Rockets host Cavaliers in cross-conference clash Saturday
The Cleveland Cavaliers continue their three-game road trip Saturday when they visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
The Cavaliers (42-24) are battling with the Milwaukee Bucks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, with the New York Knicks lurking in the distance. Cleveland boosted their chances at that placement when they took down the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, 116-95, in a game that saw the return of All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who missed the last seven games due to a bone bruise in his left knee. He didn’t have a great shooting game, finishing with 14 points on 5-for-16 from the field (including 4-for-9 from three), but his presence on the offensive end of the floor paid dividends for Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, each of whom registered double-doubles in the win. Cleveland's chances at the second seed in the East hinge on the health and availability of Mitchell and other key players like Garland, Allen, Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert down the stretch.
Dean Wade (personal) and Max Strus (knee) are both listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile the Rockets (31-35) won their fourth-straight game Thursday when they took down the Washington Wizards, 135-119. Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points on 15-for-23 shooting while Fred Vanvleet was one assist shy from registering a double-double and finished with 27 points and nine assists. The scoring output from Green and VanVleet were needed as Houston attempts to navigate the rest of the regular season without leading scorer Alperen Sengun, who suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain against the Sacramento Kings on March 10. Without the versatile big man, head coach Ime Udoke has opted to insert Jabari Smith in the starting lineup for the past two games, while Jock Landale has seen increased minutes over the last two games.
Saturday’s contest marks the second and final time the Cavaliers and Rockets will face each other this season. Cleveland won the first game, 135-130, in a game that was decided in overtime.
The Cavaliers (42-24) are battling with the Milwaukee Bucks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference, with the New York Knicks lurking in the distance. Cleveland boosted their chances at that placement when they took down the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, 116-95, in a game that saw the return of All-Star Donovan Mitchell, who missed the last seven games due to a bone bruise in his left knee. He didn’t have a great shooting game, finishing with 14 points on 5-for-16 from the field (including 4-for-9 from three), but his presence on the offensive end of the floor paid dividends for Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, each of whom registered double-doubles in the win. Cleveland's chances at the second seed in the East hinge on the health and availability of Mitchell and other key players like Garland, Allen, Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert down the stretch.
Dean Wade (personal) and Max Strus (knee) are both listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile the Rockets (31-35) won their fourth-straight game Thursday when they took down the Washington Wizards, 135-119. Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points on 15-for-23 shooting while Fred Vanvleet was one assist shy from registering a double-double and finished with 27 points and nine assists. The scoring output from Green and VanVleet were needed as Houston attempts to navigate the rest of the regular season without leading scorer Alperen Sengun, who suffered a Grade 3 right ankle sprain against the Sacramento Kings on March 10. Without the versatile big man, head coach Ime Udoke has opted to insert Jabari Smith in the starting lineup for the past two games, while Jock Landale has seen increased minutes over the last two games.
Saturday’s contest marks the second and final time the Cavaliers and Rockets will face each other this season. Cleveland won the first game, 135-130, in a game that was decided in overtime.
Pelicans, Trail Blazers Collide In Portland
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
The Pelicans (40-26) are coming off a 112-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. This is the second half of a back-to-back set for them. New Orleans has undoubtedly been one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference of late, as evidenced by their impressive 5-1 record over its last six outings. Their lone defeat in that span was a 116-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15. Considering that the Pelicans are thriving on both sides of the ball and that star players such as Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are available, the Pelicans are a team no one wants to face during the playoffs.
Dyson Daniels (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday. That is the lone injured players in the Pelicans roster.
The Trail Blazers (19-47) are inching toward the 20-win mark, which would be a good reach for one of the youngest teams in The Association. This is the franchise’s first year without Damian Lillard, and with several young players leading the way, the struggles are bound to happen. Portland’s recent record hasn’t been very productive, either, as the Blazers enter this game having gone 2-3 in its last five outings. The Trail Blazers have endured most of their struggles on the road, posting a meager 8-23 mark away from home. Portland also lost the lone previous head-to-head matchup this season, 93-84 on Feb. 11.
The Trail Blazers are listing Jerami Grant (hamstring), Anfernee Simons (knee), Matisse Thybulle (ankle), Jabari Walker (hip) and Rayan Rupert (ankle) as game-time calls. Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) and Robert Williams (knee) are out.
