Pacers Host Dominant Lakers
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday evening.
The Pacers (18-9) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Pacers, which they began with a win over the Hornets on Sunday. The Pacers have won their last two in a row at home and are 11-3 at home this season. They are averaging 109.3 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 104.3 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They are holding opponents to an average of 43.5 percent shooting from the field, which is also fifth lowest in the league. Malcolm Brogdon leads the Pacers with 19.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Domantas Sabonis continues to play well, averaging 15.9 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. T.J. Warren is averaging 17.8 points, while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a five-game road trip for the Lakers (24-3), where they have gone 3-0 so far. With the Bucks' loss on Monday, the Lakers own the best record in the league and also the longest win streak, as they have won seven in a row. The Lakers have won six straight road games and are 14-1 on the road. Anthony Davis leads the Lakers in almost every category, as he is averaging team highs of 27.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. LeBron James continues to dominate, averaging 26.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and a league-best 10.7 assists per game. The Lakers are shooting 48.5 percent from the field and are averaging 113.3 points per game. The average 8.9 steals per game, which is second best in the league.
The Pacers (18-9) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Pacers, which they began with a win over the Hornets on Sunday. The Pacers have won their last two in a row at home and are 11-3 at home this season. They are averaging 109.3 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 104.3 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They are holding opponents to an average of 43.5 percent shooting from the field, which is also fifth lowest in the league. Malcolm Brogdon leads the Pacers with 19.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Domantas Sabonis continues to play well, averaging 15.9 points, 13.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. T.J. Warren is averaging 17.8 points, while shooting 50 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a five-game road trip for the Lakers (24-3), where they have gone 3-0 so far. With the Bucks' loss on Monday, the Lakers own the best record in the league and also the longest win streak, as they have won seven in a row. The Lakers have won six straight road games and are 14-1 on the road. Anthony Davis leads the Lakers in almost every category, as he is averaging team highs of 27.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. LeBron James continues to dominate, averaging 26.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and a league-best 10.7 assists per game. The Lakers are shooting 48.5 percent from the field and are averaging 113.3 points per game. The average 8.9 steals per game, which is second best in the league.
Hornets Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Sacramento Kings at Spectrum Center on Tuesday evening.
This Hornets (12-17) return home from a three-game road trip, where they went 2-1, with wins in Brooklyn and Chicago, followed by a loss in Indiana in their most recent contest. The Hornets have dropped three of their last five games at home, where they are 6-8 this season. The Hornets are averaging 104.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They are averaging 11.0 offensive rebounds per game, which is fifth most in the league. Devonte' Graham continues his impressive play, averaging team highs with 19.6 points and 7.4 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Miles Bridges is averaging 12.8 point, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Hornets will be without P.J. Washington (finger), as he will remain sidelined for the near future.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Kings (12-14), which began with a win in Golden State on Sunday. The Kings have won their last three road games and are 6-9 on the road this season. The Kings are averaging 104.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 106.9 points per game. Buddy Hield leads the Kings with 21.9 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. Harrison Barnes is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Nemanja Bjelica has been solid lately, averaging 12.8 points on 45 percent shooting, in 26 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Marvin Bagley III has been good in three games since returning to the lineup, averaging 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds, in 22 minutes per game.
This Hornets (12-17) return home from a three-game road trip, where they went 2-1, with wins in Brooklyn and Chicago, followed by a loss in Indiana in their most recent contest. The Hornets have dropped three of their last five games at home, where they are 6-8 this season. The Hornets are averaging 104.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They are averaging 11.0 offensive rebounds per game, which is fifth most in the league. Devonte' Graham continues his impressive play, averaging team highs with 19.6 points and 7.4 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Miles Bridges is averaging 12.8 point, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. The Hornets will be without P.J. Washington (finger), as he will remain sidelined for the near future.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Kings (12-14), which began with a win in Golden State on Sunday. The Kings have won their last three road games and are 6-9 on the road this season. The Kings are averaging 104.8 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average of 106.9 points per game. Buddy Hield leads the Kings with 21.9 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. Harrison Barnes is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Nemanja Bjelica has been solid lately, averaging 12.8 points on 45 percent shooting, in 26 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Marvin Bagley III has been good in three games since returning to the lineup, averaging 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds, in 22 minutes per game.
Hawks and Knicks Meet Up in Big Apple Battle
The Atlanta Hawks take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Hawks (6-21) come into Tuesday's game in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped four consecutive decisions. Atlanta's most recent stumble came against the Los Angeles Lakers, which narrowly defeated them by a 101-96 margin. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 30 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jabari Parker delivered 12 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Damian Jones and Cam Reddish managed matching 10-point tallies while pulling down three and five rebounds, respectively.
