Grizzlies and Cavaliers Tangle in Friday Night Action
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (10-18) will check into Friday's interconference contest with a bit of momentum behind them, as they've forged a 4-2 record over their last six games. However, one of their two defeats during that span came their most recent time on the court, as they dropped a 126-122 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Brandon Clarke led the way for the Grizzlies with 27 points, adding seven boards and one assist. Jonas Valanciunas delivered 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Ja Morant supplied 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Dillon Brooks registered 15 points and six boards.
The Grizzlies will list Grayson Allen (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game. Andre Iguodala (team decision) remains out.
The Cavaliers (7-21) have found success to mostly be at a premium this season, and accordingly, they'll come into Friday's contest with a 2-10 record over their last 12 games. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came their most recent time on the court, when they toppled the Charlotte Hornets by a 100-98 score Wednesday night. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 23 points. Cedi Osman produced 18 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Kevin Love generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists. Tristan Thompson posted 14 points and pulled down 13 boards.
The Cavaliers will be without Dylan Windler (lower leg) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams. Memphis and Cleveland split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
The Grizzlies (10-18) will check into Friday's interconference contest with a bit of momentum behind them, as they've forged a 4-2 record over their last six games. However, one of their two defeats during that span came their most recent time on the court, as they dropped a 126-122 decision to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. Brandon Clarke led the way for the Grizzlies with 27 points, adding seven boards and one assist. Jonas Valanciunas delivered 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Ja Morant supplied 22 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Dillon Brooks registered 15 points and six boards.
The Grizzlies will list Grayson Allen (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game. Andre Iguodala (team decision) remains out.
The Cavaliers (7-21) have found success to mostly be at a premium this season, and accordingly, they'll come into Friday's contest with a 2-10 record over their last 12 games. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came their most recent time on the court, when they toppled the Charlotte Hornets by a 100-98 score Wednesday night. Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 23 points. Cedi Osman produced 18 points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Kevin Love generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists. Tristan Thompson posted 14 points and pulled down 13 boards.
The Cavaliers will be without Dylan Windler (lower leg) for Friday's game.
Friday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams. Memphis and Cleveland split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
Kings and Pacers Square Off in Interconference Battle
The Sacramento Kings take on the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Kings (12-15) still sport a record with plenty of room for improvement, but they come into Friday's game on an upswing after having won four of their last six games. Nevertheless, one of their two losses during that span came their last time on the court, when they dropped a 110-102 decision to the Charlotte Hornets. De'Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 19 points in his return from injury, adding eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley produced matching 14-point tallies, with Bagley also pulling down seven rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica furnished 12 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Richaun Holmes managed 11 points, five boards, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 10 points.
The Kings will list Bogdanovic (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Pacers (19-9) come into Friday's game in the midst of a surge, as they've notched victories in five of six games, and seven of the last nine contests overall. Their most recent victory came at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers, which they toppled by a 105-102 score on Wednesday night to snap Los Angeles' 14-game road winning streak. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 26 points, adding 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner delivered 16 points, seven boards, two steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one block. T.J. Warren pitched in 12 points and five boards, while Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while each dishing out five assists.
The Pacers will list T.J. Warren (illness) and Jeremy Lamb (groin) as questionable for Friday's contest. Victor Oladipo (knee) remains out.
Friday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams this season. Sacramento and Indiana split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
The Kings (12-15) still sport a record with plenty of room for improvement, but they come into Friday's game on an upswing after having won four of their last six games. Nevertheless, one of their two losses during that span came their last time on the court, when they dropped a 110-102 decision to the Charlotte Hornets. De'Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 19 points in his return from injury, adding eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley produced matching 14-point tallies, with Bagley also pulling down seven rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica furnished 12 points, five boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Richaun Holmes managed 11 points, five boards, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic registered 10 points.
