Williamson, Pelicans take on Banchero, Magic in interconference matchup
The New Orleans Pelicans continue their four-game Eastern Conference road trip Thursday when they visit the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
The Pelicans (42-26) have been one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season. They are 15-5 since January 31 and have won eight of their last nine games. New Orleans extended their win streak to three Tuesday when they took down the Brooklyn Nets, 104-91, with Zion Williamson tallying 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the victory. Williamson is averaging 22.7 points on 58.4 percent shooting this season, and the two-time All-Star forward has scored 20-plus points in each of his last six games and has averaged 28.5 points on 64.1 percent shooting along with 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.3 steals over 34.7 minutes per game over that span. The Pelicans currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference standings and are 0.5 games back of the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth.
Their opponents Thursday are also rounding into form late in the season. The Magic (41-28) are 11-3 since the All-Star break and won their fourth straight game Tuesday when they blew out the Charlotte Hornets, 112-92, with Cole Anthony leading the way with 21 points off the bench. Orlando’s success this late in the season has come from its defense, as the team hasn’t allowed its opponent to score 110-plus points since Feb. 13, and the Magic have held their opponents to under 100 points in seven of their last 11 games. The Magic’s 110.9 defensive rating this season is fourth-best in the NBA and has improved to 107.0 over the last 15 games, which is second-best in the Association in that span behind their opposition Thursday, the Pelicans (106.7). Orlando is in a neck-and-neck battle with the New York Knicks for the fourth seed in the East.
Thursday’s contest is the first of two games between the Pelicans and Magic this season. Orlando swept the 2022-23 season series 2-0 and have beaten New Orleans in eight of the last 10 matchups.
The Pelicans (42-26) have been one of the hottest teams in the second half of the season. They are 15-5 since January 31 and have won eight of their last nine games. New Orleans extended their win streak to three Tuesday when they took down the Brooklyn Nets, 104-91, with Zion Williamson tallying 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the victory. Williamson is averaging 22.7 points on 58.4 percent shooting this season, and the two-time All-Star forward has scored 20-plus points in each of his last six games and has averaged 28.5 points on 64.1 percent shooting along with 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.3 steals over 34.7 minutes per game over that span. The Pelicans currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference standings and are 0.5 games back of the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth.
Their opponents Thursday are also rounding into form late in the season. The Magic (41-28) are 11-3 since the All-Star break and won their fourth straight game Tuesday when they blew out the Charlotte Hornets, 112-92, with Cole Anthony leading the way with 21 points off the bench. Orlando’s success this late in the season has come from its defense, as the team hasn’t allowed its opponent to score 110-plus points since Feb. 13, and the Magic have held their opponents to under 100 points in seven of their last 11 games. The Magic’s 110.9 defensive rating this season is fourth-best in the NBA and has improved to 107.0 over the last 15 games, which is second-best in the Association in that span behind their opposition Thursday, the Pelicans (106.7). Orlando is in a neck-and-neck battle with the New York Knicks for the fourth seed in the East.
Thursday’s contest is the first of two games between the Pelicans and Magic this season. Orlando swept the 2022-23 season series 2-0 and have beaten New Orleans in eight of the last 10 matchups.
Kings, Wizards Will Collide In DC
The Washington Wizards will host the Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena on Thursday.
The Wizards (11-58) have been far worse than initially anticipated this season, and their record backs that statement up. The Wizards currently own the worst record in the NBA this season, and they’re looking to earn another high lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Washington is riding another prolonged losing streak, dropping five games in a row and winning just two of their last 22 games since the beginning of February. To make things even more complicated, the Wizards have also been one of the worst home teams in the league thanks to a 4-28 mark in front of their fans.
Richaun Holmes (illness) and Deni Avdija (knee) are listed as game-time decisions. Marvin Bagley (back), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Tyus Jones (back), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out. Coulibaly and Livers will miss the rest of the season.
The Kings (40-28) moved to 12 games over the .500 mark following their 123-89 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The win over Toronto means the Kings have now won four of their last five contests, and the team remains on track to reach the postseason with absolute ease. Sacramento will rely heavily on Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox once again, and the duo has been nothing short of outstanding this season. Sabonis leads the league in triple-doubles, and Fox has cemented his place as one of the best, most dynamic point guards in The Association. The Kings will also rely on their impressive road record to secure another positive result here, as they’ve gone 20-15 on the road.