The Hawks will list Kevin Huerter (shoulder) as questionable for Tuesday's contest, while Jabari Parker (ankle) will carry a probable tag. John Collins (suspension) will remain out.
The Knicks (6-21) check into Tuesday's game with an extended stretch of losing in tow, as they've dropped 11 of their last 13 games. New York's most recent loss came at the hands of the Denver Nuggets by 111-105 score on Sunday night. Marcus Morris paced the Knicks with 22 points, adding five rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle followed with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Frank Ntilikina furnished 13 points, five boards, four assists and four steals. Kevin Knox and Elfrid Payton contributed matching 10-point tallies, with Payton also dishing out 11 assists and pulling down seven rebounds.
The Knicks will be without Allonzo Trier (concussion), Wayne Ellington (Achilles) and Reggie Bullock (back) will all remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks won the four-game 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
The Hawks (6-21) come into Tuesday's game in the midst of another losing streak, as they've dropped four consecutive decisions. Atlanta's most recent stumble came against the Los Angeles Lakers, which narrowly defeated them by a 101-96 margin. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 30 points, adding seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Jabari Parker delivered 12 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Damian Jones and Cam Reddish managed matching 10-point tallies while pulling down three and five rebounds, respectively.
The Hawks will list Kevin Huerter (shoulder) as questionable for Tuesday's contest, while Jabari Parker (ankle) will carry a probable tag. John Collins (suspension) will remain out.
The Knicks (6-21) check into Tuesday's game with an extended stretch of losing in tow, as they've dropped 11 of their last 13 games. New York's most recent loss came at the hands of the Denver Nuggets by 111-105 score on Sunday night. Marcus Morris paced the Knicks with 22 points, adding five rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle followed with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Frank Ntilikina furnished 13 points, five boards, four assists and four steals. Kevin Knox and Elfrid Payton contributed matching 10-point tallies, with Payton also dishing out 11 assists and pulling down seven rebounds.
The Knicks will be without Allonzo Trier (concussion), Wayne Ellington (Achilles) and Reggie Bullock (back) will all remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks won the four-game 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
Nets and Pelicans Tangle in Big Easy
The Brooklyn Nets take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night.
The Nets (14-12) check into Tuesday's contest having won four of their last six games, with their 109-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening snapping a two-game losing streak. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 24 points and also posted six assists and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 16 points, two rebounds and one assist. Deandre Jordan generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench. Garrett Temple matched Jordan's scoring and dished out four assists.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb), Nicholas Claxton (hamstring) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (6-21) are quickly seeing their season spiral out of control, as they'll come into Tuesday's contest having lost 12 consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came versus the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 130-119 score on Sunday afternoon. Jrue Holiday paced the Pelicans with 29 points and supplemented them with eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 23 points. Brandon Ingram supplied 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. Josh Hart registered 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Pelicans will be without Redick (groin), Zion Williamson (knee) and Darius Miller (Achilles) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 135-125 win on Nov. 4.
The Nets (14-12) check into Tuesday's contest having won four of their last six games, with their 109-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening snapping a two-game losing streak. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 24 points and also posted six assists and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 16 points, two rebounds and one assist. Deandre Jordan generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench. Garrett Temple matched Jordan's scoring and dished out four assists.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb), Nicholas Claxton (hamstring) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) on Tuesday.
The Pelicans (6-21) are quickly seeing their season spiral out of control, as they'll come into Tuesday's contest having lost 12 consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came versus the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 130-119 score on Sunday afternoon. Jrue Holiday paced the Pelicans with 29 points and supplemented them with eight assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 23 points. Brandon Ingram supplied 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. Josh Hart registered 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Pelicans will be without Redick (groin), Zion Williamson (knee) and Darius Miller (Achilles) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 135-125 win on Nov. 4.
Jazz Host Magic on Tuesday
The Orlando Magic travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Tuesday.
The Magic (12-14) picked up a win in their most recent game and come into this matchup winning five of their last eight in total. The big news about the most recent victory was the return of Nikola Vucevic. That was the All-Star center's first game in about a month and his presence is a welcomed sight for such a thin roster. What makes this eight-game stretch all the more impressive is the fact that the three losses came against the Lakers, Bucks and Rockets. Those are three tough teams for anyone and it says a lot about how solid this Orlando team can be when they don't play an elite squad. Where they're really dangerous is on the defensive end, ranked sixth in points allowed. As long as that continues, Orlando should have no problem reaching the postseason in a weak Eastern Conference.
