back set following their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. That loss against Milwaukee comes on the heels of a 2-2 road trip, and overall, Charlotte has shown signs of progress thanks to a 3-3 record across its last six games. That’s far from impressive when looking at the big picture, but it’s a step in the right direction for a Hornets franchise that has underperformed again. Players such as Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges have been playing well in recent weeks, and now the Hornets aim to get back to winning ways at home, where they’ve gone 7-22 in the current campaign.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) are both out for Friday’s game.
Doncic, Mavericks Travel To Boston To Visit Celtics
The Boston Celtics will host the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on Friday.
The Celtics (46-12) remain the best team in the league and are massive favorites not only in the Eastern Conference, but for the NBA title overall. Boston has assembled an elite roster on both ends of the court, and the results are showing for the Celtics. The team has gone 27-3 at home, which is the best mark in the league by a wide margin, and the Celtics also enter this game fresh off a 117-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. That was their 11th straight win, as well as their fifth consecutive win at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum is still running the show for Boston, but Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis have also proven they can carry the team offensively if needed. If the Celtics are clicking on both ends of the court, there are very few teams in the league that can compete with them over the course of a seven-game series.
The Celtics are not listing any injuries ahead of Friday’s contest.
The Mavericks (34-25) are coming off a 136-125 win over the Toronto Raptors the last time out, and the team celebrated Luka Doncic’s birthday in style -- the team clinched the victory, and the star guard recorded a triple-double of 30 points (11-23 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 16 assists, 11 rebounds and two steals across 36 minutes. It’s clear the Mavericks will only go as far as Doncic, and maybe Kyrie Irving, can carry them. Right now, though, that approach is working. Dallas has won three of its last five games and also owns a decent 16-12 record on the road, so they might have enough in them to put some pressure on the Celtics. The Mavericks will also look to avenge their 119-110 loss against Boston on Jan. 22 in their previous head-to-head meeting this season.
The Mavericks are listing Luka Doncic (ankle) as questionable for Friday’s game, but the expectation is that he’ll play.
The Celtics (46-12) remain the best team in the league and are massive favorites not only in the Eastern Conference, but for the NBA title overall. Boston has assembled an elite roster on both ends of the court, and the results are showing for the Celtics. The team has gone 27-3 at home, which is the best mark in the league by a wide margin, and the Celtics also enter this game fresh off a 117-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. That was their 11th straight win, as well as their fifth consecutive win at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum is still running the show for Boston, but Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis have also proven they can carry the team offensively if needed. If the Celtics are clicking on both ends of the court, there are very few teams in the league that can compete with them over the course of a seven-game series.
The Celtics are not listing any injuries ahead of Friday’s contest.
The Mavericks (34-25) are coming off a 136-125 win over the Toronto Raptors the last time out, and the team celebrated Luka Doncic’s birthday in style -- the team clinched the victory, and the star guard recorded a triple-double of 30 points (11-23 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 16 assists, 11 rebounds and two steals across 36 minutes. It’s clear the Mavericks will only go as far as Doncic, and maybe Kyrie Irving, can carry them. Right now, though, that approach is working. Dallas has won three of its last five games and also owns a decent 16-12 record on the road, so they might have enough in them to put some pressure on the Celtics. The Mavericks will also look to avenge their 119-110 loss against Boston on Jan. 22 in their previous head-to-head meeting this season.
The Mavericks are listing Luka Doncic (ankle) as questionable for Friday’s game, but the expectation is that he’ll play.
Warriors and Raptors Set for Interconference Battle
The Golden Warriors take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Warriors (31-27) saw a light come on for them in early February, and it's remained it straight through the end of the month. Golden State has prevailed in 10 of the last 12 games, including two straight, with their most recent success a 110-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga followed with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson turned in 16 points and five rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The Warriors will likely list Andrew Wiggins (personal) and Gui Santos (knee) as no better than questionable for Friday's game.
