Sixers, Pelicans Collide In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
The 76ers (35-27) have not looked as dangerous of late as they were when Joel Embiid was available. However, the star big man remains out with a knee injury, so the Sixers have been forced to adjust. Philadelphia has been struggling when it comes to health, but the team still remains an above-average unit in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers need to bounce back, however, as they enter this game on a two-game losing streak following their 115-109 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Philadelphia has lost three of its last five, but the team has enough talent to turn things around at home, where they own a 19-14 record.
Tyrese Maxey (concussion), Robert Covington (knee), De’Anthony Melton (back) and Joel Embiid (knee) have all been ruled out for Friday’s contest.
The Pelicans (37-25) are coming off a 139-98 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. New Orleans is finally putting everything together, as the team has enjoyed healthy seasons from both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, and if the season ended today, New Orleans would be entering the playoffs. The win over the Raptors also means the Pelicans have won two in a row and three of their last four, so the team is undoubtedly heading in the right direction. They’re also one of the best road teams in the NBA thanks to a 19-13 record away from home.
Dyson Daniels (knee) has been ruled out for Friday’s game. The rest of the team is healthy.
This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season. The Pelicans won the previous matchup by a score of 124- 114 on Nov. 29.
The 76ers (35-27) have not looked as dangerous of late as they were when Joel Embiid was available. However, the star big man remains out with a knee injury, so the Sixers have been forced to adjust. Philadelphia has been struggling when it comes to health, but the team still remains an above-average unit in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers need to bounce back, however, as they enter this game on a two-game losing streak following their 115-109 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Philadelphia has lost three of its last five, but the team has enough talent to turn things around at home, where they own a 19-14 record.
Tyrese Maxey (concussion), Robert Covington (knee), De’Anthony Melton (back) and Joel Embiid (knee) have all been ruled out for Friday’s contest.
The Pelicans (37-25) are coming off a 139-98 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. New Orleans is finally putting everything together, as the team has enjoyed healthy seasons from both Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, and if the season ended today, New Orleans would be entering the playoffs. The win over the Raptors also means the Pelicans have won two in a row and three of their last four, so the team is undoubtedly heading in the right direction. They’re also one of the best road teams in the NBA thanks to a 19-13 record away from home.
Dyson Daniels (knee) has been ruled out for Friday’s game. The rest of the team is healthy.
This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season. The Pelicans won the previous matchup by a score of 124- 114 on Nov. 29.
Hornets, Wizards Tangle In DC Showdown
The Washington Wizards will host the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (9-53) have a massive incentive to come out swinging right out of the gates in this one. Following the Detroit Pistons’ win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Washington now holds the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Much like Detroit in the early stages of the season, the Wizards are also riding a massive losing streak that has them sinking in the standings. Following their 119-109 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the Wizards have now lost 16 consecutive contests. Their most recent win came on Jan. 29 in a 118-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards have also gone 3-26 at home, easily one of the worst home records in The Association.
Landry Shamet (calf) and Patrick Baldwin (back) are questionable for this game. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, and Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the season.
The Hornets (15-47) are also in the midst of a rebuilding process, but it seems things have not gone as bad for them as they’ve gone for the Wizards. The Hornets have some interesting young pieces to build around, such as Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, but the injuries to key players in LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) have hurt the team considerably. Charlotte was never expected to make the playoffs, but given its record, the team is now pushing get to secure another high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Hornets are also riding a woeful stretch of their own, and their 101-89 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday pushed their losing skid to five straight losses. The Hornets have also gone 7-24 on the road this season.
Tre Mann (groin) will be a game-time call for Friday. Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) are all out.
The Wizards (9-53) have a massive incentive to come out swinging right out of the gates in this one. Following the Detroit Pistons’ win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, Washington now holds the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Much like Detroit in the early stages of the season, the Wizards are also riding a massive losing streak that has them sinking in the standings. Following their 119-109 defeat against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the Wizards have now lost 16 consecutive contests. Their most recent win came on Jan. 29 in a 118-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Wizards have also gone 3-26 at home, easily one of the worst home records in The Association.
Landry Shamet (calf) and Patrick Baldwin (back) are questionable for this game. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, and Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the season.
