76ers Take on Magic in Second Game of Back-to-Back Set
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (7-3) recently endured a three-game losing streak following a strong start to the season, but they've now bounced back to record a two-game winning steak. Their latest success came in a narrow 98-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 27-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Josh Richardson tallied 17 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Ben Simmons produced 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his return from a shoulder injury. Furkan Korkmaz started and posted 10 points, four boards and one assist.
The 76ers project to have Al Horford (back) back in action Wednesday.
The Magic (3-7) had gotten the new campaign off to a 2-2 start, but they've subsequently gone on to lose five of their next six games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night versus the Indiana Pacers, which bested them by a 109-102 margin. Evan Fournier paced Orlando with 22 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated an 18-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Aaron Gordon managed 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Terrance Ross poured in 12 points to lead the bench.
The Magic may be without Melvin Frazier (personal) again on Wednesday.
The two teams split the 2018-19 four-game series. Wednesday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Philadelphia and Orlando.
The 76ers (7-3) recently endured a three-game losing streak following a strong start to the season, but they've now bounced back to record a two-game winning steak. Their latest success came in a narrow 98-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 27-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two blocks and one steal. Josh Richardson tallied 17 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Ben Simmons produced 15 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his return from a shoulder injury. Furkan Korkmaz started and posted 10 points, four boards and one assist.
The 76ers project to have Al Horford (back) back in action Wednesday.
The Magic (3-7) had gotten the new campaign off to a 2-2 start, but they've subsequently gone on to lose five of their next six games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night versus the Indiana Pacers, which bested them by a 109-102 margin. Evan Fournier paced Orlando with 22 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated an 18-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Aaron Gordon managed 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and one block. Terrance Ross poured in 12 points to lead the bench.
The Magic may be without Melvin Frazier (personal) again on Wednesday.
The two teams split the 2018-19 four-game series. Wednesday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Philadelphia and Orlando.
Grizzlies And Hornets Face Off in Interconference Battle
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (3-7) were able to snap a string of five losses in six games during their most recent contest, as they unexpectedly toppled the San Antonio Spurs on the road Monday night by a 113-109 score. Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, complementing with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks followed with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas produced an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Brandon Clarke delivered 14 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Grizzlies will list Grayson Allen (ankle) as doubtful for Wednesday's game.
The Hornets (4-6) have been finding wins at a premium lately themselves, as they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped three consecutive decisions. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, which edged them by a 114-106 margin Sunday evening. Cody Zeller paced the Hornets with 24 points, adding seven rebounds and one steal. Devonte' Graham led the bench with 19 points and complemented them with 10 assists and one steal. PJ Washington contributed 15 points, four boards and four steals. Malik Monk matched Washington's scoring and added eight boards, three assists and one steal. Terry Rozier pitched in 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Hornets will continue to be without Nicolas Batum (finger) in Wednesday's contest.
The Hornets swept the 2018-19 season series between the teams. Wednesday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings for Memphis and Charlotte.
The Grizzlies (3-7) were able to snap a string of five losses in six games during their most recent contest, as they unexpectedly toppled the San Antonio Spurs on the road Monday night by a 113-109 score. Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, complementing with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks followed with 21 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas produced an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Brandon Clarke delivered 14 points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Grizzlies will list Grayson Allen (ankle) as doubtful for Wednesday's game.
The Hornets (4-6) have been finding wins at a premium lately themselves, as they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped three consecutive decisions. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, which edged them by a 114-106 margin Sunday evening. Cody Zeller paced the Hornets with 24 points, adding seven rebounds and one steal. Devonte' Graham led the bench with 19 points and complemented them with 10 assists and one steal. PJ Washington contributed 15 points, four boards and four steals. Malik Monk matched Washington's scoring and added eight boards, three assists and one steal. Terry Rozier pitched in 13 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Hornets will continue to be without Nicolas Batum (finger) in Wednesday's contest.
The Hornets swept the 2018-19 season series between the teams. Wednesday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings for Memphis and Charlotte.