The Raptors (22-37) have had no shortage of struggles this season but had recently put together a three-game winning streak, yet they saw it snapped with a 136-125 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. RJ Barrett provided 26 points, six assists and five rebounds. Scottie Barnes generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk netted 13 points, while Gary Trent finished with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors will list Chris Boucher (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Warriors (31-27) saw a light come on for them in early February, and it's remained it straight through the end of the month. Golden State has prevailed in 10 of the last 12 games, including two straight, with their most recent success a 110-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jonathan Kuminga followed with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson turned in 16 points and five rebounds. Chris Paul delivered 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals.
The Warriors will likely list Andrew Wiggins (personal) and Gui Santos (knee) as no better than questionable for Friday's game.
The Raptors (22-37) have had no shortage of struggles this season but had recently put together a three-game winning streak, yet they saw it snapped with a 136-125 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley paced the Raptors with 28 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. RJ Barrett provided 26 points, six assists and five rebounds. Scottie Barnes generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists, three steals and one block. Jakob Poeltl furnished 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Kelly Olynyk netted 13 points, while Gary Trent finished with 11 points, four rebounds and one steal.
The Raptors will list Chris Boucher (illness) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 1-0 series lead.
Pacers and Pelicans Set for Interconference Duel
The Indiana Pacers take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Pacers (34-26) have been frequent visitors to the win column recently, as they'll head into Friday's contest having prevailed in seven of their last 10 games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they toppled these same Pelicans by a 123-114 score Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton furnished a 17-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. Obi Toppin and Benedict Mathurin contributed matching 16-point, two-assist tallies while recording six and four-rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Pacers will list Aaron Nesmith (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game. Doug McDermott (calf) will remain out.
The Pelicans (35-25) had been trending in the right direction going into the All-Star break, but after the loss to the Pacers on Wednesday, they've now dropped three of the last four games. Against Indiana, Brandon Ingram led the way with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and four assists. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson contributed matching 23-point efforts while also compiling six rebounds and four assists, respectively. Herbert Jones registered 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Trey Murphy II finished with 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Pelicans will remain without Dyson Daniels (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Pacers (34-26) have been frequent visitors to the win column recently, as they'll head into Friday's contest having prevailed in seven of their last 10 games. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those victories, as they toppled these same Pelicans by a 123-114 score Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton furnished a 17-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds, one steal and one block. Obi Toppin and Benedict Mathurin contributed matching 16-point, two-assist tallies while recording six and four-rebounds, respectively. Myles Turner posted 14 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Pacers will list Aaron Nesmith (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game. Doug McDermott (calf) will remain out.
The Pelicans (35-25) had been trending in the right direction going into the All-Star break, but after the loss to the Pacers on Wednesday, they've now dropped three of the last four games. Against Indiana, Brandon Ingram led the way with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and four assists. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson contributed matching 23-point efforts while also compiling six rebounds and four assists, respectively. Herbert Jones registered 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Trey Murphy II finished with 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Pelicans will remain without Dyson Daniels (knee) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Timberwolves Look To Stay Hot At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Sacramento Kings at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves (42-17) are winners of three straight and look to keep rolling for a chance to add to their, 22-6, home record. They are, 4-1, in their last five home games and face the fifth game of a seven-game home stand. Anthony Edwards (ankle) is the team's leading scorer, averaging 26.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 113.6 points per game, and they hold opponents to a league-low 106.3 points per game. Kyle Anderson (knee) missed the last game and remains doubtful for action.
Meanwhile, the Kings (33-25) have dropped two in a row and face the second game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-15, road record. De'Aaron Fox (knee) missed the last game and remains questionable for action on Friday. After Fox, Domantas Sabonis is the team's second-highest scorer, averaging 19.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Keegan Murray averages 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 16 assists and 1.1 steals, while Malik Monk is averaging 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. The Kings average 118.1 points per game, which ranks eighth most in the league, but they give up 117.8 points per game, which is also eighth most in the league.
