Knicks, 76ers Collide In Potential Playoff Preview
The New York Knicks will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
The Knicks (37-27) and the 76ers (36-28) are set to meet for the second time in the last three days. The previous meeting between these two teams ended with a 79-73 win for the 76ers, which turned out to be the lowest-scoring game of the 2023-24 NBA season by a sizable margin. New York will aim to close the season series in their favor, as the Knicks have gone 2-1 so far in the three previous head-to-head meetings. The Knicks secured their last two wins by double-digit margins, 128-92 and 110-96, on Jan. 5 and Feb. 22, respectively. The Knicks also own a decent record at home, 21-13, as opposed to the Sixers’ 17-13 mark on the road.
The Sixers have been struggling badly regarding injuries, as they have been playing without their top two players, Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (concussion). However, Maxey is slated to return to action Tuesday, giving Philadelphia a massive boost on the offensive end. Maxey has taken over the offense for the Sixers, and the talented guard has stepped up to the occasion with averages of 26.0 points and 6.3 assists per game. The Knicks are also expected to have a key contributor back in OG Anunoby. The veteran forward is questionable due to an elbow injury, but all signs indicate he’ll be playing Tuesday.
Aside from Anunoby being questionable, the Knicks are listing Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (knee) as out. Meanwhile, the 76ers are listing Robert Covington (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) as out alongside Embiid.
The Knicks (37-27) and the 76ers (36-28) are set to meet for the second time in the last three days. The previous meeting between these two teams ended with a 79-73 win for the 76ers, which turned out to be the lowest-scoring game of the 2023-24 NBA season by a sizable margin. New York will aim to close the season series in their favor, as the Knicks have gone 2-1 so far in the three previous head-to-head meetings. The Knicks secured their last two wins by double-digit margins, 128-92 and 110-96, on Jan. 5 and Feb. 22, respectively. The Knicks also own a decent record at home, 21-13, as opposed to the Sixers’ 17-13 mark on the road.
The Sixers have been struggling badly regarding injuries, as they have been playing without their top two players, Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (concussion). However, Maxey is slated to return to action Tuesday, giving Philadelphia a massive boost on the offensive end. Maxey has taken over the offense for the Sixers, and the talented guard has stepped up to the occasion with averages of 26.0 points and 6.3 assists per game. The Knicks are also expected to have a key contributor back in OG Anunoby. The veteran forward is questionable due to an elbow injury, but all signs indicate he’ll be playing Tuesday.
Aside from Anunoby being questionable, the Knicks are listing Julius Randle (shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (knee) as out. Meanwhile, the 76ers are listing Robert Covington (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) as out alongside Embiid.
Pacers and Thunder Set for Interconference Clash
The Indiana Pacers takes on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Arena on Tuesday night.
The Pacers (36-29) have had trouble with consistency of late, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having dropped four of the last seven games. However, their most recent game resulted in one of those wins, as they bested the Orlando Magic by a 111-97 score on Sunday evening. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point, seven-rebound efforts while also recording eight and three assists, respectively. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell went for 17 points apiece while posting eight and six rebounds, respectively. McConnell also handed out six assists and tallied two steals. Aaron Nesmith furnished 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks.
The Pacers will remain without Doug McDermott (calf) for Tuesday's contest.
The Thunder (45-19) are barreling toward an elite seed in the Western Conference, and they'll enter Tuesday's contest having won 10 of their last 12 games, including three straight. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Memphis Grizzlies, which they throttled by a 124-93 score. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, adding six assists and two rebounds. Cason Wallace furnished 22 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Josh Giddey generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort registered 14 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Thunder will list Williams (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's game.
