Magic Aim To Continue Winning, Host Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Orlando Magic at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Wizards (9-52) remain rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With a little over a month left in the schedule, it seems their goal is to end with the highest possible pick for the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite having some interesting pieces such as Tyus Jones, Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija and Jordan Poole, Washington never clicked on either end of the court, and their record backs that up. Their recent form has been a major struggle, and Washington enters this game on a 15-game losing streak following the 127-115 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday. Washington went winless throughout February, and the Wizards’ most recent win came on Jan. 29 in a 118-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards have also gone 3-25 at home, easily one of the worst home records in The Association.
The Wizards are listing Patrick Baldwin (back) as a game-time call for Wednesday. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, while Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the rest of the season.
The Magic (36-26) finally reached the mark of 10 games above the .500 threshold following their 101-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and all signs point to Orlando finally returning to the playoffs with a core led by their All-Star forward, Paolo Banchero. Banchero, who scored 22 points in the win over Charlotte, continues to impress with his play on both ends of the court. The Magic have looked competitive on the road as well, winning 15 of their 33 games on enemy territory. Orlando might have a psychological advantage as well, as the Magic has won the three previous head-to-head meetings this season.
The Magic are listing Gary Harris (calf) as a game-time decision for Wednesday. Markelle Fultz (knee) is listed as out, but his status could experience an upgrade closer to tip-off.
The Wizards (9-52) remain rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With a little over a month left in the schedule, it seems their goal is to end with the highest possible pick for the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite having some interesting pieces such as Tyus Jones, Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija and Jordan Poole, Washington never clicked on either end of the court, and their record backs that up. Their recent form has been a major struggle, and Washington enters this game on a 15-game losing streak following the 127-115 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday. Washington went winless throughout February, and the Wizards’ most recent win came on Jan. 29 in a 118-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards have also gone 3-25 at home, easily one of the worst home records in The Association.
The Wizards are listing Patrick Baldwin (back) as a game-time call for Wednesday. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, while Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the rest of the season.
The Magic (36-26) finally reached the mark of 10 games above the .500 threshold following their 101-89 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday and all signs point to Orlando finally returning to the playoffs with a core led by their All-Star forward, Paolo Banchero. Banchero, who scored 22 points in the win over Charlotte, continues to impress with his play on both ends of the court. The Magic have looked competitive on the road as well, winning 15 of their 33 games on enemy territory. Orlando might have a psychological advantage as well, as the Magic has won the three previous head-to-head meetings this season.
The Magic are listing Gary Harris (calf) as a game-time decision for Wednesday. Markelle Fultz (knee) is listed as out, but his status could experience an upgrade closer to tip-off.
Cavaliers Visit Hawks In Eastern Conference Showdown
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (27-34) will aim to avoid the season sweep against the Cavaliers, but they face a steep challenge to accomplish that goal. Atlanta will be without their best player and offensive barometer, Trae Young, due to a finger injury, so the rest of the team must step up. The recent results have not been the best, with the Hawks losing three of their last six. Their most recent two came on the road against the Brooklyn Nets, but they bounced back with a win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Under those circumstances, perhaps the best thing for the Hawks would be to return home, where they own a 15-16 record. Sitting eight games below .500 with roughly one month left in the regular season is far from ideal for an Atlanta team that had playoff aspirations before the start of the campaign.
Aside from Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu and Kobe Burfkin have also been ruled out due to toe injuries.
The Cavaliers (39-21) have pretty much locked up a playoff berth, and even though the team has been struggling a bit, it’s fair to say the Cavs are coming from their best result of the season. They secured a 105-104 home win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. That win is even more impressive, considering they didn’t have Donovan Mitchell (knee) and that they also lost Evan Mobley to an apparent ankle injury. Cleveland now faces a more accessible opponent in Atlanta, a rival the Cavs have already defeated in their previous three meetings this season. The Cavaliers will undoubtedly have a psychological advantage here, but they can’t become complacent, as the Hawks are still fighting for a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Thus, they simply can’t be taken for granted.
Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle), Donovan Mitchell (knee), Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are listed as out for Wednesday, but some could be upgraded to game-time calls closer to tip-off.
