Struggling Pistons Host Middling Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Motown to play the Detroit Pistons at Little Ceasar's Arena on Monday.
The Bucks (19-9) are in a minor slump for their standards, as they are just 6-5 across their last 11 games. The fact that this sort of stretch is considered a slump shows just how much this team has improved, with the Bucks maintaining as one of the best teams in the league. What's really made them dangerous is their offense, with Milwaukee sitting first in scoring and fourth in assists. Milwaukee also owns the best rebounding rate in the league, as they've truly developed into a fantastic team. It's easy to see why when looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo's stats, as he's leading this team with 26.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. That doesn't even consider the fact that he's also providing three combined blocks and steals per game, as he's truly developed into an MVP candidate.
The Pistons (14-13) swings this season have been absolutely incredible, as it's impossible to understand this team. They come into this matchup in a bad stretch, losing six of their last seven games. Prior to that, Detroit won seven of their previous eight games which followed-up a five-game losing streak. If that wasn't enough, all that happened after a 4-0 start. While Detroit still finds themselves north of .500, this sort of inconsistency has to drive fans crazy and it's really hard to understand why. What is easy to understand is where this team's strengths and weaknesses come from, as this team is run through its frontcourt. Both Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin are playing at all-star levels but they continue to get lackluster play from their backcourt. It's hard to compete in today's NBA with a weak backcourt and fans have to wonder if this style of play will hold up for an 82-game schedule.
Milwaukee blew out Detroit in their one meeting this season, prevailing 115-92, on December 5. That marked the Bucks sixth win in their last eight meetings with the Pistons.
The Bucks (19-9) are in a minor slump for their standards, as they are just 6-5 across their last 11 games. The fact that this sort of stretch is considered a slump shows just how much this team has improved, with the Bucks maintaining as one of the best teams in the league. What's really made them dangerous is their offense, with Milwaukee sitting first in scoring and fourth in assists. Milwaukee also owns the best rebounding rate in the league, as they've truly developed into a fantastic team. It's easy to see why when looking at Giannis Antetokounmpo's stats, as he's leading this team with 26.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. That doesn't even consider the fact that he's also providing three combined blocks and steals per game, as he's truly developed into an MVP candidate.
The Pistons (14-13) swings this season have been absolutely incredible, as it's impossible to understand this team. They come into this matchup in a bad stretch, losing six of their last seven games. Prior to that, Detroit won seven of their previous eight games which followed-up a five-game losing streak. If that wasn't enough, all that happened after a 4-0 start. While Detroit still finds themselves north of .500, this sort of inconsistency has to drive fans crazy and it's really hard to understand why. What is easy to understand is where this team's strengths and weaknesses come from, as this team is run through its frontcourt. Both Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin are playing at all-star levels but they continue to get lackluster play from their backcourt. It's hard to compete in today's NBA with a weak backcourt and fans have to wonder if this style of play will hold up for an 82-game schedule.
Milwaukee blew out Detroit in their one meeting this season, prevailing 115-92, on December 5. That marked the Bucks sixth win in their last eight meetings with the Pistons.
Knicks Host Suns With Both Teams Struggling
The Phoenix Suns travel to The Big Apples to play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Suns (6-24) come into this game winning their last two games, which is sadly their best stretch of the season. In fact, they had just four wins in their first 28 games prior to that, as this is easily one of the worst teams in the league. One bit of good news is that Devin Booker (hamstring) returned in the most recent victory, as he collected 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a vintage performance. He and DeAndre Ayton paint a bright future for this club and they just continue to add young assets. Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers were recently acquired by the Washington Wizards, as Phoenix parted ways with veteran Trevor Ariza. The rebuild is in full swing and Phoenix fans are just hopeful that a player like Oubre can add a new dynamic, despite the fact that this roster is full of wings already. What the Suns really need to fix is their lackluster offense, as they have too many good weapons to be sitting 29th in the league in scoring.
