Clippers host Bucks in Sunday matinee
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (41-23) came out of the All-Star break on a six-game winning streak, but lost their second-straight game Friday when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, 123-122, despite the 34-14-12 triple-double performance from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee is competing with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Bucks will go as far as the star duo of Antetokounmpo and 2024 All-Star Game MVP Damian Lillard will take them.
Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Sunday’s game while Khris Middleton will miss his 14th game in a row due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile the Clippers (41-21) won their second-straight game Saturday when they took down the Chicago Bulls, 112-102, behind a triple-double effort from 2017-18 MVP James Harden. The Clippers have won four of their last five games and are in a tough battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets for the top four in the Western Conference. The contributions from role players like Norman Powell, who led the bench with 18 points Saturday, will be critical for Los Angeles as the regular season enters its fourth quarter.
Sunday’s contest is the second and final contest between the Bucks and Clippers this season, with Milwaukee taking the 113-106 victory on March 4 thanks to 41 points from Lillard.
The Bucks (41-23) came out of the All-Star break on a six-game winning streak, but lost their second-straight game Friday when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers, 123-122, despite the 34-14-12 triple-double performance from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee is competing with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and the Bucks will go as far as the star duo of Antetokounmpo and 2024 All-Star Game MVP Damian Lillard will take them.
Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable for Sunday’s game while Khris Middleton will miss his 14th game in a row due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile the Clippers (41-21) won their second-straight game Saturday when they took down the Chicago Bulls, 112-102, behind a triple-double effort from 2017-18 MVP James Harden. The Clippers have won four of their last five games and are in a tough battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets for the top four in the Western Conference. The contributions from role players like Norman Powell, who led the bench with 18 points Saturday, will be critical for Los Angeles as the regular season enters its fourth quarter.
Sunday’s contest is the second and final contest between the Bucks and Clippers this season, with Milwaukee taking the 113-106 victory on March 4 thanks to 41 points from Lillard.
Hawks, Pelicans Set To Collide
The Atlanta Hawks will host the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks (29-34) are on a roll of late and are moving closer to a Play-In berth in the final weeks of the regular season. Despite missing their star player, Trae Young, due to a finger injury, Atlanta has found a way to remain competitive, and the team enters this matchup on a three-game winning run. The Hawks are coming off a 99-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies the last time out, but the other two wins in that stretch have come via double digits. The Hawks will aim to keep this run going, but for that to happen, they need to play better at home, where the team has gone 16-16 so far. The recent stretch has been even more notable for the Hawks since they’re missing more players, not just Young, from their regular rotation.
Trae Young (finger), Jalen Johnson (ankle), Kobe Bufkin (toe) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) are all out for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray (calf) and Seth Lundy (back) are questionable.
The Pelicans (38-25) are in an even better position, and they should make the playoffs in the ultra-complicated Western Conference barring an epic collapse in the final weeks of the regular season. New Orleans sits 13 games above .500 and seem to be in line to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Their recent form has been quite good as well, as their recent 103-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers means they’ve won three in a row, and four of their last five. The star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram is finally healthy, and the Pelicans are reaping the benefits of that. New Orleans has been particularly good when playing on the road, where they own a 20-13 mark.
Dyson Daniels (knee) is the only absence for the Pelicans.
The Hawks (29-34) are on a roll of late and are moving closer to a Play-In berth in the final weeks of the regular season. Despite missing their star player, Trae Young, due to a finger injury, Atlanta has found a way to remain competitive, and the team enters this matchup on a three-game winning run. The Hawks are coming off a 99-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies the last time out, but the other two wins in that stretch have come via double digits. The Hawks will aim to keep this run going, but for that to happen, they need to play better at home, where the team has gone 16-16 so far. The recent stretch has been even more notable for the Hawks since they’re missing more players, not just Young, from their regular rotation.
Trae Young (finger), Jalen Johnson (ankle), Kobe Bufkin (toe) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) are all out for the Hawks. Dejounte Murray (calf) and Seth Lundy (back) are questionable.