The Hornets (15-47) are also in the midst of a rebuilding process, but it seems things have not gone as bad for them as they’ve gone for the Wizards. The Hornets have some interesting young pieces to build around, such as Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, but the injuries to key players in LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) have hurt the team considerably. Charlotte was never expected to make the playoffs, but given its record, the team is now pushing get to secure another high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Hornets are also riding a woeful stretch of their own, and their 101-89 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday pushed their losing skid to five straight losses. The Hornets have also gone 7-24 on the road this season.
Tre Mann (groin) will be a game-time call for Friday. Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) are all out.
Timberwolves and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Showdown
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Timberwolves (44-19) continue to barrel toward a high-end Western Conference seed, and they'll enter Friday's game with two consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they edged the Indiana Pacers by a 113-111 score. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Rudy Gobert generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three blocks and two steals. Naz Red supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Timberwolves will remain without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for Friday's game. Monte Morris (hamstring) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
The Cavaliers (40-22) have unsurprisingly encountered some rough sledding of late, with some significant injuries playing a part. Cleveland has dropped five of its last nine games, with the most recent stumble a 112-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with an 18-point, 19-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Darius Garland recorded 15 points, seven assists and one rebound. Caris LeVert managed 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Georges Niang and Craig Porter matched LeVert's scoring while posting four assists and four rebounds, respectively. Niang added three steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Donovan Mitchell (knee), Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Timberwolves swept the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
The Timberwolves (44-19) continue to barrel toward a high-end Western Conference seed, and they'll enter Friday's game with two consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they edged the Indiana Pacers by a 113-111 score. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Rudy Gobert generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three blocks and two steals. Naz Red supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jaden McDaniels delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Timberwolves will remain without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for Friday's game. Monte Morris (hamstring) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
The Cavaliers (40-22) have unsurprisingly encountered some rough sledding of late, with some significant injuries playing a part. Cleveland has dropped five of its last nine games, with the most recent stumble a 112-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with an 18-point, 19-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Isaac Okoro finished with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Darius Garland recorded 15 points, seven assists and one rebound. Caris LeVert managed 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Georges Niang and Craig Porter matched LeVert's scoring while posting four assists and four rebounds, respectively. Niang added three steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Donovan Mitchell (knee), Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Timberwolves swept the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
Magic and Knicks Set for Big Apple Battle
The Orlando Magic takes on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Magic (37-26) continue to carve a clear path to the postseason, and they'll enter Friday's game having rattled off five straight victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Washington Wizards by a 119-109 score. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 28 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Paolo Banchero generated a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one block. Jalen Suggs furnished 19 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Moritz Wagner supplied 16 points and six rebounds. Cole Anthony turned in 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
The Magic will list Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Knicks (36-26) continue to try and manage their key absences, and they're struggling at the moment with three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble occurred Tuesday night, when they fell to the Atlanta Hawks by a 116-100 score. Donte DiVincenzo paced the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 19 points and three rebounds. Precious Achiuwa tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles McBride and Alec Burks generated matching 11-point, two-rebound, one-steal efforts, with McBride also dishing out nine assists.
The Knicks will list Brunson (knee) as questionable for Friday's contest. Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) are likely to remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic hold a 3-0 series lead.
The Magic (37-26) continue to carve a clear path to the postseason, and they'll enter Friday's game having rattled off five straight victories. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they topped the Washington Wizards by a 119-109 score. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 28 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Paolo Banchero generated a 25-point, 10-assist double-double that included six rebounds and one block. Jalen Suggs furnished 19 points, six boards, four assists and one steal. Moritz Wagner supplied 16 points and six rebounds. Cole Anthony turned in 11 points, seven rebounds and one block.
The Magic will list Wendell Carter Jr. (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Knicks (36-26) continue to try and manage their key absences, and they're struggling at the moment with three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble occurred Tuesday night, when they fell to the Atlanta Hawks by a 116-100 score. Donte DiVincenzo paced the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 19 points and three rebounds. Precious Achiuwa tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles McBride and Alec Burks generated matching 11-point, two-rebound, one-steal efforts, with McBride also dishing out nine assists.
The Knicks will list Brunson (knee) as questionable for Friday's contest. Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) are likely to remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic hold a 3-0 series lead.
