Raptors wrap up road trip against Pistons on Wednesday
The Toronto Raptors close out their four-game road trip Wednesday when they visit the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
The Raptors (23-42) have lost their last four games, and they are looking forward to facing an Eastern Conference opponent with all their losses coming against West teams. Toronto is missing its first-time All Star Scottie Barnes, who is out for an indefinite amount of time after fracturing his left hand against the Golden State Warriors on March 1. With the Raptors sitting 7.5 games back of a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the focus for the remaining stretch of the season will likely be on getting reps for young players like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett -- both of whom were acquired from the New York Knicks at the trade deadline -- as well as Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick.
Barrett (personal) and D.J. Carton (ankle) have both been ruled out for Wednesday’s game while Quickley (hip) and Gary Trent (groin) are listed as questionable.
There was never really hope of a playoff run this season for the Pistons (11-53), but there is more room for optimism now compared to their stretch of 28-straight losses, an NBA single-season record. The Pistons are 2-1 over their last three games and completed a 3-0 season sweep of the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Their young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have made the most of their reps this season, and this trio -- along with whatever lottery pick Detroit ends up with -- could make some noise in the 2024-25 season.
Ausar Thompson (illness/asthma) is questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Wednesday’s contest is the third and final game the Raptors and Pistons face each other, with the season series tied 1-1. The last matchup was a memorable one, as the Pistons took the 129-127 win to break their 28-game losing streak.
The Raptors (23-42) have lost their last four games, and they are looking forward to facing an Eastern Conference opponent with all their losses coming against West teams. Toronto is missing its first-time All Star Scottie Barnes, who is out for an indefinite amount of time after fracturing his left hand against the Golden State Warriors on March 1. With the Raptors sitting 7.5 games back of a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the focus for the remaining stretch of the season will likely be on getting reps for young players like Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett -- both of whom were acquired from the New York Knicks at the trade deadline -- as well as Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick.
Barrett (personal) and D.J. Carton (ankle) have both been ruled out for Wednesday’s game while Quickley (hip) and Gary Trent (groin) are listed as questionable.
There was never really hope of a playoff run this season for the Pistons (11-53), but there is more room for optimism now compared to their stretch of 28-straight losses, an NBA single-season record. The Pistons are 2-1 over their last three games and completed a 3-0 season sweep of the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Their young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have made the most of their reps this season, and this trio -- along with whatever lottery pick Detroit ends up with -- could make some noise in the 2024-25 season.
Ausar Thompson (illness/asthma) is questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Wednesday’s contest is the third and final game the Raptors and Pistons face each other, with the season series tied 1-1. The last matchup was a memorable one, as the Pistons took the 129-127 win to break their 28-game losing streak.
Nets, Magic Tangle In Orlando
The Orlando Magic will host the Brooklyn Nets at Kia Center on Wednesday.
The Magic (37-28) have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference when playing at home, thanks to a 21-9 record. However, Orlando needs to bounce back following two subpar displays. The Magic are coming off a 111-97 defeat to the Indiana Pacers, and they enter this contest on a two-game losing streak. Their strong play at home, as well as the quality of their opposition, suggest the Magic has a strong chance of turning things around here. However, the Magic can’t get complacent here. After all, they’ve gone 1-2 in the season series against the Nets. Orlando won the previous meeting, though, a 108-81 win in this very same venue.
The Magic are at full strength and are not announcing any injuries for Wednesday.
The Nets (26-39) have been struggling badly all season, and it’s safe to say their season hasn’t gone as expected. Losing Ben Simmons to a season-ending injury was not in the team’s plans, and even though Brooklyn is still trying to reach the Play-In Tournament, this team doesn’t seem to have a clear long-term direction. The Nets have also been inconsistent in recent games, as they enter this game on a 2-3 record across their last five contests. However, a 120-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers the previous time out certainly felt like a confidence booster for them. The Nets have been struggling on the road, going 10-21 away from Barclays Center.
The Nets are listing Cameron Johnson (ankle) as a game-time call. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out for the rest of the season.