The Kings will list Bogdanovic (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Pacers (19-9) come into Friday's game in the midst of a surge, as they've notched victories in five of six games, and seven of the last nine contests overall. Their most recent victory came at the expense of the Los Angeles Lakers, which they toppled by a 105-102 score on Wednesday night to snap Los Angeles' 14-game road winning streak. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 26 points, adding 10 rebounds and four assists. Myles Turner delivered 16 points, seven boards, two steals and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon delivered 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one block. T.J. Warren pitched in 12 points and five boards, while Aaron Holiday and T.J. McConnell posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while each dishing out five assists.
The Pacers will list T.J. Warren (illness) and Jeremy Lamb (groin) as questionable for Friday's contest. Victor Oladipo (knee) remains out.
Friday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings between the teams this season. Sacramento and Indiana split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
Celtics Host Slipping Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Celtics (18-7) have won seven of their last 10 games and are 10-1 at home, while the Pistons (11-17) have dropped two in a row. The Celtics suffered their first home loss of the season in their most recent home game, but look to get back on track as they return home from a solid win in Dallas on Wednesday. The Celtics do a great job defense, as they are holding opponents to 104.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. On the offensive end they are averaging 110.8 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. They also do a good job taking care of the ball, as they average 12.7 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with an average of 23.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have won three in a row on the road, where they have a 4-9 record. Andre Drummond leads the Pistons with 17.8 points, 16.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Derrick Rose continues to produce at high level, averaging 16.6 points, 6.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds, in 24 minutes per game. Blake Griffin (knee) is listed as doubtful for action, while he has been sluggish lately, averaging 13.8 points on 33 percent shooting over his last nine games. Luke Kennard (knee) is also doubtful for action on Friday. The Pistons score an average of 108.9 points per game but are giving up an average of 109.7 points against. They are shooting 46.8 percent from the field, including 37.7 percent from long range, which is fourth best in the league.
The Celtics (18-7) have won seven of their last 10 games and are 10-1 at home, while the Pistons (11-17) have dropped two in a row. The Celtics suffered their first home loss of the season in their most recent home game, but look to get back on track as they return home from a solid win in Dallas on Wednesday. The Celtics do a great job defense, as they are holding opponents to 104.0 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. On the offensive end they are averaging 110.8 points per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field. They also do a good job taking care of the ball, as they average 12.7 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with an average of 23.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have won three in a row on the road, where they have a 4-9 record. Andre Drummond leads the Pistons with 17.8 points, 16.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. Derrick Rose continues to produce at high level, averaging 16.6 points, 6.0 assists and 2.3 rebounds, in 24 minutes per game. Blake Griffin (knee) is listed as doubtful for action, while he has been sluggish lately, averaging 13.8 points on 33 percent shooting over his last nine games. Luke Kennard (knee) is also doubtful for action on Friday. The Pistons score an average of 108.9 points per game but are giving up an average of 109.7 points against. They are shooting 46.8 percent from the field, including 37.7 percent from long range, which is fourth best in the league.
Wizards and Raptors Engage North of the Border
The Washington Wizards take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Wizards (8-18) are enduring one of their more difficult seasons in recent years, and they'll check into Friday's conference battle with losses in eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Chicago Bulls by a 110-109 score in overtime after blowing an 18-point lead. Lauri Markkanen led the Bulls with 31 points, complementing them with nine rebounds. Zach LaVine poured in 24 points and also provided five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Tomas Satoransky pitched in 17 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Kris Dunn mustered 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Wizards will be without Rui Hachimura (groin), Thomas Bryant (foot), Mortiz Wagner (ankle) and C.J. Miles (wrist) for Friday's game. Jordan McRae (finger) will likely be a game-time decision at best.
The Raptors (19-8) have every reason to smile about their record, which is partly the byproduct of an 11-4 mark of their last five 15 games. However, Toronto's recent win, a 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, was a highly costly one, as the Raptors lost Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell for what projects to be extended periods due to injuries. Siakam led the way with 26 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal. Serge Ibaka generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Kyle Lowry managed a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. OG Anunoby compiled 19 points, eight boards, three assists and one block.