Wizards and Celtics Do Battle in Beantown
The Washington Wizards face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (2-6) come into Wednesday's game having dropped five of their last six contests. Their most recent stumble unfolded Friday night, when they were on the wrong end of a 113-100 score against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas Bryant paced the Wizards with 23 points while also pulling down eight rebounds, dishing out four assists and recording a steal and a block. Rui Hachimura followed with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bradley Beal supplied 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Isaiah Thomas managed 11 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Wizards project to be without Ian Mahinmi (Achilles) again Wednesday.
The Celtics (8-1) check into Wednesday's home affair riding the wave of a torrid eight-game winning streak. Boston has already suffered a serious loss in the form of Gordon Hayward (hand), but they managed to still dispose of the Dallas Mavericks by a 116-106 score in their first full game without their star wing on Monday night. Kemba Walker led the way for the Celtics with 29 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one block. Jaylen Brown totaled 25 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 17 points, six assists, one rebound and one block. Daniel Theis turned in 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Brad Wanamaker led the second unit with 10 points.
The Celtics will list Theis (finger) as doubtful for Wednesday's game, while Hayward (hand) will remain out.
The Celtics swept the three-game 2018-19 season series between the teams. Wednesday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Washington and Boston.
The Wizards (2-6) come into Wednesday's game having dropped five of their last six contests. Their most recent stumble unfolded Friday night, when they were on the wrong end of a 113-100 score against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas Bryant paced the Wizards with 23 points while also pulling down eight rebounds, dishing out four assists and recording a steal and a block. Rui Hachimura followed with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bradley Beal supplied 20 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Isaiah Thomas managed 11 points, five assists and two rebounds.
The Wizards project to be without Ian Mahinmi (Achilles) again Wednesday.
The Celtics (8-1) check into Wednesday's home affair riding the wave of a torrid eight-game winning streak. Boston has already suffered a serious loss in the form of Gordon Hayward (hand), but they managed to still dispose of the Dallas Mavericks by a 116-106 score in their first full game without their star wing on Monday night. Kemba Walker led the way for the Celtics with 29 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and one block. Jaylen Brown totaled 25 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Marcus Smart supplied 17 points, six assists, one rebound and one block. Daniel Theis turned in 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Brad Wanamaker led the second unit with 10 points.
The Celtics will list Theis (finger) as doubtful for Wednesday's game, while Hayward (hand) will remain out.
The Celtics swept the three-game 2018-19 season series between the teams. Wednesday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Washington and Boston.
Rolling Rockets Host Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets (7-3) are rolling, as they have won four in a row. They return home after a 2-0 road trip to begin a two-game home stand. The Rockets are 3-1 at home and have won three in a row at Toyota Center. James Harden continues to impress, as he leads the Rockets with team-highs of 37.3 points and 8.3 assists per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals per game. Clint Capela is averaging 13.5 points and team-highs with 11.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. The Rockets are the league's highest-scoring team, averaging 120.3 points per game. They are attempting a league-high 46.7 three-pointers per game, but are hitting 33.6 percent from long range, which is among the league's bottom third.
This marks the first road game for the Clippers (7-3) after a five-game home stand, where they 4-1, with wins over the Spurs, Jazz, Trail Blazers and Raptors in their most recent contest. Their only loss on the home stand came against the Bucks, while Kawhi Leonard was sidelined for rest purposes. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with team-highs of 26.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Lou Williams is averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game, while Montrezl Harrell is averaging 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. The Clippers average 111.9 points per game and are allowing an average of 106.9 points against. The Clippers are 1-2 on the road.
The Rockets (7-3) are rolling, as they have won four in a row. They return home after a 2-0 road trip to begin a two-game home stand. The Rockets are 3-1 at home and have won three in a row at Toyota Center. James Harden continues to impress, as he leads the Rockets with team-highs of 37.3 points and 8.3 assists per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals per game. Clint Capela is averaging 13.5 points and team-highs with 11.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. The Rockets are the league's highest-scoring team, averaging 120.3 points per game. They are attempting a league-high 46.7 three-pointers per game, but are hitting 33.6 percent from long range, which is among the league's bottom third.