The Jazz (15-11) have been a slight disappointment this season but they continue to take care of business at home. In fact, they come into this matchup with a 10-3 record at Vivint Smart Home Arena and that's been a trend for this franchise for years. What's funny is that this team is a mirror of itself from recent years in terms of offensive and defensive splits. A 22nd-ranked offense has been all too common of a trend for this club over recent years but it's no surprise to see them ranked sixth in total defense. Good defensive numbers and poor offensive statistics are what has kept this team from taking the next step over recent years and it's a wonder why they're so bad on the offensive end with so many talented offensive players. Getting Mike Conley back from his injury here should help, entering this matchup with a probable tag after missing the last week or so.
While these teams split their two-game season series last year, Utah has won five of their last six games over Orlando in total.
The Magic (12-14) picked up a win in their most recent game and come into this matchup winning five of their last eight in total. The big news about the most recent victory was the return of Nikola Vucevic. That was the All-Star center's first game in about a month and his presence is a welcomed sight for such a thin roster. What makes this eight-game stretch all the more impressive is the fact that the three losses came against the Lakers, Bucks and Rockets. Those are three tough teams for anyone and it says a lot about how solid this Orlando team can be when they don't play an elite squad. Where they're really dangerous is on the defensive end, ranked sixth in points allowed. As long as that continues, Orlando should have no problem reaching the postseason in a weak Eastern Conference.
The Jazz (15-11) have been a slight disappointment this season but they continue to take care of business at home. In fact, they come into this matchup with a 10-3 record at Vivint Smart Home Arena and that's been a trend for this franchise for years. What's funny is that this team is a mirror of itself from recent years in terms of offensive and defensive splits. A 22nd-ranked offense has been all too common of a trend for this club over recent years but it's no surprise to see them ranked sixth in total defense. Good defensive numbers and poor offensive statistics are what has kept this team from taking the next step over recent years and it's a wonder why they're so bad on the offensive end with so many talented offensive players. Getting Mike Conley back from his injury here should help, entering this matchup with a probable tag after missing the last week or so.
While these teams split their two-game season series last year, Utah has won five of their last six games over Orlando in total.
Clippers Host Suns on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on Tuesday.
The Suns (11-15) come into this matchup losing 11 of their last 15 games and that run has dropped them from a playoff contender into a bottom-dweller. What makes it even tougher is the fact that Devin Booker has missed the last two games because of a forearm issue. While it's not expected to be serious, it's hard for this team to compete without their leading scorer. There is some thought that he could return here though because Phoenix fans want to see he and DeAndre Ayton play together. The big man's 25-game suspension ends today and it'll be interesting to see how they deploy him after missing so much time. What makes it even more muddling is the fact that Aron Baynes, Frank Kaminsky and Dario Saric have all been playing so well. That means the addition of Ayton should make this one of the best frontcourts in the NBA and it'll be fun to see what they do at full force.
The Clippers (20-8) just had a four-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game but it was a bizarre result, to say the least. Los Angeles played the Chicago Bulls in that fixture and were narrowly beaten. That's a shocking result against one of the worst teams in the NBA. It was yet another loss without Kawhi Leonard, as five of the teams eight defeats have come in games where he was resting. That says a lot about how much value he brings to this team and it's scary just how good this guy is on both ends of the floor. His stellar play has them ranked Top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency and there aren't many clubs in the league who have that same designation. The resting of Leonard could become an issue for playoff positioning though, as this team surely wants to play at home behind its 13-1 home record.
Phoenix won their first meeting with Los Angeles, 130-122, on October 26. Prior to that, the Clippers won 12-straight games over the Suns dating back four years.
The Suns (11-15) come into this matchup losing 11 of their last 15 games and that run has dropped them from a playoff contender into a bottom-dweller. What makes it even tougher is the fact that Devin Booker has missed the last two games because of a forearm issue. While it's not expected to be serious, it's hard for this team to compete without their leading scorer. There is some thought that he could return here though because Phoenix fans want to see he and DeAndre Ayton play together. The big man's 25-game suspension ends today and it'll be interesting to see how they deploy him after missing so much time. What makes it even more muddling is the fact that Aron Baynes, Frank Kaminsky and Dario Saric have all been playing so well. That means the addition of Ayton should make this one of the best frontcourts in the NBA and it'll be fun to see what they do at full force.
The Clippers (20-8) just had a four-game winning streak snapped in their most recent game but it was a bizarre result, to say the least. Los Angeles played the Chicago Bulls in that fixture and were narrowly beaten. That's a shocking result against one of the worst teams in the NBA. It was yet another loss without Kawhi Leonard, as five of the teams eight defeats have come in games where he was resting. That says a lot about how much value he brings to this team and it's scary just how good this guy is on both ends of the floor. His stellar play has them ranked Top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency and there aren't many clubs in the league who have that same designation. The resting of Leonard could become an issue for playoff positioning though, as this team surely wants to play at home behind its 13-1 home record.
Phoenix won their first meeting with Los Angeles, 130-122, on October 26. Prior to that, the Clippers won 12-straight games over the Suns dating back four years.