Knicks Look To Close Home Stand With Positive Result
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Knicks (3-10), where they have gone 1-1, with a win over the Mavs, followed by a loss to the Hornets. The Knicks are 2-4 at home this season. Marcus Morris leads the Knicks in scoring, with an average of 18.2 points per game. Julius Randle is averaging team-highs with 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. R.J. Barrett is averaging 15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals, in 34 minutes per game. The Knicks are averaging a league-low 100.2 points per game, while shooting 42.2 percent from the field, which second worst in the league. On the other hand, they are averaging a league-best 12.8 offensive rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Cavaliers (4-8), who are coming off a home loss to the 76ers on Sunday, which their third loss in a row. This contest marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Cavs, while they are 2-4 on the road this season. The Cavs are averaging 105.3 points per game, and are allowing an average of 107.1 points against. Kevin Love leads the Cavs with team-highs of 18.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Collin Sexton is averaging 18.4 points, while shooting 37.3 from long range. Tristan Thompson has been solid so far this season, averaging 15.2 points, 10.6 rebounds 2.2 assists and a team-high 1.4 blocks per game. Darius Garland has been quiet lately and is averaging 8.8 points and 3.5 assists per game.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Knicks (3-10), where they have gone 1-1, with a win over the Mavs, followed by a loss to the Hornets. The Knicks are 2-4 at home this season. Marcus Morris leads the Knicks in scoring, with an average of 18.2 points per game. Julius Randle is averaging team-highs with 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. R.J. Barrett is averaging 15.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals, in 34 minutes per game. The Knicks are averaging a league-low 100.2 points per game, while shooting 42.2 percent from the field, which second worst in the league. On the other hand, they are averaging a league-best 12.8 offensive rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Cavaliers (4-8), who are coming off a home loss to the 76ers on Sunday, which their third loss in a row. This contest marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Cavs, while they are 2-4 on the road this season. The Cavs are averaging 105.3 points per game, and are allowing an average of 107.1 points against. Kevin Love leads the Cavs with team-highs of 18.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Collin Sexton is averaging 18.4 points, while shooting 37.3 from long range. Tristan Thompson has been solid so far this season, averaging 15.2 points, 10.6 rebounds 2.2 assists and a team-high 1.4 blocks per game. Darius Garland has been quiet lately and is averaging 8.8 points and 3.5 assists per game.
Nets Look To Regroup At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Indiana Pacers, at Barclays Center on Monday evening.
The Nets (5-7) return home from a road, trip, where they went 2-3, with wins in Portland and Chicago, and losses in Phoenix, Utah and Denver. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets, who have won their last two at home and are 3-2 at home on the season. The Nets are averaging 116.8 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 118.8 points against, which is fourth most in the league. Kyrie Irving (shoulder) missed the Nets' last contest and remains questionable for action on Monday. Irving leads the team in scoring, with 28.0 points per game. Spencer Dinwiddie started the last contest and finished with 24 points in the win. Dinwiddie is averaging 17.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (7-6) went from a four-game win streak to losing their two most recent contests. They have dropped two of their last three on the road, where they are 2-4 this season. Malcolm Brogdon (back) missed the Pacers' last game and remains questionable for action on Monday. He is averaging team-highs with 19.2 points and 8.2 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 18.8 points and a team-high 13.4 rebounds. After missing eight games, Myles Turner (ankle) returned to action in the Pacers' most recent contest and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and a steal, in 33 minutes of action. The Pacers are shooting 82.5 percent from the foul line, which is third best in the league, but are averaging league-lows in free-throw attempts (17.6), and makes (14.5) per game.
The Nets (5-7) return home from a road, trip, where they went 2-3, with wins in Portland and Chicago, and losses in Phoenix, Utah and Denver. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets, who have won their last two at home and are 3-2 at home on the season. The Nets are averaging 116.8 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 118.8 points against, which is fourth most in the league. Kyrie Irving (shoulder) missed the Nets' last contest and remains questionable for action on Monday. Irving leads the team in scoring, with 28.0 points per game. Spencer Dinwiddie started the last contest and finished with 24 points in the win. Dinwiddie is averaging 17.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (7-6) went from a four-game win streak to losing their two most recent contests. They have dropped two of their last three on the road, where they are 2-4 this season. Malcolm Brogdon (back) missed the Pacers' last game and remains questionable for action on Monday. He is averaging team-highs with 19.2 points and 8.2 assists per game. Domantas Sabonis is averaging 18.8 points and a team-high 13.4 rebounds. After missing eight games, Myles Turner (ankle) returned to action in the Pacers' most recent contest and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and a steal, in 33 minutes of action. The Pacers are shooting 82.5 percent from the foul line, which is third best in the league, but are averaging league-lows in free-throw attempts (17.6), and makes (14.5) per game.
