Hornets, Bulls Face Off In Eastern Conference Matchup
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center on Thursday evening.
The Hornets (32-33) are coming off a 102-99 win over the Detroit Pistons the last time out, and that means Charlotte has won two of its last three games. LaMelo Ball carried the Hornets in that game, as the rookie point guard ended with 23 points and seven rebounds, while also adding six assists and two steals. Caleb Martin had 17 points, while Terry Rozier mustered 18 points and six assists to go along with two boards. Jalen McDaniels mustered a double-double of 10 points and 12 boards, but he also added three steals. Brad Wanamaker (15 points) and Cody Zeller (11 points, eight rebounds) were productive off the bench. The Hornets have gone just 2-3 in their last five contests and have struggled in terms of consistency, but they can rely on their home record to get a positive result here since they've posted a 17-14 mark at home.
The Bulls (26-39) are fighting for their lives while hoping to earn a play-in berth, but their recent results have not been very good -- they're coming off a 106-94 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers and have now dropped four games in a row. Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 28 minutes. Thaddeus Young followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep. The Bulls should have a huge return ahead of this contest, however, with Zach LaVine (health protocols) set to return to the starting lineup ahead of this matchup. The Bulls have been struggling on the road as well, as they own a 14-19 mark away from United Center.
The Hornets (32-33) are coming off a 102-99 win over the Detroit Pistons the last time out, and that means Charlotte has won two of its last three games. LaMelo Ball carried the Hornets in that game, as the rookie point guard ended with 23 points and seven rebounds, while also adding six assists and two steals. Caleb Martin had 17 points, while Terry Rozier mustered 18 points and six assists to go along with two boards. Jalen McDaniels mustered a double-double of 10 points and 12 boards, but he also added three steals. Brad Wanamaker (15 points) and Cody Zeller (11 points, eight rebounds) were productive off the bench. The Hornets have gone just 2-3 in their last five contests and have struggled in terms of consistency, but they can rely on their home record to get a positive result here since they've posted a 17-14 mark at home.
The Bulls (26-39) are fighting for their lives while hoping to earn a play-in berth, but their recent results have not been very good -- they're coming off a 106-94 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers and have now dropped four games in a row. Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 28 minutes. Thaddeus Young followed up with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Daniel Theis finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Bulls shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep. The Bulls should have a huge return ahead of this contest, however, with Zach LaVine (health protocols) set to return to the starting lineup ahead of this matchup. The Bulls have been struggling on the road as well, as they own a 14-19 mark away from United Center.
Nets Looking To End Losing Streak, Visit Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will host the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on Thursday evening.
The Mavericks (37-28) are coming off a 127-113 win over the Miami Heat the last time out. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the high-point man for the Mavericks, with 36 points on 13-of-24 shooting, in 33 minutes. Luka Doncic totaled 23 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Jalen Brunson added 19 points, off the bench. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field, including 22-of-48 from long range in that game, and the victory means the Mavericks have now gone 4-1 over their last five contests. As if that wasn't enough, Dallas has also looked solid at home and owns a 17-15 record when playing in front of its fans.
The Nets (43-23) are moving in the wrong direction of late and are coming off a 124-118 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, a result that extended their losing run to three games. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Kevin Durant followed with 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 12 points, two boards and one steal. Jeff Green and Mike James generated matching 10-point tallies, with Green pulling down five rebounds and James dishing out three assists. The fact that the Nets dropped back-to-back games against the Bucks should be concerning for the team's title chances, and Brooklyn must find a way to turn things around. They own a 18-15 record on the road, but they've also posted a 2-3 mark in their last five outings.
The Mavericks (37-28) are coming off a 127-113 win over the Miami Heat the last time out. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the high-point man for the Mavericks, with 36 points on 13-of-24 shooting, in 33 minutes. Luka Doncic totaled 23 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Jalen Brunson added 19 points, off the bench. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field, including 22-of-48 from long range in that game, and the victory means the Mavericks have now gone 4-1 over their last five contests. As if that wasn't enough, Dallas has also looked solid at home and owns a 17-15 record when playing in front of its fans.