Thunder Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Miami Heat at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The Thunder (43-19) have won two of their last three games and look to stay strong as they kick off a four-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 24-6, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the way, averaging 30.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks over the last five games. Chet Holmgren averages 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks, while Jalen Williams is averaging 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Josh Giddey continues to provide a modest, but well-rounded contribution, averaging 11.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (35-27), after a hard-fought loss in Dallas on Wednesday. They were out to a great start in the game and led, 36-28, after one quarter, but they lost control in the second and third, and trailed by eight points entering the final frame. They kept up the fight and grabbed a brief lead in the fourth but could not hang on and fell short for the road loss. Terry Rozier led the Heat with 27 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in the loss. Duncan Robinson followed up with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo had 14 points each. Tyler Herro (knee) and Kevin Love (heel) missed the last game and will remain out through Friday's action. The Heat will look to get back on track and add to their, 18-14, road record as they face the second and final game of a road trip.
The Thunder (43-19) have won two of their last three games and look to stay strong as they kick off a four-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 24-6, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the way, averaging 30.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.4 blocks over the last five games. Chet Holmgren averages 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks, while Jalen Williams is averaging 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Josh Giddey continues to provide a modest, but well-rounded contribution, averaging 11.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (35-27), after a hard-fought loss in Dallas on Wednesday. They were out to a great start in the game and led, 36-28, after one quarter, but they lost control in the second and third, and trailed by eight points entering the final frame. They kept up the fight and grabbed a brief lead in the fourth but could not hang on and fell short for the road loss. Terry Rozier led the Heat with 27 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in the loss. Duncan Robinson followed up with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo had 14 points each. Tyler Herro (knee) and Kevin Love (heel) missed the last game and will remain out through Friday's action. The Heat will look to get back on track and add to their, 18-14, road record as they face the second and final game of a road trip.
Grizzlies Host Hobbled Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Atlanta Hawks at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (22-41) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep the momentum going as they return home for a one-game stand with a chance to build on their, 7-24, home record. They remain hampered by injury trouble, as GG Jackson (knee) is listed as questionable for action, while Luke Kennard (knee) is listed as doubtful, and Desmond Bane (ankle), Scotty Pippen (back), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (back) will be sidelined. Jaren Jackson has been doing of good job of leading the way despite all the fluctuations in the roster due to injuries, as he is averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Santi Aldama averages 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Vince Williams is averaging 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (28-34) have won two in a row and hope to keep rolling one a one-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 12-18, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Trae Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu (toe), Kobe Bufkin (toe) and Jalen Johnson (ankle) will be sidelined. Dejounte Murray has done a good job stepping up in the absence of Young, averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games. Bogdan Bogdanovic has also taken on a larger role and is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals across six consecutive starts. Saddiq Bey averages 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while Clint Capela is averaging 11.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
The Grizzlies (22-41) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep the momentum going as they return home for a one-game stand with a chance to build on their, 7-24, home record. They remain hampered by injury trouble, as GG Jackson (knee) is listed as questionable for action, while Luke Kennard (knee) is listed as doubtful, and Desmond Bane (ankle), Scotty Pippen (back), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (back) will be sidelined. Jaren Jackson has been doing of good job of leading the way despite all the fluctuations in the roster due to injuries, as he is averaging 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Santi Aldama averages 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Vince Williams is averaging 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (28-34) have won two in a row and hope to keep rolling one a one-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 12-18, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Trae Young (finger), Onyeka Okongwu (toe), Kobe Bufkin (toe) and Jalen Johnson (ankle) will be sidelined. Dejounte Murray has done a good job stepping up in the absence of Young, averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games. Bogdan Bogdanovic has also taken on a larger role and is averaging 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.2 steals across six consecutive starts. Saddiq Bey averages 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while Clint Capela is averaging 11.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
Lakers Host Bucks on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Bucks (41-22) have looked like a different team since the All-Star break, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games. The one defeat was their most recent outing, getting blown out by the Golden State Warriors. It's rare to see Milwaukee handled like that, trailing by nearly 40 points in that ugly defeat. It's a blip on an otherwise clean radar, and it truly looks like this Milwaukee team has turned things around despite that horrific outing. We all expected the Bucks to match up with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals and the most recent winning streak has them battling the Cleveland Cavaliers for the two-seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers (34-30) have been much better in the second half as well, entering this matchup winning 10 of their last 15 games. What's distressing is that LeBron James suffered an injury in the most recent loss on Wednesday, and it's unclear how much time the superstar will miss. It's a revelation that this 21-year vet is playing over 35 minutes a night, and one has to wonder how much longer his body can hold with that type of workload. In any case, he's proven doubters wrong throughout his career, and this is another opportunity. If he's unable to go, they'll need D'Angelo Russell to step up, with the guard averaging nearly 25 points per game since his trade rumors were squashed a month ago.