The Magic (37-28) have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference when playing at home, thanks to a 21-9 record. However, Orlando needs to bounce back following two subpar displays. The Magic are coming off a 111-97 defeat to the Indiana Pacers, and they enter this contest on a two-game losing streak. Their strong play at home, as well as the quality of their opposition, suggest the Magic has a strong chance of turning things around here. However, the Magic can’t get complacent here. After all, they’ve gone 1-2 in the season series against the Nets. Orlando won the previous meeting, though, a 108-81 win in this very same venue.
The Magic are at full strength and are not announcing any injuries for Wednesday.
The Nets (26-39) have been struggling badly all season, and it’s safe to say their season hasn’t gone as expected. Losing Ben Simmons to a season-ending injury was not in the team’s plans, and even though Brooklyn is still trying to reach the Play-In Tournament, this team doesn’t seem to have a clear long-term direction. The Nets have also been inconsistent in recent games, as they enter this game on a 2-3 record across their last five contests. However, a 120-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers the previous time out certainly felt like a confidence booster for them. The Nets have been struggling on the road, going 10-21 away from Barclays Center.
The Nets are listing Cameron Johnson (ankle) as a game-time call. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out for the rest of the season.
Pacers Return Home, Host Bulls
The Indiana Pacers will host the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Pacers (36-29) are coming off one of their best performances of the season and secured a 121-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The second half of a back-to-back set is always complicated, but the Pacers are confident about their chances of getting past the Bulls after defeating them in the previous head-to-head meeting. That game ended with a 120-104 victory for Indiana on Dec. 28. The Pacers have gone 16-16 on the road this season, and defeating the Bulls would strengthen their playoff chances even more. A dominant effort from Tyrese Haliburton is probably needed to secure the victory here. The star floor general recorded a double-double against the Thunder and will aim to repeat that feat Wednesday.
James Johnson (illness) and Doug McDermott (calf) are out for Wednesday’s game. Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
The Bulls (31-34) are one of several teams competing for a potential berth in the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls will look to avenge their recent loss to the Pacers, and Chicago will also aim to snap their ongoing losing streak. Following a 127-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, the Bulls have now lost two games in a row, but they still own a respectable 3-2 mark across their last five games. Chicago will probably rely on DeMar DeRozan to snap that bad run. The reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week is averaging 24.7 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game across his last 10 appearances. DeRozan will play a prominent on role on offense since the team already missed several key contributors to season-ending injuries, most notably Lonzo Ball (knee) and Zach LaVine (foot).
Torrey Craig (ankle) and Julian Phillips (foot) are game-time calls for Wednesday. Patrick Williams (foot), LaVine (foot), and Ball (knee) are out for the rest of the season.
The Pacers (36-29) are coming off one of their best performances of the season and secured a 121-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. The second half of a back-to-back set is always complicated, but the Pacers are confident about their chances of getting past the Bulls after defeating them in the previous head-to-head meeting. That game ended with a 120-104 victory for Indiana on Dec. 28. The Pacers have gone 16-16 on the road this season, and defeating the Bulls would strengthen their playoff chances even more. A dominant effort from Tyrese Haliburton is probably needed to secure the victory here. The star floor general recorded a double-double against the Thunder and will aim to repeat that feat Wednesday.
James Johnson (illness) and Doug McDermott (calf) are out for Wednesday’s game. Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
The Bulls (31-34) are one of several teams competing for a potential berth in the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls will look to avenge their recent loss to the Pacers, and Chicago will also aim to snap their ongoing losing streak. Following a 127-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, the Bulls have now lost two games in a row, but they still own a respectable 3-2 mark across their last five games. Chicago will probably rely on DeMar DeRozan to snap that bad run. The reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week is averaging 24.7 points, 5.7 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game across his last 10 appearances. DeRozan will play a prominent on role on offense since the team already missed several key contributors to season-ending injuries, most notably Lonzo Ball (knee) and Zach LaVine (foot).
Torrey Craig (ankle) and Julian Phillips (foot) are game-time calls for Wednesday. Patrick Williams (foot), LaVine (foot), and Ball (knee) are out for the rest of the season.