The Raptors will be without Gasol (hamstring), Siakam (groin), Powell (shoulder) and Matt Thomas (finger) on Friday. Fred VanVleet (knee) and Stanley Johnson (groin) are likely to carry questionable tags.
Friday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the four-game 2018-19 season series.
The Wizards (8-18) are enduring one of their more difficult seasons in recent years, and they'll check into Friday's conference battle with losses in eight of their last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Chicago Bulls by a 110-109 score in overtime after blowing an 18-point lead. Lauri Markkanen led the Bulls with 31 points, complementing them with nine rebounds. Zach LaVine poured in 24 points and also provided five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Tomas Satoransky pitched in 17 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Kris Dunn mustered 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Wizards will be without Rui Hachimura (groin), Thomas Bryant (foot), Mortiz Wagner (ankle) and C.J. Miles (wrist) for Friday's game. Jordan McRae (finger) will likely be a game-time decision at best.
The Raptors (19-8) have every reason to smile about their record, which is partly the byproduct of an 11-4 mark of their last five 15 games. However, Toronto's recent win, a 112-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, was a highly costly one, as the Raptors lost Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell for what projects to be extended periods due to injuries. Siakam led the way with 26 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal. Serge Ibaka generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Kyle Lowry managed a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. OG Anunoby compiled 19 points, eight boards, three assists and one block.
The Raptors will be without Gasol (hamstring), Siakam (groin), Powell (shoulder) and Matt Thomas (finger) on Friday. Fred VanVleet (knee) and Stanley Johnson (groin) are likely to carry questionable tags.
Friday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the four-game 2018-19 season series.
Heat Look To Build On 11-1 Home Record
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the New York Knicks at American Airlines Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat (20-8) have won seven of their last 10 games. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, as they look to build on their 11-1 home record. The Heat are averaging 112.1 points per game and are giving up an average of 107.2 points against. They are shooting 47.2 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league, including 38.2 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. The Heat are averaging 8.9 offensive rebounds per game, which is third fewest in the league. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with 20.9 points, 6.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Kendrick Nunn is averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (7-21) have found a groove, as they have won three of their last four games. They have won two of their last three games on the road and are 3-11 on the road this season. They average a league-low 102.7 points per game and are shooting a league-worst 42.9 percent from the field, while they are giving up an average of 111.5 points against. Marcus Morris Sr. leads the Knicks with a team-high 18.8 points per game. Julius Randle is averaging 17.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. R.J. Barrett had a great outing in the Knicks' last contest, with 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-3 from long range, and averaging 14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season. Mitchell Robinson was also big in the win, with 22 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, and is averaging 11.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over his last 10 games.
The Heat (20-8) have won seven of their last 10 games. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, as they look to build on their 11-1 home record. The Heat are averaging 112.1 points per game and are giving up an average of 107.2 points against. They are shooting 47.2 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league, including 38.2 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. The Heat are averaging 8.9 offensive rebounds per game, which is third fewest in the league. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with 20.9 points, 6.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Kendrick Nunn is averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (7-21) have found a groove, as they have won three of their last four games. They have won two of their last three games on the road and are 3-11 on the road this season. They average a league-low 102.7 points per game and are shooting a league-worst 42.9 percent from the field, while they are giving up an average of 111.5 points against. Marcus Morris Sr. leads the Knicks with a team-high 18.8 points per game. Julius Randle is averaging 17.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. R.J. Barrett had a great outing in the Knicks' last contest, with 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-3 from long range, and averaging 14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season. Mitchell Robinson was also big in the win, with 22 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks, and is averaging 11.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over his last 10 games.