This marks the first road game for the Clippers (7-3) after a five-game home stand, where they 4-1, with wins over the Spurs, Jazz, Trail Blazers and Raptors in their most recent contest. Their only loss on the home stand came against the Bucks, while Kawhi Leonard was sidelined for rest purposes. Kawhi Leonard leads the Clippers with team-highs of 26.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Lou Williams is averaging 22.3 points, 5.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game, while Montrezl Harrell is averaging 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. The Clippers average 111.9 points per game and are allowing an average of 106.9 points against. The Clippers are 1-2 on the road.
Timberwolves Host Slumping Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves (6-4), who are 2-2 at home this season. The Timberwolves are scoring an average of 116.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the NBA. They are shooting 30.8 percent from long range, which is third lowest in the league. They are also allowing their opponents to shoot 39.9 percent from long range, which is the highest in the league. Andrew Wiggins has been playing great lately, as he topped 30 points in three of his last four games, including a 40-point night on November 8, in a win. Wiggins is averaging a 25.5 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is also averaging 25.5 points per game, along with team-highs of 12.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Jeff Teague is averaging 13.2 points, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (5-5) have dropped two in a row, and four of their last five games. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, while they are 1-2 on the road this season. DeMar DeRozan leads the Spurs in scoring, with 19.4 points per game. LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks per game, while Dejounte Murray is averaging 10.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The Spurs are attempting 26.5 three-pointers per game, which is second lowest in the league, and are making an average of 9.3 threes per game. The Spurs are averaging 112.2 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 112.7 points against.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves (6-4), who are 2-2 at home this season. The Timberwolves are scoring an average of 116.0 points per game, which is sixth most in the NBA. They are shooting 30.8 percent from long range, which is third lowest in the league. They are also allowing their opponents to shoot 39.9 percent from long range, which is the highest in the league. Andrew Wiggins has been playing great lately, as he topped 30 points in three of his last four games, including a 40-point night on November 8, in a win. Wiggins is averaging a 25.5 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns is also averaging 25.5 points per game, along with team-highs of 12.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Jeff Teague is averaging 13.2 points, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (5-5) have dropped two in a row, and four of their last five games. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, while they are 1-2 on the road this season. DeMar DeRozan leads the Spurs in scoring, with 19.4 points per game. LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 17.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks per game, while Dejounte Murray is averaging 10.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The Spurs are attempting 26.5 three-pointers per game, which is second lowest in the league, and are making an average of 9.3 threes per game. The Spurs are averaging 112.2 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 112.7 points against.
Lakers Host Shorthanded Warriors on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on Wednesday.
The Warriors (2-9) stock may be the lowest that it's been for a decade and it would be hard to imagine them approaching a .500 record this season. Losing Kevin Durant in the offseason is one thing but having Klay Thompson injured too gave this team a ton of question marks headed into the year. It wasn't over there though, as Stephen Curry broke his hand last week to completely throw the season into the fan. He'll be out for about three months and we haven't even discussed recent injuries to Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. That's too much talent to make up, as this roster now consists of a bunch of G-League players. The good news is that they get to develop some youngsters with all of these injuries. That's opened up the door for players like Eric Paschall and Alec Burks to succeed and it's becoming clear that this is turning into a developmental year for this championship franchise.
The Lakers (8-2) are on the other end of the spectrum, turning a bad team into an elite one. Adding a superstar like Anthony Davis will do that, especially when you include additions like Avery Bradley and Danny Green too. Those are all elite defensive players and it's led to Los Angeles being the number-one defense in the NBA early on. The craziest thing about this team might be LeBron James though. This guy just continues to get it done in his 17th season in the league and it's truly incredible that he's leading the NBA in assists this year. That's a testament to how prepared this guy gets every season and we need to recognize this as one of the greatest feats in sports history.