The Hawks (27-34) will aim to avoid the season sweep against the Cavaliers, but they face a steep challenge to accomplish that goal. Atlanta will be without their best player and offensive barometer, Trae Young, due to a finger injury, so the rest of the team must step up. The recent results have not been the best, with the Hawks losing three of their last six. Their most recent two came on the road against the Brooklyn Nets, but they bounced back with a win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Under those circumstances, perhaps the best thing for the Hawks would be to return home, where they own a 15-16 record. Sitting eight games below .500 with roughly one month left in the regular season is far from ideal for an Atlanta team that had playoff aspirations before the start of the campaign.
Aside from Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu and Kobe Burfkin have also been ruled out due to toe injuries.
The Cavaliers (39-21) have pretty much locked up a playoff berth, and even though the team has been struggling a bit, it’s fair to say the Cavs are coming from their best result of the season. They secured a 105-104 home win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. That win is even more impressive, considering they didn’t have Donovan Mitchell (knee) and that they also lost Evan Mobley to an apparent ankle injury. Cleveland now faces a more accessible opponent in Atlanta, a rival the Cavs have already defeated in their previous three meetings this season. The Cavaliers will undoubtedly have a psychological advantage here, but they can’t become complacent, as the Hawks are still fighting for a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Thus, they simply can’t be taken for granted.
Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle), Donovan Mitchell (knee), Tristan Thompson (suspension) and Ty Jerome (ankle) are listed as out for Wednesday, but some could be upgraded to game-time calls closer to tip-off.
Clippers and Rockets Tangle in Lone Star State
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday night.
The Clippers (39-21) continue to struggle since coming out of the All-Star break, dropping four of their last seven games. Their most recent contest saw one of those losses come to fruition, as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-106 score. Paul George and James Harden co-led the Clippers with 29 points each while recording eight assists and five rebounds, respectively. Kawhi Leonard supplied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block.
The Clippers will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Rockets (27-34) have been struggling in recent games themselves, as they've dropped three of their last five contests. However, the two victories in that span have come in the last pair of contests, the most recent a 114-101 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with a career-high 45 points, complementing them with 16 rebounds, three assists, five steals and one block. Jalen Green registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Fred VanVleet generated a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds and four steals. Cam Whitmore finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Rockets will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Clippers (39-21) continue to struggle since coming out of the All-Star break, dropping four of their last seven games. Their most recent contest saw one of those losses come to fruition, as they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks by a 113-106 score. Paul George and James Harden co-led the Clippers with 29 points each while recording eight assists and five rebounds, respectively. Kawhi Leonard supplied 16 points, five assists, four rebounds, four steals and one block.
The Clippers will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Rockets (27-34) have been struggling in recent games themselves, as they've dropped three of their last five contests. However, the two victories in that span have come in the last pair of contests, the most recent a 114-101 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with a career-high 45 points, complementing them with 16 rebounds, three assists, five steals and one block. Jalen Green registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Fred VanVleet generated a 21-point, 10-assist double-double that included four rebounds and four steals. Cam Whitmore finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Rockets will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Grizzlies and 76ers Set for Interconference Battle
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (21-41) are still one of the most injury-ravaged teams in the league, but they managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a 106-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Luke Kennard led the Grizzlies with 25 points, adding seven assists and two rebounds. Jake LaRavia generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two steals. Lamar Stevens furnished 13 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Santi Aldama managed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Vince Williams Jr. finished with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Trey Jemison recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and one block.
The Grizzlies will remain without Ziaire Williams (back), Derrick Rose (back), Desmond Bane (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), Brandon Clarke (Achilles) and Yuta Watanabe (wrist) for Wednesday's game. Jaren Jackson (quadriceps) will be listed as questionable.
The 76ers (35-26) have also been managing several notable absences, and although they've managed to conquer the adversity some nights, they saw a two-game winning streak snapped Tuesday night with a 112-107 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 30 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris followed with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne furnished 15 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Kyle Lowry offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield registered 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The 76ers will likely list Tyrese Maxey (concussion) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Wednesday'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 Grizzlies (21-41) are still one of the most injury-ravaged teams in the league, but they managed to snap a five-game losing streak with a 106-102 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night. Luke Kennard led the Grizzlies with 25 points, adding seven assists and two rebounds. Jake LaRavia generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists and two steals. Lamar Stevens furnished 13 points, six boards, one assist and one block. Santi Aldama managed 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Vince Williams Jr. finished with 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Trey Jemison recorded 10 points, seven rebounds and one block.