The Nets (43-23) are moving in the wrong direction of late and are coming off a 124-118 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks, a result that extended their losing run to three games. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 38 points, adding five assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Kevin Durant followed with 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 12 points, two boards and one steal. Jeff Green and Mike James generated matching 10-point tallies, with Green pulling down five rebounds and James dishing out three assists. The fact that the Nets dropped back-to-back games against the Bucks should be concerning for the team's title chances, and Brooklyn must find a way to turn things around. They own a 18-15 record on the road, but they've also posted a 2-3 mark in their last five outings.
Raptors Look To Get Back On Track At Amalie Arena
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Washington Wizards at Amalie Arena on Thursday evening.
The Raptors (27-39) are coming off a loss in their most recent contest, and they are 5-5 in their last 10 games. They will look to get back on track and improve on their, 16-16, home record, as they face the first game of a three-game home stand. Pascal Siakam leads the team, averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, while Fred VanVleet averages 19.5 points, 6.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Chris Boucher (knee) will remain out, while OG Anunoby (calf) is doubtful for action, and Gary Trent Jr. (leg) is listed as probable. The Raptors are shooting an average of 44.9 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league, but they limit themselves to 12.6 turnovers per game, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (30-36), as they are coming off a hard-fought loss in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. They got out to a good start in the contest with a, 37-29, lead after one quarter, and the high-scoring pace kept up through the second, with the score tied at 71, by halftime. The pace continued through the second half and after trailing late in the third, the Wizards used a, 9-0, run to take a brief lead. The contest went right down to the wire, but they ultimately came up short, as their defense could not make the necessary stops. Bradley Beal led the way with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. Russell Westbrook totaled 29 points, 17 assists, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Daniel Gafford totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards will look to bounce back and add to their, 13-19, road record, as they face the second game of a five-game road trip.
The Raptors (27-39) are coming off a loss in their most recent contest, and they are 5-5 in their last 10 games. They will look to get back on track and improve on their, 16-16, home record, as they face the first game of a three-game home stand. Pascal Siakam leads the team, averaging 21.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Kyle Lowry is averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game, while Fred VanVleet averages 19.5 points, 6.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Chris Boucher (knee) will remain out, while OG Anunoby (calf) is doubtful for action, and Gary Trent Jr. (leg) is listed as probable. The Raptors are shooting an average of 44.9 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league, but they limit themselves to 12.6 turnovers per game, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Wizards (30-36), as they are coming off a hard-fought loss in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. They got out to a good start in the contest with a, 37-29, lead after one quarter, and the high-scoring pace kept up through the second, with the score tied at 71, by halftime. The pace continued through the second half and after trailing late in the third, the Wizards used a, 9-0, run to take a brief lead. The contest went right down to the wire, but they ultimately came up short, as their defense could not make the necessary stops. Bradley Beal led the way with 42 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. Russell Westbrook totaled 29 points, 17 assists, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block, while Daniel Gafford totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block. The Wizards will look to bounce back and add to their, 13-19, road record, as they face the second game of a five-game road trip.
Pistons Host Grizzlies on Thursday
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to The Motor City to face the Detroit Pistons at Little Ceasar's Arena on Thursday.
The Grizzlies (33-32) are struggling a bit coming into this matchup, losing four of their last six games. The good news is that Memphis is essentially locked into the play-in tournament, and they really can't go up or down from here. What's equally as important is the fact that this club is finally getting healthy. Jaren Jackson Jr just made his season debut about a week ago, and if they can get him to play up to his sky-high potential, JJJ can be one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. They also need to get Ja Morant rolling like he was two weeks ago, too, with the young point guard barely cracking 10 points per game over the last five outings. A 37-point gem on Wednesday isn't included in that and that's the guy they need to see for the rest of the season.
The Pistons (19-47) come into this matchup losing four straight and seven of their last eight games in total. It's easy to understand why when looking at the roster, too, with Mason Plumlee, Jerami Grant, and Cory Joseph all resting regularly. It has allowed some of these youngsters to develop, and they continue to give guys like Killian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, and Isaiah Stewart big minutes. Some of them have shown flashes of brilliance, too, with Diallo dropping 35 points in that loss on Tuesday. He's shown that ability in his days with the Thunder, and they might have snuck a steal out of him in what's been an otherwise disappointing season from a management and roster perspective.
