Quicken Loans Arena Site for Suns and Cavaliers
The Phoenix Suns (11-48), owners of the worst record in the NBA, continue their five-game road trip following a pre-All Star break drubbing at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers on February 13, falling by a score of 134-107. There were few bright spots in the loss for the Suns, who shot a dismal 8-of-30 from beyond the arc, as they were led in scoring by sub Kelly Oubre, Jr. The former Wizard finished the affair with a team-high 28 points, adding five rebounds while going 10-of-16 from field goal range and 5-of-6 from the foul line. Deandre Ayton logged 20 points in a starting role, grabbing eight rebounds in the process and shooting 9-of-15 from the field. Jamal Crawford emerged off the bench with 17 points, six assists and three triples, while Devin Booker posted 10 points, making all six of his shot attempts from the charity stripe. The Suns finish up their road trip with match-ups against the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat, while having the third-worst defense in the league, one that allows an average of 116.1 points per contest.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (12-46) wrapped up the first half of their season with a heartbreaking triple overtime loss on February 13, as they fell to the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 148-139. Jordan Clarkson did most of the heavy lifting for Cleveland in the defeat, coming off the pine to put up a team-best and career-high 42 points on the back of 16-of-34 shooting from the field and 7-of-17 from beyond the arc. Fellow sub Marquese Chriss came away with 23 points, seven rebounds and three triples, while Collin Sexton finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists, going 10-of-22 from the paint. Cedi Osman was the only other member of the starting five to post double digits, with 13 points and five boards to his credit, as the Cavs remain in the East's basement, just a half game ahead of the conference-worst New York Knicks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers (12-46) wrapped up the first half of their season with a heartbreaking triple overtime loss on February 13, as they fell to the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 148-139. Jordan Clarkson did most of the heavy lifting for Cleveland in the defeat, coming off the pine to put up a team-best and career-high 42 points on the back of 16-of-34 shooting from the field and 7-of-17 from beyond the arc. Fellow sub Marquese Chriss came away with 23 points, seven rebounds and three triples, while Collin Sexton finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists, going 10-of-22 from the paint. Cedi Osman was the only other member of the starting five to post double digits, with 13 points and five boards to his credit, as the Cavs remain in the East's basement, just a half game ahead of the conference-worst New York Knicks.
Heat and 76ers Square Off After Extended Layoff
The Miami Heat takes on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Thursday evening.
The Heat (26-30) can't afford to have any lingering sluggishness from their All-Star sabbatical, as a poor run heading into the break has put them in a difficult position. Miami dropped six of the last eight games before the annual week-long pause in the regular season, although they did manage to secure a 112-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks in their most recent game on Feb. 13. The Heat's lone All-Star, Dwyane Wade, fittingly led the way with 22 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Dion Waiters provided 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson furnished 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. James Johnson totaled 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Justise Winslow supplied 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk generated matching 10-point efforts while hauling in six and three rebounds, respectively.
The Heat will continue to be without Derrick Jones, Jr. (knee) on Thursday. Goran Dragic (knee), who last played Dec. 10, is considered to have at least a slight chance of returning for Thursday's contest.
The 76ers (37-21) received a pre-All-Star-break boost with the acquisition of Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers and went into the extended time off with three victories in their last four games. They notched a 126-111 win over the New York Knicks in their most recent contest, which unfolded on Feb. 13. Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 26 points, adding 14 rebounds, three assists and one block. Harris managed 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Ben Simmons registered 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 15 points and also pitched in three rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler finished with 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
The 76ers will likely list Furkan Korkmaz (knee) and Justin Patton (foot) as game-time decisions for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. Philadelphia owns a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 124-114 win on Nov. 12.
The Heat (26-30) can't afford to have any lingering sluggishness from their All-Star sabbatical, as a poor run heading into the break has put them in a difficult position. Miami dropped six of the last eight games before the annual week-long pause in the regular season, although they did manage to secure a 112-101 win over the Dallas Mavericks in their most recent game on Feb. 13. The Heat's lone All-Star, Dwyane Wade, fittingly led the way with 22 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and one block. Dion Waiters provided 20 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Josh Richardson furnished 14 points, six assists, three rebounds and one block. James Johnson totaled 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Justise Winslow supplied 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk generated matching 10-point efforts while hauling in six and three rebounds, respectively.
The Heat will continue to be without Derrick Jones, Jr. (knee) on Thursday. Goran Dragic (knee), who last played Dec. 10, is considered to have at least a slight chance of returning for Thursday's contest.
The 76ers (37-21) received a pre-All-Star-break boost with the acquisition of Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers and went into the extended time off with three victories in their last four games. They notched a 126-111 win over the New York Knicks in their most recent contest, which unfolded on Feb. 13. Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 26 points, adding 14 rebounds, three assists and one block. Harris managed 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Ben Simmons registered 18 points, seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. J.J. Redick poured in 15 points and also pitched in three rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler finished with 13 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
The 76ers will likely list Furkan Korkmaz (knee) and Justin Patton (foot) as game-time decisions for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. Philadelphia owns a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 124-114 win on Nov. 12.