The Pelicans (38-25) are in an even better position, and they should make the playoffs in the ultra-complicated Western Conference barring an epic collapse in the final weeks of the regular season. New Orleans sits 13 games above .500 and seem to be in line to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Their recent form has been quite good as well, as their recent 103-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers means they’ve won three in a row, and four of their last five. The star duo of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram is finally healthy, and the Pelicans are reaping the benefits of that. New Orleans has been particularly good when playing on the road, where they own a 20-13 mark.
Dyson Daniels (knee) is the only absence for the Pelicans.
Heat Hosts Wizards In South Beach
The Miami Heat will host the Washington Wizards at Kaseya Center on Sunday.
The Heat (35-28) are sitting in a solid position in the standings, as they enter this game in sixth place of the Eastern Conference. However, their recent form has been less than ideal. Miami is coming off a 107-100 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that defeat means Miami has now dropped two in a row and three of its last five contests. Losing to both OKC and Dallas on the road shouldn’t have been easy for Miami, but the Heat will return home now, where they have looked competitive thanks to a 17-13 record. In fact, Miami enters this game on a two-game winning run at home while securing the victory in four of its last five in front of their fans. That should be enough reason to believe the Heat are favorites to get the victory here against a struggling Washington team.
Kevin Love (heel), Tyler Herro (foot) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are all out for this game. Richardson is out for the season.
The Wizards (10-53) sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and they will likely battle with the Detroit Pistons for that cellar spot in the final weeks of the regular season. The Wizards were going through an awfully bad stretch that saw them lose 16 games in a row, including their previous meeting with the Heat, until they defeated the Charlotte Hornets on March 8. Washington has had some bright spots this season, such as Deni Avdija and the play of Kyle Kuzma, but this is a franchise that needs fresh talent to start a rebuilding process. Right now, Washington is nowhere near from starting a full-scale rebuild. That’s something they need to do if they want to end all the struggles they’ve endured in recent years.
The Wizards are listing Landry Shamet (calf) as a game-time call for Sunday. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, and Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the rest of the season.
The Heat (35-28) are sitting in a solid position in the standings, as they enter this game in sixth place of the Eastern Conference. However, their recent form has been less than ideal. Miami is coming off a 107-100 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that defeat means Miami has now dropped two in a row and three of its last five contests. Losing to both OKC and Dallas on the road shouldn’t have been easy for Miami, but the Heat will return home now, where they have looked competitive thanks to a 17-13 record. In fact, Miami enters this game on a two-game winning run at home while securing the victory in four of its last five in front of their fans. That should be enough reason to believe the Heat are favorites to get the victory here against a struggling Washington team.
Kevin Love (heel), Tyler Herro (foot) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are all out for this game. Richardson is out for the season.
The Wizards (10-53) sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and they will likely battle with the Detroit Pistons for that cellar spot in the final weeks of the regular season. The Wizards were going through an awfully bad stretch that saw them lose 16 games in a row, including their previous meeting with the Heat, until they defeated the Charlotte Hornets on March 8. Washington has had some bright spots this season, such as Deni Avdija and the play of Kyle Kuzma, but this is a franchise that needs fresh talent to start a rebuilding process. Right now, Washington is nowhere near from starting a full-scale rebuild. That’s something they need to do if they want to end all the struggles they’ve endured in recent years.
The Wizards are listing Landry Shamet (calf) as a game-time call for Sunday. Marvin Bagley (back) is out, and Isaiah Livers (hip) is out for the rest of the season.
Pacers and Magic Set for Central Florida Clash
The Indiana Pacers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Pacers (35-29) appear to have a solid chance of eventually playing beyond the final day of the regular season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest with an untimely three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble was a very narrow one, as they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 113-111 score on Thursday night. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton generated a 23-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Smith delivered 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Myles Turner registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and four blocks.
The Pacers will be without Doug McDermott (calf) and Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) for Sunday's game.
