Magic Aim To Extend Run, Visit Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on Tuesday.
The Hornets (15-46) are already thinking about the 2024-25 NBA season but are giving up on the current one. The best example of that is the fact that they have delivered some interesting performances in recent weeks, but the results haven’t gone their way. Playing a tough stretch hasn’t done them any favors, either. The Hornets enter this game on a four-game losing skid following their 111-106 defeat to the Toronto Raptors the last time out. Three of those four defeats came on the road and two were against playoff-caliber opponents, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte will return home here, where they own an 8-22 record. If the Hornets will rely on one player to end their losing slide, that’s Miles Bridges. He’s averaging 214 points per game this season and is proving to be a reliable building block for the long-term picture of the franchise.
Nick Richards (foot) is a game-time call for Tuesday. LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) are all out.
The Magic (35-26) have already surpassed their win tally from the 2022-23 campaign and look all but set to make the playoffs this season. Landing a future superstar such as Paolo Banchero has paid off for Orlando, and the second-year forward out of Duke, who earned the first All-Star nod of his career this season, has been the Magic’s biggest difference maker so far. In fact, he leads the team in points (22.9), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.2) per game. To make things even better for Orlando, the Magic enter this game on a three-game winning streak following their 113-91 win over the Detroit Pistons the last time out while winning four of their last five. Last but not least, the Magic have also proven to be reliable on the road thanks to a 14-18 record away from Kia Center.
Markelle Fultz (knee) is a game-time call for Tuesday. The rest of the team is fit and available.
The Hornets (15-46) are already thinking about the 2024-25 NBA season but are giving up on the current one. The best example of that is the fact that they have delivered some interesting performances in recent weeks, but the results haven’t gone their way. Playing a tough stretch hasn’t done them any favors, either. The Hornets enter this game on a four-game losing skid following their 111-106 defeat to the Toronto Raptors the last time out. Three of those four defeats came on the road and two were against playoff-caliber opponents, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. Charlotte will return home here, where they own an 8-22 record. If the Hornets will rely on one player to end their losing slide, that’s Miles Bridges. He’s averaging 214 points per game this season and is proving to be a reliable building block for the long-term picture of the franchise.
Nick Richards (foot) is a game-time call for Tuesday. LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) are all out.
The Magic (35-26) have already surpassed their win tally from the 2022-23 campaign and look all but set to make the playoffs this season. Landing a future superstar such as Paolo Banchero has paid off for Orlando, and the second-year forward out of Duke, who earned the first All-Star nod of his career this season, has been the Magic’s biggest difference maker so far. In fact, he leads the team in points (22.9), rebounds (6.9) and assists (5.2) per game. To make things even better for Orlando, the Magic enter this game on a three-game winning streak following their 113-91 win over the Detroit Pistons the last time out while winning four of their last five. Last but not least, the Magic have also proven to be reliable on the road thanks to a 14-18 record away from Kia Center.
Markelle Fultz (knee) is a game-time call for Tuesday. The rest of the team is fit and available.
Tatum, red-hot Celtics visit Cavaliers in Eastern Conference clash
The Boston Celtics begin their five-game road trip Tuesday when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
The Celtics (48-12) hold the best record in the Association. They extended their win streak to 11 games Sunday when they demolished the Golden State Warriors, 140-88, in a game that saw the Celtics up by 44 points at halftime. It was a record-breaking performance as Boston became the first team in NBA history to defeat three teams by 50-plus points in one season. The Celtics lead the league in several statistical categories including point differential (plus-11.1), offensive rating (121.7) and rebounds per game (47.1). It truly feels like a championship-or-bust season for MVP candidate Jayson Tatum, All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, head coach Joe Mazulla and GM of the Year candidate Brad Stevens.
Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps) is questionable for Tuesday’s contest.
Meanwhile the Cavaliers (39-21) have cooled off since All-Star weekend. They dropped to 3-4 since the break after losing to the New York Knicks on Sunday, as the Cavs were unable to get the win without All-Star Donovan Mitchell (knee). Cleveland has a 21-6 record since Jan. 3, which has propelled the team into contention for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers have the 10th toughest remaining strength of schedule and have formidable matchups against the Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns over the next five games.
