Pistons host Celtics in Eastern Conference showdown
The Boston Celtics embark on a six-game road trip starting with the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
The Celtics (55-14) sit comfortably atop the Eastern Conference standings, and the magic number to lock in the first seed is three games. They captured their seventh-straight win Wednesday when they held off a furious comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks -- who were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo -- at TD Garden. While Boston arguably has the best starting lineup in the NBA, much of its success during this stretch of the season has been from its bench players stepping into larger roles. Payton Pritchard, for instance, has averaged 18.7 points on 52.5 percent shooting (including 54.5 percent from three on 7.3 3PA/G), 4.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists over 34.8 minutes across his last three games as he’s had more playing time with injuries to Jrue Holiday (shoulder) and Jaylen Brown (back).
Holiday and Sam Hauser (ankle) are both listed as questionable for Friday’s contest.
On the opposite end of the East standings are the Pistons (12-57), whose loss streak was extended to four after going down to the Indiana Pacers, 122-103, despite a double-double performance from Cade Cunningham. The Pistons are in the midst of a heavy rebuild, and although they hold the second-worst record in the NBA (thanks in large part to their league-record 28-game losing streak), there has been more room for optimism in the latter portion of the season. The nucleus of Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren should act as franchise centerpieces for Detroit as the team looks to end the year on a positive note.
Quentin Grimes (knee), Simone Fontecchio (toe), Stanley Umude (ankle) and Taj Gibson (hamstring) are all listed as questionable.
Friday’s contest is the third and final game between the Celtics and Pistons this season, with Boston holding a 2-0 series lead after a 119-94 victory on March 18.
The Celtics (55-14) sit comfortably atop the Eastern Conference standings, and the magic number to lock in the first seed is three games. They captured their seventh-straight win Wednesday when they held off a furious comeback against the Milwaukee Bucks -- who were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo -- at TD Garden. While Boston arguably has the best starting lineup in the NBA, much of its success during this stretch of the season has been from its bench players stepping into larger roles. Payton Pritchard, for instance, has averaged 18.7 points on 52.5 percent shooting (including 54.5 percent from three on 7.3 3PA/G), 4.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists over 34.8 minutes across his last three games as he’s had more playing time with injuries to Jrue Holiday (shoulder) and Jaylen Brown (back).
Holiday and Sam Hauser (ankle) are both listed as questionable for Friday’s contest.
On the opposite end of the East standings are the Pistons (12-57), whose loss streak was extended to four after going down to the Indiana Pacers, 122-103, despite a double-double performance from Cade Cunningham. The Pistons are in the midst of a heavy rebuild, and although they hold the second-worst record in the NBA (thanks in large part to their league-record 28-game losing streak), there has been more room for optimism in the latter portion of the season. The nucleus of Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren should act as franchise centerpieces for Detroit as the team looks to end the year on a positive note.
Quentin Grimes (knee), Simone Fontecchio (toe), Stanley Umude (ankle) and Taj Gibson (hamstring) are all listed as questionable.
Friday’s contest is the third and final game between the Celtics and Pistons this season, with Boston holding a 2-0 series lead after a 119-94 victory on March 18.
Raptors, Thunder Collide In Canada
The Toronto Raptors will host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.
The Raptors (23-46) have been slumping in recent weeks. However, that shouldn’t be a surprise when following the team’s activity in recent months. They parted ways with some of their best players, such as Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Dennis Schroder, via trade. Plus, they lost Scottie Barnes to injury, and some of their best performers have been out through injury as well. On that note, their ongoing eight-game losing streak shouldn’t be surprising. Their most recent game was a 123-89 loss to the Sacramento Kings at home, where the Raptors have posted a 13-21 mark. Perhaps the most concerning stat of their losing skid is that their last three defeats have come by double digits.
Immanuel Quickley (personal), RJ Barrett (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Chris Boucher (knee) have all been ruled out for Friday’s contest.
The Thunder (48-20) are on a completely opposite trajectory than the Raptors, as they enter this game on a three-game winning run following their 119-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Oklahoma City has relied on its young talent to navigate through the season, and their “Big Three” of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren has lifted the team to one of the best records in the Western Conference. To make things even better, the Thunder have also been solid on the road, posting a 20-13 mark away from home.
The Thunder are not listing any injuries ahead of Friday’s matchup.