The Magic (37-27) are in even better shape in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they'll come into Sunday's game having just seen a five-game winning streak snapped with a lackluster 98-74 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Franz Wagner furnished 13 points, four boards and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Magic will remain without Jalen Suggs (thigh) and Markelle Fultz (knee) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-0 series lead.
The Pacers (35-29) appear to have a solid chance of eventually playing beyond the final day of the regular season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest with an untimely three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble was a very narrow one, as they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 113-111 score on Thursday night. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton generated a 23-point, 13-assist double-double that included three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Smith delivered 14 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Myles Turner registered 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and four blocks.
The Pacers will be without Doug McDermott (calf) and Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) for Sunday's game.
The Magic (37-27) are in even better shape in the Eastern Conference playoff race, but they'll come into Sunday's game having just seen a five-game winning streak snapped with a lackluster 98-74 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals. Franz Wagner furnished 13 points, four boards and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 11 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Magic will remain without Jalen Suggs (thigh) and Markelle Fultz (knee) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-0 series lead.
Kings Look To Keep Rolling At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
The Kings (36-26) are coming off back-to-back wins and enter the second game of a six-game home stand, where they can add to their, 17-11, home record. De'Aaron Fox leads the team, averaging 27.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis averages 20.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 0.9 steals, while Malik Monk averages 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. The Kings average 118.5 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.0 points per game, which is also eighth most in the league. Davion Mitchell (chest) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (28-35) have won three of their last four games and look to keep the momentum going on the second game of a three-game road trip, with the opportunity to improve on their, 7-24, road record. Alperen Sengun enters the game on a major hot streak, averaging 27.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.5 steals over the last four games, including one triple-double performance. Jalen Green is also on a roll, averaging 26.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games, including back-to-back outings with 34 points. Fred VanVleet continues to control the point, averaging 16.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Rockets average 113.0 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.8 points per game.
The Kings (36-26) are coming off back-to-back wins and enter the second game of a six-game home stand, where they can add to their, 17-11, home record. De'Aaron Fox leads the team, averaging 27.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Domantas Sabonis averages 20.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 0.9 steals, while Malik Monk averages 15.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. The Kings average 118.5 points per game, which is eighth most in the league, but they give up an average of 118.0 points per game, which is also eighth most in the league. Davion Mitchell (chest) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (28-35) have won three of their last four games and look to keep the momentum going on the second game of a three-game road trip, with the opportunity to improve on their, 7-24, road record. Alperen Sengun enters the game on a major hot streak, averaging 27.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.5 steals over the last four games, including one triple-double performance. Jalen Green is also on a roll, averaging 26.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games, including back-to-back outings with 34 points. Fred VanVleet continues to control the point, averaging 16.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Rockets average 113.0 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 112.8 points per game.
Hobbled Cavs Host Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Cavs (41-22) have won three of their last five games and hope to keep trending in the right direction as they face the second game of a three-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 22-11, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Donovan Mitchell (knee) will remain sidelined, along with Evan Mobley (ankle) and Max Strus (knee). On the bright side, Darius Garland is playing well, averaging 22.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. Since returning from a two-game absence, Caris LeVert is averaging 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals over the last three games and must continue to step up in the absence of Mitchell. Jarrett Allen is coming off a massive, 33-point, 18-rebound performance and is averaging 16.0 points, 10.8 rebounds 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks on the season.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (25-39), after a loss in Charlotte on Saturday. They were out to a strong start in the game and led, 35-31, after one quarter. Things fell apart in the second, where they were outscored by 15 points and faced an 11-point deficit at the break. They brought a better effort in the third but could only trim it to an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. They could not maintain momentum and fell short down the stretch for their second straight loss. Cam Thomas led the way with 31 points on 12-for-24 shooting, in 30 minutes of action. Mikal Bridges followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Nets will look to get back on track as they face the third game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 9-21, road record. Cameron Johnson (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Lonnie Walker (illness) is questionable for action.
