Clippers host Bulls in Saturday's cross-conference showdown
The Chicago Bulls wrap up their four-game Western Conference road trip Saturday when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena.
Don’t look now, but the Bulls (31-32) are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, with each of those victories decided by four or less points. In the Bulls’ 125-122 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, Chicago was buoyed by the dual 33-point performances of Demar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, while Coby White chipped in 20 points and seven assists. The Bulls sit comfortably in the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, and if they’re able to keep their level of play up since the All-Star break, could make a push for the seventh and eighth seed.
Meanwhile the Clippers (40-21) are jockeying the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets for the top four spots in the Western Conference. The Clippers are 4-4 since the All-Star break, but things will get tougher for them as they will have to maneuver the last 21 games of the regular season without Russell Westbrook, who underwent surgery Monday on his fractured left hand. The team is hopeful that Westbrook will be back for the playoffs, but need more from role players like Terance Mann and Norman Powell to complement Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden.
Ivica Zubac left in the second half of Wednesday’s 122-116 win over the Houston Rockets and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s contest.
Saturday marks the first of two games between the Bulls and Clippers this season, with the two teams set to face off against each other again March 14. Los Angeles swept the 2022-23 season series, while Chicago went 2-0 in 2021-22.
Don’t look now, but the Bulls (31-32) are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, with each of those victories decided by four or less points. In the Bulls’ 125-122 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, Chicago was buoyed by the dual 33-point performances of Demar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, while Coby White chipped in 20 points and seven assists. The Bulls sit comfortably in the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference standings, and if they’re able to keep their level of play up since the All-Star break, could make a push for the seventh and eighth seed.
Meanwhile the Clippers (40-21) are jockeying the Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets for the top four spots in the Western Conference. The Clippers are 4-4 since the All-Star break, but things will get tougher for them as they will have to maneuver the last 21 games of the regular season without Russell Westbrook, who underwent surgery Monday on his fractured left hand. The team is hopeful that Westbrook will be back for the playoffs, but need more from role players like Terance Mann and Norman Powell to complement Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden.
Ivica Zubac left in the second half of Wednesday’s 122-116 win over the Houston Rockets and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s contest.
Saturday marks the first of two games between the Bulls and Clippers this season, with the two teams set to face off against each other again March 14. Los Angeles swept the 2022-23 season series, while Chicago went 2-0 in 2021-22.
Mavericks Take On Pistons In Motor City
The Detroit Pistons will host the Dallas Mavericks at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Pistons (10-52) are coming off a 118-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Even though Detroit’s struggles have been well documented this season, it’s worth noting that the team has shown signs of trying to be competitive lately. The Pistons have gone 2-3 over their last five outings, and their three losses in that span have come against potential playoff teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Detroit will also try to end their home season on a decent note, as the team has won just five of 30 games at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit fans have very few reasons to cheer in 2023-24, but one of them should be the play of Cade Cunningham. The explosive point guard is averaging 22.4 points and 7.5 assists per game in what has been a career-best season for him.
The Pistons are listing Quentin Grimes (knee) as their lone injury casualty for Sunday. Grimes is unlikely to suit up.
The Mavericks (35-28) have posted the exact same record as the Pistons in their last five games. Dallas is coming off a 114-108 win over the Miami Heat the last time out, a victory that snapped a three-game losing skid. Unlike the Pistons, though, Dallas has been nothing short of outstanding when playing on the road thanks to a 16-13 record away from home. That mark is one of the best away records in the Western Conference. Dallas has the depth and the talent to make noise in the West come playoff time, but ultimately, this team will only go as far as Luka Doncic can carry it. On that note, the star guard has been on an absolute tear of late, putting up 35-point triple-doubles in four straight games, tying an NBA record. Doncic is leading Dallas in points (34.6), rebounds (9.0) and assists (9.8) per game.
The Mavericks are listing Luka Doncic (elbow) as a game-time call for Saturday. Dereck Lively (personal) is out.