Raptors Look To Remain Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Charlotte Hornets, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Raptors (8-4) return home from a five-game road trip, where they went 3-2, with wins in New Orleans, L.A. (Lakers) and Portland, and losses in L.A. (Clippers) and, in their most recent contest, Dallas. They begin a two-game stand at home, where they are 4-0, so far. Pascal Siakam has had an amazing start to the season, averaging 26.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. With Kyle Lowry (thumb) sidelined, Fred VanVleet has been playing great, averaging 20.6 points and 8.6 assists, over his last five games. Norman Powell tallied 26 points in his last outing and is averaging 11.5 points, on 44 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Raptors are averaging 111.8 points per game, and they are holding their opponent to a league-low 40.2 percent shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (6-7), which they began with a thrilling win in New York, on Sunday. Devonte' Graham came up huge with the game-wining three, with 2.8 seconds on the clock, to cap off a 29-point night for himself and the road win for the Hornets. Graham is averaging team-highs with 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 16.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Cody Zeller is averaging 12.4 points and a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game, while P.J. Washington is averaging 13.1 points, and shooting 50 percent from long range. The Hornets are 3-3 on the road.
The Raptors (8-4) return home from a five-game road trip, where they went 3-2, with wins in New Orleans, L.A. (Lakers) and Portland, and losses in L.A. (Clippers) and, in their most recent contest, Dallas. They begin a two-game stand at home, where they are 4-0, so far. Pascal Siakam has had an amazing start to the season, averaging 26.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. With Kyle Lowry (thumb) sidelined, Fred VanVleet has been playing great, averaging 20.6 points and 8.6 assists, over his last five games. Norman Powell tallied 26 points in his last outing and is averaging 11.5 points, on 44 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Raptors are averaging 111.8 points per game, and they are holding their opponent to a league-low 40.2 percent shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (6-7), which they began with a thrilling win in New York, on Sunday. Devonte' Graham came up huge with the game-wining three, with 2.8 seconds on the clock, to cap off a 29-point night for himself and the road win for the Hornets. Graham is averaging team-highs with 18.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 16.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Cody Zeller is averaging 12.4 points and a team-high 9.1 rebounds per game, while P.J. Washington is averaging 13.1 points, and shooting 50 percent from long range. The Hornets are 3-3 on the road.
Bucks and Bulls Hook Up in Midwest Battle
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday night.
The Bucks (9-3) have left a slow start in the dust, as they'll come into Monday's contest looking to extend their current winning streak to four games. Milwaukee's most recent success was arguably its best defensive performance of the season, as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 102-83 score on Saturday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists, one steal and one block. Brook Lopez supplied 15 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo drew the start and provided 14 points, four boards, one assist and two steals. Eric Bledsoe and Sterling Brown generated matching 10-point tallies while dishing out five and four assists, respectively.
The Bucks will continue to be without Khris Middleton (quadriceps) on Monday.
As their record implies, the Bulls (4-9) have struggled with consistency thus far this season. Accordingly, they'll enter Monday's contest having dropped two straight games, and three of their last four overall. Their most recent stumble came against a Kyrie Irving-less Brooklyn Nets team that nipped them by a 117-111 score on Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 36 points, complementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Lauri Markkanen totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds. Chad Hutchison provided 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) on Monday. Zach LaVine (ankle) will be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 124-115 win last Thursday night.
The Bucks (9-3) have left a slow start in the dust, as they'll come into Monday's contest looking to extend their current winning streak to four games. Milwaukee's most recent success was arguably its best defensive performance of the season, as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 102-83 score on Saturday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists, one steal and one block. Brook Lopez supplied 15 points, eight rebounds, five blocks and one steal. Donte DiVincenzo drew the start and provided 14 points, four boards, one assist and two steals. Eric Bledsoe and Sterling Brown generated matching 10-point tallies while dishing out five and four assists, respectively.
The Bucks will continue to be without Khris Middleton (quadriceps) on Monday.