Nets Welcome Blazers to Barclay's Center on Thursday
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Barclay's Center on Thursday.
The Trail Blazers (34-23) looked like a fluke last season when they finished with the third-best record in the west but this year proves that people are overlooking this talented team. Portland currently owns the fourth-best record in the west right now, as they've developed into one of the most dangerous teams in the league. It's the guard duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum that has really put fear into their opponents. It's not just them though, as the addition of Jusuf Nurkic has given them a much-needed post presence as well. He's developed into one of the best big men in the league this season and having that sort of weapon paired with these guards is a beautiful sight for Portland fans. The one thing the Trail Blazers needs to look out for is their Western Conference foes, as they are just four games up on the Sacramento Kings in ninth. That's how close it is right now and a lengthy losing streak could spell disaster no matter how dangerous this core is.
The Nets (30-29) won their final game headed into the all-star break but the break couldn't have come at a better time. In fact, Brooklyn lost five of their previous six games before that win against the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers, as they've struggled on the defensive end recently. The good news is that Caris LeVert (ankle) returned just before the break, as he's arguably this team's best player when fully healthy. Getting him up to speed will be critical in terms of playoff positioning, as that six-game slide has them fighting for their lives. In fact, the Nets are just 2.5 games up on the Miami Heat in ninth and just three games up on the Orlando Magic in 10th. This is a club who has surprised up to this point but if these teams catch them, all that early-season success will be forgotten just as quickly.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with both games being decided by four points or fewer. Prior to that, Portland won seven of their previous eight games over Brooklyn.
The Trail Blazers (34-23) looked like a fluke last season when they finished with the third-best record in the west but this year proves that people are overlooking this talented team. Portland currently owns the fourth-best record in the west right now, as they've developed into one of the most dangerous teams in the league. It's the guard duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum that has really put fear into their opponents. It's not just them though, as the addition of Jusuf Nurkic has given them a much-needed post presence as well. He's developed into one of the best big men in the league this season and having that sort of weapon paired with these guards is a beautiful sight for Portland fans. The one thing the Trail Blazers needs to look out for is their Western Conference foes, as they are just four games up on the Sacramento Kings in ninth. That's how close it is right now and a lengthy losing streak could spell disaster no matter how dangerous this core is.
The Nets (30-29) won their final game headed into the all-star break but the break couldn't have come at a better time. In fact, Brooklyn lost five of their previous six games before that win against the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers, as they've struggled on the defensive end recently. The good news is that Caris LeVert (ankle) returned just before the break, as he's arguably this team's best player when fully healthy. Getting him up to speed will be critical in terms of playoff positioning, as that six-game slide has them fighting for their lives. In fact, the Nets are just 2.5 games up on the Miami Heat in ninth and just three games up on the Orlando Magic in 10th. This is a club who has surprised up to this point but if these teams catch them, all that early-season success will be forgotten just as quickly.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with both games being decided by four points or fewer. Prior to that, Portland won seven of their previous eight games over Brooklyn.
Bucks Host Celtics In First Game Back From Break
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Boston Celtics, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday evening.
This marks the first game back to action for the Bucks and Celtics after the All-Star Break, where both teams had players compete in the games. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton represented the Bucks in the All-Star Game. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving represented the Celtics in the All-Star Game, while Jayson Tatum won the Skills Competition.
The Bucks come into the final stretch of the season with a 1.0-game hold on first place in the East. They have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Bucks lost their last home game before the break, but are 23-5 at home this season. Meanwhile the Celtics sit in fourth place, 6.5 games behind the Bucks, and have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Celtics won their last four road games before the break, and are 14-13 on the road this season.
Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics with an average of 23.6 points, 6.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Jayson Tatum is playing well, averaging 16.5 points on 45 percent shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, while Al Horford is averaging12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Khris Middleton is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
This marks the first game back to action for the Bucks and Celtics after the All-Star Break, where both teams had players compete in the games. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton represented the Bucks in the All-Star Game. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving represented the Celtics in the All-Star Game, while Jayson Tatum won the Skills Competition.
The Bucks come into the final stretch of the season with a 1.0-game hold on first place in the East. They have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Bucks lost their last home game before the break, but are 23-5 at home this season. Meanwhile the Celtics sit in fourth place, 6.5 games behind the Bucks, and have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Celtics won their last four road games before the break, and are 14-13 on the road this season.
Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics with an average of 23.6 points, 6.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Jayson Tatum is playing well, averaging 16.5 points on 45 percent shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, while Al Horford is averaging12.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks, averaging 27.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Khris Middleton is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Kings Look To Avoid Sweep Against Warriors
The Sacramento Kings will head to Oracle Arena on Thursday night to take on the Golden State Warriors.