The Timberwolves (42-17) are winners of three straight and look to keep rolling for a chance to add to their, 22-6, home record. They are, 4-1, in their last five home games and face the fifth game of a seven-game home stand. Anthony Edwards (ankle) is the team's leading scorer, averaging 26.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists, while Rudy Gobert is averaging 13.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Timberwolves average 113.6 points per game, and they hold opponents to a league-low 106.3 points per game. Kyle Anderson (knee) missed the last game and remains doubtful for action.
Meanwhile, the Kings (33-25) have dropped two in a row and face the second game of a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 17-15, road record. De'Aaron Fox (knee) missed the last game and remains questionable for action on Friday. After Fox, Domantas Sabonis is the team's second-highest scorer, averaging 19.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Keegan Murray averages 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 16 assists and 1.1 steals, while Malik Monk is averaging 15.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. The Kings average 118.1 points per game, which ranks eighth most in the league, but they give up 117.8 points per game, which is also eighth most in the league.
Hobbled Grizzlies Host Struggling Trail Blazers
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (20-39) have dropped three in a row but look to turn things around for a chance to build on their, 7-22, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a mountain of injury trouble, as GG Jackson (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for action, while Luke Kennard (illness) and John Konchar (thumb) are listed as doubtful, and Desmond Bane (ankle), Jaren Jackson (quadriceps), Scotty Pippen (back), Derrick Rose (back), and Marcus Smart (finger) will be sidelined. The Grizzlies average a league-low 106.4 points per game, and they give up an average of 112.7 points per game. On the bright side, Santi Aldama continues to provide a solid contribution, averaging 7.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 blocks over the last five games. Vince Williams is also playing well, averaging 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (15-42) have dropped nine in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-22, road record. Anfernee Simons leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Jerami Grant is averaging 21.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, while Toumani Camara averages 7.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Trail Blazers average 107.2 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 116.3 points per game. Deandre Ayton (hand) played in the last game but is listed as doubtful for action on Friday. Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) and Scoot Henderson (thigh) will remain sidelined.
The Grizzlies (20-39) have dropped three in a row but look to turn things around for a chance to build on their, 7-22, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a mountain of injury trouble, as GG Jackson (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for action, while Luke Kennard (illness) and John Konchar (thumb) are listed as doubtful, and Desmond Bane (ankle), Jaren Jackson (quadriceps), Scotty Pippen (back), Derrick Rose (back), and Marcus Smart (finger) will be sidelined. The Grizzlies average a league-low 106.4 points per game, and they give up an average of 112.7 points per game. On the bright side, Santi Aldama continues to provide a solid contribution, averaging 7.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 blocks over the last five games. Vince Williams is also playing well, averaging 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers (15-42) have dropped nine in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-22, road record. Anfernee Simons leads the team, averaging 22.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Jerami Grant is averaging 21.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists, while Toumani Camara averages 7.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Trail Blazers average 107.2 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they give up an average of 116.3 points per game. Deandre Ayton (hand) played in the last game but is listed as doubtful for action on Friday. Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) and Scoot Henderson (thigh) will remain sidelined.
Bulls Host Bucks on Friday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center on Friday.
The Bucks (39-21) have found their form since the All-Star break, coming into this matchup winning four straight games. That's the club we all expected to see, and it looks like they're finally finding their form under Doc Rivers. What makes this team so scary is that they're sitting third in the Eastern Conference and haven't been clicking all year. They're actually just 0.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in second, and many people believe Milwaukee is the much better team. As long as they have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard playing up to their lofty expectations, this team shouldn't lose many games from here on out.
The Bulls (28-31) played an epic game on Wednesday, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in double overtime. They made a brilliant roster decision in that victory, starting Andre Drummond against a huge Cleveland team. Drummond finished that game with 17 points and 26 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan carried the load, though, collecting 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. They also got 14 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists across 50 minutes from Coby White, and it's a miracle this team won with those two combining to shoot 13-of-46 from the field. In any case, a win is a win, rebounding after an ugly loss against the Detroit Pistons.
