Suns and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Clash
The Phoenix Suns take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.
The Suns (46-18) have enjoyed a stellar season overall, but they may be at their pinnacle at the moment. Phoenix comes into Tuesday's game having won four straight games and six of eight overall, and Monty Williams' squad is also currently tied with the Jazz atop the Western Conference. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they edged by a 123-120 score Sunday night. Devin Booker led the way with 32 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Chris Paul and Torrey Craig produced matching 18-point tallies while contributing 11 assists and 10 rebounds, respectively. Mikal Bridges supplied 17 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Cameron Johnson furnished 12 points, two rebounds and one steal.
The Suns will list Jae Crowder (ankle) as out for Tuesday's contest. Cameron Payne (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers (21-43) are essentially playing out the string at this point, and they come in having lost six straight and nine of 10 games overall. Cleveland's latest stumble unfolded Saturday night, when they dropped a 124-107 decision to the Miami Heat. Collin Sexton and Kevin Love co-led the Cavaliers with 25 points apiece while dishing out eight and six assists, respectively. Dean Wade totaled 18 points, two rebounds and one assist. Cedi Osman compiled 15 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Isaac Okoro supplied 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers are expected to remain without Darius Garland (ankle), Lamar Stevens (concussion) and Isaiah Hartenstein (concussion) for Tuesday's game.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 119-113 win back on Feb. 6.
The Suns (46-18) have enjoyed a stellar season overall, but they may be at their pinnacle at the moment. Phoenix comes into Tuesday's game having won four straight games and six of eight overall, and Monty Williams' squad is also currently tied with the Jazz atop the Western Conference. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they edged by a 123-120 score Sunday night. Devin Booker led the way with 32 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Chris Paul and Torrey Craig produced matching 18-point tallies while contributing 11 assists and 10 rebounds, respectively. Mikal Bridges supplied 17 points, two assists, one rebound and one steal. Cameron Johnson furnished 12 points, two rebounds and one steal.
The Suns will list Jae Crowder (ankle) as out for Tuesday's contest. Cameron Payne (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers (21-43) are essentially playing out the string at this point, and they come in having lost six straight and nine of 10 games overall. Cleveland's latest stumble unfolded Saturday night, when they dropped a 124-107 decision to the Miami Heat. Collin Sexton and Kevin Love co-led the Cavaliers with 25 points apiece while dishing out eight and six assists, respectively. Dean Wade totaled 18 points, two rebounds and one assist. Cedi Osman compiled 15 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and one steal. Isaac Okoro supplied 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers are expected to remain without Darius Garland (ankle), Lamar Stevens (concussion) and Isaiah Hartenstein (concussion) for Tuesday's game.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 119-113 win back on Feb. 6.
Hornets Looking To Bounce Back, Visit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons will host the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Pistons (19-46) suffered yet another loss Monday, as they fell by a 119-112 score against the Orlando Magic -- in a game where Saddiq Bey led Detroit with an impressive 26-point, nine-rebound effort, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Hamidou Diallo registered 16 points and seven rebounds, while Frank Jackson looked impressive off the bench and delivered 19 points with two rebounds and two assists. Tyler Cook ended with 13 points and three rebounds. No other Detroit player scored in double digits. The Pistons have been struggling massively at home this season and own a 12-18 record when playing at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit has also gone 2-4 in their last six games, but their recent win ended a two-game losing streak.
The Hornets (31-33) are coming off a 121-111 loss against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Charlotte was led by P.J. Washington, generating 21 points, six rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges totaled 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists while LaMelo Ball finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points and nine boards. The Hornets might be depleted for this game since players such as Gordon Hayward (foot) and Devonte Graham (knee) are not expected to feature due to injuries, but the return of LaMelo Ball should provide a huge boost offensively for the final weeks of the regular season. Charlotte has gone just 2-3 in their last five games and enter this matchup on the heels of a two-game losing streak.