76ers Look To Redeem Themselves At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the 76ers (20-9), who are coming off their first home loss of the season, in their most recent contest. They are 14-1 at home and are certainly looking to avoid consecutive home losses. The 76ers have been very effective so far and are shooting 47.3 percent from the field, which is third best in the NBA. They are also shooting 36.2 percent from long range, which is ninth best in the league, and averaging 26.4 assists per game, which is third best in the league. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with 22.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while Ben Simmons is averaging 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and team highs with 8.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (18-9) are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are 1-1 since Luka Doncic (ankle) has been sidelined, as they had an impressive win in Milwaukee, followed by a hard-fought home loss against the Celtics in their most recent contest. The Mavs are 10-2 on the road and have six straight road wins, including wins in Houston, Phoenix, L.A. (Lakers) and Milwaukee. Without Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis leads the Mavs with 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Seth Curry (lower back) and Delon Wright (finger) are both questionable for action on Friday and if they were to be sidelined, the Mavs would have to rely very heavily on Jalen Brunson and J.J. Barea. The Mavericks are averaging 117.6 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. They also average a league-low 12.0 turnovers per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the 76ers (20-9), who are coming off their first home loss of the season, in their most recent contest. They are 14-1 at home and are certainly looking to avoid consecutive home losses. The 76ers have been very effective so far and are shooting 47.3 percent from the field, which is third best in the NBA. They are also shooting 36.2 percent from long range, which is ninth best in the league, and averaging 26.4 assists per game, which is third best in the league. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with 22.7 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, while Ben Simmons is averaging 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and team highs with 8.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (18-9) are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are 1-1 since Luka Doncic (ankle) has been sidelined, as they had an impressive win in Milwaukee, followed by a hard-fought home loss against the Celtics in their most recent contest. The Mavs are 10-2 on the road and have six straight road wins, including wins in Houston, Phoenix, L.A. (Lakers) and Milwaukee. Without Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis leads the Mavs with 17.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Seth Curry (lower back) and Delon Wright (finger) are both questionable for action on Friday and if they were to be sidelined, the Mavs would have to rely very heavily on Jalen Brunson and J.J. Barea. The Mavericks are averaging 117.6 points per game, which is fourth most in the league. They also average a league-low 12.0 turnovers per game.
Thunder Look To Build on Two-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Phoenix Suns at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Thunder (13-14) have seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a five-game home stand, as they look to build on their 9-5 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with a team-high 18.1 points per game. Danilo Gallinari is averaging 17.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, while Chris Paul is averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Dennis Schroder is coming off a great performance in the Thunder's most recent contest, as he finished with 31 points, seven assists and three rebounds, in 32 minutes of action. He has been great off the bench for the Thunder, averaging 22.1 points on 51 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Thunder are averaging 108.3 points per game and are giving up an average of 107.8 points against.
Meanwhile, the Suns (11-16) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They are 5-6 on the road, where they have dropped two in a row. Deandre Ayton returned to action the Suns' most recent contest, but he will not play on Friday due to a sprained ankle. Devin Booker (forearm) is questionable for action. Kelly Oubre Jr. has been playing well and is averaging 18.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Ricky Rubio is averaging 13.1 points, 9.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Suns are averaging 114.7 points per game and are giving up an average of 114.4 points against. They are averaging a league-best 28.6 assists per game and are averaging 7.9 steals per game.
The Thunder (13-14) have seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a five-game home stand, as they look to build on their 9-5 home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder with a team-high 18.1 points per game. Danilo Gallinari is averaging 17.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, while Chris Paul is averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Dennis Schroder is coming off a great performance in the Thunder's most recent contest, as he finished with 31 points, seven assists and three rebounds, in 32 minutes of action. He has been great off the bench for the Thunder, averaging 22.1 points on 51 percent shooting, over his last 10 games. The Thunder are averaging 108.3 points per game and are giving up an average of 107.8 points against.
Meanwhile, the Suns (11-16) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They are 5-6 on the road, where they have dropped two in a row. Deandre Ayton returned to action the Suns' most recent contest, but he will not play on Friday due to a sprained ankle. Devin Booker (forearm) is questionable for action. Kelly Oubre Jr. has been playing well and is averaging 18.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Ricky Rubio is averaging 13.1 points, 9.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Suns are averaging 114.7 points per game and are giving up an average of 114.4 points against. They are averaging a league-best 28.6 assists per game and are averaging 7.9 steals per game.