The Raptors (23-46) have been slumping in recent weeks. However, that shouldn’t be a surprise when following the team’s activity in recent months. They parted ways with some of their best players, such as Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Dennis Schroder, via trade. Plus, they lost Scottie Barnes to injury, and some of their best performers have been out through injury as well. On that note, their ongoing eight-game losing streak shouldn’t be surprising. Their most recent game was a 123-89 loss to the Sacramento Kings at home, where the Raptors have posted a 13-21 mark. Perhaps the most concerning stat of their losing skid is that their last three defeats have come by double digits.
Immanuel Quickley (personal), RJ Barrett (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Chris Boucher (knee) have all been ruled out for Friday’s contest.
The Thunder (48-20) are on a completely opposite trajectory than the Raptors, as they enter this game on a three-game winning run following their 119-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Oklahoma City has relied on its young talent to navigate through the season, and their “Big Three” of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren has lifted the team to one of the best records in the Western Conference. To make things even better, the Thunder have also been solid on the road, posting a 20-13 mark away from home.
The Thunder are not listing any injuries ahead of Friday’s matchup.
Pelicans, Heat Collide In Miami
The Miami Heat will host the New Orleans Pelicans at Kaseya Center on Friday.
The Heat (38-31) have been trending in the right direction of late and enter this game fresh off a 107-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers the last time out. That win allowed them to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but it also gave them three wins over their four-game road trip. Playing on the road has been quite a strength for the Heat, as they have gone a paltry 17-15 when playing at home in 2023-24. They are looking to bounce back following the 100-88 loss they suffered against the Denver Nuggets in their most recent home game.
The Heat are listing Bam Adebayo (back) as a game-time decision for Friday. Duncan Robinson (back), Kevin Love (heel) and Tyler Herro (foot) are out. Josh Richardson (shoulder) is out for the season.
The Pelicans (42-27) experienced the end of their three-game winning run with a loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The loss of Brandon Ingram, who suffered a knee injury and didn’t return, proved to be detrimental for New Orleans. However, the Pelicans are still playing well, and they enter this game having won four of their last six contests. One of the biggest reasons why the Pelicans have a shot at a Top 4 seed in the Western Conference is their play on the road, as they own a 22-14 record when playing away from Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans will also try to split the regular-season series, as they lost the previous meeting to the Heat by a 106-95 score in their home.
Brandon Ingram (knee) is questionable for Friday after suffering the injury Thursday against the Orlando Magic. Matt Ryan (illness) and Dyson Daniels (knee) are out.
The Heat (38-31) have been trending in the right direction of late and enter this game fresh off a 107-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers the last time out. That win allowed them to bounce back from an ugly loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, but it also gave them three wins over their four-game road trip. Playing on the road has been quite a strength for the Heat, as they have gone a paltry 17-15 when playing at home in 2023-24. They are looking to bounce back following the 100-88 loss they suffered against the Denver Nuggets in their most recent home game.
The Heat are listing Bam Adebayo (back) as a game-time decision for Friday. Duncan Robinson (back), Kevin Love (heel) and Tyler Herro (foot) are out. Josh Richardson (shoulder) is out for the season.
The Pelicans (42-27) experienced the end of their three-game winning run with a loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The loss of Brandon Ingram, who suffered a knee injury and didn’t return, proved to be detrimental for New Orleans. However, the Pelicans are still playing well, and they enter this game having won four of their last six contests. One of the biggest reasons why the Pelicans have a shot at a Top 4 seed in the Western Conference is their play on the road, as they own a 22-14 record when playing away from Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans will also try to split the regular-season series, as they lost the previous meeting to the Heat by a 106-95 score in their home.
Brandon Ingram (knee) is questionable for Friday after suffering the injury Thursday against the Orlando Magic. Matt Ryan (illness) and Dyson Daniels (knee) are out.
Cavaliers and Timberwolves Tangle at Target
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (43-26) are trying to manage multiple key injuries while remaining relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and they'll enter Friday's game having dropped four out of their last six games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Miami Heat, 107-104. Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with a 25-point, 20-rebound double-double that included three assists. Darius Garland delivered 20 points, nine assists and one rebound. Georges Niang supplied 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Caris LeVert generated a 16-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block. Sam Merrill netted 12 points.