The Pistons (19-46) suffered yet another loss Monday, as they fell by a 119-112 score against the Orlando Magic -- in a game where Saddiq Bey led Detroit with an impressive 26-point, nine-rebound effort, while Isaiah Stewart contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. Hamidou Diallo registered 16 points and seven rebounds, while Frank Jackson looked impressive off the bench and delivered 19 points with two rebounds and two assists. Tyler Cook ended with 13 points and three rebounds. No other Detroit player scored in double digits. The Pistons have been struggling massively at home this season and own a 12-18 record when playing at Little Caesars Arena. Detroit has also gone 2-4 in their last six games, but their recent win ended a two-game losing streak.
The Hornets (31-33) are coming off a 121-111 loss against the Miami Heat on Sunday. Charlotte was led by P.J. Washington, generating 21 points, six rebounds and three steals. Miles Bridges totaled 15 points, four rebounds and five assists. Terry Rozier had 14 points, three rebounds and three assists while LaMelo Ball finished with 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Jalen McDaniels led the bench with 12 points and nine boards. The Hornets might be depleted for this game since players such as Gordon Hayward (foot) and Devonte Graham (knee) are not expected to feature due to injuries, but the return of LaMelo Ball should provide a huge boost offensively for the final weeks of the regular season. Charlotte has gone just 2-3 in their last five games and enter this matchup on the heels of a two-game losing streak.
Nets and Bucks Set for Marquee Rematch
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.
The Nets (43-22) have been streaky down the stretch run, and they'll enter Tuesday's rematch having followed up a four-game winning streak with a two-game skid. Brooklyn's most recent stumble came Sunday against the same Bucks team they'll face Tuesday, as they dropped a 117-114 decision Sunday afternoon. Kevin Durant led the Nets with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving supplied 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Landry Shamet registered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Blake Griffin turned in 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Deandre Jordan generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Nets will continue without James Harden (hamstring) for Tuesday's game.
The Bucks (40-24) have had some trouble with consistency in their own right this season, but Sunday's win over Brooklyn was their fifth in the last seven games. In that contest, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 49 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Khris Middleton generated a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday delivered 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Bryn Forbes poured in 12 points.
The Bucks will list Bobby Portis (illness) as probable for Tuesday's contest. Jeff Teague (abdomen) will be out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Nets having notched a 125-123 win Jan. 18 and the Bucks having countered with Sunday's victory.
The Nets (43-22) have been streaky down the stretch run, and they'll enter Tuesday's rematch having followed up a four-game winning streak with a two-game skid. Brooklyn's most recent stumble came Sunday against the same Bucks team they'll face Tuesday, as they dropped a 117-114 decision Sunday afternoon. Kevin Durant led the Nets with 42 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving supplied 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Landry Shamet registered 17 points, three boards and two assists. Blake Griffin turned in 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Deandre Jordan generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Nets will continue without James Harden (hamstring) for Tuesday's game.
The Bucks (40-24) have had some trouble with consistency in their own right this season, but Sunday's win over Brooklyn was their fifth in the last seven games. In that contest, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 49 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Khris Middleton generated a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Jrue Holiday delivered 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Bryn Forbes poured in 12 points.
The Bucks will list Bobby Portis (illness) as probable for Tuesday's contest. Jeff Teague (abdomen) will be out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Nets having notched a 125-123 win Jan. 18 and the Bucks having countered with Sunday's victory.
Pelicans, Warriors Meet For Second Straight Night
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday evening.
The Warriors (33-32) delivered an excellent performance Monday and secured a big 123-108 win over the Pelicans on Monday. Stephen Curry carried the Warriors with an impressive 41-point performance that also included eight assists and four rebounds -- he made 14 of his 26 shots despite going just 8-for-18 from three-point range. Andrew Wiggins had an impressive performance as well and finished with 26 points and four rebounds, while Draymond Green contributed a triple-double after ending with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists -- he also had three steals and two blocks. Juan Toscano-Anderson added 14 points off the bench. Golden State has been trending in the right direction of late and has won seven of its last 11 games. This run of results has come at a great time for them since they've been quite poor on the road -- winning just 14 of 35 games away from Chase Center.