The Cavs (41-22) have won three of their last five games and hope to keep trending in the right direction as they face the second game of a three-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 22-11, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Donovan Mitchell (knee) will remain sidelined, along with Evan Mobley (ankle) and Max Strus (knee). On the bright side, Darius Garland is playing well, averaging 22.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. Since returning from a two-game absence, Caris LeVert is averaging 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.0 steals over the last three games and must continue to step up in the absence of Mitchell. Jarrett Allen is coming off a massive, 33-point, 18-rebound performance and is averaging 16.0 points, 10.8 rebounds 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks on the season.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (25-39), after a loss in Charlotte on Saturday. They were out to a strong start in the game and led, 35-31, after one quarter. Things fell apart in the second, where they were outscored by 15 points and faced an 11-point deficit at the break. They brought a better effort in the third but could only trim it to an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. They could not maintain momentum and fell short down the stretch for their second straight loss. Cam Thomas led the way with 31 points on 12-for-24 shooting, in 30 minutes of action. Mikal Bridges followed up with 19 points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Nicolas Claxton totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Nets will look to get back on track as they face the third game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 9-21, road record. Cameron Johnson (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Lonnie Walker (illness) is questionable for action.
76ers and Knicks Face Off in Big Apple
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.
The 76ers (35-28) haven't had the best of luck with the injury bug of late and have seen their record suffer as a result. Consequently, it's not surprising to see them head into Sunday's game with a three-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 103-95 score, a contest in which they scored just 34 first-half points before rallying unsuccessfully. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, three steals and one block. Kelly Oubre Jr. turned in 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Paul Reed generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Cameron Payne finished with 13 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The 76ers will remain without Tyrese Maxey (concussion), Joel Embiid (knee), De'Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee) for Sunday's contest.
The Knicks (37-26) are no strangers to key absences at the moment and resulting struggles as well, and accordingly, they'll go into Sunday's contest with a 5-9 mark since Feb. 3. However, one of those wins came their last time on the court, as they dominated the Orlando Magic by a 98-74 score Friday night.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 26 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart delivered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Precious Achiuwa generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and two steals. Miles McBride finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Knicks will remain without OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead.
The 76ers (35-28) haven't had the best of luck with the injury bug of late and have seen their record suffer as a result. Consequently, it's not surprising to see them head into Sunday's game with a three-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans by a 103-95 score, a contest in which they scored just 34 first-half points before rallying unsuccessfully. Tobias Harris led the 76ers with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, three steals and one block. Kelly Oubre Jr. turned in 20 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Paul Reed generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Cameron Payne finished with 13 points, four assists, one rebound and one steal.
The 76ers will remain without Tyrese Maxey (concussion), Joel Embiid (knee), De'Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee) for Sunday's contest.
The Knicks (37-26) are no strangers to key absences at the moment and resulting struggles as well, and accordingly, they'll go into Sunday's contest with a 5-9 mark since Feb. 3. However, one of those wins came their last time on the court, as they dominated the Orlando Magic by a 98-74 score Friday night.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 26 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Josh Hart delivered 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Precious Achiuwa generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and two steals. Miles McBride finished with 14 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Knicks will remain without OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) for Sunday's game.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead.
Thunder Host Grizzlies on Sunday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center on Sunday.
The Grizzlies (22-42) have faced as much adversity as anyone in the NBA, missing the majority of their rotation to serious injuries. The only remaining starter is Jaren Jackson Jr, and there's some speculation he'll be rested for the remainder of the year sooner rather than later. It's actually a miracle this team has 22 wins when evaluating the state of this roster, entering this matchup losing 14 of their last 18 games. What it has done is allow some unknown players to step into more prominent roles. Vince Williams and Jake LaRavia have proven to be valuable role players in these expanded roles, and they should fit in beautifully when Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart return next season.
The Thunder (44-19) have one of the best home records in the NBA, posting a 25-6 record in OKC. That's why this club is battling for the top seed in the Western Conference, sitting within one game of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Those three teams have been battling all season, and it'll be interesting to see who prevails. All three of them have been elite at home and finishing with that top spot could be huge in a postseason run. We've also seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take the next step into superstardom, ranked second in MVP rankings. They're also getting some stellar play from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, making this one of the scariest teams in the league.