Nuggets and Heat Set for Finals Rematch
The Denver Nuggets take on the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (45-20) are gearing up for what they expect to be another extended postseason run, and they'll head into Wednesday's Finals rematch with three straight wins. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Toronto Raptors, which they topped by a 125-119 score Monday night. Nikola Jokic led the way with a 35-point, 17-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that included six steals and two blocks. Jamal Murray delivered a 26-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon produced matching 19-point contributions while posting eight and two rebounds, respectively.
The Nuggets will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Heat (35-29) are headed in the exact opposite direction of their opponent, as they've dropped three straight contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they suffered a surprising 110-108 loss to the Washington Wizards. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 23 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson matched Adebayo's scoring, with Rozier also contributing seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Caleb Martin finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Heat will remain without Tyler Herro (foot) and Kevin Love (heel) for Wednesday's game. Butler (illness) will carry a probable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Nuggets (45-20) are gearing up for what they expect to be another extended postseason run, and they'll head into Wednesday's Finals rematch with three straight wins. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Toronto Raptors, which they topped by a 125-119 score Monday night. Nikola Jokic led the way with a 35-point, 17-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that included six steals and two blocks. Jamal Murray delivered a 26-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds and two blocks. Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon produced matching 19-point contributions while posting eight and two rebounds, respectively.
The Nuggets will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Heat (35-29) are headed in the exact opposite direction of their opponent, as they've dropped three straight contests. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they suffered a surprising 110-108 loss to the Washington Wizards. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 23 points, supplementing them with four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo generated a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson matched Adebayo's scoring, with Rozier also contributing seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Caleb Martin finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Heat will remain without Tyler Herro (foot) and Kevin Love (heel) for Wednesday's game. Butler (illness) will carry a probable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nuggets hold a 1-0 series lead.
Cavaliers and Pelicans Clash in Big Easy
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (41-24) continue to manage multiple notable absences, and they've unsurprisingly dropped three of the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night against the Phoenix Suns, which toppled them by a 117-111 score. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 30 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Caris LeVert totaled 17 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Craig Porter and Isaac Okoro produced matching 13-point efforts while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively. Okoro also added three rebounds and four steals.
The Cavaliers will be without Evan Mobley (ankle), Max Strus (knee), Ty Jerome (ankle) and Dean Wade (personal) for Wednesday's game. Donovan Mitchell (knee) will carry a questionable tag.
The Pelicans (39-25) are trending in the right direction at a key time of the season, as they'll head into Wednesday's contest having won four consecutive games. Their most recent success came Sunday evening, when they bested the Atlanta Hawks by a 116-103 score. Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 28 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Zion Williamson tallied 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. CJ McCollum registered 20 points, four boards and three assists. Larry Nance Jr. offered 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and four steals.
The Pelicans will remain without Dyson Daniels (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Cavaliers (41-24) continue to manage multiple notable absences, and they've unsurprisingly dropped three of the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night against the Phoenix Suns, which toppled them by a 117-111 score. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 30 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Caris LeVert totaled 17 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal. Craig Porter and Isaac Okoro produced matching 13-point efforts while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively. Okoro also added three rebounds and four steals.
The Cavaliers will be without Evan Mobley (ankle), Max Strus (knee), Ty Jerome (ankle) and Dean Wade (personal) for Wednesday's game. Donovan Mitchell (knee) will carry a questionable tag.
The Pelicans (39-25) are trending in the right direction at a key time of the season, as they'll head into Wednesday's contest having won four consecutive games. Their most recent success came Sunday evening, when they bested the Atlanta Hawks by a 116-103 score. Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 28 points, adding seven rebounds and two assists. Zion Williamson tallied 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. CJ McCollum registered 20 points, four boards and three assists. Larry Nance Jr. offered 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and four steals.
The Pelicans will remain without Dyson Daniels (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 1-0 series lead.