Sasha Vezenkov (ankle), Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Trey Lyles (knee) are out and won’t play Thursday.
The Wizards (11-58) have been far worse than initially anticipated this season, and their record backs that statement up. The Wizards currently own the worst record in the NBA this season, and they’re looking to earn another high lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Washington is riding another prolonged losing streak, dropping five games in a row and winning just two of their last 22 games since the beginning of February. To make things even more complicated, the Wizards have also been one of the worst home teams in the league thanks to a 4-28 mark in front of their fans.
Richaun Holmes (illness) and Deni Avdija (knee) are listed as game-time decisions. Marvin Bagley (back), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Tyus Jones (back), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out. Coulibaly and Livers will miss the rest of the season.
The Kings (40-28) moved to 12 games over the .500 mark following their 123-89 win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The win over Toronto means the Kings have now won four of their last five contests, and the team remains on track to reach the postseason with absolute ease. Sacramento will rely heavily on Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox once again, and the duo has been nothing short of outstanding this season. Sabonis leads the league in triple-doubles, and Fox has cemented his place as one of the best, most dynamic point guards in The Association. The Kings will also rely on their impressive road record to secure another positive result here, as they’ve gone 20-15 on the road.
Sasha Vezenkov (ankle), Kevin Huerter (shoulder) and Trey Lyles (knee) are out and won’t play Thursday.
Rockets, Bulls Collide In Houston
The Houston Rockets will host the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center on Thursday.
The Rockets (33-35) are undoubtedly trending in the right direction in recent weeks, and there’s an argument to say they’ve been one of the best teams in the Western Conference since the All-Star break. Houston has been on an absolute tear in recent weeks and has won six in a row while topping its rivals in eight of its last nine contests. The Rockets are coming off a 137-114 win over the Washington Wizards the last time out, and the team has recorded three of their last six wins by a double-digit margin. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the Rockets have gotten hotter and hotter without Alperen Sengun, and Houston should be even better once the star big man returns. After all, Sengun is leading the Rockets in both points (21.1) and rebounds (9.3) per game.
Cam Whitmore (knee) and Alperen Sengun (ankle) are out. Tari Eason (lower leg) and Steven Adams (knee) are out for the rest of the season.
The Bulls (34-35) are sitting just one game below the .500 mark, and if the season ended today, they’d play in the Play-In Tournament. That’s impressive in its own right, as the Bulls have lost their star scorer, Zach LaVine, due to a season-ending foot injury, while Lonzo Ball and Patrick Williams will also miss the test of the campaign. However, Coby White has stepped his game up, Ayo Dosunmu is riding one of the most productive stretches of his career, and DeMar DeRozan is carrying the team. This means the Bulls have won three of their last four contests, including a 110-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. Chicago needs to play better on the road, however, as the Bulls own a 16-18 mark away from home.
Alex Caruso (ankle) and Coby White (hip) are game-time calls Thursday. Julian Phillips (foot) is out. LaVine (foot), Williams (foot) and Ball (knee) are out for the season.
The Rockets (33-35) are undoubtedly trending in the right direction in recent weeks, and there’s an argument to say they’ve been one of the best teams in the Western Conference since the All-Star break. Houston has been on an absolute tear in recent weeks and has won six in a row while topping its rivals in eight of its last nine contests. The Rockets are coming off a 137-114 win over the Washington Wizards the last time out, and the team has recorded three of their last six wins by a double-digit margin. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the Rockets have gotten hotter and hotter without Alperen Sengun, and Houston should be even better once the star big man returns. After all, Sengun is leading the Rockets in both points (21.1) and rebounds (9.3) per game.
Cam Whitmore (knee) and Alperen Sengun (ankle) are out. Tari Eason (lower leg) and Steven Adams (knee) are out for the rest of the season.