As their record implies, the Bulls (4-9) have struggled with consistency thus far this season. Accordingly, they'll enter Monday's contest having dropped two straight games, and three of their last four overall. Their most recent stumble came against a Kyrie Irving-less Brooklyn Nets team that nipped them by a 117-111 score on Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 36 points, complementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Lauri Markkanen totaled 16 points and 10 rebounds. Chad Hutchison provided 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) on Monday. Zach LaVine (ankle) will be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 124-115 win last Thursday night.
Trail Blazers Tangle With Rockets in Conference Battle
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (5-8) have uncharacteristically struggled in the early going, and they'll come into Monday's contest having dropped six of their last eight games. However, Portland was successful in its most recent time on the court, toppling the San Antonio Spurs by a 121-116 score on Saturday night, a game in which coach Gregg Popovich was ejected for arguing a call. C.J. McCollum led the way for Portland with 32 points, a total he complemented with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Damian Lillard followed with 22 points despite shooting just 4-for-19 and also posted six rebounds and six assists. Hassan Whiteside generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three blocks. Rodney Hood contributed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore delivered matching eight-point tallies.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Pau Gasol (foot) as questionable at best for Monday's game. Carmelo Anthony (coach's decision), Zach Collins (shoulder) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) are all slated to sit out.
The Rockets (10-3) have enjoyed much more success than their Monday opponents, and they'll check into Monday's game with a seven-game winning streak. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they bested by a 125-105 score Saturday night. James Harden led the Rockets with 49 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Ben McLemore followed with 20 points. Austin Rivers and Chris Clemons generated matching 19-point tallies, while Isaiah Hartenstein pulled down 16 rebounds off the bench.
The Rockets will list Eric Gordon (knee), Gerald Green (foot) and Nene Hilario (hip) as out for Monday's contest. Clint Capela (concussion) and Danuel House, Jr. (back) are both considered probable.
The Trail Blazers won the 2018-19 three-game season series by a 2-1 margin. Monday's game is the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Portland and Houston.
The Trail Blazers (5-8) have uncharacteristically struggled in the early going, and they'll come into Monday's contest having dropped six of their last eight games. However, Portland was successful in its most recent time on the court, toppling the San Antonio Spurs by a 121-116 score on Saturday night, a game in which coach Gregg Popovich was ejected for arguing a call. C.J. McCollum led the way for Portland with 32 points, a total he complemented with seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Damian Lillard followed with 22 points despite shooting just 4-for-19 and also posted six rebounds and six assists. Hassan Whiteside generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three blocks. Rodney Hood contributed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore delivered matching eight-point tallies.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Pau Gasol (foot) as questionable at best for Monday's game. Carmelo Anthony (coach's decision), Zach Collins (shoulder) and Jusuf Nurkic (foot) are all slated to sit out.
The Rockets (10-3) have enjoyed much more success than their Monday opponents, and they'll check into Monday's game with a seven-game winning streak. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they bested by a 125-105 score Saturday night. James Harden led the Rockets with 49 points, complementing them with six assists and five rebounds. Ben McLemore followed with 20 points. Austin Rivers and Chris Clemons generated matching 19-point tallies, while Isaiah Hartenstein pulled down 16 rebounds off the bench.
The Rockets will list Eric Gordon (knee), Gerald Green (foot) and Nene Hilario (hip) as out for Monday's contest. Clint Capela (concussion) and Danuel House, Jr. (back) are both considered probable.
The Trail Blazers won the 2018-19 three-game season series by a 2-1 margin. Monday's game is the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Portland and Houston.
Spurs and Mavericks Clash in Lone Star State Battle
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (5-8) find themselves in the highly unfamiliar position of sporting a losing record, one that's been facilitated by the equally unfamiliar five-game losing streak they come into Monday's contest with. San Antonio's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers, which bested them by a 121-116 score Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 30 point and 13 rebounds, adding two assists, one steal and one block. Bryn Forbes poured in 17 points. DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay contributed matching 16-point tallies while also hauling in seven and four rebounds, respectively. Patty Mills turned in 11 points and five assists, while Derrick White delivered 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Spurs will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
The Mavericks (7-5) haven't been a model of consistency themselves recently, as they'll come into Monday having forged a 2-3 record over their last five games. However, Dallas' most recent time on the court resulted in a win, as they toppled the Toronto Raptors by a 110-102 score on Saturday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 26 points, complementing them with 15 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis managed 20 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and one block. Seth Curry and Delon Wright provided matching 15-point tallies while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively. Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber delivered 10 points and two assists apiece while also posting four and six rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks also check into Monday's contest with a clean bill of health.