These teams have yet to play this season, but they split their two matchups last year. With that said, Milwaukee has won 10 of their last 13 games over Los Angeles in total.
The Bucks (41-22) have looked like a different team since the All-Star break, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games. The one defeat was their most recent outing, getting blown out by the Golden State Warriors. It's rare to see Milwaukee handled like that, trailing by nearly 40 points in that ugly defeat. It's a blip on an otherwise clean radar, and it truly looks like this Milwaukee team has turned things around despite that horrific outing. We all expected the Bucks to match up with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals and the most recent winning streak has them battling the Cleveland Cavaliers for the two-seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers (34-30) have been much better in the second half as well, entering this matchup winning 10 of their last 15 games. What's distressing is that LeBron James suffered an injury in the most recent loss on Wednesday, and it's unclear how much time the superstar will miss. It's a revelation that this 21-year vet is playing over 35 minutes a night, and one has to wonder how much longer his body can hold with that type of workload. In any case, he's proven doubters wrong throughout his career, and this is another opportunity. If he's unable to go, they'll need D'Angelo Russell to step up, with the guard averaging nearly 25 points per game since his trade rumors were squashed a month ago.
These teams have yet to play this season, but they split their two matchups last year. With that said, Milwaukee has won 10 of their last 13 games over Los Angeles in total.
Trail Blazers Host Rockets on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on Friday.
The Rockets (27-35) look improved this season, but their road form is embarrassing. Houston has a 6-24 record outside of Toyota Center, and it's hard to believe a team with this much talent can play that poorly on the road. This is one of the few chances where they're going to be road favorites, and you'd have to bet on them with the way Alperen Sengun is playing. The big man had a career-high 45 points two games ago and followed it up with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists in their most recent outing. Comparing anyone to Nikola Jokic is blasphemy, but if there's any young center in the NBA with a similar profile, it's Sengun.
The Trail Blazers (17-44) were expected to have a rough season, and it's certainly been that. Portland enters this matchup losing 16 of their last 21 games. It's no surprise when peeking into the training room because Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson have all been missing games recently. They needed that core to stay healthy when they parted ways with Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum, but this rebuild looks like it's going to be a long one. It has allowed Anfernee Simons to take over as the primary playmaker, and he's flashed moments of brilliance this season. Getting Henderson back this weekend is what really matters, though, because they need to see what this first-round pick can do in an extended role.
These teams have played just once this year, with Portland winning an overtime thriller on January 24, 137-131. The Trail Blazers have won seven of their last nine games over the Rockets in total.
The Rockets (27-35) look improved this season, but their road form is embarrassing. Houston has a 6-24 record outside of Toyota Center, and it's hard to believe a team with this much talent can play that poorly on the road. This is one of the few chances where they're going to be road favorites, and you'd have to bet on them with the way Alperen Sengun is playing. The big man had a career-high 45 points two games ago and followed it up with 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists in their most recent outing. Comparing anyone to Nikola Jokic is blasphemy, but if there's any young center in the NBA with a similar profile, it's Sengun.
The Trail Blazers (17-44) were expected to have a rough season, and it's certainly been that. Portland enters this matchup losing 16 of their last 21 games. It's no surprise when peeking into the training room because Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon and Scoot Henderson have all been missing games recently. They needed that core to stay healthy when they parted ways with Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum, but this rebuild looks like it's going to be a long one. It has allowed Anfernee Simons to take over as the primary playmaker, and he's flashed moments of brilliance this season. Getting Henderson back this weekend is what really matters, though, because they need to see what this first-round pick can do in an extended role.
These teams have played just once this year, with Portland winning an overtime thriller on January 24, 137-131. The Trail Blazers have won seven of their last nine games over the Rockets in total.