The Knicks (9-22) come into this matchup losing eight of their last 10 games, as they continue to slide down the standings. The losses are obviously discouraging but there are some things to get excited about. Most notably, these young players that have entered the starting lineup. Not only has Emmanuel Mudiay taken the reigns on this starting point guard job, but players like Noah Vonleh and Kevin Knox are also improving game-by-game. Having quality young pieces is something this club has been lacking in recent years, especially considering Kristaps Porzingis continues to miss time due to his knee injury. No one really knows if Porzingis will make it back this year but at least he'll have some solid players around him when he eventually does return.
These teams have traded off two-game season sweeps the last four years, as New York were the victors last year. In fact, the Knicks won both of their games over the Suns last year by double-digit margins.
The Suns (6-24) come into this game winning their last two games, which is sadly their best stretch of the season. In fact, they had just four wins in their first 28 games prior to that, as this is easily one of the worst teams in the league. One bit of good news is that Devin Booker (hamstring) returned in the most recent victory, as he collected 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a vintage performance. He and DeAndre Ayton paint a bright future for this club and they just continue to add young assets. Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers were recently acquired by the Washington Wizards, as Phoenix parted ways with veteran Trevor Ariza. The rebuild is in full swing and Phoenix fans are just hopeful that a player like Oubre can add a new dynamic, despite the fact that this roster is full of wings already. What the Suns really need to fix is their lackluster offense, as they have too many good weapons to be sitting 29th in the league in scoring.
The Knicks (9-22) come into this matchup losing eight of their last 10 games, as they continue to slide down the standings. The losses are obviously discouraging but there are some things to get excited about. Most notably, these young players that have entered the starting lineup. Not only has Emmanuel Mudiay taken the reigns on this starting point guard job, but players like Noah Vonleh and Kevin Knox are also improving game-by-game. Having quality young pieces is something this club has been lacking in recent years, especially considering Kristaps Porzingis continues to miss time due to his knee injury. No one really knows if Porzingis will make it back this year but at least he'll have some solid players around him when he eventually does return.
These teams have traded off two-game season sweeps the last four years, as New York were the victors last year. In fact, the Knicks won both of their games over the Suns last year by double-digit margins.
Rockets Riding Three-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Utah Jazz, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Rockets (14-14) looked great last week, with three straight wins over the Trail Blazers, Lakers and Grizzlies. James Harden was instrumental in the success, with two triple-doubles, including 50 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, against the Lakers. Harden is averaging a league-best 30.9 points per game this season. Chris Paul also played well through the win steak and recorded a triple-double of his own, with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, against the Trail Blazers. The Rockets are shooting 34 percent from long range this season, which is seventh worst in the league. They are also one of the lowest scoring teams so far, and allow more points then they score on average. The Rockets sit 11th place in the West, 1.5 games out of eighth.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth road game in the last five games for the Jazz (14-16), who are coming off a tough loss in a Orlando in their last contest, and have dropped three of their last four games. They have also lost four straight on the road. They have a road record of 9-10 on the road, while having played eight more road games than home games so far this season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games overall but have dropped to 13th place in the conference, 1.0 games behind Houston. The Jazz defeated the Rockets in their last meeting, which took place on December 6th in Utah. Rudy Gobert was ejected just three minutes into the contest, but Derrick Favors stepped up to lead the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the contest. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz with 20.9 points per game, while shooting 42 percent from the field.
The Rockets (14-14) looked great last week, with three straight wins over the Trail Blazers, Lakers and Grizzlies. James Harden was instrumental in the success, with two triple-doubles, including 50 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, against the Lakers. Harden is averaging a league-best 30.9 points per game this season. Chris Paul also played well through the win steak and recorded a triple-double of his own, with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, against the Trail Blazers. The Rockets are shooting 34 percent from long range this season, which is seventh worst in the league. They are also one of the lowest scoring teams so far, and allow more points then they score on average. The Rockets sit 11th place in the West, 1.5 games out of eighth.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth road game in the last five games for the Jazz (14-16), who are coming off a tough loss in a Orlando in their last contest, and have dropped three of their last four games. They have also lost four straight on the road. They have a road record of 9-10 on the road, while having played eight more road games than home games so far this season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games overall but have dropped to 13th place in the conference, 1.0 games behind Houston. The Jazz defeated the Rockets in their last meeting, which took place on December 6th in Utah. Rudy Gobert was ejected just three minutes into the contest, but Derrick Favors stepped up to lead the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds in the contest. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz with 20.9 points per game, while shooting 42 percent from the field.