The Grizzlies will remain without Ziaire Williams (back), Derrick Rose (back), Desmond Bane (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), Brandon Clarke (Achilles) and Yuta Watanabe (wrist) for Wednesday's game. Jaren Jackson (quadriceps) will be listed as questionable.
The 76ers (35-26) have also been managing several notable absences, and although they've managed to conquer the adversity some nights, they saw a two-game winning streak snapped Tuesday night with a 112-107 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 30 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris followed with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne furnished 15 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Kyle Lowry offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield registered 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The 76ers will likely list Tyrese Maxey (concussion) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Wednesday'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.
Shorthanded Jazz Host Bulls
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (28-34) ended a three-game slide with a win in their last outing, and they hope to stay on track with a chance to add to their, 19-11, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Keyonte George (illness) is listed as questionable for action, while Taylor Hendricks (toe), Walker Kessler (foot) and Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) remain sidelined. On the bright side, Collin Sexton is playing well, averaging 21.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. Jordan Clarkson is also coming off a couple big games, including 38 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal in the last outing. John Collins averages 14.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (29-32) have won two of their last three games and look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 13-17, road record. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals on the season. Coby White is averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Ayo Dosunmu has also been stepping up his game lately, averaging 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games.
The Jazz (28-34) ended a three-game slide with a win in their last outing, and they hope to stay on track with a chance to add to their, 19-11, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Keyonte George (illness) is listed as questionable for action, while Taylor Hendricks (toe), Walker Kessler (foot) and Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) remain sidelined. On the bright side, Collin Sexton is playing well, averaging 21.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. Jordan Clarkson is also coming off a couple big games, including 38 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a steal in the last outing. John Collins averages 14.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (29-32) have won two of their last three games and look to keep the momentum going as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 13-17, road record. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals on the season. Coby White is averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 17.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Ayo Dosunmu has also been stepping up his game lately, averaging 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games.
Warriors Hope To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
The Warriors (32-38) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last outing. They hope to get back on track as they return home to kick off a three-game home stand with the chance to build on their, 16-15, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 27.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Warriors average 118.6 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, but they give up an average of 117.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) in their last game, the Bucks (41-21) are coming off an impressive win, as they rallied behind a 41-point effort from Damian Lillard, to defeat the Clippers. The Bucks may have to continue to adapt to play without their leader, as Antetokounmpo remains questionable for action on Wednesday. Khris Middleton (ankle) will also remain sidelined. Nonetheless, the Bucks look to keep rolling as they face the first game of a four-game road trip with an opportunity to improve on their, 16-14, road record. Lillard averages 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Bobby Portis is averaging 13.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while Brook Lopez averages 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
The Warriors (32-38) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last outing. They hope to get back on track as they return home to kick off a three-game home stand with the chance to build on their, 16-15, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 27.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Warriors average 118.6 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, but they give up an average of 117.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo (Achilles) in their last game, the Bucks (41-21) are coming off an impressive win, as they rallied behind a 41-point effort from Damian Lillard, to defeat the Clippers. The Bucks may have to continue to adapt to play without their leader, as Antetokounmpo remains questionable for action on Wednesday. Khris Middleton (ankle) will also remain sidelined. Nonetheless, the Bucks look to keep rolling as they face the first game of a four-game road trip with an opportunity to improve on their, 16-14, road record. Lillard averages 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Bobby Portis is averaging 13.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while Brook Lopez averages 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.7 blocks per game.
Blazers Host Thunder on Wednesday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center on Wednesday.
The Thunder (42-19) have lost two of their last three games, getting blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers in their most recent outing. That's a bizarre result since OKC had a 9-2 record across their previous 11 games, climbing up to the top spot in the Western Conference. The mini slide has them sitting a game back of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves for those top two seeds, and having homecourt could be a massive advantage for this young team. In any case, this club has three stud players that are all 25 or younger and they have the most draft capital in the NBA. If you were to write a book on how to handle a rebuild, examining this Thunder roster would be the best way to approach it.