Caris LeVert (elbow) and Isaac Okoro (elbow) are questionable for Tuesday’s game. The Cavaliers will be without Mitchell for at least the next three games after the shooting guard received a PRP injection Monday to treat a bone bruise in his left knee. Max Strus has also been ruled out for Tuesday's game due to a right knee strain.
The Celtics hold a 2-0 season series lead against the Cavaliers, with Tuesday’s contest being the third and last matchup between the two teams.
The Celtics (48-12) hold the best record in the Association. They extended their win streak to 11 games Sunday when they demolished the Golden State Warriors, 140-88, in a game that saw the Celtics up by 44 points at halftime. It was a record-breaking performance as Boston became the first team in NBA history to defeat three teams by 50-plus points in one season. The Celtics lead the league in several statistical categories including point differential (plus-11.1), offensive rating (121.7) and rebounds per game (47.1). It truly feels like a championship-or-bust season for MVP candidate Jayson Tatum, All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, head coach Joe Mazulla and GM of the Year candidate Brad Stevens.
Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps) is questionable for Tuesday’s contest.
Meanwhile the Cavaliers (39-21) have cooled off since All-Star weekend. They dropped to 3-4 since the break after losing to the New York Knicks on Sunday, as the Cavs were unable to get the win without All-Star Donovan Mitchell (knee). Cleveland has a 21-6 record since Jan. 3, which has propelled the team into contention for the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers have the 10th toughest remaining strength of schedule and have formidable matchups against the Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns over the next five games.
Caris LeVert (elbow) and Isaac Okoro (elbow) are questionable for Tuesday’s game. The Cavaliers will be without Mitchell for at least the next three games after the shooting guard received a PRP injection Monday to treat a bone bruise in his left knee. Max Strus has also been ruled out for Tuesday's game due to a right knee strain.
The Celtics hold a 2-0 season series lead against the Cavaliers, with Tuesday’s contest being the third and last matchup between the two teams.
Heat Collide With Pistons In South Beach
The Miami Heat will host the Detroit Pistons at Kaseya Center on Tuesday.
The Heat (34-26) are quickly approaching towards sitting 10 games above the .500 mark in a quest to secure a postseason berth. Even though Miami has dealt with tons of injuries and inconsistent play, the team seems to be getting closer to making it done. The Heat are coming off a 126-120 win over the Utah Jazz the last time out, and that win means Miami has come out on top in four of its last five games. Plus, Miami has gone 16-13 when playing at home this season, and the win over Utah started a short two-game homestand for them. The Heat are still not at full strength, but their star duo of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler is available. That’s all the Heat can ask for come playoff time.
Kevin Love (heel), Josh Richardson (shoulder), Tyler Herro (knee) and Dru Smith (knee) are all out for Tuesday’s game.
The Pistons (9-51) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA season, and even though they lost almost 30 games in a row between late October and late December, the team has shown signs of bouncing back in recent weeks. Or maybe it’s just a fighting and competitive spirit, but the Pistons are not making it easy on any team they face. The results just haven’t been there, however, as Detroit enters this game fresh off a 113-91 loss to the Orlando Magic. The defeat means the Pistons have now dropped two in a row and four of their last five contests. To make matters worse, Detroit has also gone 5-26 when playing on the road. This game against Miami will be the Pistons’ fourth -- out of their last five games -- away from home.
Quentin Grimes (knee) is a game-time call for Tuesday's contest. The Pistons are not announcing any other injuries.
The Heat (34-26) are quickly approaching towards sitting 10 games above the .500 mark in a quest to secure a postseason berth. Even though Miami has dealt with tons of injuries and inconsistent play, the team seems to be getting closer to making it done. The Heat are coming off a 126-120 win over the Utah Jazz the last time out, and that win means Miami has come out on top in four of its last five games. Plus, Miami has gone 16-13 when playing at home this season, and the win over Utah started a short two-game homestand for them. The Heat are still not at full strength, but their star duo of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler is available. That’s all the Heat can ask for come playoff time.
Kevin Love (heel), Josh Richardson (shoulder), Tyler Herro (knee) and Dru Smith (knee) are all out for Tuesday’s game.