The Pistons (10-52) are coming off a 118-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. Even though Detroit’s struggles have been well documented this season, it’s worth noting that the team has shown signs of trying to be competitive lately. The Pistons have gone 2-3 over their last five outings, and their three losses in that span have come against potential playoff teams: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Detroit will also try to end their home season on a decent note, as the team has won just five of 30 games at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit fans have very few reasons to cheer in 2023-24, but one of them should be the play of Cade Cunningham. The explosive point guard is averaging 22.4 points and 7.5 assists per game in what has been a career-best season for him.
The Pistons are listing Quentin Grimes (knee) as their lone injury casualty for Sunday. Grimes is unlikely to suit up.
The Mavericks (35-28) have posted the exact same record as the Pistons in their last five games. Dallas is coming off a 114-108 win over the Miami Heat the last time out, a victory that snapped a three-game losing skid. Unlike the Pistons, though, Dallas has been nothing short of outstanding when playing on the road thanks to a 16-13 record away from home. That mark is one of the best away records in the Western Conference. Dallas has the depth and the talent to make noise in the West come playoff time, but ultimately, this team will only go as far as Luka Doncic can carry it. On that note, the star guard has been on an absolute tear of late, putting up 35-point triple-doubles in four straight games, tying an NBA record. Doncic is leading Dallas in points (34.6), rebounds (9.0) and assists (9.8) per game.
The Mavericks are listing Luka Doncic (elbow) as a game-time call for Saturday. Dereck Lively (personal) is out.
Nets and Hornets Set for Battle of Non-Contenders
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday night.
The Nets (25-38) come into Saturday's contest in the midst of a rare stretch of solid play, as they've won four of their last seven games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as they fell to the Detroit Pistons by a 118-112 score on Thursday night. Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 31 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Lonnie Walker IV furnished 21 points, four rebounds and one assist. Nic Claxton generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and three blocks. Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith produced 13 points apiece while recording seven assists and three steals, respectively.
The Nets will remain without Cameron Johnson (ankle) for Saturday's game. Day'Ron Sharpe (wrist) and Cam Thomas (ankle/foot) will carry probable tags, while Ben Simmons (back) has been shut down for the season.
The Hornets (15-48) have a record that exemplifies what type of season it's been for them, and they'll unsurprisingly head into Saturday's game with six straight losses. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of a team in even poorer form, as they dropped a 112-100 decision to the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 32 points, adding 12 rebounds, four assists and one block. Brandon Miller recorded 21 points, six rebounds and one block. Vasilije Micic tallied 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Davis Bertans registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two steals and one block.
The Hornets will likely list Tre Mann (groin) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
The Nets (25-38) come into Saturday's contest in the midst of a rare stretch of solid play, as they've won four of their last seven games. However, their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those losses, as they fell to the Detroit Pistons by a 118-112 score on Thursday night. Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 31 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Lonnie Walker IV furnished 21 points, four rebounds and one assist. Nic Claxton generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and three blocks. Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith produced 13 points apiece while recording seven assists and three steals, respectively.
The Nets will remain without Cameron Johnson (ankle) for Saturday's game. Day'Ron Sharpe (wrist) and Cam Thomas (ankle/foot) will carry probable tags, while Ben Simmons (back) has been shut down for the season.
The Hornets (15-48) have a record that exemplifies what type of season it's been for them, and they'll unsurprisingly head into Saturday's game with six straight losses. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of a team in even poorer form, as they dropped a 112-100 decision to the Washington Wizards on Friday night. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 32 points, adding 12 rebounds, four assists and one block. Brandon Miller recorded 21 points, six rebounds and one block. Vasilije Micic tallied 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Davis Bertans registered 11 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Nick Richards generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two steals and one block.
The Hornets will likely list Tre Mann (groin) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
Spurs and Warriors Tangle at Chase
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Saturday night.
