Pistons Host Slumping Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Pistons (11-15) are 6-4 in their last 10 games and are coming off a win in their most recent contest. They are 7-6 at home but have dropped two of their last three home games. Blake Griffin (knee) left the game on Saturday after 16 minutes of action, and remains questionable for action on Monday. Derrick Rose has been great lately , especially in the clutch, and is averaging 16.4 points and a team-high 6.0 assists per game. Andre Drummond leads the Pistons with team highs of 17.7 points, 16.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Luke Kennard is averaging 16.2 points, while shooting 40 percent from long range. The Pistons average 108.9 points per game and are giving up an average 108.7 points against. The Pistons are shooting a league-best 38.8 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Wizards (7-17), where they have gone 0-2 so far, as part of their current four-game losing streak. They have also lost five straight on the road. The Wizards are averaging 117.4 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-high 122.4 points against. They are shooting 36.9 percent from long range, which is sixth best in the league. Davis Bertans has been on fire lately, averaging 18.7 points, while shooting 47 percent from long range, over his last 10 games. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with team highs of 27.5 points and 6.9 assists per game. Rui Hachimura continues a solid rookie season, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists, in 30 minutes per game.
The Pistons (11-15) are 6-4 in their last 10 games and are coming off a win in their most recent contest. They are 7-6 at home but have dropped two of their last three home games. Blake Griffin (knee) left the game on Saturday after 16 minutes of action, and remains questionable for action on Monday. Derrick Rose has been great lately , especially in the clutch, and is averaging 16.4 points and a team-high 6.0 assists per game. Andre Drummond leads the Pistons with team highs of 17.7 points, 16.6 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Luke Kennard is averaging 16.2 points, while shooting 40 percent from long range. The Pistons average 108.9 points per game and are giving up an average 108.7 points against. The Pistons are shooting a league-best 38.8 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Wizards (7-17), where they have gone 0-2 so far, as part of their current four-game losing streak. They have also lost five straight on the road. The Wizards are averaging 117.4 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-high 122.4 points against. They are shooting 36.9 percent from long range, which is sixth best in the league. Davis Bertans has been on fire lately, averaging 18.7 points, while shooting 47 percent from long range, over his last 10 games. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with team highs of 27.5 points and 6.9 assists per game. Rui Hachimura continues a solid rookie season, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists, in 30 minutes per game.
Raptors Look To Rebuild Momentum At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Raptors (17-8), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a loss to the Clippers and a win over the Nets. The Raptors are 10-3 at home and have won six of their last 10 games. They average of 110.8 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 105.4 points against. They are holding opponents to an average of 41.3 percent from the field, which is lowest in the league. The Raptors are shooting 37.4 percent from long range, which is fourth best in the league, and are averaging 8.5 steals per game, which is fourth best in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 24.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry is getting his groove back and is averaging 15.2 points, 7.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds, over the last six games. Fred VanVleet (knee) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action on Monday.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Cavaliers (6-20), where they have gone 1-1, with a win in San Antonio and a loss in Milwaukee. The Cavs have lost seven of their last eight on the road and are 3-10 on the road. The Cavs are averaging 103.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 113.5 points against. They are shooting an average of 43.6 percent from the field, which is fifth lowest in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with an average of 17.4 points per game, while Kevin Love is averaging 16.2 points and a team-high 10.8 rebounds. Darius Garland is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 2.9 assists per game. The Cavs are averaging 21.0 assists per game, which is third fewest in the league.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Raptors (17-8), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a loss to the Clippers and a win over the Nets. The Raptors are 10-3 at home and have won six of their last 10 games. They average of 110.8 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 105.4 points against. They are holding opponents to an average of 41.3 percent from the field, which is lowest in the league. The Raptors are shooting 37.4 percent from long range, which is fourth best in the league, and are averaging 8.5 steals per game, which is fourth best in the league. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 24.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Kyle Lowry is getting his groove back and is averaging 15.2 points, 7.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds, over the last six games. Fred VanVleet (knee) has missed the last three games and remains questionable for action on Monday.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Cavaliers (6-20), where they have gone 1-1, with a win in San Antonio and a loss in Milwaukee. The Cavs have lost seven of their last eight on the road and are 3-10 on the road. The Cavs are averaging 103.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 113.5 points against. They are shooting an average of 43.6 percent from the field, which is fifth lowest in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with an average of 17.4 points per game, while Kevin Love is averaging 16.2 points and a team-high 10.8 rebounds. Darius Garland is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 2.9 assists per game. The Cavs are averaging 21.0 assists per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Spurs and Rockets Face Off in Western Conference Showdown
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (10-15) check into Monday's game in a solid stretch of play, as they've won four of their last six contests , including three of their last four. San Antonio most recently notched a 121-119 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Patty Mills paced the Spurs with 26 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge and Dejounte Murray posted matching 18-point, seven-rebound tallies, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 18 points and six boards. Lonnie Walker poured in 16 points.