The Bulls (34-35) are sitting just one game below the .500 mark, and if the season ended today, they’d play in the Play-In Tournament. That’s impressive in its own right, as the Bulls have lost their star scorer, Zach LaVine, due to a season-ending foot injury, while Lonzo Ball and Patrick Williams will also miss the test of the campaign. However, Coby White has stepped his game up, Ayo Dosunmu is riding one of the most productive stretches of his career, and DeMar DeRozan is carrying the team. This means the Bulls have won three of their last four contests, including a 110-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. Chicago needs to play better on the road, however, as the Bulls own a 16-18 mark away from home.
Alex Caruso (ankle) and Coby White (hip) are game-time calls Thursday. Julian Phillips (foot) is out. LaVine (foot), Williams (foot) and Ball (knee) are out for the season.
Nets and Bucks Set for Conference Clash
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The Nets (26-43) are playing out the string on a non-contending season, and they'll enter Thursday's game with four consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they dropped a 104-91 decision to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Mikal Bridges registered 15 points, two boards, one assist and two steals. Dennis Schroder delivered 12 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Cameron Johnson posted 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Nets will list Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) as out for Thursday's game. Nic Claxton (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Bucks (44-25) continue to find consistency elusive in the early stages of head coach Doc Rivers' tenure, and to that point, they'll enter having dropped four of their last seven games. Milwaukee's latest stumble came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Boston Celtics, 122-119. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 32 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one block. Khris Middleton furnished 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks may list Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead.
The Nets (26-43) are playing out the string on a non-contending season, and they'll enter Thursday's game with four consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they dropped a 104-91 decision to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Mikal Bridges registered 15 points, two boards, one assist and two steals. Dennis Schroder delivered 12 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Cameron Johnson posted 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Nets will list Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) as out for Thursday's game. Nic Claxton (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Bucks (44-25) continue to find consistency elusive in the early stages of head coach Doc Rivers' tenure, and to that point, they'll enter having dropped four of their last seven games. Milwaukee's latest stumble came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Boston Celtics, 122-119. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 32 points, supplementing them with six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included one block. Khris Middleton furnished 22 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks may list Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 2-0 series lead.
Mavs Host Struggling Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center on Thursday evening.
The Mavericks (40-29) are coming off back-to-back wins and hope to keep rolling as they return home for a one-game stand with a chance to build on their, 21-15, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 34.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals, while Tim Hardaway averages 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The Mavericks average 118.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, and they give up an average of 117.3 points per game, which is ninth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (29-40) after a, 119-107, loss in OKC on Wednesday evening. They gave a solid effort to start but still trailed by six points after one quarter. They turned up their play in the second and managed to grab a one-point edge by halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but they fell behind by a two-point margin entering the final frame. The Jazz could not keep up the pace in the fourth, where they were outscored by 10 points, resulting in a third consecutive loss. Collin Sexton was the high-point man for the squad, with 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the loss. John Collins totaled 16 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Taylor Hendricks chipped in 12 points, four rebounds and three blocks. The Jazz will look to bounce back as they face the second game of a three-game road trip with the hopes of improving on their, 9-25, road record. Jordan Clarkson (groin) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action. Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) was sidelined through Wednesday's action and remains questionable for Thursday.
The Mavericks (40-29) are coming off back-to-back wins and hope to keep rolling as they return home for a one-game stand with a chance to build on their, 21-15, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team, averaging 34.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals, while Tim Hardaway averages 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The Mavericks average 118.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, and they give up an average of 117.3 points per game, which is ninth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Jazz (29-40) after a, 119-107, loss in OKC on Wednesday evening. They gave a solid effort to start but still trailed by six points after one quarter. They turned up their play in the second and managed to grab a one-point edge by halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but they fell behind by a two-point margin entering the final frame. The Jazz could not keep up the pace in the fourth, where they were outscored by 10 points, resulting in a third consecutive loss. Collin Sexton was the high-point man for the squad, with 25 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the loss. John Collins totaled 16 points, six rebounds and a steal, while Taylor Hendricks chipped in 12 points, four rebounds and three blocks. The Jazz will look to bounce back as they face the second game of a three-game road trip with the hopes of improving on their, 9-25, road record. Jordan Clarkson (groin) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action. Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) was sidelined through Wednesday's action and remains questionable for Thursday.
