Knicks Host Bucks on Christmas Day
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
The Bucks (22-10) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, despite the fact that they're coming off their worst scoring performance of the season on Sunday. In fact, the Bucks scored just 87 points against a stingy Miami Heat defense, as that's only the second time all season that they've been held below 100 points. Milwaukee was actually averaging 120 points per game just two weeks ago but they're down to 116.9 points per game with their recent form. That's still the best mark in the league, as this is simply a little regression hitting this high-scoring team. What's truly frightening about playing Milwaukee is the fact that they lead the league in rebounding as well, as that's a feat not met by many teams in NBA history. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a huge reason why, as he's leading this team with 26.2 points, 12.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Those are MVP-type numbers and Antetokounmpo is definitely in the running.
The Knicks (9-25) could use some Christmas spirit, as it's been another long season for the New York faithful. What really hurts is the fact that Kristaps Porzingis continues to miss games, as he remains without a timetable from his knee injury. There are some rumblings that he can return in February or March but one has to wonder if that's too late to even bring him back this season. If there's a silver lining in all this, it's the fact that some youngsters have broken out for this team. Noah Vonleh and Emmanuel Musiday have been especially good, as they've taken over as the starting point guard and power forward for this club. Mudiay's emergence may be what's most encouraging, as he's averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game across his last 11 outings. That's when he was really handed the reigns on this offense and it's a great sign that New York finally found their point guard of the future. It's not like he came out of nowhere either, as Mudiay was a top-10 pick for the Denver Nuggets less than five years ago. Finding diamonds in the rough has not been a strong suit for this franchise but they certainly got one here with Mudiay.
While these teams have split their two games this season, Milwaukee has won six of their last seven games over New York in total. The most recent outing on December 1 was an epic one, as the Knicks prevailed, 136-134, in overtime.
The Bucks (22-10) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, despite the fact that they're coming off their worst scoring performance of the season on Sunday. In fact, the Bucks scored just 87 points against a stingy Miami Heat defense, as that's only the second time all season that they've been held below 100 points. Milwaukee was actually averaging 120 points per game just two weeks ago but they're down to 116.9 points per game with their recent form. That's still the best mark in the league, as this is simply a little regression hitting this high-scoring team. What's truly frightening about playing Milwaukee is the fact that they lead the league in rebounding as well, as that's a feat not met by many teams in NBA history. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a huge reason why, as he's leading this team with 26.2 points, 12.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Those are MVP-type numbers and Antetokounmpo is definitely in the running.
The Knicks (9-25) could use some Christmas spirit, as it's been another long season for the New York faithful. What really hurts is the fact that Kristaps Porzingis continues to miss games, as he remains without a timetable from his knee injury. There are some rumblings that he can return in February or March but one has to wonder if that's too late to even bring him back this season. If there's a silver lining in all this, it's the fact that some youngsters have broken out for this team. Noah Vonleh and Emmanuel Musiday have been especially good, as they've taken over as the starting point guard and power forward for this club. Mudiay's emergence may be what's most encouraging, as he's averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game across his last 11 outings. That's when he was really handed the reigns on this offense and it's a great sign that New York finally found their point guard of the future. It's not like he came out of nowhere either, as Mudiay was a top-10 pick for the Denver Nuggets less than five years ago. Finding diamonds in the rough has not been a strong suit for this franchise but they certainly got one here with Mudiay.
While these teams have split their two games this season, Milwaukee has won six of their last seven games over New York in total. The most recent outing on December 1 was an epic one, as the Knicks prevailed, 136-134, in overtime.
Rockets Host Thunder on Christmas Day
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Texas to play the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Tuesday.
The Thunder (21-11) suffered a loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their most recent game, as that snapped one of their best stretches of the season. In fact, Oklahoma City won 21 of their previous 27 games, as that's a heck of a rebound after an ugly 0-4 start. It's hard not to sing the praises of Russell Westbrook and his triple-double averages but it's very possible that he's been the second-best player on this team. Paul George has returned to his MVP form, as he's averaging 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game. That defense is what's really imperative, with Oklahoma City sitting top-five in points allowed and defensive efficiency. That's why this team is so scary, as they have room to improve on the offensive end of the floor.