Injury-Riddled Grizzlies Host Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Charlotte Hornets at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (23-43), after a 12-point home win over the Wizards on Tuesday. They got out to a good start in the game and led by eight points after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and outscored the visitors, 38-21, to claim a 25-point lead at the break. They let their progress slip slightly in the third but managed to maintain enough of a cushion to close out their third win in five games. Trey Jemison led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes of action. GG Jackson followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and a block, while Jake LaRavia chipped in 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Grizzlies will look to continue to fight through injury trouble as they face the second game of a three-game road trip with the hopes of improving on their, 8-25, home record.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (16-49) have dropped eight of their last 10 games but hope to turn things around with an opportunity to improve on their, 7-26, road record. Unfortunately, they have been unable to shake the injury bug, as Tre Mann (groin) missed the last three games and is listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Bryce McGowens (knee) and Mark Williams (back) remain sidelined. On a positive note, Vasilije Micic has been playing well in extended opportunity, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals over five consecutive starts. Brandon Miller continues to impress, averaging 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals over his last 10 outings. Miles Bridges also has been delivering solid play on a consistent basis, averaging 20.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals across the last 10 games.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (23-43), after a 12-point home win over the Wizards on Tuesday. They got out to a good start in the game and led by eight points after one quarter. They picked up momentum in the second and outscored the visitors, 38-21, to claim a 25-point lead at the break. They let their progress slip slightly in the third but managed to maintain enough of a cushion to close out their third win in five games. Trey Jemison led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes of action. GG Jackson followed up with 19 points, two rebounds and a block, while Jake LaRavia chipped in 16 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Grizzlies will look to continue to fight through injury trouble as they face the second game of a three-game road trip with the hopes of improving on their, 8-25, home record.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (16-49) have dropped eight of their last 10 games but hope to turn things around with an opportunity to improve on their, 7-26, road record. Unfortunately, they have been unable to shake the injury bug, as Tre Mann (groin) missed the last three games and is listed as questionable for action, while LaMelo Ball (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Bryce McGowens (knee) and Mark Williams (back) remain sidelined. On a positive note, Vasilije Micic has been playing well in extended opportunity, averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals over five consecutive starts. Brandon Miller continues to impress, averaging 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals over his last 10 outings. Miles Bridges also has been delivering solid play on a consistent basis, averaging 20.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals across the last 10 games.
Mavs Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Mavericks (37-28) are coming off three consecutive wins and hope to keep the momentum going as they return home for a one-game stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-15, home record. Luka Doncic continues to lead the squad, averaging an incredible, 36.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 11.4 assists and 1.5 steals over the last 10 games. Kyrie Irving is also on a roll, averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists over the same span. P.J. Washington continues to settle in with his new squad, and is averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games. Derrick Jones averages 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (34-30) look to build off a road win in their last game and add to their, 17-13, road record as the face the second game of a three-game trip. Stephen Curry (ankle) has missed the last two games and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Klay Thompson is the team's next-highest scorer, averaging 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Jonathan Kuminga averages 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while Andrew Wiggins is averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Chris Paul has done a great job stepping up in the absence of Curry, as he is averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.0 steals over the last two games.
The Mavericks (37-28) are coming off three consecutive wins and hope to keep the momentum going as they return home for a one-game stand with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-15, home record. Luka Doncic continues to lead the squad, averaging an incredible, 36.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 11.4 assists and 1.5 steals over the last 10 games. Kyrie Irving is also on a roll, averaging 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists over the same span. P.J. Washington continues to settle in with his new squad, and is averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games. Derrick Jones averages 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (34-30) look to build off a road win in their last game and add to their, 17-13, road record as the face the second game of a three-game trip. Stephen Curry (ankle) has missed the last two games and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Klay Thompson is the team's next-highest scorer, averaging 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Jonathan Kuminga averages 16.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while Andrew Wiggins is averaging 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Chris Paul has done a great job stepping up in the absence of Curry, as he is averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.0 steals over the last two games.
Trail Blazers Host Hawks on Wednesday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Moda Center on Wednesday.
The Hawks (29-35) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, but it's easy to understand why. They haven't had a healthy roster all year, and it's become particularly bad recently. Saddiq Bey just tore his ACL over the weekend, while Jalen Johnson, Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu have been out for an extended period as well. It's hard to play without four starters, and it's why Atlanta sits so far below .500. It's tough to blame a team when that happens, but Dejounte Murray is doing everything possible to get them out of the slump. He's averaging 24.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.3 steals across his last nine outings, with ATL winning three of their last four matchups.