Tuesday's game is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
The Pacers (36-29) have had trouble with consistency of late, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having dropped four of the last seven games. However, their most recent game resulted in one of those wins, as they bested the Orlando Magic by a 111-97 score on Sunday evening. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton co-led the Pacers with matching 20-point, seven-rebound efforts while also recording eight and three assists, respectively. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell went for 17 points apiece while posting eight and six rebounds, respectively. McConnell also handed out six assists and tallied two steals. Aaron Nesmith furnished 16 points, five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner delivered 12 points, eight rebounds and six blocks.
The Pacers will remain without Doug McDermott (calf) for Tuesday's contest.
The Thunder (45-19) are barreling toward an elite seed in the Western Conference, and they'll enter Tuesday's contest having won 10 of their last 12 games, including three straight. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Memphis Grizzlies, which they throttled by a 124-93 score. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, adding six assists and two rebounds. Cason Wallace furnished 22 points, four assists, two rebounds and one block. Josh Giddey generated a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Luguentz Dort registered 14 points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Thunder will list Williams (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's game.
Tuesday's game is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
Wizards and Grizzlies Tangle in Interconference Matchup
The Washington Wizards take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Tuesday night.
The Wizards' (11-53) record underscores what type of season it's been for them, but they'll actually enter Tuesday's contest with back-to-back victories. Their most recent success came Sunday night, when they edged the Miami Heat by a 110-108 score. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 32 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Corey Kispert turned in 22 points, six assists and five rebounds. Deni Avdija posted a 16 point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Tyus Jones generated a 12-point, 16-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly supplied 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Wizards will remain without Marvin Bagley (back) and Landry Shamet (calf) for Tuesday's game. Richaun Holmes (toe) will be listed as questionable.
The Grizzlies (22-43) continue to spiral while trying to navigate the longest injury report in the league, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having lost seven of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they were throttled by the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 124-93 score. GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Jaren Jackson Jr. furnished 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jake LaRavia went for 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Grizzlies will remain without Desmond Bane (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), Ziaire Williams (hip), Yuta Watanabe (wrist), Derrick Rose (groin), Jaren Jackson (hip) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) for Tuesday's game. Jordan Goodwin (Achilles), John Konchar (ankle), Scotty Pippen (back) and Lamar Stevens (hip) will be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Wizards' (11-53) record underscores what type of season it's been for them, but they'll actually enter Tuesday's contest with back-to-back victories. Their most recent success came Sunday night, when they edged the Miami Heat by a 110-108 score. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 32 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Corey Kispert turned in 22 points, six assists and five rebounds. Deni Avdija posted a 16 point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists, one steal and one block. Tyus Jones generated a 12-point, 16-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly supplied 11 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks.
The Wizards will remain without Marvin Bagley (back) and Landry Shamet (calf) for Tuesday's game. Richaun Holmes (toe) will be listed as questionable.
The Grizzlies (22-43) continue to spiral while trying to navigate the longest injury report in the league, as they'll enter Tuesday's contest having lost seven of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they were throttled by the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 124-93 score. GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 30 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one block. Jaren Jackson Jr. furnished 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Jake LaRavia went for 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Grizzlies will remain without Desmond Bane (ankle), Marcus Smart (finger), Ziaire Williams (hip), Yuta Watanabe (wrist), Derrick Rose (groin), Jaren Jackson (hip) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) for Tuesday's game. Jordan Goodwin (Achilles), John Konchar (ankle), Scotty Pippen (back) and Lamar Stevens (hip) will be listed as questionable.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead.