These teams played back on February 19, with Memphis prevailing, 109-95. That gives the Grizzlies three straight victories in this series, with all of them by double-digit margins.
The Grizzlies (33-32) are struggling a bit coming into this matchup, losing four of their last six games. The good news is that Memphis is essentially locked into the play-in tournament, and they really can't go up or down from here. What's equally as important is the fact that this club is finally getting healthy. Jaren Jackson Jr just made his season debut about a week ago, and if they can get him to play up to his sky-high potential, JJJ can be one of the most dangerous players in the NBA. They also need to get Ja Morant rolling like he was two weeks ago, too, with the young point guard barely cracking 10 points per game over the last five outings. A 37-point gem on Wednesday isn't included in that and that's the guy they need to see for the rest of the season.
The Pistons (19-47) come into this matchup losing four straight and seven of their last eight games in total. It's easy to understand why when looking at the roster, too, with Mason Plumlee, Jerami Grant, and Cory Joseph all resting regularly. It has allowed some of these youngsters to develop, and they continue to give guys like Killian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, and Isaiah Stewart big minutes. Some of them have shown flashes of brilliance, too, with Diallo dropping 35 points in that loss on Tuesday. He's shown that ability in his days with the Thunder, and they might have snuck a steal out of him in what's been an otherwise disappointing season from a management and roster perspective.
These teams played back on February 19, with Memphis prevailing, 109-95. That gives the Grizzlies three straight victories in this series, with all of them by double-digit margins.
Pacers Look To Rebound On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (30-35), as they are coming off a home loss against the Kings on Wednesday evening. They fell behind early in the contest and trailed by nine at halftime. They had no answers in the third and the deficit grew to 17, heading into the final frame. The Pacers put together a stronger fourth quarter, but it was not enough, as they fell for their second straight loss. Domantas Sabonis continued his strong play as he led the way on Wednesday, with 17 points, 13 rebonds, eight assists and a steal. Caris LeVert followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while T.J. McConnell added 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Pacers will look to bounce back and build on their, 11-20, home record, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip. Myles Turner (toe) will remain sidelined, while Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hawks (37-30), as they are coming off their third straight win on Wednesday night, where they topped the Suns at home. They got out to a hot start in the contest, with a 42-point first quarter, but they only led by two points at halftime. They took total control in the second half, where they outscored the visitors, 68-38, to close out the win. Seven players scored in double digits to power the Hawks in the win, led by Clint Capela, who totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Trae Young followed up with 16 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari chipped in 16 points each. The Hawks will look to keep rolling and build on their, 16-19, road record, as they look to end a four-game losing streak on the road.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (30-35), as they are coming off a home loss against the Kings on Wednesday evening. They fell behind early in the contest and trailed by nine at halftime. They had no answers in the third and the deficit grew to 17, heading into the final frame. The Pacers put together a stronger fourth quarter, but it was not enough, as they fell for their second straight loss. Domantas Sabonis continued his strong play as he led the way on Wednesday, with 17 points, 13 rebonds, eight assists and a steal. Caris LeVert followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while T.J. McConnell added 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and three steals. The Pacers will look to bounce back and build on their, 11-20, home record, as they face the second game of a three-game road trip. Myles Turner (toe) will remain sidelined, while Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hawks (37-30), as they are coming off their third straight win on Wednesday night, where they topped the Suns at home. They got out to a hot start in the contest, with a 42-point first quarter, but they only led by two points at halftime. They took total control in the second half, where they outscored the visitors, 68-38, to close out the win. Seven players scored in double digits to power the Hawks in the win, led by Clint Capela, who totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Trae Young followed up with 16 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and a steal, while Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari chipped in 16 points each. The Hawks will look to keep rolling and build on their, 16-19, road record, as they look to end a four-game losing streak on the road.
Thunder and Warriors Set for West Coast Battle
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Thursday night.
The Thunder (21-45) are simply playing out the string at this point of the season, and they'll check into Thursday's contest having dropped four straight games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, when they dropped a 103-99 decision to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Darius Bazley led the Thunder with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Gabriel Deck furnished 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Luguentz Dort totaled 10 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Hoard supplied nine points, seven assists, two assists and one block.