Timberwolves Looking To Halt Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Sacramento Kings, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The Timberwolves (13-16) are on a four-game slide and second last place in the West. However, they are still 5-5 in their last 10 games, and are just three games behind the eighth seed. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves, averaging 21.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins has had a quiet start to the season, averaging 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but has topped 20 points in four of his last five outings. Derrick Rose continues to be a factor for Minnesota, as he dropped 25 points in 33 minutes in their most recent win. Rose is averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. The Timberwolves are 11-4 at home this season, which contrasts heavily with their 2-11 road record.
Meanwhile, this marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Kings (16-13), who are coming off a win in Dallas on Sunday night. De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield went off for 28 points each in the win, while Nemaja Bjelica finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Iman Shumpert (hip) missed the last contest and remains questionable for action on Monday. With Shumpert out, Bogdan Bogdanovic got the start on Sunday and finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes. He has been solid since returning to action after missing the first month of the season, with 15.2 points, 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game. The Kings force their opponents to an average of 16.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Kings, who are 7-6 at home this season. They sit seventh place in the West, 4.0 games behind first place.
The Timberwolves (13-16) are on a four-game slide and second last place in the West. However, they are still 5-5 in their last 10 games, and are just three games behind the eighth seed. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves, averaging 21.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins has had a quiet start to the season, averaging 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but has topped 20 points in four of his last five outings. Derrick Rose continues to be a factor for Minnesota, as he dropped 25 points in 33 minutes in their most recent win. Rose is averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. The Timberwolves are 11-4 at home this season, which contrasts heavily with their 2-11 road record.
Meanwhile, this marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Kings (16-13), who are coming off a win in Dallas on Sunday night. De'Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield went off for 28 points each in the win, while Nemaja Bjelica finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Iman Shumpert (hip) missed the last contest and remains questionable for action on Monday. With Shumpert out, Bogdan Bogdanovic got the start on Sunday and finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes. He has been solid since returning to action after missing the first month of the season, with 15.2 points, 3.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game. The Kings force their opponents to an average of 16.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Kings, who are 7-6 at home this season. They sit seventh place in the West, 4.0 games behind first place.
Bulls and Thunder Clash In Interconference Battle
The Chicago Bulls take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday evening.
The Bulls (7-23) continue to come up short the overwhelming majority of the time they step on the floor, but they've tended to occasionally rise to superior level of competition and trip up some quality teams. One was this same Thunder squad, which they notched a 114-112 victory against on Dec. 7. Another such instance unfolded in the Bulls' most recent contest, as Chicago toppled the San Antonio Spurs by a 98-93 score on Saturday night, only their second win (the other being the aforementioned one versus the Thunder) in the last nine games. Kris Dunn paced the Bulls with 24 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen provided 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Ryan Arcidiacono managed 12 points, while Robin Lopez led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
The Bulls will continue to be without Zach LaVine (ankle) in Monday's contest.
The Thunder (18-10) still sport a solid won/loss record, but they'll come into Monday's contest having dropped three of the past five games. OKC was successful in their most recent contest, however, dropping the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night by a 110-104 score. Paul George led the way with 33 points and added seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Jerami Grant registered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Steven Adams posted 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook generated a 13-point, 12-assist double-double that also included nine rebounds and six steals.
The Thunder will come into Monday's game without any current injuries to report.