The Rockets (17-15) recently lost Chris Paul to a hamstring injury but they're currently playing some of the best ball of their season right now. In fact, Houston comes into this matchup winning six of their last seven games, as James Harden is playing majestically right now. Harden is leading the league with 32 points per game, as he's also adding 5.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game to his tally as well. Those are special numbers and it's clear that he's ready to take this team on his shoulders and get them over this hump. Even with his absurd numbers, this offense still remains below par. The Rockets currently sit 19th in scoring and it's hard to see that improving with Paul out of the lineup. That's why Houston just signed Austin Rivers and they're hopeful that he can come in and fill some of those minutes to give Harden a little bit of a break.
Oklahoma City dominated Houston in their one game this season, winning, 98-80, on November 8. That marked their third win in their last four games against the Rockets.
The Thunder (21-11) suffered a loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their most recent game, as that snapped one of their best stretches of the season. In fact, Oklahoma City won 21 of their previous 27 games, as that's a heck of a rebound after an ugly 0-4 start. It's hard not to sing the praises of Russell Westbrook and his triple-double averages but it's very possible that he's been the second-best player on this team. Paul George has returned to his MVP form, as he's averaging 26.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game. That defense is what's really imperative, with Oklahoma City sitting top-five in points allowed and defensive efficiency. That's why this team is so scary, as they have room to improve on the offensive end of the floor.
The Rockets (17-15) recently lost Chris Paul to a hamstring injury but they're currently playing some of the best ball of their season right now. In fact, Houston comes into this matchup winning six of their last seven games, as James Harden is playing majestically right now. Harden is leading the league with 32 points per game, as he's also adding 5.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game to his tally as well. Those are special numbers and it's clear that he's ready to take this team on his shoulders and get them over this hump. Even with his absurd numbers, this offense still remains below par. The Rockets currently sit 19th in scoring and it's hard to see that improving with Paul out of the lineup. That's why Houston just signed Austin Rivers and they're hopeful that he can come in and fill some of those minutes to give Harden a little bit of a break.
Oklahoma City dominated Houston in their one game this season, winning, 98-80, on November 8. That marked their third win in their last four games against the Rockets.
Celtics, Sixers Clash On Christmas Day
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Philadelphia 76ers, at TD Garden on Christmas Day.
The Celtics (19-13) have won seven of their last 10 games, including a home win in their last contest. The Celtics are 2-2 in their last four home games, with losses to the Bucks and the Suns, and wins over the Hawks and Hornets. They are 10-5 at home this season, and sit fifth place in the East, 4.5 games out of first place and 3.5 games ahead of the eighth seed. Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics averaging 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Jayson Tatum has been relatively quiet so far, but is averaging a respectable 16.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Al Horford continues to be steady in the middle, averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (22-12) are 6-4 in their last 10 games, including two straight wins. They are coming off an impressive home win over the Raptors in their most recent contest, where Joel Embiid led the way with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Embiid has been fantastic so far, averaging 26.4 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Jimmy Butler fits in well with the team, as he is willing to take a back seat on offense, while still contributing greatly on both ends of the floor. Nonetheless, Butler is averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Ben Simmons is also a force for Philly, averaging 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The Sixers sit fourth place in the East, 2.0 games ahead of the Celtics, and only 2.5 games behind the first seed. This marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Sixers, who are 6-9 on the road this season.
The Celtics (19-13) have won seven of their last 10 games, including a home win in their last contest. The Celtics are 2-2 in their last four home games, with losses to the Bucks and the Suns, and wins over the Hawks and Hornets. They are 10-5 at home this season, and sit fifth place in the East, 4.5 games out of first place and 3.5 games ahead of the eighth seed. Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics averaging 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Jayson Tatum has been relatively quiet so far, but is averaging a respectable 16.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Al Horford continues to be steady in the middle, averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (22-12) are 6-4 in their last 10 games, including two straight wins. They are coming off an impressive home win over the Raptors in their most recent contest, where Joel Embiid led the way with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Embiid has been fantastic so far, averaging 26.4 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Jimmy Butler fits in well with the team, as he is willing to take a back seat on offense, while still contributing greatly on both ends of the floor. Nonetheless, Butler is averaging 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Ben Simmons is also a force for Philly, averaging 16.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The Sixers sit fourth place in the East, 2.0 games ahead of the Celtics, and only 2.5 games behind the first seed. This marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Sixers, who are 6-9 on the road this season.