The Cavaliers expect to remain without Donovan Mitchell (nose), Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle), Dean Wade (knee) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Timberwolves (47-22) have had their share of injury-related adversity, but they'll enter Friday's game having prevailed in three of their past four contests. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in their one loss during that span, however, as they fell to the Denver Nuggets by a 115-112 score Wednesday night. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 30 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Jaden McDaniels registered 26 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley recorded 13 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Kyle Anderson totaled 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luke Garza finished with 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Edwards (finger), Rudy Gobert (ribs) and Naz Reid (head) as questionable for Friday's game. Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Cavaliers (43-26) are trying to manage multiple key injuries while remaining relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and they'll enter Friday's game having dropped four out of their last six games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they were edged by the Miami Heat, 107-104. Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with a 25-point, 20-rebound double-double that included three assists. Darius Garland delivered 20 points, nine assists and one rebound. Georges Niang supplied 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Caris LeVert generated a 16-point, 12-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block. Sam Merrill netted 12 points.
The Cavaliers expect to remain without Donovan Mitchell (nose), Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle), Dean Wade (knee) and Ty Jerome (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Timberwolves (47-22) have had their share of injury-related adversity, but they'll enter Friday's game having prevailed in three of their past four contests. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in their one loss during that span, however, as they fell to the Denver Nuggets by a 115-112 score Wednesday night. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 30 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Jaden McDaniels registered 26 points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley recorded 13 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Kyle Anderson totaled 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luke Garza finished with 11 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Timberwolves will list Edwards (finger), Rudy Gobert (ribs) and Naz Reid (head) as questionable for Friday's game. Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Cavaliers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Spurs Host Injury-Riddled Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs (15-54) have dropped four of their last five games and look to turn things around as they face the sixth game of an eight-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 8-25, home record. Victor Wembanyama continues to lead the squad with his stellar play, averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.5 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Zach Collins (concussion) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (23-47) have dropped four in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 15-20, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as John Konchar (heel) and Scotty Pippen (leg) are listed as questionable for action, Desmond Bane (back) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as doubtful, while Luke Kennard (personal), Lamar Stevens (thigh), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (hip) will remain out. On the bright side, GG Jackson is playing well, averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists over the last five games, including a 35-point effort in the last game. Jaren Jackson averages 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists, while Jake LaRavia averages 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
The Spurs (15-54) have dropped four of their last five games and look to turn things around as they face the sixth game of an eight-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 8-25, home record. Victor Wembanyama continues to lead the squad with his stellar play, averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.5 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.1 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.3 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. Zach Collins (concussion) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (23-47) have dropped four in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the third game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 15-20, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as John Konchar (heel) and Scotty Pippen (leg) are listed as questionable for action, Desmond Bane (back) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as doubtful, while Luke Kennard (personal), Lamar Stevens (thigh), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (hip) will remain out. On the bright side, GG Jackson is playing well, averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists over the last five games, including a 35-point effort in the last game. Jaren Jackson averages 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists, while Jake LaRavia averages 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
Warriors Host Rolling Pacers
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The Warriors (36-32) have won two of their last three games and hope to keep the momentum going as they face the third and final game of a home stand with a chance to add to their, 18-18, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Draymond Green averages 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9. blocks per game. The Warriors average 118.6 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, while they give up an average of 116.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (39-31) have won two of their last three games and look to stay on track as they face second game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 18-16, road record. Pascal Siakam continues to lead the way for the squad, averaging 21.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games. Tyrese Haliburton averages 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Myles Turner is averaging 17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocks, while Aaron Nesmith is averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Pacers average a league-high 122.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.7 points per game, which is third most in the league.
The Warriors (36-32) have won two of their last three games and hope to keep the momentum going as they face the third and final game of a home stand with a chance to add to their, 18-18, home record. Stephen Curry leads the team, averaging 26.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Klay Thompson averages 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Draymond Green averages 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.9. blocks per game. The Warriors average 118.6 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, while they give up an average of 116.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (39-31) have won two of their last three games and look to stay on track as they face second game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 18-16, road record. Pascal Siakam continues to lead the way for the squad, averaging 21.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games. Tyrese Haliburton averages 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Myles Turner is averaging 17.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocks, while Aaron Nesmith is averaging 12.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Pacers average a league-high 122.8 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.7 points per game, which is third most in the league.
Blazers Host Clippers on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Moda Center on Friday.
The Clippers (43-25) have been struggling recently, but a blowout win over the Blazers on Wednesday is just what the doctor ordered. Despite winning by just 13 points, the Clippers held a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes, outscoring them in the second and third quarters by 25 points. It was one of the first times that all three studs went off. Kawhi Leonard had 24 points, four rebounds and four steals, while Paul George led the way with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists. We can't discount Harden's 19 points and 14 assists, making it one of the most well-rounded wins of the season. As long as those three are playing like that, this is a team no one wants to face.