The Pelicans (40-26) are coming off a 112-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. This is the second half of a back-to-back set for them. New Orleans has undoubtedly been one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference of late, as evidenced by their impressive 5-1 record over its last six outings. Their lone defeat in that span was a 116-95 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15. Considering that the Pelicans are thriving on both sides of the ball and that star players such as Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are available, the Pelicans are a team no one wants to face during the playoffs.
Dyson Daniels (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday. That is the lone injured players in the Pelicans roster.
The Trail Blazers (19-47) are inching toward the 20-win mark, which would be a good reach for one of the youngest teams in The Association. This is the franchise’s first year without Damian Lillard, and with several young players leading the way, the struggles are bound to happen. Portland’s recent record hasn’t been very productive, either, as the Blazers enter this game having gone 2-3 in its last five outings. The Trail Blazers have endured most of their struggles on the road, posting a meager 8-23 mark away from home. Portland also lost the lone previous head-to-head matchup this season, 93-84 on Feb. 11.
The Trail Blazers are listing Jerami Grant (hamstring), Anfernee Simons (knee), Matisse Thybulle (ankle), Jabari Walker (hip) and Rayan Rupert (ankle) as game-time calls. Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) and Robert Williams (knee) are out.
Nets, Pacers Collide In Indiana
The Indiana Pacers will host the Brooklyn Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday.
The Pacers (37-30) are coming off a 132-129 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. That was a game the Pacers should’ve won in regulation, but a few costly mistakes and poor execution down the stretch doomed them to defeat. Either way, Indiana has done an excellent job recently and has gone 3-2 in its last five contests. The Pacers have also gone 20-14 when playing at home, so playing in this venue certainly bodes well for their chances of returning to victory ways. For that to happen, Tyrese Haliburton needs to be at his best once again. Even though the star floor general has not been posting the same video-game numbers he delivered at the start of the season, he remains highly productive. He’s leading the team in both points (20.7) and assists (11.4) per game.
Doug McDermott (calf) and Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) are out for the Pacers.
The Nets (26-40) remain alive in the playoff race. However, all signs point to that happening sooner than later. Considering the Nets will be forced to end the campaign with a sub-.500 record if they lose two of their remaining 16 contests, there’s not much to cheer for Brooklyn right now. They have lost players to injury left and right this season, and this will be another campaign that goes down the drain for Brooklyn following their failed experiment on the Kevin Durant - Kyrie Irving - James Harden era. The Nets have also endured a fair share of struggles on the road, where they own a 10-22 mark. As such, there’s not much to cheer on for the Nets. However, the play of Cam Thomas (21.3 points per game) and the two-way consistency of Nic Claxton (12.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg) have been two positive signs this season.
Jacob Gilyard (undisclosed) is a game-time call for Saturday. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out for the rest of the season.
The Pacers (37-30) are coming off a 132-129 overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. That was a game the Pacers should’ve won in regulation, but a few costly mistakes and poor execution down the stretch doomed them to defeat. Either way, Indiana has done an excellent job recently and has gone 3-2 in its last five contests. The Pacers have also gone 20-14 when playing at home, so playing in this venue certainly bodes well for their chances of returning to victory ways. For that to happen, Tyrese Haliburton needs to be at his best once again. Even though the star floor general has not been posting the same video-game numbers he delivered at the start of the season, he remains highly productive. He’s leading the team in both points (20.7) and assists (11.4) per game.
Doug McDermott (calf) and Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) are out for the Pacers.
The Nets (26-40) remain alive in the playoff race. However, all signs point to that happening sooner than later. Considering the Nets will be forced to end the campaign with a sub-.500 record if they lose two of their remaining 16 contests, there’s not much to cheer for Brooklyn right now. They have lost players to injury left and right this season, and this will be another campaign that goes down the drain for Brooklyn following their failed experiment on the Kevin Durant - Kyrie Irving - James Harden era. The Nets have also endured a fair share of struggles on the road, where they own a 10-22 mark. As such, there’s not much to cheer on for the Nets. However, the play of Cam Thomas (21.3 points per game) and the two-way consistency of Nic Claxton (12.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg) have been two positive signs this season.