The Trail Blazers (18-45) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 16 games. This was expected to be a rebuilding season when they moved Damian Lillard, and that's proven to be the case. What's frustrating is that this roster is full of talent, but Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant have had a hard time staying on the court. Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson have missed plenty of time, too, and it's tough to get a gauge on who will suit up for this team on any given night. The guy they need out there is Scoot because the Top 3 pick has the potential to be one of the best players in the league but needs the playing time and opportunity to prove it.
These teams had two matchups last season, with the home team winning both games. That's actually happened four straight years between these clubs.
The Hawks (29-35) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, but it's easy to understand why. They haven't had a healthy roster all year, and it's become particularly bad recently. Saddiq Bey just tore his ACL over the weekend, while Jalen Johnson, Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu have been out for an extended period as well. It's hard to play without four starters, and it's why Atlanta sits so far below .500. It's tough to blame a team when that happens, but Dejounte Murray is doing everything possible to get them out of the slump. He's averaging 24.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.3 steals across his last nine outings, with ATL winning three of their last four matchups.
The Trail Blazers (18-45) come into this matchup losing 13 of their last 16 games. This was expected to be a rebuilding season when they moved Damian Lillard, and that's proven to be the case. What's frustrating is that this roster is full of talent, but Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant have had a hard time staying on the court. Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson have missed plenty of time, too, and it's tough to get a gauge on who will suit up for this team on any given night. The guy they need out there is Scoot because the Top 3 pick has the potential to be one of the best players in the league but needs the playing time and opportunity to prove it.
These teams had two matchups last season, with the home team winning both games. That's actually happened four straight years between these clubs.
Kings Host Lakers on Wednesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden One Center on Wednesday.
The Lakers (36-30) have been one of the hottest teams over the last month, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 17 games. That's what we expected to see from this club all year, and it looks like they're locked into the Play-In Tournament. This is a team no one wants to face in elimination games because they have two of the greatest players in NBA history. Anthony Davis showed that he's just that on Sunday, collecting 27 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, seven steals and three blocks in a 120-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Those 10 defensive stats are why this is one of the best players in the league, and it's a scary pairing with LeBron James, who might be the greatest player of all time.
The Kings (37-27) have struggled in the second half, posting an 8-8 record across their last 16 games. That's not the club we've become accustomed to over the last two years and it also looks like they're locked into the Play-In tourney as well. Much like the Lakers, the Kings are run through two All-Star players. De'Aaron Fox is one of the best point guards in the NBA, while Domantas Sabonis is flirting with triple-double averages out of the center position. The issue is that they struggle on the defensive end, ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency ratings. That's been common for this club over recent years, and it'll be tough for them to get past the Play-In if they don't perform on both ends of the floor.
Sacramento has won all three games over Los Angeles this season, winning four straight in total. That run actually snapped a five-game winning streak by the Lakers.
The Lakers (36-30) have been one of the hottest teams over the last month, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 17 games. That's what we expected to see from this club all year, and it looks like they're locked into the Play-In Tournament. This is a team no one wants to face in elimination games because they have two of the greatest players in NBA history. Anthony Davis showed that he's just that on Sunday, collecting 27 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, seven steals and three blocks in a 120-109 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Those 10 defensive stats are why this is one of the best players in the league, and it's a scary pairing with LeBron James, who might be the greatest player of all time.
The Kings (37-27) have struggled in the second half, posting an 8-8 record across their last 16 games. That's not the club we've become accustomed to over the last two years and it also looks like they're locked into the Play-In tourney as well. Much like the Lakers, the Kings are run through two All-Star players. De'Aaron Fox is one of the best point guards in the NBA, while Domantas Sabonis is flirting with triple-double averages out of the center position. The issue is that they struggle on the defensive end, ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency ratings. That's been common for this club over recent years, and it'll be tough for them to get past the Play-In if they don't perform on both ends of the floor.
Sacramento has won all three games over Los Angeles this season, winning four straight in total. That run actually snapped a five-game winning streak by the Lakers.