The Pistons (9-51) have been one of the worst teams in the NBA season, and even though they lost almost 30 games in a row between late October and late December, the team has shown signs of bouncing back in recent weeks. Or maybe it’s just a fighting and competitive spirit, but the Pistons are not making it easy on any team they face. The results just haven’t been there, however, as Detroit enters this game fresh off a 113-91 loss to the Orlando Magic. The defeat means the Pistons have now dropped two in a row and four of their last five contests. To make matters worse, Detroit has also gone 5-26 when playing on the road. This game against Miami will be the Pistons’ fourth -- out of their last five games -- away from home.
Quentin Grimes (knee) is a game-time call for Tuesday's contest. The Pistons are not announcing any other injuries.
76ers and Nets Set for Conference Battle
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (35-25) continue to manage the absence of Joel Embiid in an attempt to remain in contention until the big man can return, and they've done a good job in that regard recently with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they topped the Dallas Mavericks by a 120-116 score. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 28 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tyrese Maxey delivered 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Kelly Oubre managed 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Paul Reed posted 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Buddy Hield supplied 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers will remain without Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Tuesday's game. Cameron Payne (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (24-37) went into a Monday night date with the Memphis Grizzlies riding a modest but optimistic two-game winning streak, but they saw that come to an end with a 106-102 loss. Nic Claxton paced the Nets with 21 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one block. Cameron Johnson totaled 18 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker produced matching 13-point, one-steal tallies, with Schroder also dishing out nine assists.
The Nets are likely to list Ben Simmons (leg/back) and Day'Ron Sharpe (wrist) as no better than questionable for Tuesday's game. Cam Thomas (ankle) is likely to remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
The 76ers (35-25) continue to manage the absence of Joel Embiid in an attempt to remain in contention until the big man can return, and they've done a good job in that regard recently with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Sunday afternoon, when they topped the Dallas Mavericks by a 120-116 score. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 28 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tyrese Maxey delivered 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Kelly Oubre managed 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block. Paul Reed posted 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Buddy Hield supplied 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block.
The 76ers will remain without Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Tuesday's game. Cameron Payne (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (24-37) went into a Monday night date with the Memphis Grizzlies riding a modest but optimistic two-game winning streak, but they saw that come to an end with a 106-102 loss. Nic Claxton paced the Nets with 21 points, complementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one block. Cameron Johnson totaled 18 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Mikal Bridges registered 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder and Lonnie Walker produced matching 13-point, one-steal tallies, with Schroder also dishing out nine assists.
The Nets are likely to list Ben Simmons (leg/back) and Day'Ron Sharpe (wrist) as no better than questionable for Tuesday's game. Cam Thomas (ankle) is likely to remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
Hawks and Knicks Battle in Big Apple
The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Hawks (26-34) are trying to manage the absence of their biggest star, and unsurprisingly, that's proven a difficult endeavor thus far. Atlanta comes into Tuesday's contest with consecutive losses, their most recent a 114-102 defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday afternoon. Saddiq Bey led the Hawks with 23 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Dejounte Murray supplied a 20-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two steals and one block. De'Andre Hunter registered 15 points, two rebounds and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Hawks will list Kobe Bufkin (toe) as questionable for Tuesday's game, while Trae Young (finger) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) will remain out.
The Knicks (36-25) have had their share of struggles recently as well, and they'll enter Tuesday's contest having lost seven of their last 10 contests. However, their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those wins, as they toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 107-98 score on Sunday night. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic recorded 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Miles McBride collected 16 points, five assists and one rebound. Precious Achiuwa turned in 14 points, four rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Josh Hart generated a 13-point, 18-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and two blocks.
The Knicks will list Brunson (knee) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead.
The Hawks (26-34) are trying to manage the absence of their biggest star, and unsurprisingly, that's proven a difficult endeavor thus far. Atlanta comes into Tuesday's contest with consecutive losses, their most recent a 114-102 defeat at the hands of the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday afternoon. Saddiq Bey led the Hawks with 23 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Dejounte Murray supplied a 20-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two steals and one block. De'Andre Hunter registered 15 points, two rebounds and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 13 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Clint Capela generated an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
The Hawks will list Kobe Bufkin (toe) as questionable for Tuesday's game, while Trae Young (finger) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) will remain out.