The Spurs swept the 2018-19 four-game series between the teams. Monday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings between San Antonio and Dallas.
The Spurs (5-8) find themselves in the highly unfamiliar position of sporting a losing record, one that's been facilitated by the equally unfamiliar five-game losing streak they come into Monday's contest with. San Antonio's most recent defeat came at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers, which bested them by a 121-116 score Saturday night. LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 30 point and 13 rebounds, adding two assists, one steal and one block. Bryn Forbes poured in 17 points. DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay contributed matching 16-point tallies while also hauling in seven and four rebounds, respectively. Patty Mills turned in 11 points and five assists, while Derrick White delivered 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Spurs will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
The Mavericks (7-5) haven't been a model of consistency themselves recently, as they'll come into Monday having forged a 2-3 record over their last five games. However, Dallas' most recent time on the court resulted in a win, as they toppled the Toronto Raptors by a 110-102 score on Saturday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 26 points, complementing them with 15 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis managed 20 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and one block. Seth Curry and Delon Wright provided matching 15-point tallies while pulling down six and four rebounds, respectively. Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber delivered 10 points and two assists apiece while also posting four and six rebounds, respectively.
The Mavericks also check into Monday's contest with a clean bill of health.
The Spurs swept the 2018-19 four-game series between the teams. Monday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings between San Antonio and Dallas.
Suns Host Celtics on Monday
The Boston Celtics travel to Arizona to play the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday.
The Celtics (10-2) own the best record in the NBA and it's a testament to how much this team has grown this season. Losing Kyrie Irving seems like a huge detriment when you look at the stat sheet but it's actual;y made this team so much better. Replacing him with Kemba Walker is obviously big but it's opened up the door for the rest of these players to do more. Guys like Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum looked to be held back by Irving last season and that's far from the case this year. All three guys have been superb this season and it has the Celtics playing their best ball since the Kevin Garnett era. With that said, Boston did have their 10-game winning streak snapped in the most recent game, losing by one-point at the hands of the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
The Suns (7-4) have been one of the surprises of the NBA and it's amazing just how much this team has grown this season. What's more telling than anything are their losses. In fact, some would argue that Phoenix could be 10-1, with three of their losses coming in the final minute against tough competition. That sort of competitive nature is what fans have been waiting for and it's clear that the additions of Ricky Rubio, Aron Bayes and Kelly Oubre have played a major part in the impressive start. That's even scarier when you consider that they've been doing al this damage with DeAndre Ayton suspended, as his return in a month will make this team even more dangerous.
Boston has dominated this series over recent years, winning seven of their last nine games against Phoenix.
The Celtics (10-2) own the best record in the NBA and it's a testament to how much this team has grown this season. Losing Kyrie Irving seems like a huge detriment when you look at the stat sheet but it's actual;y made this team so much better. Replacing him with Kemba Walker is obviously big but it's opened up the door for the rest of these players to do more. Guys like Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum looked to be held back by Irving last season and that's far from the case this year. All three guys have been superb this season and it has the Celtics playing their best ball since the Kevin Garnett era. With that said, Boston did have their 10-game winning streak snapped in the most recent game, losing by one-point at the hands of the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
The Suns (7-4) have been one of the surprises of the NBA and it's amazing just how much this team has grown this season. What's more telling than anything are their losses. In fact, some would argue that Phoenix could be 10-1, with three of their losses coming in the final minute against tough competition. That sort of competitive nature is what fans have been waiting for and it's clear that the additions of Ricky Rubio, Aron Bayes and Kelly Oubre have played a major part in the impressive start. That's even scarier when you consider that they've been doing al this damage with DeAndre Ayton suspended, as his return in a month will make this team even more dangerous.
Boston has dominated this series over recent years, winning seven of their last nine games against Phoenix.
Jazz Host T'Wolves on Monday
The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to Salt Lake City to play the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday.
The Timberwolves (7-6) have had to play the last two games without Andrew Wiggins and it's clearly hurt their confidence. In fact, each of those defeats was decided by 20 points or more, showing just how valuable he is to this team right now. The good news is that he's expected to be back here and his 25.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists will surely be a welcomed sight. It's all about Karl-Anthony Towns though, averaging 26.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. What this young team really needs to work on is their defense though, with the T'Wolves ranked 26th in points allowed. While they do have playoff hopes, that'll surely have to improve if they are to achieve that goal.