Nuggets Host Streaking Knicks
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the New York Knicks at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
The Nuggets (48-21) are coming off a win in their last outing and hope to stay on track as they return home for a one-game stand with the opportunity to add to their, 27-6, home record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 26.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jamal Murray averages 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals, while Michael Porter is averaging 16.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.7 points per game, and they limit opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. Zeke Nnaji (back) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (41-27) have won four in a row and look to keep rolling as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-14, road record. Unfortunately, they remain without two key players, as Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Jalen Brunson has been on fire, averaging 32.0 points, 3.4 rebounds 6.0 assists and 1.4 steals across the last five games. Miles McBride is coming off his best performance of the season, as he turned in 29 points on 9-for-13 shooting in the last game, and he is expected to pick up a second consecutive start. Josh Hart continues to provide high-level support across the board, averaging 11.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Knicks average 112.0 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 107.9 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
The Nuggets (48-21) are coming off a win in their last outing and hope to stay on track as they return home for a one-game stand with the opportunity to add to their, 27-6, home record. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the way, averaging 26.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Jamal Murray averages 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals, while Michael Porter is averaging 16.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.7 points per game, and they limit opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. Zeke Nnaji (back) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (41-27) have won four in a row and look to keep rolling as they face the fourth and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 19-14, road record. Unfortunately, they remain without two key players, as Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Jalen Brunson has been on fire, averaging 32.0 points, 3.4 rebounds 6.0 assists and 1.4 steals across the last five games. Miles McBride is coming off his best performance of the season, as he turned in 29 points on 9-for-13 shooting in the last game, and he is expected to pick up a second consecutive start. Josh Hart continues to provide high-level support across the board, averaging 11.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games. The Knicks average 112.0 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 107.9 points per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Suns Host Hawks on Thursday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Footprint Center on Thursday.
The Hawks (30-38) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, entering this matchup losing four of their last five games. It's hard to blame this team for that poor run when looking at the roster because they've been trying to cope with Trae Young. They also lost Saddiq Bey to an ACL tear, while Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu have returned over the last week. That's a ton of important bodies out of the picture, but having Johnson back is obviously a step in the right direction. It's unclear exactly when Young will be ready to return from his hand issue but the poor slide has Atlanta sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference right now. It also sounds like Johnson will sit again here, so it'll be interesting to see who suits up for the shorthanded Hawks.
The Suns (40-29) have been struggling over the last month, posting a 7-7 record across their last 14 games. That's not a terrible stretch for many teams, but it's not good enough for Phoenix. This team was projected to finish with one of the best records in the NBA, and sitting around .500 for a month is unacceptable for such a talented team. The good news is that this team is healthy for one of the first times all year. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic are all healthy right now, and that's a unit nobody wants to see in the fast-approaching postseason. If this team really needs to work on something, it's their late-game execution. The Suns have the worst fourth-quarter rating in the league, and that obviously won't bode well in a playoff series against some of the best teams in the NBA.
These teams played on February 2, with Atlanta prevailing, 129-120. That gives the Hawks four straight wins over the Suns in total.
The Hawks (30-38) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA, entering this matchup losing four of their last five games. It's hard to blame this team for that poor run when looking at the roster because they've been trying to cope with Trae Young. They also lost Saddiq Bey to an ACL tear, while Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu have returned over the last week. That's a ton of important bodies out of the picture, but having Johnson back is obviously a step in the right direction. It's unclear exactly when Young will be ready to return from his hand issue but the poor slide has Atlanta sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference right now. It also sounds like Johnson will sit again here, so it'll be interesting to see who suits up for the shorthanded Hawks.
The Suns (40-29) have been struggling over the last month, posting a 7-7 record across their last 14 games. That's not a terrible stretch for many teams, but it's not good enough for Phoenix. This team was projected to finish with one of the best records in the NBA, and sitting around .500 for a month is unacceptable for such a talented team. The good news is that this team is healthy for one of the first times all year. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic are all healthy right now, and that's a unit nobody wants to see in the fast-approaching postseason. If this team really needs to work on something, it's their late-game execution. The Suns have the worst fourth-quarter rating in the league, and that obviously won't bode well in a playoff series against some of the best teams in the NBA.
These teams played on February 2, with Atlanta prevailing, 129-120. That gives the Hawks four straight wins over the Suns in total.