The Bulls (7-23) continue to come up short the overwhelming majority of the time they step on the floor, but they've tended to occasionally rise to superior level of competition and trip up some quality teams. One was this same Thunder squad, which they notched a 114-112 victory against on Dec. 7. Another such instance unfolded in the Bulls' most recent contest, as Chicago toppled the San Antonio Spurs by a 98-93 score on Saturday night, only their second win (the other being the aforementioned one versus the Thunder) in the last nine games. Kris Dunn paced the Bulls with 24 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen provided 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Ryan Arcidiacono managed 12 points, while Robin Lopez led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
The Bulls will continue to be without Zach LaVine (ankle) in Monday's contest.
The Thunder (18-10) still sport a solid won/loss record, but they'll come into Monday's contest having dropped three of the past five games. OKC was successful in their most recent contest, however, dropping the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night by a 110-104 score. Paul George led the way with 33 points and added seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Jerami Grant registered 18 points, four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Steven Adams posted 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook generated a 13-point, 12-assist double-double that also included nine rebounds and six steals.
The Thunder will come into Monday's game without any current injuries to report.
76ers and Spurs Set For Interconference Clash
The Philadelphia 76ers takes on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Monday evening.
The 76ers (20-11) have had trouble generating any type of appreciable winning streak recently, as they've gone just 3-3 over the last six games. However, their most recent time on the court was a success, as they blasted the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 128-105 score on Sunday afternoon.
Joel Embiid paced the Sixers with 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Ben SImmons provided 22 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds and one steal. Jimmy Butler returned to action and posted 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Landry Shamet led the bench with 16 points. J.J. Redick poured in 14 points and added four assists and three rebounds. Wilson Chandler filled out the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The 76ers will continue to be without the trio of Markelle Fultz (shoulder), Zhaire Smith (foot) and Justin Patton (foot) on Monday.
The Spurs (15-15) looked like they were finally starting to get on a run, as they headed into a Saturday night battle against the Chicago Bulls with five straight wins. However, they promptly dropped a 98-93 decision to Chicago. LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 29 points, adding 12 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan poured in 21 points, also supplying five rebounds, three assists and a block. Marco Belinelli poured in 17 points to lead the bench, while Rudy Gay produced 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Spurs will continue to be without Pau Gasol (foot) on Monday.
The Sixers swept the two-game season series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 76ers (20-11) have had trouble generating any type of appreciable winning streak recently, as they've gone just 3-3 over the last six games. However, their most recent time on the court was a success, as they blasted the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 128-105 score on Sunday afternoon.
Joel Embiid paced the Sixers with 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Ben SImmons provided 22 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds and one steal. Jimmy Butler returned to action and posted 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Landry Shamet led the bench with 16 points. J.J. Redick poured in 14 points and added four assists and three rebounds. Wilson Chandler filled out the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The 76ers will continue to be without the trio of Markelle Fultz (shoulder), Zhaire Smith (foot) and Justin Patton (foot) on Monday.
The Spurs (15-15) looked like they were finally starting to get on a run, as they headed into a Saturday night battle against the Chicago Bulls with five straight wins. However, they promptly dropped a 98-93 decision to Chicago. LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 29 points, adding 12 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan poured in 21 points, also supplying five rebounds, three assists and a block. Marco Belinelli poured in 17 points to lead the bench, while Rudy Gay produced 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Spurs will continue to be without Pau Gasol (foot) on Monday.
The Sixers swept the two-game season series between the teams during the 2017-18 campaign.
Grizzlies Visit Warriors at Oracle Arena
By Oscar Heanue
The Memphis Grizzlies will visit the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on Monday evening.
Memphis (16-13) has cooled off a bit recently, going just 1-4 over its last five games. The Grizzlies are coming off a loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday in which they once again failed to crack the 100-point mark. Memphis has scored in triple figures just once in its last eight games, and the stagnant offense seems to be taking its toll on the team. The Grizzlies have fallen to just 26th in the league in offensive rating and are scoring just 102.5 points per game on average. Still, Memphis remains seventh in the Western Conference standings and very much in the playoff hunt, thanks largely to its powerhouse defense. Allowing just 102.1 points per game, Memphis ranks second in the NBA in opponent scoring.