The Spurs will list Walker (knee) as questionable for Monday's contest.
The Rockets (17-9) will come into Monday's game on a strong run of their own, as they're 4-2 over their last six games. However, one of their two losses during that span came their last time on the floor, as they dropped a 115-107 decision to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. James Harden led the Rockets with 39 points while also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Chris Clemons delivered 17 points, four boards, two steals and one block. Austin Rivers furnished 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 13 points, while Clint Capela contributed a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Rockets will list Austin Rivers (finger) as probable for Monday's game, while Eric Gordon (knee) and Gerald Green (foot) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 135-133 overtime win Dec. 3.
The Spurs (10-15) check into Monday's game in a solid stretch of play, as they've won four of their last six contests , including three of their last four. San Antonio most recently notched a 121-119 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Patty Mills paced the Spurs with 26 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. LaMarcus Aldridge and Dejounte Murray posted matching 18-point, seven-rebound tallies, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 18 points and six boards. Lonnie Walker poured in 16 points.
The Spurs will list Walker (knee) as questionable for Monday's contest.
The Rockets (17-9) will come into Monday's game on a strong run of their own, as they're 4-2 over their last six games. However, one of their two losses during that span came their last time on the floor, as they dropped a 115-107 decision to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. James Harden led the Rockets with 39 points while also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and one steal. Chris Clemons delivered 17 points, four boards, two steals and one block. Austin Rivers furnished 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Ben McLemore poured in 13 points, while Clint Capela contributed a 12-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal.
The Rockets will list Austin Rivers (finger) as probable for Monday's game, while Eric Gordon (knee) and Gerald Green (foot) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 135-133 overtime win Dec. 3.
Bucks Host Shorthanded Mavs
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The Bucks (24-3) are on an absolute tear, as they have won 18 games in a row and own the best record in the league. They are also the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 121.2 points per game, and shooting a league-best 48.7 percent from the field. The Bucks have been dominant on the glass, averaging a league-best 51.3 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, with team highs of 31.0 points and 12.8 rebounds, in 31 minutes per game. Khris Middleton has been solid lately, averaging 18.7 points on 53 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. Eric Bledsoe is averaging 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-high 5.7 assists per game. Donte DiVincenzo has also been making an impact lately, averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the last 10 games. The Bucks have won 13 in a row at home, where they are 13-1 this season.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (17-8) are coming off a tough loss in their last contest, as they fell just short at home against the Heat on Saturday. The loss was made worse by the fact that Luka Doncic went down with an ankle injury and is expected to miss a couple weeks of action. Without Doncic, the Mavs will have to look to guys like Seth Curry, J.J. Barea, Delon Wright and Jalen Brunson to all step up in their own way to help fill the void of a player that averages team highs with 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Mavs will also need to lean more on Kristaps Porzingis, who will once again become the focal point of the offense and of the opponent, as well. Porzingis is averaging 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, in 30.6 minutes per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been playing well lately, averaging 16.5 points on 48 percent shooting, over the last 10 games.
The Bucks (24-3) are on an absolute tear, as they have won 18 games in a row and own the best record in the league. They are also the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 121.2 points per game, and shooting a league-best 48.7 percent from the field. The Bucks have been dominant on the glass, averaging a league-best 51.3 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, with team highs of 31.0 points and 12.8 rebounds, in 31 minutes per game. Khris Middleton has been solid lately, averaging 18.7 points on 53 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. Eric Bledsoe is averaging 15.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-high 5.7 assists per game. Donte DiVincenzo has also been making an impact lately, averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the last 10 games. The Bucks have won 13 in a row at home, where they are 13-1 this season.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (17-8) are coming off a tough loss in their last contest, as they fell just short at home against the Heat on Saturday. The loss was made worse by the fact that Luka Doncic went down with an ankle injury and is expected to miss a couple weeks of action. Without Doncic, the Mavs will have to look to guys like Seth Curry, J.J. Barea, Delon Wright and Jalen Brunson to all step up in their own way to help fill the void of a player that averages team highs with 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The Mavs will also need to lean more on Kristaps Porzingis, who will once again become the focal point of the offense and of the opponent, as well. Porzingis is averaging 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, in 30.6 minutes per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been playing well lately, averaging 16.5 points on 48 percent shooting, over the last 10 games.