The Trail Blazers (19-50) have one of the worst records in the NBA, winning just four games over the last two months. The sad reality is that this team can't compete since the Damian Lillard trade. Bringing in Deandre Ayton was a nice addition, but he doesn't change things since Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon can't stay healthy. They have gotten some stellar play from Anfernee Simons at times as well, but they need to see more from Scoot Henderson. The Top 5 pick has been inserted into the starting lineup and should get ample opportunities to prove why he's one of the most touted prospects from last year's draft.
Los Angeles beat this team a few days ago, winning all three matchups this year. The Clippers have won 15 of their last 16 games over the Blazers in this series.
The Clippers (43-25) have been struggling recently, but a blowout win over the Blazers on Wednesday is just what the doctor ordered. Despite winning by just 13 points, the Clippers held a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes, outscoring them in the second and third quarters by 25 points. It was one of the first times that all three studs went off. Kawhi Leonard had 24 points, four rebounds and four steals, while Paul George led the way with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists. We can't discount Harden's 19 points and 14 assists, making it one of the most well-rounded wins of the season. As long as those three are playing like that, this is a team no one wants to face.
The Trail Blazers (19-50) have one of the worst records in the NBA, winning just four games over the last two months. The sad reality is that this team can't compete since the Damian Lillard trade. Bringing in Deandre Ayton was a nice addition, but he doesn't change things since Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon can't stay healthy. They have gotten some stellar play from Anfernee Simons at times as well, but they need to see more from Scoot Henderson. The Top 5 pick has been inserted into the starting lineup and should get ample opportunities to prove why he's one of the most touted prospects from last year's draft.
Los Angeles beat this team a few days ago, winning all three matchups this year. The Clippers have won 15 of their last 16 games over the Blazers in this series.
Lakers Host Sixers on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Sixers (38-31) have been struggling without Joel Embiid, entering this matchup losing 16 of their last 25 games. A stretch like that makes it hard to believe that Philly is well above .500 because they're just trying to steady the ship until the 2022 MVP returns. There hasn't been much injury information on the big man but there's speculation that he could be ready when the postseason starts in a few weeks. They also need to get Tobias Harris back as well because he's missed nearly a week due to an ankle issue. That's simply too much production out of the lineup, and we didn't even mention De'Anthony Melton's debilitating back issue! If this club can just get into the tournament with a healthy roster, it's a roster no one wants to play despite their ugly form.
The Lakers (37-32) have lost two of their last three games, but they've looked like a different club since the All-Star break. Los Angeles won 12 of their previous 17 games before this mini three-game blip, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at superstar levels. What's really changed things is the emergence of D'Angelo Russell, averaging over 20 points since the All-Star break. Getting that sort of production from a player next to LeBron and AD is what changes everything for this team because those superstars are going to post elite stat lines every night. They've also remained healthy for most of the season, and that's something we haven't seen much either.
These teams played on November 27, with Philadelphia prevailing, 138-94. The Sixers have won 10 of their last 11 games over the Lakers, dating back to 2017.
The Sixers (38-31) have been struggling without Joel Embiid, entering this matchup losing 16 of their last 25 games. A stretch like that makes it hard to believe that Philly is well above .500 because they're just trying to steady the ship until the 2022 MVP returns. There hasn't been much injury information on the big man but there's speculation that he could be ready when the postseason starts in a few weeks. They also need to get Tobias Harris back as well because he's missed nearly a week due to an ankle issue. That's simply too much production out of the lineup, and we didn't even mention De'Anthony Melton's debilitating back issue! If this club can just get into the tournament with a healthy roster, it's a roster no one wants to play despite their ugly form.
The Lakers (37-32) have lost two of their last three games, but they've looked like a different club since the All-Star break. Los Angeles won 12 of their previous 17 games before this mini three-game blip, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at superstar levels. What's really changed things is the emergence of D'Angelo Russell, averaging over 20 points since the All-Star break. Getting that sort of production from a player next to LeBron and AD is what changes everything for this team because those superstars are going to post elite stat lines every night. They've also remained healthy for most of the season, and that's something we haven't seen much either.
These teams played on November 27, with Philadelphia prevailing, 138-94. The Sixers have won 10 of their last 11 games over the Lakers, dating back to 2017.