The Kings (30-27) entered the All-Star break having won five of their last seven games, but they benefitted from a generous schedule spot that allowed them to play six of those seven games at home. Their last game before the break came on the road in Denver by two points after the Kings gave up what was a double-digit lead in the second half. Nevertheless, that stretch now has Sacramento just one game behind the Clippers for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. But now is where it gets tough, as the Kings will have to hit the road, and playing away from home hasn't been the team's forte this season. Sacramento boasts a poor 11-16 road record, but revenge will be on their minds after dropping the first two meetings against Golden State by a combined six points.
As for those Warriors (41-16), they overcame a sluggish start to the regular season and entered the All-Star break with a comfortable two-game lead in the top spot in the conference. This was thanks to a remarkable stretch where the team won 16 of its last 18 games, which started, coincidently, with a five-point win over the Kings back in mid-December. The Warriors did, however, enter the All-Star break on a sour note after suffering a 22-point loss on the road in Portland, as the team appeared to have checked out early, getting outscored in the fourth quarter, 35-12. After some extended time off, though, the Warriors will now have the opportunity to start a new winning streak while earning a sweep in the season series against the Kings.
The Kings (30-27) entered the All-Star break having won five of their last seven games, but they benefitted from a generous schedule spot that allowed them to play six of those seven games at home. Their last game before the break came on the road in Denver by two points after the Kings gave up what was a double-digit lead in the second half. Nevertheless, that stretch now has Sacramento just one game behind the Clippers for the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings. But now is where it gets tough, as the Kings will have to hit the road, and playing away from home hasn't been the team's forte this season. Sacramento boasts a poor 11-16 road record, but revenge will be on their minds after dropping the first two meetings against Golden State by a combined six points.
As for those Warriors (41-16), they overcame a sluggish start to the regular season and entered the All-Star break with a comfortable two-game lead in the top spot in the conference. This was thanks to a remarkable stretch where the team won 16 of its last 18 games, which started, coincidently, with a five-point win over the Kings back in mid-December. The Warriors did, however, enter the All-Star break on a sour note after suffering a 22-point loss on the road in Portland, as the team appeared to have checked out early, getting outscored in the fourth quarter, 35-12. After some extended time off, though, the Warriors will now have the opportunity to start a new winning streak while earning a sweep in the season series against the Kings.
Rockets Kick Off Second Half With Visit to LA
By Oscar Heanue
The Houston Rockets will take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Thursday evening.
This past weekend, superstars LeBron James and James Harden teamed up to defeat Team Giannis in the NBA All-Star Game. Now, the two MVPs will be squaring off against each other to kick off the second half of the season. Harden is hoping to continue what has, thus far, been a season for the books. The reigning MVP is leading the league with 36.6 points per game, the highest average by a player since Michael Jordan in the 1986-87 season. Harden's success has been vital for Houston (33-24), as injuries have left stars Chris Paul and Clint Capela sidelined for much of the year. Still, through roster turnover and inconsistencies, the Rockets find themselves at fifth in the Western Conference coming out of the All-Star break. The Rockets rank second in the league in offensive rating, trailing only the first-place Golden State Warriors. Houston will hope to continue its offensive dominance and secure a playoff berth for its seventh straight season.
LeBron James, meanwhile, may be looking at his first finish outside the playoffs in quite some time. James is in his 16th season and has missed the postseason only once, in his rookie year. The Lakers (28-29) currently occupy 10th place in the West, three games back from the Clippers for the eighth seed. LA had lost four of its last five heading into the All-Star break, including a brutal 42-point blowout at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Quite simply, the Lakers' offense has been stagnant this season. The team ranks in the bottom 10 in offensive rating league-wide, and fourth to last in three-point percentage. LA will hope to turn things around in the second half and secure one of the coveted final playoff spots in the West.
This past weekend, superstars LeBron James and James Harden teamed up to defeat Team Giannis in the NBA All-Star Game. Now, the two MVPs will be squaring off against each other to kick off the second half of the season. Harden is hoping to continue what has, thus far, been a season for the books. The reigning MVP is leading the league with 36.6 points per game, the highest average by a player since Michael Jordan in the 1986-87 season. Harden's success has been vital for Houston (33-24), as injuries have left stars Chris Paul and Clint Capela sidelined for much of the year. Still, through roster turnover and inconsistencies, the Rockets find themselves at fifth in the Western Conference coming out of the All-Star break. The Rockets rank second in the league in offensive rating, trailing only the first-place Golden State Warriors. Houston will hope to continue its offensive dominance and secure a playoff berth for its seventh straight season.
LeBron James, meanwhile, may be looking at his first finish outside the playoffs in quite some time. James is in his 16th season and has missed the postseason only once, in his rookie year. The Lakers (28-29) currently occupy 10th place in the West, three games back from the Clippers for the eighth seed. LA had lost four of its last five heading into the All-Star break, including a brutal 42-point blowout at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. Quite simply, the Lakers' offense has been stagnant this season. The team ranks in the bottom 10 in offensive rating league-wide, and fourth to last in three-point percentage. LA will hope to turn things around in the second half and secure one of the coveted final playoff spots in the West.