The Knicks (36-25) have had their share of struggles recently as well, and they'll enter Tuesday's contest having lost seven of their last 10 contests. However, their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those wins, as they toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 107-98 score on Sunday night. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic recorded 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Miles McBride collected 16 points, five assists and one rebound. Precious Achiuwa turned in 14 points, four rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Josh Hart generated a 13-point, 18-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and two blocks.
The Knicks will list Brunson (knee) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead.
Shorthanded Raptors Hope To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Raptors (23-38) ended a two-game skid in their last game. They look to keep the momentum going as they enter the fourth and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 13-18, home record. RJ Barrett continues to play well, averaging 21.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists over his last five games. Immanuel Quickley has also been keeping up solid play, averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals across the last 10 outings. Gradey Dick continues to find his rhythm and is averaging 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The Raptors average 114.4 points per game, but they give up an average of 117.6 points per game. Scottie Barnes (hand), Bruce Brown (knee) and Jakob Poeltl (finger) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (36-25) have won two of their last three games and hope to stay on track as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the chance to add to their, 18-13, road record. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Brandon Ingram averages 21.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 0.8 steals, while CJ McCollum is averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Pelicans average 116.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 111.7 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league. Dyson Daniels (knee) remains out.
The Raptors (23-38) ended a two-game skid in their last game. They look to keep the momentum going as they enter the fourth and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 13-18, home record. RJ Barrett continues to play well, averaging 21.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists over his last five games. Immanuel Quickley has also been keeping up solid play, averaging 18.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals across the last 10 outings. Gradey Dick continues to find his rhythm and is averaging 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. The Raptors average 114.4 points per game, but they give up an average of 117.6 points per game. Scottie Barnes (hand), Bruce Brown (knee) and Jakob Poeltl (finger) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (36-25) have won two of their last three games and hope to stay on track as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the chance to add to their, 18-13, road record. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Brandon Ingram averages 21.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 0.8 steals, while CJ McCollum is averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Pelicans average 116.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 111.7 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league. Dyson Daniels (knee) remains out.
Rockets Hope To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on Tuesday evening.
The Rockets (26-34) snapped a three-game slide with a win in their last game and look to keep rolling as they return home with the opportunity to add to their, 20-10, home record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 20.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jalen Green averages 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.1 steals 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.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (13-48) are coming off back-to-back wins and hope to keep the momentum going as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 6-27, road record. They could be at a major disadvantage without Victor Wembanyama (shoulder), who is listed as questionable for action, along with Julian Champagnie (ankle). Devin Vassell is the squad's second-leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Keldon Johnson averages 15.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while Jeremy Sochan is averaging 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.3 points per game, which is sixth-most in the league.
The Rockets (26-34) snapped a three-game slide with a win in their last game and look to keep rolling as they return home with the opportunity to add to their, 20-10, home record. Alperen Sengun leads the team, averaging 20.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Jalen Green averages 18.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.1 steals 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.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (13-48) are coming off back-to-back wins and hope to keep the momentum going as they face the first game of a three-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 6-27, road record. They could be at a major disadvantage without Victor Wembanyama (shoulder), who is listed as questionable for action, along with Julian Champagnie (ankle). Devin Vassell is the squad's second-leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Keldon Johnson averages 15.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists, while Jeremy Sochan is averaging 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.3 points per game, which is sixth-most in the league.
Mavs Host Pacers on Tuesday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
The Pacers (34-28) enter this matchup losing three of their last four games. Giving up 129 points to the New Orleans Pelicans was tough but losing to a 12-win San Antonio Spurs team was embarrassing. Victor Wembanyama single-handedly killed the Pacers in that game, but the struggles of Tyrese Haliburton is really worrying fans. He shot 4-of-16 from the field in that defeat and went scoreless in the loss against New Orleans. He was one of the best players in the NBA through the opening three months, but something has changed since the All-Star break. This club needs him to play at an All-Star level if they're going to avoid the Play-In Tournament. They currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference but are within 2.5 games of the New York Knicks in fourth.