The Spurs (13-50) are currently navigating the absence of their best player, so the fact they've lost two straight games isn't surprising. However, San Antonio was impressively competitive in its most recent defeat, falling to the Sacramento Kings by a 131-129 score on Thursday night. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 30 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Malaki Branham supplied 23 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson generated matching 22-point, four-assist efforts, with Collins adding seven rebounds. Blake Wesley registered 11 points, three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Spurs will remain without Victor Wembanyama (ankle) and Cedi Osman (ankle) for Saturday's game.
The Warriors (33-29) have undergone some wild swings in their last three games, going from a 52-point loss to the Celtics to a 35-point victory over the Bucks to a three-point loss to the Bulls in their most recent game on Thursday night. Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Jonathan Kuminga contributed a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Chris Paul and Stephen Curry recorded 15 points each while turning in five assists and three rebounds, respectively. Curry exited early with an ankle injury. Draymond Green managed an 11-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two blocks and one steal. Brandin Podziemski matched Green's scoring and added four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Warriors will be without Curry for Saturday's game. Trayce Jackson-Davis (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Spurs (13-50) are currently navigating the absence of their best player, so the fact they've lost two straight games isn't surprising. However, San Antonio was impressively competitive in its most recent defeat, falling to the Sacramento Kings by a 131-129 score on Thursday night. Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 30 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Malaki Branham supplied 23 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson generated matching 22-point, four-assist efforts, with Collins adding seven rebounds. Blake Wesley registered 11 points, three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Spurs will remain without Victor Wembanyama (ankle) and Cedi Osman (ankle) for Saturday's game.
The Warriors (33-29) have undergone some wild swings in their last three games, going from a 52-point loss to the Celtics to a 35-point victory over the Bucks to a three-point loss to the Bulls in their most recent game on Thursday night. Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Jonathan Kuminga contributed a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Chris Paul and Stephen Curry recorded 15 points each while turning in five assists and three rebounds, respectively. Curry exited early with an ankle injury. Draymond Green managed an 11-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two blocks and one steal. Brandin Podziemski matched Green's scoring and added four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Warriors will be without Curry for Saturday's game. Trayce Jackson-Davis (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 1-0 series lead.
Suns Look To Keep Rolling At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Boston Celtics at Footprint Center on Saturday evening.
The Suns (37-26) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep rolling on the second and final game of a home stand with the chance to build on their, 21-13, home record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Bradley Beal averages 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.9 steals, while Grayson Allen is averaging 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Devin Booker (ankle) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action. Josh Okogie (abdomen) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (48-14) have dropped two in a row and hope to end the skid as the face the third game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-11, road record. Jayson Tatum (ankle) has not missed a game since January 8, and he is listed as probable for action. He leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (pelvis) is coming off an impressive, 41-point, 14-rebound effort in the last game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. Kristaps Porzingis continues to play well and is averaging 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Derrick White is averaging 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
The Suns (37-26) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep rolling on the second and final game of a home stand with the chance to build on their, 21-13, home record. Kevin Durant leads the team, averaging 28.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Bradley Beal averages 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.9 steals, while Grayson Allen is averaging 13.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Devin Booker (ankle) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action. Josh Okogie (abdomen) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (48-14) have dropped two in a row and hope to end the skid as the face the third game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-11, road record. Jayson Tatum (ankle) has not missed a game since January 8, and he is listed as probable for action. He leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown (pelvis) is coming off an impressive, 41-point, 14-rebound effort in the last game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Saturday. Kristaps Porzingis continues to play well and is averaging 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Derrick White is averaging 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
Nuggets Host Jazz on Saturday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena on Saturday.
The Jazz (28-35) are freefalling down the standings, entering this matchup losing nine of their last 11 games. Not having Lauri Markkanen has been a disaster, and it's unlikely that this team will get out of this deep hole when looking at their roster. They made numerous moves at the trade deadline to clear some depth because they wanted to see what youngsters like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler bring to the table. Kessler and George have been missing some games as well, but it sounds like those two youngsters should be ready to return to action here. To say they need them would be an understatement because it's unclear when Markkanen will be ready to go.