The Pelicans (29-36) will have the perfect opportunity for revenge, as they will try to bounce back from Monday's 15-point loss against Golden State. Zion Williamson was the Pelicans' top offensive threat in that game and finished with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram notched 19 points. Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 10 points and seven boards. Lonzo Ball had seven points while shooting only 3-for-18 from the field. The Pelicans are seven games under the .500 threshold and their chances of playing in the play-in tournament are looking quite slim -- a defeat on Tuesday would probably end their chances altogether. A win is imperative for the Pelicans and they will rely on their home record to do so -- they've gone 17-17 at Smoothie King Center thus far.
The Warriors (33-32) delivered an excellent performance Monday and secured a big 123-108 win over the Pelicans on Monday. Stephen Curry carried the Warriors with an impressive 41-point performance that also included eight assists and four rebounds -- he made 14 of his 26 shots despite going just 8-for-18 from three-point range. Andrew Wiggins had an impressive performance as well and finished with 26 points and four rebounds, while Draymond Green contributed a triple-double after ending with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists -- he also had three steals and two blocks. Juan Toscano-Anderson added 14 points off the bench. Golden State has been trending in the right direction of late and has won seven of its last 11 games. This run of results has come at a great time for them since they've been quite poor on the road -- winning just 14 of 35 games away from Chase Center.
The Pelicans (29-36) will have the perfect opportunity for revenge, as they will try to bounce back from Monday's 15-point loss against Golden State. Zion Williamson was the Pelicans' top offensive threat in that game and finished with 32 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram notched 19 points. Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Willy Hernangomez chipped in with 10 points and seven boards. Lonzo Ball had seven points while shooting only 3-for-18 from the field. The Pelicans are seven games under the .500 threshold and their chances of playing in the play-in tournament are looking quite slim -- a defeat on Tuesday would probably end their chances altogether. A win is imperative for the Pelicans and they will rely on their home record to do so -- they've gone 17-17 at Smoothie King Center thus far.
Heat Look To Build On Three-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Heat (35-30) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They will look to keep rolling and add to their, 19-14, home record, as they face the first game of a two-game home stand. Jimmy Butler continues to lead the Heat, averaging 21.5 points, 7.2 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is also playing well, averaging 19.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks, while Kendrick Nunn is averaging 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Heat are averaging 107.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Victor Oladipo (knee) and Tyler Herro (foot) remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (36-28), have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to bounce back and add to their, 19-13, road record, building on a two-game win streak on the road. Luka Doncic leads the Mavericks, averaging 28.6 points, 8.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Dorian Finney-Smith is playing well lately, averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals, over his last nine games. Josh Richardson is averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Mavs do a great job taking care of the ball, as they limit themselves to 11.5 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. They do a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 110.0 points per game, which is eight fewest in the league. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) has missed the last two contests and remains questionable for action on Tuesday.
The Heat (35-30) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They will look to keep rolling and add to their, 19-14, home record, as they face the first game of a two-game home stand. Jimmy Butler continues to lead the Heat, averaging 21.5 points, 7.2 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is also playing well, averaging 19.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks, while Kendrick Nunn is averaging 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Heat are averaging 107.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 107.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league. Victor Oladipo (knee) and Tyler Herro (foot) remain sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (36-28), have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to bounce back and add to their, 19-13, road record, building on a two-game win streak on the road. Luka Doncic leads the Mavericks, averaging 28.6 points, 8.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Dorian Finney-Smith is playing well lately, averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals, over his last nine games. Josh Richardson is averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Mavs do a great job taking care of the ball, as they limit themselves to 11.5 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league. They do a good job on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 110.0 points per game, which is eight fewest in the league. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) has missed the last two contests and remains questionable for action on Tuesday.