Bulls and Thunder Face Off in Interconference Battle
The Chicago Bulls take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday night.
The Bulls (10-18) come into Monday's game with some recent struggles, but with a win in their most recent time on the court as well. Chicago has dropped four of its last six games, but they notched a 109-106 win over a short-handed Los Angeles Clippers squad Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 31 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Thaddeus Young furnished 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Denzel Valentine totaled 16 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Wendell Carter, Jr. supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals. Lauri Markkanen generated a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included four assists, one steal and one block.
The Bulls will list Tomas Satoransky (toe), LaVine (shoulder), Kris Dunn (knee), Valentine (ankle), Carter (abdomen/back) and Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) as probable for Monday's game. Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) will be listed as doubtful, Daniel Gafford (hamstring) will be tagged as questionable and Otto Porter, Jr. (foot) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) will be out.
The Thunder (11-14) comes into Monday's contest in the midst of a solid stretch of play, as they've gone 5-3 over their last eight games. However, two of their losses during that span have unfolded in their most recent pair of games, with a 110-102 defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday having come their last time on the floor. Dennis Schroder led the way for OKC with 22 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Steven Adams generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexader registered 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul compiled 15 points and dished out 10 assists, while Abdel Nader supplied 14 points.
The Thunder will list Terrance Ferguson (hip) is questionable for Monday's game, while Andre Roberson (knee) and Hamidou Diallo (elbow) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams. Chicago and Oklahoma City split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
The Bulls (10-18) come into Monday's game with some recent struggles, but with a win in their most recent time on the court as well. Chicago has dropped four of its last six games, but they notched a 109-106 win over a short-handed Los Angeles Clippers squad Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 31 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Thaddeus Young furnished 17 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Denzel Valentine totaled 16 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Wendell Carter, Jr. supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals. Lauri Markkanen generated a 13-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included four assists, one steal and one block.
The Bulls will list Tomas Satoransky (toe), LaVine (shoulder), Kris Dunn (knee), Valentine (ankle), Carter (abdomen/back) and Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) as probable for Monday's game. Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) will be listed as doubtful, Daniel Gafford (hamstring) will be tagged as questionable and Otto Porter, Jr. (foot) and Cristiano Felicio (wrist) will be out.
The Thunder (11-14) comes into Monday's contest in the midst of a solid stretch of play, as they've gone 5-3 over their last eight games. However, two of their losses during that span have unfolded in their most recent pair of games, with a 110-102 defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday having come their last time on the floor. Dennis Schroder led the way for OKC with 22 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Steven Adams generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexader registered 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Chris Paul compiled 15 points and dished out 10 assists, while Abdel Nader supplied 14 points.
The Thunder will list Terrance Ferguson (hip) is questionable for Monday's game, while Andre Roberson (knee) and Hamidou Diallo (elbow) will remain out.
Monday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams. Chicago and Oklahoma City split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
Grizzlies Host Heat on Monday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Miami Heat at FedEx Forum on Monday.
The Heat (19-7) nearly suffered a disastrous loss in their most recent game but prevailed in overtime. While beating the Dallas Mavericks on the road is impressive on the surface, the nature of the victory is not too pleasing for Miami fans. In fact, Miami blew a 23-point halftime lead in that overtime win and it happened against a Dallas club without Luka Doncic. Getting the victory is all that really matters though and that's just what the Heat did. It marked their fourth win in their last five games and it was actually Bam Adebayo's second triple-double in as many weeks. The big man has truly developed into an All-Star caliber player this season and it pairs beautifully with the stellar play of Jimmy Butler.