Rockets Host Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Houston Rockets at Frost Bank Center on Tuesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Spurs, after a hard-fought home loss against the Warriors on Monday. They jumped out to a great start in the game and led, 37-29, after one quarter, but they slipped in the second and only held a two-point edge at the break. They saw things fall out of reach in the third, where they were outscored by 14 points, and they could not reclaim momentum the rest of the way. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, in 31 minutes of action in the loss. Devin Vassell followed up with 17 points on 5-for-14 shooting, while Keldon Johnson added 16 points, six rebounds and a block. The Spurs will look to get back on track and hope to build on their, 7-22, home record as they face the second game of an eight-game home stand.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (29-35) have won two in a row and look to keep the momentum going for a chance to improve on their, 8-24, road record. The team was dealt a devastating blow in the last game, as Alperen Sengun (ankle) left late in the last game due to injury. He is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks of action, leaving opportunity for Jock Landale and Boban Marjanovic to step up along with Jabari Smith and Jeff Green, who should also get a boost. Jalen Green averages 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.2 steals, while Jabari Smith averages 13.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Spurs, after a hard-fought home loss against the Warriors on Monday. They jumped out to a great start in the game and led, 37-29, after one quarter, but they slipped in the second and only held a two-point edge at the break. They saw things fall out of reach in the third, where they were outscored by 14 points, and they could not reclaim momentum the rest of the way. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks, in 31 minutes of action in the loss. Devin Vassell followed up with 17 points on 5-for-14 shooting, while Keldon Johnson added 16 points, six rebounds and a block. The Spurs will look to get back on track and hope to build on their, 7-22, home record as they face the second game of an eight-game home stand.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (29-35) have won two in a row and look to keep the momentum going for a chance to improve on their, 8-24, road record. The team was dealt a devastating blow in the last game, as Alperen Sengun (ankle) left late in the last game due to injury. He is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks of action, leaving opportunity for Jock Landale and Boban Marjanovic to step up along with Jabari Smith and Jeff Green, who should also get a boost. Jalen Green averages 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.2 steals, while Jabari Smith averages 13.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Hobbled Jazz Host Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Boston Celtics at Delta Center on Tuesday evening.
The Jazz (28-36) have dropped two in a row and hope to end the skid as they return home for an opportunity to improve on their, 19-12, home record. Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action. Taylor Hendricks (toe) will remain sidelined. Behind Markkanen, Collin Sexton is the squad's leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Jordan Clarkson averages 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists, while John Collins is averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 blocks per game. The Jazz average 117.7 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.7 points per game, which is fifth-most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Celtics (49-14), after a 22-point win in Portland on Monday night. They jumped out to a strong start in the game and led, 37-28, after one quarter. They added another five points to their advantage through the second and maintained control the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. Jaylen Brown was the high-point man with 27 points on 13-for-29 shooting, in 33 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Sam Hauser tallied 22 points, two rebounds, two steals and a block, off the bench. The Celtics will look to keep the momentum going as they face the fifth and final game of a road trip with the hope of building on their, 21-11, road record.
The Jazz (28-36) have dropped two in a row and hope to end the skid as they return home for an opportunity to improve on their, 19-12, home record. Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action. Taylor Hendricks (toe) will remain sidelined. Behind Markkanen, Collin Sexton is the squad's leading scorer, averaging 18.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Jordan Clarkson averages 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists, while John Collins is averaging 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 blocks per game. The Jazz average 117.7 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.7 points per game, which is fifth-most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Celtics (49-14), after a 22-point win in Portland on Monday night. They jumped out to a strong start in the game and led, 37-28, after one quarter. They added another five points to their advantage through the second and maintained control the rest of the way to close out their second straight win. Jaylen Brown was the high-point man with 27 points on 13-for-29 shooting, in 33 minutes. Jayson Tatum followed up with 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists, while Sam Hauser tallied 22 points, two rebounds, two steals and a block, off the bench. The Celtics will look to keep the momentum going as they face the fifth and final game of a road trip with the hope of building on their, 21-11, road record.
Clippers Host T'Wolves on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday.
The Timberwolves (44-21) just lost Karl-Anthony Towns for the remainder of the regular season, and it's tough to see where they go from here. They come into this matchup losing four of their last six games, relinquishing the top seed in the Western Conference. The good news is that they are still in striking distance, sitting just 1.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder. What's also nice is that Anthony Edwards has taken the step into superstardom, averaging 26.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1,3 steals per game. If he keeps playing like that with his elite defensive abilities, Minnesota should maintain one of the best records in the West.