The Thunder will continue without Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) and Mike Muscala (ankle) for Thursday's game.
The Warriors (33-33) continue to jostle for postseason positioning in the Western Conference, and they'll come into Thursday with a 4-3 mark over their last seven. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those defeats, as Golden State dropped a 108-103 decision to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 37 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins registered 26 points, six boards, three assists and two blocks. Draymond Green mustered just seven points but also recorded 12 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Warriors are likely to list Kelly Oubre (wrist), Damion Lee (COVID-19 protocols) and Eric Paschall (hip) as no better than questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 147-109 win April 14.
The Thunder (21-45) are simply playing out the string at this point of the season, and they'll check into Thursday's contest having dropped four straight games. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday, when they dropped a 103-99 decision to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Darius Bazley led the Thunder with a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Gabriel Deck furnished 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Luguentz Dort totaled 10 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Hoard supplied nine points, seven assists, two assists and one block.
The Thunder will continue without Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) and Mike Muscala (ankle) for Thursday's game.
The Warriors (33-33) continue to jostle for postseason positioning in the Western Conference, and they'll come into Thursday with a 4-3 mark over their last seven. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those defeats, as Golden State dropped a 108-103 decision to the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 37 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins registered 26 points, six boards, three assists and two blocks. Draymond Green mustered just seven points but also recorded 12 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Warriors are likely to list Kelly Oubre (wrist), Damion Lee (COVID-19 protocols) and Eric Paschall (hip) as no better than questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 147-109 win April 14.
Lakers and Clippers Face Off on Shared Home Floor
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Thursday night.
The Lakers (37-28) have been dealing with plenty of adversity over the last several weeks, with the overwhelming majority of it tied into the ongoing health concerns surrounding LeBron James' ankle. The future Hall of Famer will remain out of action Thursday after already having missed the defending champions' most recent game, a 93-89 win over the Nuggets on Monday night that snapped a three-game losing streak. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 25 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Alex Caruso furnished 11 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marc Gasol produced matching 10-point, seven-rebound tallies.
In addition to James, the Lakers will be without Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) for Thursday's game. Davis (calf), Kyle Kuzma (thumb), Caldwell-Pope (ankle) and Gasol (finger) will carry probable designations, while Horton-Tucker (calf) will carry a questionable tag.
The Clippers (44-22), which enter Thursday as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, also snapped a three-game losing streak their last time on the floor with a 105-100 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Paul George and Marcus Morris co-led the Clippers with 22 points each while adding nine and six rebounds, respectively. Reggie Jackson supplied 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kawhi Leonard delivered 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers will remain without Serge Ibaka (back) and Amir Coffey (COVID-19 protocols) on Thursday.
Thursday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 116-109 and 104-86 wins Dec. 22 and April 4, respectively.
The Lakers (37-28) have been dealing with plenty of adversity over the last several weeks, with the overwhelming majority of it tied into the ongoing health concerns surrounding LeBron James' ankle. The future Hall of Famer will remain out of action Thursday after already having missed the defending champions' most recent game, a 93-89 win over the Nuggets on Monday night that snapped a three-game losing streak. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 25 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Alex Caruso furnished 11 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marc Gasol produced matching 10-point, seven-rebound tallies.
In addition to James, the Lakers will be without Dennis Schroder (COVID-19 protocols) for Thursday's game. Davis (calf), Kyle Kuzma (thumb), Caldwell-Pope (ankle) and Gasol (finger) will carry probable designations, while Horton-Tucker (calf) will carry a questionable tag.
The Clippers (44-22), which enter Thursday as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, also snapped a three-game losing streak their last time on the floor with a 105-100 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Paul George and Marcus Morris co-led the Clippers with 22 points each while adding nine and six rebounds, respectively. Reggie Jackson supplied 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kawhi Leonard delivered 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers will remain without Serge Ibaka (back) and Amir Coffey (COVID-19 protocols) on Thursday.
Thursday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 116-109 and 104-86 wins Dec. 22 and April 4, respectively.