These teams played on December 18, with Oklahoma City prevailing, 116-97. That gives OKC three straight wins in this series.
The Grizzlies (22-42) have faced as much adversity as anyone in the NBA, missing the majority of their rotation to serious injuries. The only remaining starter is Jaren Jackson Jr, and there's some speculation he'll be rested for the remainder of the year sooner rather than later. It's actually a miracle this team has 22 wins when evaluating the state of this roster, entering this matchup losing 14 of their last 18 games. What it has done is allow some unknown players to step into more prominent roles. Vince Williams and Jake LaRavia have proven to be valuable role players in these expanded roles, and they should fit in beautifully when Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart return next season.
The Thunder (44-19) have one of the best home records in the NBA, posting a 25-6 record in OKC. That's why this club is battling for the top seed in the Western Conference, sitting within one game of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Those three teams have been battling all season, and it'll be interesting to see who prevails. All three of them have been elite at home and finishing with that top spot could be huge in a postseason run. We've also seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take the next step into superstardom, ranked second in MVP rankings. They're also getting some stellar play from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, making this one of the scariest teams in the league.
These teams played on December 18, with Oklahoma City prevailing, 116-97. That gives OKC three straight wins in this series.
Lakers Host T'Wolves on Sunday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.
The Timberwolves (44-20) have been holding on to the top seed in the west with a fingernail and recently gave up that lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are now just 0.5 games back of Oklahoma City and are just 0,5 games ahead of the Denver Nuggets. It'll be between those three teams to battle for homecourt throughout the Western Conference playoffs, but Minnesota has to be the underdog. We say that because this team hasn't been in the position in nearly two decades, and they just lost Karl-Anthony Towns for the remainder of the regular season. The big man tore his meniscus earlier in the week, and it'll be tough for this club to maintain that top spot without an All-Star player like that. The T'Wolves have been proving doubters wrong all year, though, and they'll look to do that once again.
The Lakers (35-30) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, but their win on Friday was one of the most exciting of the year. Despite playing without LeBron James, Los Angeles pulled out a 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. D'Angelo Russell had the game of his career, finishing with 44 points, six rebounds and nine assists. More importantly, LA closed that game on an 11-4 run over the final two minutes, with D-Lo knocking down a game-winning floater in the final seconds. What's really frustrating is that Anthony Davis suffered a shoulder injury as well. Having LeBron and AD both nicked up could be a disastrous sign for the future, but it's hard to overlook LA's recent form and the play of Russell. They come into this matchup winning 11 of their last 16 games.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Minnesota winning the first two. They have won seven of their last nine games over the Lakers in total, dating back three years.
The Timberwolves (44-20) have been holding on to the top seed in the west with a fingernail and recently gave up that lead to the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are now just 0.5 games back of Oklahoma City and are just 0,5 games ahead of the Denver Nuggets. It'll be between those three teams to battle for homecourt throughout the Western Conference playoffs, but Minnesota has to be the underdog. We say that because this team hasn't been in the position in nearly two decades, and they just lost Karl-Anthony Towns for the remainder of the regular season. The big man tore his meniscus earlier in the week, and it'll be tough for this club to maintain that top spot without an All-Star player like that. The T'Wolves have been proving doubters wrong all year, though, and they'll look to do that once again.
The Lakers (35-30) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, but their win on Friday was one of the most exciting of the year. Despite playing without LeBron James, Los Angeles pulled out a 123-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. D'Angelo Russell had the game of his career, finishing with 44 points, six rebounds and nine assists. More importantly, LA closed that game on an 11-4 run over the final two minutes, with D-Lo knocking down a game-winning floater in the final seconds. What's really frustrating is that Anthony Davis suffered a shoulder injury as well. Having LeBron and AD both nicked up could be a disastrous sign for the future, but it's hard to overlook LA's recent form and the play of Russell. They come into this matchup winning 11 of their last 16 games.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Minnesota winning the first two. They have won seven of their last nine games over the Lakers in total, dating back three years.