Nuggets Host T'Wolves on Friday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on Friday.
The Timberwolves (10-16) have developed into one of the most frustrating teams in the NBA. While young teams usually have home/road splits that favor their home play, this team is the complete opposite. In fact, Minnesota owns a 7-6 road record and a 3-10 home record. That's a truly mind-boggling statistic and it says a lot about how bizarre this franchise can be at times. They actually come into this matchup in the midst of a disastrous stretch, losing eight-straight heading into this matchup. That stretch has moved them from a playoff contender into a bottom-dweller and it's sad to see such a talented roster performing so poorly. The fact that Karl-Anthony Towns missed the last game due to injury only adds to the downfall and it's hard to imagine them ending this streak anytime soon if he continues to miss games.
The Nuggets (18-8) come into this matchup with a 12-3 home record. That's been a common trend for this organization for the past decade and it's tough for opponents to compete with this team at altitude. It's not all about the air though, as the top-ranked defense is also taking the air out of their opponents. Denver appears to be rolling right now too, entering this matchup in the midst of a four-game winning streak. That's a very promising sign after their worst stretch of the season and many fans truly believe that this team can vie for the second-seed in the west. As long as Jokic continues the stellar play that we've seen in this winning streak, look for the victories to keep pouring in.
Denver won the first meeting between these teams in an epic overtime game. That marked the Nuggets fifth-straight win over the Timberwolves in total.
The Timberwolves (10-16) have developed into one of the most frustrating teams in the NBA. While young teams usually have home/road splits that favor their home play, this team is the complete opposite. In fact, Minnesota owns a 7-6 road record and a 3-10 home record. That's a truly mind-boggling statistic and it says a lot about how bizarre this franchise can be at times. They actually come into this matchup in the midst of a disastrous stretch, losing eight-straight heading into this matchup. That stretch has moved them from a playoff contender into a bottom-dweller and it's sad to see such a talented roster performing so poorly. The fact that Karl-Anthony Towns missed the last game due to injury only adds to the downfall and it's hard to imagine them ending this streak anytime soon if he continues to miss games.
The Nuggets (18-8) come into this matchup with a 12-3 home record. That's been a common trend for this organization for the past decade and it's tough for opponents to compete with this team at altitude. It's not all about the air though, as the top-ranked defense is also taking the air out of their opponents. Denver appears to be rolling right now too, entering this matchup in the midst of a four-game winning streak. That's a very promising sign after their worst stretch of the season and many fans truly believe that this team can vie for the second-seed in the west. As long as Jokic continues the stellar play that we've seen in this winning streak, look for the victories to keep pouring in.
Denver won the first meeting between these teams in an epic overtime game. That marked the Nuggets fifth-straight win over the Timberwolves in total.
Blazers Play Host to Magic on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Orlando Magic at Moda Center on Friday.
The Magic (12-16) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games, with all five fixtures coming against tough competition. In fact, they took defeats at the hands of the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks in that span. Those were five of the biggest favorites to reach the Finals this season and Orlando fans are just happy to see that portion of the schedule behind them. There is one glaring issue that doesn't have to do with the schedule though, as the offense continues to struggle. The Magic currently sit 29th in scoring with just 103.5 points per game and if that continues, this team will have a tough time reaching the postseason.
The Trail Blazers (12-16) have won three of their last four headed into this matchup and that's an extremely promising sign for the future. This is a club that had some seriously high expectations coming into the year and fans have been waiting for a small spurt to kick-start their season. The good play correlates with the addition of Carmelo Anthony and it's hard to complain about what he's giving this club. The former All-Star is averaging 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game which exceeded most expectations when he signed a few weeks ago. If he can continue to do that while Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Hassan Whiteside all keep performing, this club should fight their way back into playoff contention.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning their last five games against Orlando.