The Trail Blazers (17-43) were expected to be terrible this season but this has turned into a nightmare. There was an inevitable rebuild once they got rid of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum but no one could've foressen the injuries that have hit this club. They just played their most recent game without Malcolm Brogdon, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson. That's close to the whole starting five, with Anfernee Simons being the only piece remaining. That's why this club only has 17 wins through 60 games, and one has to wonder how much those veterans will play over the closing 22 games. The only thing Portland is playing for is draft positioning in next years draft and that's obviously critical when looking at how poor this Portland roster has been.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Oklahoma City looking for the season sweep. The Thunder have won 11 straight games over the Blazers in total.
The Thunder (42-19) have lost two of their last three games, getting blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers in their most recent outing. That's a bizarre result since OKC had a 9-2 record across their previous 11 games, climbing up to the top spot in the Western Conference. The mini slide has them sitting a game back of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves for those top two seeds, and having homecourt could be a massive advantage for this young team. In any case, this club has three stud players that are all 25 or younger and they have the most draft capital in the NBA. If you were to write a book on how to handle a rebuild, examining this Thunder roster would be the best way to approach it.
The Trail Blazers (17-43) were expected to be terrible this season but this has turned into a nightmare. There was an inevitable rebuild once they got rid of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum but no one could've foressen the injuries that have hit this club. They just played their most recent game without Malcolm Brogdon, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson. That's close to the whole starting five, with Anfernee Simons being the only piece remaining. That's why this club only has 17 wins through 60 games, and one has to wonder how much those veterans will play over the closing 22 games. The only thing Portland is playing for is draft positioning in next years draft and that's obviously critical when looking at how poor this Portland roster has been.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Oklahoma City looking for the season sweep. The Thunder have won 11 straight games over the Blazers in total.
Lakers Host Kings on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
The Kings (34-26) suffered one of their worst losses of the season on Monday, losing to the Chicago Bulls at home. Being beaten by the Bulls isn't that bad, but it's terrible since Sacramento led by 22 points near the end of the third quarter. They were outscored 32-16 in the fourth quarter and completely collapsed when Domantas Sabonis fouled out. He's had an issue with that over recent years, and it's tough for this team to close games when he's not on the floor. His play can't be overlooked though, averaging 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists over his last 41 games. They're going to need him to keep doing that because Sacramento enters this matchup losing three of their last four games.
The Lakers (34-29) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 10 of their last 14 games. Their only losses have been to Finals contenders, losing to the Denver Nuggets (2X), Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. That shows just how well this club is playing, and they're truly developing into a title contender themselves. What's really changed things is the resurgence of D'Angelo Russell. The guard scored 26 points in their most recent win over the Oklahoma city Thunder and he's averaging close to 25 points per game over the last month. We all know that Lebron James and Anthony Davis will go off every night but getting 25 points from D-Lo changes everything for this team.
Sacramento has won both of their games over Los Angeles this year. They have six wins in their last seven matchups with the Lakers in total.
The Kings (34-26) suffered one of their worst losses of the season on Monday, losing to the Chicago Bulls at home. Being beaten by the Bulls isn't that bad, but it's terrible since Sacramento led by 22 points near the end of the third quarter. They were outscored 32-16 in the fourth quarter and completely collapsed when Domantas Sabonis fouled out. He's had an issue with that over recent years, and it's tough for this team to close games when he's not on the floor. His play can't be overlooked though, averaging 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists over his last 41 games. They're going to need him to keep doing that because Sacramento enters this matchup losing three of their last four games.
The Lakers (34-29) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 10 of their last 14 games. Their only losses have been to Finals contenders, losing to the Denver Nuggets (2X), Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. That shows just how well this club is playing, and they're truly developing into a title contender themselves. What's really changed things is the resurgence of D'Angelo Russell. The guard scored 26 points in their most recent win over the Oklahoma city Thunder and he's averaging close to 25 points per game over the last month. We all know that Lebron James and Anthony Davis will go off every night but getting 25 points from D-Lo changes everything for this team.
Sacramento has won both of their games over Los Angeles this year. They have six wins in their last seven matchups with the Lakers in total.