These teams have played three times this season, with Milwaukee winning three of their last four games over Chicago. With that said, the last two matchups both went into overtime.
The Bucks (39-21) have found their form since the All-Star break, coming into this matchup winning four straight games. That's the club we all expected to see, and it looks like they're finally finding their form under Doc Rivers. What makes this team so scary is that they're sitting third in the Eastern Conference and haven't been clicking all year. They're actually just 0.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in second, and many people believe Milwaukee is the much better team. As long as they have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard playing up to their lofty expectations, this team shouldn't lose many games from here on out.
The Bulls (28-31) played an epic game on Wednesday, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in double overtime. They made a brilliant roster decision in that victory, starting Andre Drummond against a huge Cleveland team. Drummond finished that game with 17 points and 26 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan carried the load, though, collecting 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. They also got 14 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists across 50 minutes from Coby White, and it's a miracle this team won with those two combining to shoot 13-of-46 from the field. In any case, a win is a win, rebounding after an ugly loss against the Detroit Pistons.
These teams have played three times this season, with Milwaukee winning three of their last four games over Chicago. With that said, the last two matchups both went into overtime.
Clippers Host Wizards on Friday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (9-50) are doing everything possible to finish with the worst record in the NBA. This club just fell below the Detroit Pistons for the worst record in the league after a defeat on Thursday, and it'll be a battle between those teams to see who gets the top pick in next year's draft. What's sad is that this Washington team has some great pieces. Kyle Kuzma is amid a breakout year while Tyus Jones has been handing out nearly 15 assists a game over the last three weeks. The Jordan Poole contract is looking like one of the major issues because he's been one of the biggest disapointments in the NBA. It remains to be seen how long he'll stick around because he has one of the worst ratings in the league, despite being one of the highest-paid players.
The Clippers (37-20) have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last two months, but their loss on Wednesday was one of the worst of the season. They led by 22 points in the fourth quarter but collapsed against the Los Angeles Lakers. That gives them five losses across their last eight games, with LeBron James destroying them on Wednesday. They're also playing without Paul George right now, and that's tough to overcome with the lack of depth on this roster. Injuries are the one thing that's held them back in past years and it would be a nightmare if that happens again this season. In any case. They're within four games of the team in first in the Western Conference and can still make some noise despite the ugly defeat.
These teams played on January 31, with Los Angeles prevailing., 125-109. That gives the Clippers five straight wins over Washington in total.
The Wizards (9-50) are doing everything possible to finish with the worst record in the NBA. This club just fell below the Detroit Pistons for the worst record in the league after a defeat on Thursday, and it'll be a battle between those teams to see who gets the top pick in next year's draft. What's sad is that this Washington team has some great pieces. Kyle Kuzma is amid a breakout year while Tyus Jones has been handing out nearly 15 assists a game over the last three weeks. The Jordan Poole contract is looking like one of the major issues because he's been one of the biggest disapointments in the NBA. It remains to be seen how long he'll stick around because he has one of the worst ratings in the league, despite being one of the highest-paid players.
The Clippers (37-20) have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last two months, but their loss on Wednesday was one of the worst of the season. They led by 22 points in the fourth quarter but collapsed against the Los Angeles Lakers. That gives them five losses across their last eight games, with LeBron James destroying them on Wednesday. They're also playing without Paul George right now, and that's tough to overcome with the lack of depth on this roster. Injuries are the one thing that's held them back in past years and it would be a nightmare if that happens again this season. In any case. They're within four games of the team in first in the Western Conference and can still make some noise despite the ugly defeat.
These teams played on January 31, with Los Angeles prevailing., 125-109. That gives the Clippers five straight wins over Washington in total.