Jacob Gilyard (undisclosed) is a game-time call for Saturday. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out for the rest of the season.
Hornets and 76ers Meet Set for Conference Clash
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
The Hornets (17-50) continue to play out the string on a disappointing season, and they'll enter Saturday's contest having dropped eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns by a 107-96 score. Vasilije Micic led the Hornets with 21 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one block. Grant Williams posted 20 points, six boards, one assist and one steal. Miles Bridges generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Brandon Miller registered 14 points, four boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Tre Mann compiled 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets are expected to be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Bryce McGowens (knee), Seth Curry (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) for Saturday's game.
The 76ers (36-30) are very much in the thick of the postseason conversation in the Eastern Conference, but they're seeing their positioning worsen by the game with five losses in their last six contests. Their most recent defeat came Thursday night, when they dropped a 114-105 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cameron Payne tallied 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Kyle Lowry collected 12 points and two boards.
The 76ers are expected to continue without Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Saturday's game. Harris (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead.
The Hornets (17-50) continue to play out the string on a disappointing season, and they'll enter Saturday's contest having dropped eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns by a 107-96 score. Vasilije Micic led the Hornets with 21 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one block. Grant Williams posted 20 points, six boards, one assist and one steal. Miles Bridges generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists. Brandon Miller registered 14 points, four boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Tre Mann compiled 12 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets are expected to be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle), Bryce McGowens (knee), Seth Curry (ankle) and Mark Williams (back) for Saturday's game.
The 76ers (36-30) are very much in the thick of the postseason conversation in the Eastern Conference, but they're seeing their positioning worsen by the game with five losses in their last six contests. Their most recent defeat came Thursday night, when they dropped a 114-105 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 30 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris delivered 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Cameron Payne tallied 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Kyle Lowry collected 12 points and two boards.
The 76ers are expected to continue without Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) for Saturday's game. Harris (ankle) will carry a questionable tag.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 3-0 series lead.
Wizards and Bulls Meet in Windy City
The Washington Wizards take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday night.
The Wizards (11-55) recently put together a rare-for-them two-game winning streak, but they've unsurprisingly followed that up with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they were toppled by the Houston Rockets, 135-119. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Deni Avdija furnished 24 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma supplied 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyus Jones compiled 13 points, eight assists and one rebound. Corey Kispert registered 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly totaled 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards will remain without Marvin Bagley (back), Landry Shamet (calf) and Tristan Vukcevic (recent acquisition) for Saturday's game. Tyus Jones (back) will carry a doubtful tag, while Richaun Holmes (toe) and Deni Avdija (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Bulls (32-35) continue to find consistency elusive as they try to keep themselves in the conversation for the Play-in Tournament, and they'll enter Saturday's game with three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night when they fell to the Los Angeles Clippers by a 126-111 score. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic furnished 19 points, six boards and five assists. Alex Caruso finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Andre Drummond supplied 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Torrey Craig and Jevon Carter produced matching 12-point contributions while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will remain without Julian Phillips (foot) for Saturday's game. Coby White (hip) will carry a doubtful tag.
Saturday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. Washington and Chicago split the four-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
The Wizards (11-55) recently put together a rare-for-them two-game winning streak, but they've unsurprisingly followed that up with back-to-back losses. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they were toppled by the Houston Rockets, 135-119. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points, adding two assists, one rebound and two steals. Deni Avdija furnished 24 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals. Kyle Kuzma supplied 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyus Jones compiled 13 points, eight assists and one rebound. Corey Kispert registered 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bilal Coulibaly totaled 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards will remain without Marvin Bagley (back), Landry Shamet (calf) and Tristan Vukcevic (recent acquisition) for Saturday's game. Tyus Jones (back) will carry a doubtful tag, while Richaun Holmes (toe) and Deni Avdija (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Bulls (32-35) continue to find consistency elusive as they try to keep themselves in the conversation for the Play-in Tournament, and they'll enter Saturday's game with three losses in the last four games. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night when they fell to the Los Angeles Clippers by a 126-111 score. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic furnished 19 points, six boards and five assists. Alex Caruso finished with 17 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. Andre Drummond supplied 15 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Torrey Craig and Jevon Carter produced matching 12-point contributions while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will remain without Julian Phillips (foot) for Saturday's game. Coby White (hip) will carry a doubtful tag.