The Nuggets (43-20) are the defending champs, and they showed their true colors on Thursday. They had a showcase home game against the Boston Celtics and led for the final three quarters of that close-fought battle. Nikola Jokic had yet another 30-point triple-double, and it looks like he's running away with his third MVP in four years. What this team really wants to do is finish with the best record in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are all within one game of Denver and it'll be a battle between those three teams to see who lands the top spot. The reason Denver wants it is because of their home form, posting a 25-6 record at Ball Arena.
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with the home team winning both matchups. Utah has won eight of their last 11 games over Denver in total.
The Jazz (28-35) are freefalling down the standings, entering this matchup losing nine of their last 11 games. Not having Lauri Markkanen has been a disaster, and it's unlikely that this team will get out of this deep hole when looking at their roster. They made numerous moves at the trade deadline to clear some depth because they wanted to see what youngsters like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler bring to the table. Kessler and George have been missing some games as well, but it sounds like those two youngsters should be ready to return to action here. To say they need them would be an understatement because it's unclear when Markkanen will be ready to go.
The Nuggets (43-20) are the defending champs, and they showed their true colors on Thursday. They had a showcase home game against the Boston Celtics and led for the final three quarters of that close-fought battle. Nikola Jokic had yet another 30-point triple-double, and it looks like he's running away with his third MVP in four years. What this team really wants to do is finish with the best record in the Western Conference. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves are all within one game of Denver and it'll be a battle between those three teams to see who lands the top spot. The reason Denver wants it is because of their home form, posting a 25-6 record at Ball Arena.
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with the home team winning both matchups. Utah has won eight of their last 11 games over Denver in total.
Blazers Host Raptors on Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Toronto Raptors at Moda Center on Saturday.
The Raptors (23-40) had some interesting decisions to make at the beginning of the year, and it looks like it's time to go into rebuild mode. They parted ways with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, filling those voids with guys like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk. It was an obvious step back, but this team wants to build for the future. Quickley has looked brilliant at times as the primary playmaker, but the hand injuries have crushed this team. Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl are expected to miss most of the remainder of the season, and it'll be tough for this team to compete without the All-Star. That's why the Raptors come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and the losing ways are likely to continue.
The Trail Blazers (17-45) come into this matchup losing 12 of their last 14 games. Stretches like that have been common for this club all year, and it's tough to see where they go from here. The injuries have obliterated this roster, with Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson and Malcolm Brogdon all nicked up. That's too much to overcome after parting ways with Damian Lillard, making things impossible for this team. The good news is that Henderson is expected to return this weekend, and it could be here. This club needs to see what that Top 3 pick can do because that's the guy this franchise wants to build around.
These teams played back on October 30, with Portland prevailing, 99-91. They have won six of their last eight games over Toronto in total.
The Raptors (23-40) had some interesting decisions to make at the beginning of the year, and it looks like it's time to go into rebuild mode. They parted ways with OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, filling those voids with guys like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Kelly Olynyk. It was an obvious step back, but this team wants to build for the future. Quickley has looked brilliant at times as the primary playmaker, but the hand injuries have crushed this team. Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl are expected to miss most of the remainder of the season, and it'll be tough for this team to compete without the All-Star. That's why the Raptors come into this matchup losing four of their last five games and the losing ways are likely to continue.
The Trail Blazers (17-45) come into this matchup losing 12 of their last 14 games. Stretches like that have been common for this club all year, and it's tough to see where they go from here. The injuries have obliterated this roster, with Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson and Malcolm Brogdon all nicked up. That's too much to overcome after parting ways with Damian Lillard, making things impossible for this team. The good news is that Henderson is expected to return this weekend, and it could be here. This club needs to see what that Top 3 pick can do because that's the guy this franchise wants to build around.
These teams played back on October 30, with Portland prevailing, 99-91. They have won six of their last eight games over Toronto in total.