The Grizzlies (9-17) have had a rough season but they come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. What fans have to be ecstatic about is the play of their youngsters, with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr both flashing moments of brilliance in those outings. Jackson actually had a career-high 43 points in one of those games and Morant had one of the highlight dunks of the season. That's a fascinating guard-forward combo for the future and it's scary for the rest of the league that these guys are under the age of 22. That means this franchise's future is bright and it should be no surprise to see this team building the same way they had success in the Marc Gasol-Mike Conley era. While the wins may not be there all season long, development from these guys would be a huge step in the right direction, no matter the record.
Miami won their first game against Memphis, 120-101, on October 23. That marked the Heat's fifth-straight victory over the Grizzlies.
The Heat (19-7) nearly suffered a disastrous loss in their most recent game but prevailed in overtime. While beating the Dallas Mavericks on the road is impressive on the surface, the nature of the victory is not too pleasing for Miami fans. In fact, Miami blew a 23-point halftime lead in that overtime win and it happened against a Dallas club without Luka Doncic. Getting the victory is all that really matters though and that's just what the Heat did. It marked their fourth win in their last five games and it was actually Bam Adebayo's second triple-double in as many weeks. The big man has truly developed into an All-Star caliber player this season and it pairs beautifully with the stellar play of Jimmy Butler.
The Grizzlies (9-17) have had a rough season but they come into this matchup winning three of their last four games. What fans have to be ecstatic about is the play of their youngsters, with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr both flashing moments of brilliance in those outings. Jackson actually had a career-high 43 points in one of those games and Morant had one of the highlight dunks of the season. That's a fascinating guard-forward combo for the future and it's scary for the rest of the league that these guys are under the age of 22. That means this franchise's future is bright and it should be no surprise to see this team building the same way they had success in the Marc Gasol-Mike Conley era. While the wins may not be there all season long, development from these guys would be a huge step in the right direction, no matter the record.
Miami won their first game against Memphis, 120-101, on October 23. That marked the Heat's fifth-straight victory over the Grizzlies.
Suns Host Blazers on Monday
The Portland Trail Blazers travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday.
The Trail Blazers (10-16) come into this matchup losing four of their last six games which actually snapped a season-best three-game winning streak. It appeared as though Carmelo Anthony came in and did the trick with that small winning streak but the recent losses have them back to square one. We're talking about a club who's finished third in the Western Conference in each of the last two years and it would take an absolute miracle to get back to that point this season. In fact, it appears that a playoff berth is a longshot with the recent form of this team. What's bizarre about the Blazers is the fact that they rank 29th in assists, with their two-best players both being in the backcourt. That is not a recipe for success and it pairs atrociously with their 21st-ranked defense.
The Suns (11-14) got off to a great start this season but regression has hit then like a boulder. In fact, they come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 14 games, dropping them from a playoff contender into the same old Suns team. Having Devin Booker suffer an injury in Sunday's loss only adds to the troubles and it's hard to imagine them getting out of this slump if he's to miss any significant amount of time. One piece of good news is the fact that DeAndre Ayton's suspension is up this week and they'll be ecstatic to get their top-pic back in the fold. He'll move Aron Baynes, Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky into more complementary roles and that is probably a better recipe for this team, despite their strong play over recent weeks.
Portland has owned Phoenix over recent years, winning their last 10 games over them in total.
The Trail Blazers (10-16) come into this matchup losing four of their last six games which actually snapped a season-best three-game winning streak. It appeared as though Carmelo Anthony came in and did the trick with that small winning streak but the recent losses have them back to square one. We're talking about a club who's finished third in the Western Conference in each of the last two years and it would take an absolute miracle to get back to that point this season. In fact, it appears that a playoff berth is a longshot with the recent form of this team. What's bizarre about the Blazers is the fact that they rank 29th in assists, with their two-best players both being in the backcourt. That is not a recipe for success and it pairs atrociously with their 21st-ranked defense.
The Suns (11-14) got off to a great start this season but regression has hit then like a boulder. In fact, they come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 14 games, dropping them from a playoff contender into the same old Suns team. Having Devin Booker suffer an injury in Sunday's loss only adds to the troubles and it's hard to imagine them getting out of this slump if he's to miss any significant amount of time. One piece of good news is the fact that DeAndre Ayton's suspension is up this week and they'll be ecstatic to get their top-pic back in the fold. He'll move Aron Baynes, Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky into more complementary roles and that is probably a better recipe for this team, despite their strong play over recent weeks.
Portland has owned Phoenix over recent years, winning their last 10 games over them in total.