Saturday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. Washington and Chicago split the four-game 2022-23 regular-season series.
Hobbled Grizzlies Host Thunder
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
The Grizzlies (23-44) have dropped three of their last four games and hope to get back on track for an opportunity to improve on their, 8-26, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a number of injuries, as Lamar Stevens (thigh), Vince Williams (knee), Jaren Jackson (quadriceps), Santi Aldama (elbow) and Desmond Bane (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, while Marcus Smart (finger), Ziaire Williams (hip) will remain sidelined. On the bright side, Scotty Pippen is coming off an impressive performance, with nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, in the last game. Luke Kennard has been providing solid play lately, averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists over his last five appearances. GG Jackson is also on a roll, finishing with 26 points in the last game and averaging 25.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists across the last three outings.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (46-20) have won four of their last five games and look to keep rolling with the hopes of adding to their, 19-13, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate the competition and has reached the 30-point mark in eight of the last 10 games, while averaging 31.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks over that span. Jalen Williams is the team's next-leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals, while Chet Holmgren averages 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. The Thunder average 120.8 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.1 points per game.
The Grizzlies (23-44) have dropped three of their last four games and hope to get back on track for an opportunity to improve on their, 8-26, home record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a number of injuries, as Lamar Stevens (thigh), Vince Williams (knee), Jaren Jackson (quadriceps), Santi Aldama (elbow) and Desmond Bane (ankle) are listed as questionable for action, while Marcus Smart (finger), Ziaire Williams (hip) will remain sidelined. On the bright side, Scotty Pippen is coming off an impressive performance, with nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, in the last game. Luke Kennard has been providing solid play lately, averaging 14.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists over his last five appearances. GG Jackson is also on a roll, finishing with 26 points in the last game and averaging 25.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists across the last three outings.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (46-20) have won four of their last five games and look to keep rolling with the hopes of adding to their, 19-13, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate the competition and has reached the 30-point mark in eight of the last 10 games, while averaging 31.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks over that span. Jalen Williams is the team's next-leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals, while Chet Holmgren averages 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. The Thunder average 120.8 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 113.1 points per game.
Lakers Looking To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening.
The Lakers (36-31) saw a two-game win streak come to an end in their last game, and they look to bounce back as they return home to kick off a four-game stand with the chance to add to their, 21-11, home record. LeBron James leads the team, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Anthony Davis averages 24.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 blocks, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. Cam Reddish (ankle) is listed as doubtful for action, while Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (34-31) have dropped three of their last four games but hope to get back on track on the third and final game of a road trip with an opportunity to add to their, 17-14, road record. Stephen Curry (ankle) has missed the last three games but is listed as probable for action on Saturday. Curry is averaging 26.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists on the season, and he finished with 32 points, eight assists and three steals in his last encounter with the Lakers. Klay Thompson averages 17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Draymond Green (back) missed the last game and remains questionable for action.
The Lakers (36-31) saw a two-game win streak come to an end in their last game, and they look to bounce back as they return home to kick off a four-game stand with the chance to add to their, 21-11, home record. LeBron James leads the team, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Anthony Davis averages 24.7 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 blocks, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 17.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. Cam Reddish (ankle) is listed as doubtful for action, while Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) will be sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (34-31) have dropped three of their last four games but hope to get back on track on the third and final game of a road trip with an opportunity to add to their, 17-14, road record. Stephen Curry (ankle) has missed the last three games but is listed as probable for action on Saturday. Curry is averaging 26.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists on the season, and he finished with 32 points, eight assists and three steals in his last encounter with the Lakers. Klay Thompson averages 17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Draymond Green (back) missed the last game and remains questionable for action.
Jazz Host T'Wolves on Saturday
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
The Timberwolves (45-21) have been one of the best teams in the NBA but they enter this matchup losing four of their last seven games. It's a terrible time to have a stretch like that because the T'Wolves have relinquished the number one seed in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied for that top seed, with Minnesota just one game back. It'll be up to those three teams to decide things, but Minnesota is facing an uphill battle. We say that because Karl-Anthony Towns will be out for the remainder of the regular season, getting knee surgery this week. Losing an All-Star like that would kill any team, but Anthony Edwards will do everything possible to get them to that top spot.