The Jazz (8-4) have always been one of the best home teams in the NBA for the past two decades and this year has been no different. In fact, Utah has a perfect 6-0 record at home this season, holding opponents well under 100 points per game. That's the recipe no matter where they are playing though, with Utah ranked second in the NBA with 100.2 points per game allowed. That's no surprise when you look at the personnel on this roster but the 28th-ranked offense is a major surprise. That's simply not good enough with all of these talented players on this team and it's scary to think how good they can be if they start playing better on that end of the floor.
Utah has been in control of this series over recent years, winning 15 of their last 21 games against Minnesota dating back to 2014.
The Timberwolves (7-6) have had to play the last two games without Andrew Wiggins and it's clearly hurt their confidence. In fact, each of those defeats was decided by 20 points or more, showing just how valuable he is to this team right now. The good news is that he's expected to be back here and his 25.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists will surely be a welcomed sight. It's all about Karl-Anthony Towns though, averaging 26.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. What this young team really needs to work on is their defense though, with the T'Wolves ranked 26th in points allowed. While they do have playoff hopes, that'll surely have to improve if they are to achieve that goal.
The Jazz (8-4) have always been one of the best home teams in the NBA for the past two decades and this year has been no different. In fact, Utah has a perfect 6-0 record at home this season, holding opponents well under 100 points per game. That's the recipe no matter where they are playing though, with Utah ranked second in the NBA with 100.2 points per game allowed. That's no surprise when you look at the personnel on this roster but the 28th-ranked offense is a major surprise. That's simply not good enough with all of these talented players on this team and it's scary to think how good they can be if they start playing better on that end of the floor.
Utah has been in control of this series over recent years, winning 15 of their last 21 games against Minnesota dating back to 2014.
Clippers Host Thunder on Monday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on Monday.
The Thunder (5-7) are going to be extremely motivated for this game, sending out numerous players who played for the Clippers last season. Both Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the focal points of the Paul George trade and that should have them playing with some serious fury here. That's really no different than how they usually play though, as SGA has been one of the biggest breakouts this season. The star shooting guard is currently leading Oklahoma City with 20.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showing why OKC wanted him so badly as part of that trade. That pairs nicely with veterans like Paul and Steven Adams, making this one of the most fascinating teams in the Western Conference.
The Clippers (8-5) showed just how scary they can be in their last game, dominating the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of a 150-101 scoreline. Performances like those show just how dangerous this club can be and they actually pulled off that victory without Kawhi Leonard. With that said, it did mark their first win without Leonard, losing the previous three games without him. The difference in the last victory was that they had Paul George back for his second game of the season. That's a welcomed sight, especially considering that he dropped 37 points in a gem of an effort. That is now two games with at least 30 points, playing fewer than 24 minutes in both fixtures. Scoring outbursts like those have become commonplace for PG-13 over recent years and fans can't wait to see what he and Kawhi look like whenever Leonard returns.
Dating back two years, Oklahoma City has won five of their last seven games against Los Angeles.
The Thunder (5-7) are going to be extremely motivated for this game, sending out numerous players who played for the Clippers last season. Both Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the focal points of the Paul George trade and that should have them playing with some serious fury here. That's really no different than how they usually play though, as SGA has been one of the biggest breakouts this season. The star shooting guard is currently leading Oklahoma City with 20.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, showing why OKC wanted him so badly as part of that trade. That pairs nicely with veterans like Paul and Steven Adams, making this one of the most fascinating teams in the Western Conference.
The Clippers (8-5) showed just how scary they can be in their last game, dominating the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of a 150-101 scoreline. Performances like those show just how dangerous this club can be and they actually pulled off that victory without Kawhi Leonard. With that said, it did mark their first win without Leonard, losing the previous three games without him. The difference in the last victory was that they had Paul George back for his second game of the season. That's a welcomed sight, especially considering that he dropped 37 points in a gem of an effort. That is now two games with at least 30 points, playing fewer than 24 minutes in both fixtures. Scoring outbursts like those have become commonplace for PG-13 over recent years and fans can't wait to see what he and Kawhi look like whenever Leonard returns.
Dating back two years, Oklahoma City has won five of their last seven games against Los Angeles.