Celtics Host Heat In Battle Of Playoff Contenders
The Boston Celtics will host the Miami Heat at TD Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (35-32) are coming off one of their worst performances of the season Friday, as they suffered a huge 121-99 road loss against the Chicago Bulls. Kemba Walker was the leading scorer for the Celtics and at times carried the team on his own offensively -- he finished with 33 points The only other player who scored at least 15 points was Evan Fournier, who ended with 17 points. Jayson Tatum only had nine points (3-15 FG). Tristan Thompson ended with eight points. That said, the Celtics were woeful on both ends of the court and are in dire need of a bounceback performance. This is a key game for the Celtics as well, as they sit one game behind the Heat in the Eastern Conference standings with only a few contests left in the schedule. Boston could be confident in its chances to come away with the win since the Celtics own a 21-13 mark at home in 2020-21.
The Heat (36-31) are coming off a 121-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves the last time out, and that win means Miami has now won four of its last five games. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 27 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jimmy Butler supplied 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Goran Dragic delivered 23 points, four boards and three assists. Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn poured in 12 points. Miami will try to avenge the 107-105 loss it suffered against Boston earlier this season, and if the Heat is going to pull the upset, they have the track record to believe in their chances -- they've gone 16-16 on the road this season.
The Celtics (35-32) are coming off one of their worst performances of the season Friday, as they suffered a huge 121-99 road loss against the Chicago Bulls. Kemba Walker was the leading scorer for the Celtics and at times carried the team on his own offensively -- he finished with 33 points The only other player who scored at least 15 points was Evan Fournier, who ended with 17 points. Jayson Tatum only had nine points (3-15 FG). Tristan Thompson ended with eight points. That said, the Celtics were woeful on both ends of the court and are in dire need of a bounceback performance. This is a key game for the Celtics as well, as they sit one game behind the Heat in the Eastern Conference standings with only a few contests left in the schedule. Boston could be confident in its chances to come away with the win since the Celtics own a 21-13 mark at home in 2020-21.
The Heat (36-31) are coming off a 121-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves the last time out, and that win means Miami has now won four of its last five games. Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 27 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Jimmy Butler supplied 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals. Goran Dragic delivered 23 points, four boards and three assists. Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kendrick Nunn poured in 12 points. Miami will try to avenge the 107-105 loss it suffered against Boston earlier this season, and if the Heat is going to pull the upset, they have the track record to believe in their chances -- they've gone 16-16 on the road this season.
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Mavericks and Cavaliers Set for Midwest Battle
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (39-28) hold the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference by just a half-game, giving them plenty of motivation to keep pushing for as many wins as possible Dallas has been able to stack plenty up lately, prevailing in nine of their last 11 games. Their most recent success came against the same Cavaliers they'll face Sunday, as they toppled Cleveland by a 110-90 score Friday night. Luka Doncic led the way with 24 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Tim Hardaway furnished 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Josh Richardson supplied 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
The Mavericks will continue without Kristaps Porzingis (knee) for Sunday's game. Maxi Kleber (Achilles) will carry a questionable tag.
The Cavaliers'(21-46) loss to the Mavericks on Friday was Cleveland's ninth consecutive and 12th in the last 13 overall. Against Dallas, Collin Sexton led the way with 27 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Cedi Osman tallied 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Isaac Okoro compiled 15 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers will list Darius Garland (ankle) and Lamar Stevens (concussion) as out for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead courtesy of their win Friday night.
The Mavericks (39-28) hold the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference by just a half-game, giving them plenty of motivation to keep pushing for as many wins as possible Dallas has been able to stack plenty up lately, prevailing in nine of their last 11 games. Their most recent success came against the same Cavaliers they'll face Sunday, as they toppled Cleveland by a 110-90 score Friday night. Luka Doncic led the way with 24 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Tim Hardaway furnished 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Josh Richardson supplied 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
The Mavericks will continue without Kristaps Porzingis (knee) for Sunday's game. Maxi Kleber (Achilles) will carry a questionable tag.