The Jazz (29-37) have always been a much better team at home throughout their franchise history, and that's been the case again this season. They have a 20-13 record at home but sit well below .500 because of their ugly road form. This team is also falling out of playoff contention, sitting 5.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors in 10th place. That's why they've been taking caution with Lauri Markkanen, sitting the All-Star for a few weeks now. It sounds like he might get shut down if the absences continue, which should allow youngsters like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler to take over. Losing Lauri has led to Utah losing 11 of their last 14 outings, and they might finish the year in a similar stretch if the poor form continues.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Minnesota grabbing two blowout wins at home. The T'Wolves have won five of their last seven games over the Jazz in total.
The Timberwolves (45-21) have been one of the best teams in the NBA but they enter this matchup losing four of their last seven games. It's a terrible time to have a stretch like that because the T'Wolves have relinquished the number one seed in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are tied for that top seed, with Minnesota just one game back. It'll be up to those three teams to decide things, but Minnesota is facing an uphill battle. We say that because Karl-Anthony Towns will be out for the remainder of the regular season, getting knee surgery this week. Losing an All-Star like that would kill any team, but Anthony Edwards will do everything possible to get them to that top spot.
The Jazz (29-37) have always been a much better team at home throughout their franchise history, and that's been the case again this season. They have a 20-13 record at home but sit well below .500 because of their ugly road form. This team is also falling out of playoff contention, sitting 5.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors in 10th place. That's why they've been taking caution with Lauri Markkanen, sitting the All-Star for a few weeks now. It sounds like he might get shut down if the absences continue, which should allow youngsters like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler to take over. Losing Lauri has led to Utah losing 11 of their last 14 outings, and they might finish the year in a similar stretch if the poor form continues.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Minnesota grabbing two blowout wins at home. The T'Wolves have won five of their last seven games over the Jazz in total.
Kings Host Knicks on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the New York Knicks at Golden One Center on Saturday.
The Knicks (39-27) continue to play good ball, entering this matchup winning four of their last six games. What has fans excited is that this team is finally getting healthy, getting Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby back recently. Anunoby is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, while Brunson is one of the best offensive weapons. He showcased that on Thursday, dropping 45 points in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. They also got another 15 rebounds from Josh Hart, which is amazing since that guy has been flirting with triple-double averages over the last three weeks. This team simply plays harder than their opponents every night, and it'll be scary to see how they look when Julius Randle returns from his shoulder injury.
The Kings (38-27) are starting to get hot, entering this matchup winning four of their last five games. These victories are happening at the perfect time because this club needs to try to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Sacramento sits sixth in the Western Conference right now and are just 0.5 games back of the New Orleans Pelicans in fifth. The problem is that the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks are within a game in seventh and eighth, meaning anything can happen over these closing weeks. Sacramento has to be one of the favorites, though, because Domantas Sabonis is averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.2 assists over the last two months!
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the home team winning both games. With that said, the Knicks have won four of their last five games over the Kings in total.
The Knicks (39-27) continue to play good ball, entering this matchup winning four of their last six games. What has fans excited is that this team is finally getting healthy, getting Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby back recently. Anunoby is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, while Brunson is one of the best offensive weapons. He showcased that on Thursday, dropping 45 points in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers. They also got another 15 rebounds from Josh Hart, which is amazing since that guy has been flirting with triple-double averages over the last three weeks. This team simply plays harder than their opponents every night, and it'll be scary to see how they look when Julius Randle returns from his shoulder injury.
The Kings (38-27) are starting to get hot, entering this matchup winning four of their last five games. These victories are happening at the perfect time because this club needs to try to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Sacramento sits sixth in the Western Conference right now and are just 0.5 games back of the New Orleans Pelicans in fifth. The problem is that the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks are within a game in seventh and eighth, meaning anything can happen over these closing weeks. Sacramento has to be one of the favorites, though, because Domantas Sabonis is averaging 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9.2 assists over the last two months!
These teams split their two matchups last season, with the home team winning both games. With that said, the Knicks have won four of their last five games over the Kings in total.