The Magic (12-16) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games, with all five fixtures coming against tough competition. In fact, they took defeats at the hands of the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks in that span. Those were five of the biggest favorites to reach the Finals this season and Orlando fans are just happy to see that portion of the schedule behind them. There is one glaring issue that doesn't have to do with the schedule though, as the offense continues to struggle. The Magic currently sit 29th in scoring with just 103.5 points per game and if that continues, this team will have a tough time reaching the postseason.
The Trail Blazers (12-16) have won three of their last four headed into this matchup and that's an extremely promising sign for the future. This is a club that had some seriously high expectations coming into the year and fans have been waiting for a small spurt to kick-start their season. The good play correlates with the addition of Carmelo Anthony and it's hard to complain about what he's giving this club. The former All-Star is averaging 16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game which exceeded most expectations when he signed a few weeks ago. If he can continue to do that while Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Hassan Whiteside all keep performing, this club should fight their way back into playoff contention.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning their last five games against Orlando.
Warriors Host Pelicans on Friday
The New Orleans Pelicans travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Friday.
The Pelicans (7-22) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA and the only team with an inferior record in the west is their opponent here. As you'll see, the Warriors have had a series of unfortunate events to get to that point and New Orleans really can't make that excuse. While Zion Williamson's injury did hamper the roster, there was still plenty of talent on this roster to compete. Players like Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday, J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball and Derrick Favors form a solid starting-five and it's simply unacceptable to be playing this poorly. All of the issues point to one thing and it's their effort on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, this club currently sits bottom-three in defensive efficiency and points allowed and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
The Warriors (5-24) have the worst record in the NBA right now. That's a truly miraculous fall off from a team who was battling for a championship every year for the last decade but it's really no surprise when looking at the roster. Kevin Durant is in Brooklyn, DeMarcus Cousins is in Los Angeles, Klay Thompson tore his ACL last season and Stephen Curry broke his hand in the opening weeks. That's about two decades worth of All-Stars out of the lineup and it doesn't even take into consideration that they've had to deal with injuries from guys like D'Angelo Russell, Kevon Looney and Draymond Green this season. That has left this roster extremely thin and it has them squarely in line to land a top pick in next year's draft. The good news about that is the fact that Curry and Thompson will be back next season and that'll be a beautiful pairing with whatever top pick they land. While it's a dark season, look for things to turn around quickly right when this season mercifully finishes.
These teams have already played twice this season, splitting those two meetings. Prior to that, the Warriors won 23 of their previous 25 games over the Pelicans dating back six seasons.
The Pelicans (7-22) have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA and the only team with an inferior record in the west is their opponent here. As you'll see, the Warriors have had a series of unfortunate events to get to that point and New Orleans really can't make that excuse. While Zion Williamson's injury did hamper the roster, there was still plenty of talent on this roster to compete. Players like Brandon Ingram, Jrue Holiday, J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball and Derrick Favors form a solid starting-five and it's simply unacceptable to be playing this poorly. All of the issues point to one thing and it's their effort on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, this club currently sits bottom-three in defensive efficiency and points allowed and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
The Warriors (5-24) have the worst record in the NBA right now. That's a truly miraculous fall off from a team who was battling for a championship every year for the last decade but it's really no surprise when looking at the roster. Kevin Durant is in Brooklyn, DeMarcus Cousins is in Los Angeles, Klay Thompson tore his ACL last season and Stephen Curry broke his hand in the opening weeks. That's about two decades worth of All-Stars out of the lineup and it doesn't even take into consideration that they've had to deal with injuries from guys like D'Angelo Russell, Kevon Looney and Draymond Green this season. That has left this roster extremely thin and it has them squarely in line to land a top pick in next year's draft. The good news about that is the fact that Curry and Thompson will be back next season and that'll be a beautiful pairing with whatever top pick they land. While it's a dark season, look for things to turn around quickly right when this season mercifully finishes.
These teams have already played twice this season, splitting those two meetings. Prior to that, the Warriors won 23 of their previous 25 games over the Pelicans dating back six seasons.