The Cavaliers'(21-46) loss to the Mavericks on Friday was Cleveland's ninth consecutive and 12th in the last 13 overall. Against Dallas, Collin Sexton led the way with 27 points, adding four rebounds and four assists. Cedi Osman tallied 22 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Isaac Okoro compiled 15 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers will list Darius Garland (ankle) and Lamar Stevens (concussion) as out for Sunday's contest.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Mavericks hold a 1-0 series lead courtesy of their win Friday night.
Timberwolves and Magic Meet in Battle of Non-Contenders
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday night.
The Timberwolves (20-47) have been an improved squad overall during the second half of the season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest having dropped three straight games following a four-game winning streak. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Miami Heat by a 121-110 score. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Edwards followed with 25 points, six boards, three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio contributed 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt furnished eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five steals and two blocks.
The Timberwolves will remain without Jaden McDaniels (personal) and Malik Beasley (hamstring) for Sunday's contest.
The Magic (21-46) have endured a season not very dissimilar from that of Minnesota's, although they'll come into Sunday's game with a 3-3 mark over their last six contests. Orlando's most recent time on the floor did result in one of those losses, as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets by a 122-112 score Friday night. Dwayne Bacon led the Magic with 28 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony contributed 20 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. R.J. Hampton supplied 16 points, five boards and three assists. Gary Harris netted 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Chasson Randle registered 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The Magic will continue without James Ennis (calf), Terrence Ross (back), Otto Porter (foot), Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) and Chuma Okeke (ankle) for Sunday's game. Wendell Carter, Jr. (eye) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 97-96 win Jan. 20.
The Timberwolves (20-47) have been an improved squad overall during the second half of the season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest having dropped three straight games following a four-game winning streak. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Miami Heat by a 121-110 score. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 27 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Edwards followed with 25 points, six boards, three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell managed 17 points, four assists and three rebounds. Ricky Rubio contributed 16 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt furnished eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five steals and two blocks.
The Timberwolves will remain without Jaden McDaniels (personal) and Malik Beasley (hamstring) for Sunday's contest.
The Magic (21-46) have endured a season not very dissimilar from that of Minnesota's, although they'll come into Sunday's game with a 3-3 mark over their last six contests. Orlando's most recent time on the floor did result in one of those losses, as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets by a 122-112 score Friday night. Dwayne Bacon led the Magic with 28 points, complementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Cole Anthony contributed 20 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. R.J. Hampton supplied 16 points, five boards and three assists. Gary Harris netted 12 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Chasson Randle registered 11 points, four assists and two rebounds.
The Magic will continue without James Ennis (calf), Terrence Ross (back), Otto Porter (foot), Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) and Chuma Okeke (ankle) for Sunday's game. Wendell Carter, Jr. (eye) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 97-96 win Jan. 20.
Hornets Look To Build Momentum At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Hornets (33-34) are coming off a win in their most recent contest, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to build some momentum and add to their, 18-15, home record, as they face the third game of a five-game home stand. Terry Rozier leads the team, averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals, in 34 minutes per game. LaMelo Ball is averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Miles Bridges is averaging 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Devonte Graham (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Hornets average 109.7 points per game, which is ninth fewest in the league and they are shooting an average of 45.8 percent from the field, which is 10th lowest in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 111.5 points per game, and they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.6 percent from the field. Gordon Hayward (foot) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (30-37) are coming off a loss in their most recent outing, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 12-20, road record, as they face the second game of a five-game road trip. Zion Williamson (thumb) will remain sidelined, while Brandon Ingram (ankle) is listed as questionable for action. Lonzo Ball is averaging 14.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, while Eric Bledsoe is averaging 12.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. The Pelicans are averaging 115.0 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 47.9 percent from the field, which is also seventh best in the league. However, they are giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
The Hornets (33-34) are coming off a win in their most recent contest, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to build some momentum and add to their, 18-15, home record, as they face the third game of a five-game home stand. Terry Rozier leads the team, averaging 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals, in 34 minutes per game. LaMelo Ball is averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game, while Miles Bridges is averaging 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Devonte Graham (knee) is listed as questionable for action. The Hornets average 109.7 points per game, which is ninth fewest in the league and they are shooting an average of 45.8 percent from the field, which is 10th lowest in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 111.5 points per game, and they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.6 percent from the field. Gordon Hayward (foot) remains out.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (30-37) are coming off a loss in their most recent outing, but they are, 5-5, in their last 10 games. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 12-20, road record, as they face the second game of a five-game road trip. Zion Williamson (thumb) will remain sidelined, while Brandon Ingram (ankle) is listed as questionable for action. Lonzo Ball is averaging 14.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, while Eric Bledsoe is averaging 12.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game. The Pelicans are averaging 115.0 points per game, which is seventh most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 47.9 percent from the field, which is also seventh best in the league. However, they are giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
Bulls Looking To Extend Winning Run, Visit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons will host the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night.