The Clippers (41-22) have one of the best records in the NBA since benching Russell Westbrook two months back, sitting fourth in the Western Conference. They appear to be clear of the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference and are just 3,5 games back of the Thunder in first place. Many people believe this LA club is one of the most talented in the league, with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden forming one of the most dynamic trios in the league. This team's only goal is to get that core healthy heading into the postseason because they can beat anyone when all of those superstars are performing up to their potential.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Minnesota winning two of three. The T'Wolves have won four of their last five games over the Clippers.
The Timberwolves (44-21) just lost Karl-Anthony Towns for the remainder of the regular season, and it's tough to see where they go from here. They come into this matchup losing four of their last six games, relinquishing the top seed in the Western Conference. The good news is that they are still in striking distance, sitting just 1.5 games back of the Oklahoma City Thunder. What's also nice is that Anthony Edwards has taken the step into superstardom, averaging 26.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1,3 steals per game. If he keeps playing like that with his elite defensive abilities, Minnesota should maintain one of the best records in the West.
The Clippers (41-22) have one of the best records in the NBA since benching Russell Westbrook two months back, sitting fourth in the Western Conference. They appear to be clear of the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference and are just 3,5 games back of the Thunder in first place. Many people believe this LA club is one of the most talented in the league, with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden forming one of the most dynamic trios in the league. This team's only goal is to get that core healthy heading into the postseason because they can beat anyone when all of those superstars are performing up to their potential.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Minnesota winning two of three. The T'Wolves have won four of their last five games over the Clippers.
Kings Host Bucks on Tuesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden One Center on Tuesday.
The Bucks (42-23) have been a different team since the All-Star break, entering this matchup winning seven of their last nine games. That's the club we all expected to see at the beginning of the season and it has the Bucks battling for the two-seed in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit second but only have a 0.5-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It looks like a battle between those teams to grab that spot but Milwaukee has to be the favorite with how they've looked. What's also scary is that Khris Middleton is expected to return from his ankle issue in the coming weeks, adding an All-Star to this star-studded roster.
The Kings (36-27) are struggling a bit right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last seven outings. That has Sacramento sitting in the Play-In pool, seeding seventh in the Western Conference. There are six teams between fifth and 10th in the west, and all of them sit within 3.5 games. Only two of those teams will avoid the Play-In Tournament and Sacramento is praying they'll be one of those clubs. As long as Domantas Sabonis continues to thrive, this club has a decent chance. The big man is averaging 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists a game over the last three months, and it is truly one of the biggest All-Star snubs of all time.
These teams played an overtime thriller on January 14, with Milwaukee prevailing, 143-142. Amazingly, that gives the Bucks 15 straight wins over the Kings, dating back to 2016.
The Bucks (42-23) have been a different team since the All-Star break, entering this matchup winning seven of their last nine games. That's the club we all expected to see at the beginning of the season and it has the Bucks battling for the two-seed in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit second but only have a 0.5-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It looks like a battle between those teams to grab that spot but Milwaukee has to be the favorite with how they've looked. What's also scary is that Khris Middleton is expected to return from his ankle issue in the coming weeks, adding an All-Star to this star-studded roster.
The Kings (36-27) are struggling a bit right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last seven outings. That has Sacramento sitting in the Play-In pool, seeding seventh in the Western Conference. There are six teams between fifth and 10th in the west, and all of them sit within 3.5 games. Only two of those teams will avoid the Play-In Tournament and Sacramento is praying they'll be one of those clubs. As long as Domantas Sabonis continues to thrive, this club has a decent chance. The big man is averaging 20 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists a game over the last three months, and it is truly one of the biggest All-Star snubs of all time.
These teams played an overtime thriller on January 14, with Milwaukee prevailing, 143-142. Amazingly, that gives the Bucks 15 straight wins over the Kings, dating back to 2016.