Lakers and Warriors Face Off in Christmas Day Showdown
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Lakers (19-14) continue to put together a solid campaign in LeBron James' first season, but they'll come into Tuesday's Christmas Day showdown in a bit of a skid. Los Angeles has dropped four of their last six games, with their most recent stumble a 107-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. James led the way for the Lakers with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, one steal and one block. Brandon Ingram provided 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ivica Zubac drew the start in place of JaVale McGee (illness) and tallied 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and four blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Josh Hart matched Kuzma's scoring and posted three boards, three dimes and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 10 points.
The Lakers will list both McGee and Tyson Chandler (back) as game-time decisions for Tuesday's contest.
The Warriors (23-11) have unsurprisingly been involved in plenty of high-scoring track meets lately, and they've prevailed more often than not. Golden State comes into Tuesday's game having won four of their last five contests. Their most recent victory came at the expense of the Los Angeles Clippers, which they nipped by a 129-127 score on Sunday night. Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 42 points and added six rebounds, two assists and one steal. He made the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds left as well. Kevin Durant generated a 35-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and one steal. Draymond Green supplied 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, five steals and one block. Klay Thompson registered 12 points.
The Warriors will likely list Jacob Evans (foot) as a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest. Damian Jones (pectoral) and DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors swept the four-game series last season.
The Lakers (19-14) continue to put together a solid campaign in LeBron James' first season, but they'll come into Tuesday's Christmas Day showdown in a bit of a skid. Los Angeles has dropped four of their last six games, with their most recent stumble a 107-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. James led the way for the Lakers with a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, one steal and one block. Brandon Ingram provided 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. Ivica Zubac drew the start in place of JaVale McGee (illness) and tallied 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and four blocks. Kyle Kuzma supplied 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Josh Hart matched Kuzma's scoring and posted three boards, three dimes and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 10 points.
The Lakers will list both McGee and Tyson Chandler (back) as game-time decisions for Tuesday's contest.
The Warriors (23-11) have unsurprisingly been involved in plenty of high-scoring track meets lately, and they've prevailed more often than not. Golden State comes into Tuesday's game having won four of their last five contests. Their most recent victory came at the expense of the Los Angeles Clippers, which they nipped by a 129-127 score on Sunday night. Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 42 points and added six rebounds, two assists and one steal. He made the game-winning layup with 0.5 seconds left as well. Kevin Durant generated a 35-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included five assists, three blocks and one steal. Draymond Green supplied 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, five steals and one block. Klay Thompson registered 12 points.
The Warriors will likely list Jacob Evans (foot) as a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest. Damian Jones (pectoral) and DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors swept the four-game series last season.
Trail Blazers, Jazz Meet in Christmas Clash
By Oscar Heanue
The Portland Trail Blazers will visit the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Christmas Evening.
Portland (19-14) has been one of the league's hottest teams recently, winning four of its last five contests. The Trail Blazers are fresh off a 121-118 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, and Portland will look to carry its recent success into its Christmas matchup. The team currently ranks fourth in the Western Conference standings, thanks in large part to the play of superstar point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard is averaging a career-high 27.1 points per game and is also leading his team with 5.9 assists per game.
Utah (16-18) took a heartbreaking 107-106 loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday. After climbing back from a double-digit deficit, the Jazz were edged out in the final seconds after allowing 43 points to OKC's Paul George. The tough loss has been one of many for the Jazz, who sit at just 11th place in the Western Conference after a playoff season last year. Utah's primary problem has been on the offensive end, as the team ranks just 24th in the league in offensive rating. The Jazz hold a sub-.500 record despite holding opponents to just 105.9 points per game, the sixth-lowest mark in the league.
Portland (19-14) has been one of the league's hottest teams recently, winning four of its last five contests. The Trail Blazers are fresh off a 121-118 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, and Portland will look to carry its recent success into its Christmas matchup. The team currently ranks fourth in the Western Conference standings, thanks in large part to the play of superstar point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard is averaging a career-high 27.1 points per game and is also leading his team with 5.9 assists per game.
Utah (16-18) took a heartbreaking 107-106 loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday. After climbing back from a double-digit deficit, the Jazz were edged out in the final seconds after allowing 43 points to OKC's Paul George. The tough loss has been one of many for the Jazz, who sit at just 11th place in the Western Conference after a playoff season last year. Utah's primary problem has been on the offensive end, as the team ranks just 24th in the league in offensive rating. The Jazz hold a sub-.500 record despite holding opponents to just 105.9 points per game, the sixth-lowest mark in the league.