The Pistons (20-48) are thinking about the future already and enter this game, which will be the second half of a back-to-back set, fresh off a 118-108 away loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. Six Detroit players scored in double digits during the loss against the 76ers, but no player reached the 15-point mark. Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey each had 14 points, though it's worth noting Bey also pulled down seven rebounds while Grant added four boards and two blocks. Mason Plumlee had 12 points with six rebounds and five assists, while Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points. Frank Jackson had 11 points and Killian Hayes added 10 as well. The Pistons have now lost five of their last six games and while they own a 13-19 mark at home this season, the fact that they have almost nothing to play for makes it hard to predict just how motivated and intense they'll be.
The Bulls (28-39) remain alive in the race for a play-in berth with only a few games left in the schedule and are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season since they posted a 121-99 victory over the Boston Celtics the last time out. Zach LaVine and Coby White were nothing short of a dynamic backcourt duo for the Bulls and both ended with 25 points in this contest -- while LaVine also added five rebounds, two assists and two steals, White chipped in with seven rebounds and five dimes. Nikola Vucevic only scored 18 points, but he posted a triple-double since he also notched 14 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with two steals. No other Chicago player scored in double digits. This means Chicago is now in a two-game winning streak -- over two playoff contenders such as the Charlotte Hornets and the Celtics -- and will try to make it three in a row here.
The Pistons (20-48) are thinking about the future already and enter this game, which will be the second half of a back-to-back set, fresh off a 118-108 away loss against the Philadelphia 76ers. Six Detroit players scored in double digits during the loss against the 76ers, but no player reached the 15-point mark. Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey each had 14 points, though it's worth noting Bey also pulled down seven rebounds while Grant added four boards and two blocks. Mason Plumlee had 12 points with six rebounds and five assists, while Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points. Frank Jackson had 11 points and Killian Hayes added 10 as well. The Pistons have now lost five of their last six games and while they own a 13-19 mark at home this season, the fact that they have almost nothing to play for makes it hard to predict just how motivated and intense they'll be.
The Bulls (28-39) remain alive in the race for a play-in berth with only a few games left in the schedule and are coming off one of their biggest wins of the season since they posted a 121-99 victory over the Boston Celtics the last time out. Zach LaVine and Coby White were nothing short of a dynamic backcourt duo for the Bulls and both ended with 25 points in this contest -- while LaVine also added five rebounds, two assists and two steals, White chipped in with seven rebounds and five dimes. Nikola Vucevic only scored 18 points, but he posted a triple-double since he also notched 14 rebounds and 10 assists to go along with two steals. No other Chicago player scored in double digits. This means Chicago is now in a two-game winning streak -- over two playoff contenders such as the Charlotte Hornets and the Celtics -- and will try to make it three in a row here.
Lakers Host Suns on Sunday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on Sunday.
The Suns (48-19) continue to pummel their opponents, winning six of their last seven games coming into this matchup. This has been going on for months, though, with Phoenix owning one of the best records in the NBA since an 8-8 start. That actually means that they have 40 wins in their last 51 games in total, earning them the two-seed in the Western Conference. They're actually just one game back of the Utah Jazz in first and appear to be locked into one of those top-two seeds with only a handful of games remaining. That's a heck of an accomplishment for an organization that hasn't sniffed the postseason in a decade, and it's a testament to just how much they've grown.