While these are completely different teams now, the Warriors have actually won 10 of their last 11 games against the Lakers.
The Warriors (2-9) stock may be the lowest that it's been for a decade and it would be hard to imagine them approaching a .500 record this season. Losing Kevin Durant in the offseason is one thing but having Klay Thompson injured too gave this team a ton of question marks headed into the year. It wasn't over there though, as Stephen Curry broke his hand last week to completely throw the season into the fan. He'll be out for about three months and we haven't even discussed recent injuries to Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. That's too much talent to make up, as this roster now consists of a bunch of G-League players. The good news is that they get to develop some youngsters with all of these injuries. That's opened up the door for players like Eric Paschall and Alec Burks to succeed and it's becoming clear that this is turning into a developmental year for this championship franchise.
The Lakers (8-2) are on the other end of the spectrum, turning a bad team into an elite one. Adding a superstar like Anthony Davis will do that, especially when you include additions like Avery Bradley and Danny Green too. Those are all elite defensive players and it's led to Los Angeles being the number-one defense in the NBA early on. The craziest thing about this team might be LeBron James though. This guy just continues to get it done in his 17th season in the league and it's truly incredible that he's leading the NBA in assists this year. That's a testament to how prepared this guy gets every season and we need to recognize this as one of the greatest feats in sports history.
While these are completely different teams now, the Warriors have actually won 10 of their last 11 games against the Lakers.
Blazers Host Shorthanded Raptors on Wednesday
The Toronto Raptors travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday.
The Raptors (7-3) appeared to be facing an uphill battle losing Kawhi Leonard after their title run last season but they've been stellar so far this year. In fact, they look to be pretty much the same team as last year, despite missing half of their roster. While Leonard is sorely missed, it makes it even tougher with Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka getting injured last week. That has left this rotation very thin and it's a wonder if they can hold up with this roster. The good news is that Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam appear to be in breakout seasons and that's obviously needed with so many injuries. They've also gotten great contributions from players like Chris Boucher and OG Anunoby, which can't be overlooked either. Unfortunately, Anunoby is out for this game, as he has an eye injury of his own.
The Trail Blazers (4-7) have gotten off to a rough start this season. What's really disturbing is the fact that they are just 1-3 at home. This is a team that's traditionally dominant at home and it's a wonder why they've been so bad there this season. What's killing this team is their wing production. Once Zach Collins went down, they really had a hard time filling that void. That's left players like Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja and Anthony Tolliver to fill the forward spots and that's simply not good enough in today's NBA, even with two elite guards. Hassan Whiteside has been a pleasant surprise but he's not really matching what Jusuf Nurkic did last season either.
While these teams split their two-game season series last year, Toronto has actually won seven of their last eight games over Portland in total.
The Raptors (7-3) appeared to be facing an uphill battle losing Kawhi Leonard after their title run last season but they've been stellar so far this year. In fact, they look to be pretty much the same team as last year, despite missing half of their roster. While Leonard is sorely missed, it makes it even tougher with Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka getting injured last week. That has left this rotation very thin and it's a wonder if they can hold up with this roster. The good news is that Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam appear to be in breakout seasons and that's obviously needed with so many injuries. They've also gotten great contributions from players like Chris Boucher and OG Anunoby, which can't be overlooked either. Unfortunately, Anunoby is out for this game, as he has an eye injury of his own.
The Trail Blazers (4-7) have gotten off to a rough start this season. What's really disturbing is the fact that they are just 1-3 at home. This is a team that's traditionally dominant at home and it's a wonder why they've been so bad there this season. What's killing this team is their wing production. Once Zach Collins went down, they really had a hard time filling that void. That's left players like Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja and Anthony Tolliver to fill the forward spots and that's simply not good enough in today's NBA, even with two elite guards. Hassan Whiteside has been a pleasant surprise but he's not really matching what Jusuf Nurkic did last season either.
While these teams split their two-game season series last year, Toronto has actually won seven of their last eight games over Portland in total.