The Mavericks (34-27) have hit a wall recently, entering this matchup losing four of their last five fixtures. That poor stretch has really hurt their playoff hopes because they could be in the Play-In Tournament is the struggles continues. The Mavs sit eighth in the Western Conference after that poor stretch but are just two games back of the New Orleans Pelicans in fifth. They'll also have to battle the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings ahead of them, while the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are just 1.5 games behind. That means a ton can change over the final month, and it'll be interesting to see where this new-look Mavs team ends up. As long as Luka Doncic keeps playing at an MVP level, Dallas has as good of a chance as anyone.
These teams played just two weeks ago, with Indiana prevailing, 133-111. These teams have traded off wins and losses in their lats five matchups.
The Pacers (34-28) enter this matchup losing three of their last four games. Giving up 129 points to the New Orleans Pelicans was tough but losing to a 12-win San Antonio Spurs team was embarrassing. Victor Wembanyama single-handedly killed the Pacers in that game, but the struggles of Tyrese Haliburton is really worrying fans. He shot 4-of-16 from the field in that defeat and went scoreless in the loss against New Orleans. He was one of the best players in the NBA through the opening three months, but something has changed since the All-Star break. This club needs him to play at an All-Star level if they're going to avoid the Play-In Tournament. They currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference but are within 2.5 games of the New York Knicks in fourth.
The Mavericks (34-27) have hit a wall recently, entering this matchup losing four of their last five fixtures. That poor stretch has really hurt their playoff hopes because they could be in the Play-In Tournament is the struggles continues. The Mavs sit eighth in the Western Conference after that poor stretch but are just two games back of the New Orleans Pelicans in fifth. They'll also have to battle the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings ahead of them, while the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are just 1.5 games behind. That means a ton can change over the final month, and it'll be interesting to see where this new-look Mavs team ends up. As long as Luka Doncic keeps playing at an MVP level, Dallas has as good of a chance as anyone.
These teams played just two weeks ago, with Indiana prevailing, 133-111. These teams have traded off wins and losses in their lats five matchups.
Nuggets Host Suns on Tuesday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Tuesday.
The Suns (35-26) are struggling a bit right now, losing two straight and four of their last six games in total. The same things have been killing this club all year because this team simply can't stay healthy. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker didn't play a full game together until nearly 30 games into the season and now Booker is dealing with an ankle issue. The individual talent is there to beat anyone, but they can't get it done when some of these guys are missing. All of that has Phoenix sitting with a disappointing 35-26 record, but this is a club no one wants to see in the postseason. Phoenix has some work to do to avoid the Play-In Tourney because they're tied for sixth and are battling three teams to stay out of that dreaded tournament.
The Nuggets (42-19) finished with the best record in the Western Conference last year and went on to cruise to their first NBA Championship. Things aren't going to be quite as easy this season, but finishing first could be a major boost for this team. Denver has a 24-5 record at Ball Arena this year, and every NBA team knows how difficult it is to play in Denver. They still have some work to land that top seed though because the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder both sit within one game of Denver for the top spot. It remains to be seen who takes that down, but the team with the two-time MVP likely has the best chance.
These teams played on December 1, with Denver prevailing, 119-111. Five of the last six matchups between these teams have been decided by 10 points or fewer.
The Suns (35-26) are struggling a bit right now, losing two straight and four of their last six games in total. The same things have been killing this club all year because this team simply can't stay healthy. Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker didn't play a full game together until nearly 30 games into the season and now Booker is dealing with an ankle issue. The individual talent is there to beat anyone, but they can't get it done when some of these guys are missing. All of that has Phoenix sitting with a disappointing 35-26 record, but this is a club no one wants to see in the postseason. Phoenix has some work to do to avoid the Play-In Tourney because they're tied for sixth and are battling three teams to stay out of that dreaded tournament.
The Nuggets (42-19) finished with the best record in the Western Conference last year and went on to cruise to their first NBA Championship. Things aren't going to be quite as easy this season, but finishing first could be a major boost for this team. Denver has a 24-5 record at Ball Arena this year, and every NBA team knows how difficult it is to play in Denver. They still have some work to land that top seed though because the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder both sit within one game of Denver for the top spot. It remains to be seen who takes that down, but the team with the two-time MVP likely has the best chance.
These teams played on December 1, with Denver prevailing, 119-111. Five of the last six matchups between these teams have been decided by 10 points or fewer.