The Lakers (37-30) have been freefalling down the standings ever since LeBron James went down, entering this matchup, losing eight of their last 10 games. The most recent defeat on Friday might have been the most important of the season, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers, 106-101. Those two teams were tied for the six-seed in the west, and that's the goal for many of these clubs. That's the final seed that avoids the dreaded play-in tournament, and the Lakers have an uphill battle to avoid that after this defeat. In any case, they are expected to get LBJ back before the postseason, and this is a club no one wants to face, no matter where they fall in the standings.
These teams have played twice this season, with Phoenix winning both outings. Before that, the Lakers won 10 of their previous 12 games over the Suns in this series.
The Suns (48-19) continue to pummel their opponents, winning six of their last seven games coming into this matchup. This has been going on for months, though, with Phoenix owning one of the best records in the NBA since an 8-8 start. That actually means that they have 40 wins in their last 51 games in total, earning them the two-seed in the Western Conference. They're actually just one game back of the Utah Jazz in first and appear to be locked into one of those top-two seeds with only a handful of games remaining. That's a heck of an accomplishment for an organization that hasn't sniffed the postseason in a decade, and it's a testament to just how much they've grown.
The Lakers (37-30) have been freefalling down the standings ever since LeBron James went down, entering this matchup, losing eight of their last 10 games. The most recent defeat on Friday might have been the most important of the season, losing to the Portland Trail Blazers, 106-101. Those two teams were tied for the six-seed in the west, and that's the goal for many of these clubs. That's the final seed that avoids the dreaded play-in tournament, and the Lakers have an uphill battle to avoid that after this defeat. In any case, they are expected to get LBJ back before the postseason, and this is a club no one wants to face, no matter where they fall in the standings.
These teams have played twice this season, with Phoenix winning both outings. Before that, the Lakers won 10 of their previous 12 games over the Suns in this series.
Thunder Look To Bounce Back On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of back-to-back for the Thunder (21-47), as they are coming off an ugly loss in Golden State on Saturday night. They trailed by 12 points after the first quarter and were down by 25 points, at halftime. Things got worse for the Thunder in the third quarter, as they fell behind by another 14 points, to make the deficit 39, heading into the final frame. The Thunder had no answers in the fourth and took their sixth straight loss in blowout fashion. Svi Mykhailiuk led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists, in the loss, while Luguentz Dort followed up with 16 points and four rebounds, and Jaylen Hoard and Kenrich Williams added 13 points each. The Thunder will look to bounce back and end the slide, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip. They are, 12-22, on the road.
Meanwhile, the Kings (29-38) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 14-19, home record, as they face the second game of a three-game home stand. Tyrese Haliburton (knee) will be sidelined, while De'Aaron Fox (illness) and Harrison Barnes (groin) are both listed as questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Richaun Holmes averages 14.4 points, 8.5 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.
This marks the second game of back-to-back for the Thunder (21-47), as they are coming off an ugly loss in Golden State on Saturday night. They trailed by 12 points after the first quarter and were down by 25 points, at halftime. Things got worse for the Thunder in the third quarter, as they fell behind by another 14 points, to make the deficit 39, heading into the final frame. The Thunder had no answers in the fourth and took their sixth straight loss in blowout fashion. Svi Mykhailiuk led the way with 17 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists, in the loss, while Luguentz Dort followed up with 16 points and four rebounds, and Jaylen Hoard and Kenrich Williams added 13 points each. The Thunder will look to bounce back and end the slide, as they face the third game of a four-game road trip. They are, 12-22, on the road.
Meanwhile, the Kings (29-38) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 14-19, home record, as they face the second game of a three-game home stand. Tyrese Haliburton (knee) will be sidelined, while De'Aaron Fox (illness) and Harrison Barnes (groin) are both listed as questionable for action. Buddy Hield is averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists, while Richaun Holmes averages 14.4 points, 8.5 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.