Golden State (20-10), on the other hand, boasts the league's top offense and and a stellar 5-1 record in its last six games. Everything seems to be falling back into place for the reigning champions, who hit a rough patch during November with injuries to Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Curry and Green have both returned to action in recent weeks, though, and Curry's 29.3 points per game are leading the team. Kevin Durant has been equally potent offensively, putting up 29 points per game and also averaging over six assists. The Warriors also expect that key bench pieces Andre Iguodala (hip) and Shaun Livingston (pelvis) will make their return on Monday after extended absences with their own injuries. Golden State will hope to be at nearly full-strength as it puts its top-ranked offense to work against Memphis's elite "grit and grind" defense.
Memphis (16-13) has cooled off a bit recently, going just 1-4 over its last five games. The Grizzlies are coming off a loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday in which they once again failed to crack the 100-point mark. Memphis has scored in triple figures just once in its last eight games, and the stagnant offense seems to be taking its toll on the team. The Grizzlies have fallen to just 26th in the league in offensive rating and are scoring just 102.5 points per game on average. Still, Memphis remains seventh in the Western Conference standings and very much in the playoff hunt, thanks largely to its powerhouse defense. Allowing just 102.1 points per game, Memphis ranks second in the NBA in opponent scoring.
Golden State (20-10), on the other hand, boasts the league's top offense and and a stellar 5-1 record in its last six games. Everything seems to be falling back into place for the reigning champions, who hit a rough patch during November with injuries to Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Curry and Green have both returned to action in recent weeks, though, and Curry's 29.3 points per game are leading the team. Kevin Durant has been equally potent offensively, putting up 29 points per game and also averaging over six assists. The Warriors also expect that key bench pieces Andre Iguodala (hip) and Shaun Livingston (pelvis) will make their return on Monday after extended absences with their own injuries. Golden State will hope to be at nearly full-strength as it puts its top-ranked offense to work against Memphis's elite "grit and grind" defense.
Trail Blazers Visit LA to Clash with Clippers
By Oscar Heanue
The Portland Trail Blazers will visit the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Monday evening.
Portland (16-13) had dropped two straight games before earning a big win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Eight different Portland players scored in double figures as the Trail Blazers delivered one of their best offensive nights of the season. Damian Lillard led the team with 24 points, and the Blazers shot 51 percent from the floor while racking up 29 assists in the win. While Portland's performance has been up and down this season, offense has been a common thread throughout the team's wins. The team ranks eighth in the league in offensive rating and is enjoying another top-notch offensive season from Lillard, who is averaging an impressive 26.9 points per game this season.
Los Angeles (17-12) currently sits at fifth in the Western Conference, despite having lost three straight games. In the Clippers' defense, those three losses came against a murderer's row of opponents, as the team clashed with OKC, San Antonio, and Toronto in its last three games. Still, the team has seen struggles recently, in part due to some significant injuries. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams (hamstring) is expected to miss two weeks, while Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) missed LA's most recent game on Saturday. Overall, the Clippers have begun to slow from their strong start to the season. Their offense, however, remains among the NBA's elite. LA ranks sixth in the league in points per game (113.9).
Portland (16-13) had dropped two straight games before earning a big win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Eight different Portland players scored in double figures as the Trail Blazers delivered one of their best offensive nights of the season. Damian Lillard led the team with 24 points, and the Blazers shot 51 percent from the floor while racking up 29 assists in the win. While Portland's performance has been up and down this season, offense has been a common thread throughout the team's wins. The team ranks eighth in the league in offensive rating and is enjoying another top-notch offensive season from Lillard, who is averaging an impressive 26.9 points per game this season.
Los Angeles (17-12) currently sits at fifth in the Western Conference, despite having lost three straight games. In the Clippers' defense, those three losses came against a murderer's row of opponents, as the team clashed with OKC, San Antonio, and Toronto in its last three games. Still, the team has seen struggles recently, in part due to some significant injuries. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams (hamstring) is expected to miss two weeks, while Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) missed LA's most recent game on Saturday. Overall, the Clippers have begun to slow from their strong start to the season. Their offense, however, remains among the NBA's elite. LA ranks sixth in the league in points per game (113.9).