Thunder Look To End Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Sacramento Kings at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Thunder (21-44) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They will look to bounce back and improve on their, 9-24, home record, as they face the fourth and final game of their home stand. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), who has missed over a month of action, will remain sidelined through Tuesday. Darius Bazley continues to play well, averaging 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 rebounds, while Theo Maledon is averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. The Thunder are averaging 105.4 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.3 percent from the field, which is also third worst in the league. They are also struggling on the defensive end, giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kings (27-37) have won their last two in a row, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their, 13-19, road record, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip. Tyrese Haliburton (knee) was forced to leave the last contest with an injury and remains questionable for action on Tuesday, while De'Aaron Fox (illness) and Harrison Barnes (groin) are both also listed as questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while Richaun Holmes averages 14.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. The Kings have been solid on the offensive end, averaging 114.3 points per game, while shooting an average of 48.3 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league, but they are giving up a league-worst 119.0 points per game.
The Thunder (21-44) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They will look to bounce back and improve on their, 9-24, home record, as they face the fourth and final game of their home stand. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), who has missed over a month of action, will remain sidelined through Tuesday. Darius Bazley continues to play well, averaging 18.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. Luguentz Dort is averaging 14.2 points and 3.7 rebounds, while Theo Maledon is averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. The Thunder are averaging 105.4 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.3 percent from the field, which is also third worst in the league. They are also struggling on the defensive end, giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Kings (27-37) have won their last two in a row, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their, 13-19, road record, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip. Tyrese Haliburton (knee) was forced to leave the last contest with an injury and remains questionable for action on Tuesday, while De'Aaron Fox (illness) and Harrison Barnes (groin) are both also listed as questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists, while Richaun Holmes averages 14.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. The Kings have been solid on the offensive end, averaging 114.3 points per game, while shooting an average of 48.3 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league, but they are giving up a league-worst 119.0 points per game.
Clippers Host Raptors on Tuesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on Tuesday.
The Raptors (27-38) just had one of their most impressive wins of the season on Sunday, beating the Los Angeles Lakers on the road, 121-114. That was a Lakers team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making it one of the most shocking wins of the year for Toronto. It wouldn't be that surprising if Toronto were playing up to expectations, but this has been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. They are now three games back of the 10-seed in the east, and that's quite the margin to make up with only seven games remaining. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam combined for 76 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in that gen on Sunday, and performances like those make the horrible season all the more shocking.
The Clippers (43-22) come into this matchup, losing three-straight games, which might end any hopes of grabbing the top seed in the Western Conference. They now find themselves 3.5 games back, sitting fourth in the west. They are clear of the teams behind them, though, so that does mean they'll have homecourt through at least the first round of the postseason. What's more important is the fact that this club is finally getting healthy. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are back now, and that's all Clippers and could ask for. The only piece missing is Serge Ibaka, and there's some thought that he could return before the regular season ends in about 10 days.
These teams played twice last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the two-game season series. The Raptors actually swept the 2019 season before that, which ironically followed up another Clippers sweep.
The Raptors (27-38) just had one of their most impressive wins of the season on Sunday, beating the Los Angeles Lakers on the road, 121-114. That was a Lakers team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, making it one of the most shocking wins of the year for Toronto. It wouldn't be that surprising if Toronto were playing up to expectations, but this has been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. They are now three games back of the 10-seed in the east, and that's quite the margin to make up with only seven games remaining. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam combined for 76 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in that gen on Sunday, and performances like those make the horrible season all the more shocking.
The Clippers (43-22) come into this matchup, losing three-straight games, which might end any hopes of grabbing the top seed in the Western Conference. They now find themselves 3.5 games back, sitting fourth in the west. They are clear of the teams behind them, though, so that does mean they'll have homecourt through at least the first round of the postseason. What's more important is the fact that this club is finally getting healthy. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are back now, and that's all Clippers and could ask for. The only piece missing is Serge Ibaka, and there's some thought that he could return before the regular season ends in about 10 days.
These teams played twice last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the two-game season series. The Raptors actually swept the 2019 season before that, which ironically followed up another Clippers sweep.