Pacers Host Pelicans on Friday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pelicans (26-33) had a lot of promise headed into the season but it's been a nightmare, to say the least. This whole Anthony Davis situation is really killing this franchise and it's a wonder if he'll remain a part of this team after this season. The trade request definitely paints a dark picture for the future and the volatility of his playing time isn't making it look any better. What's sad about all this is the fact that it's led to the Pelicans falling apart, as they come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 15 games. That stretch has pretty much knocked them out of playoff contention and that's a sad reality from a talented team. Players like Jrue Holiday and Kenrich Williams are having career years and it's hard to understand why they're so bad with all the talent they possess. One bit of good news is that Elfrid Payton is expected to return for this game, as he's missed the last 10 fixtures due to an ankle injury. He's been in and out of the lineup all season and getting him back may give this team one final chance to make an unlikely playoff run.
The Pacers (38-20) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games, as they now sit third in the Eastern Conference. That's an amazing accomplishment from a team who is playing without their best player, as Victor Oladipo continues to recover from knee surgery. Players like Myles Turner, Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young have stepped up big in his absence and it's really showing in their defensive numbers. Indiana currently ranks first in points allowed, allowing fewer than 103 points per game. Having an elite defense like that will always keep them competitive, especially when you consider the fact that they own a 22-8 home record to match that elite defense.
The one meeting between these teams was a tight one, with Indiana prevailing on the road, 109-107, on February 4. That gives the Pacers 12 wins in their last 15 games against the Pelicans.
The Pelicans (26-33) had a lot of promise headed into the season but it's been a nightmare, to say the least. This whole Anthony Davis situation is really killing this franchise and it's a wonder if he'll remain a part of this team after this season. The trade request definitely paints a dark picture for the future and the volatility of his playing time isn't making it look any better. What's sad about all this is the fact that it's led to the Pelicans falling apart, as they come into this matchup losing 10 of their last 15 games. That stretch has pretty much knocked them out of playoff contention and that's a sad reality from a talented team. Players like Jrue Holiday and Kenrich Williams are having career years and it's hard to understand why they're so bad with all the talent they possess. One bit of good news is that Elfrid Payton is expected to return for this game, as he's missed the last 10 fixtures due to an ankle injury. He's been in and out of the lineup all season and getting him back may give this team one final chance to make an unlikely playoff run.
The Pacers (38-20) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games, as they now sit third in the Eastern Conference. That's an amazing accomplishment from a team who is playing without their best player, as Victor Oladipo continues to recover from knee surgery. Players like Myles Turner, Darren Collison and Thaddeus Young have stepped up big in his absence and it's really showing in their defensive numbers. Indiana currently ranks first in points allowed, allowing fewer than 103 points per game. Having an elite defense like that will always keep them competitive, especially when you consider the fact that they own a 22-8 home record to match that elite defense.
The one meeting between these teams was a tight one, with Indiana prevailing on the road, 109-107, on February 4. That gives the Pacers 12 wins in their last 15 games against the Pelicans.
Bulls Face Off With Magic in Sunshine State Showdown
The Chicago Bulls take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls (14-44) entered the All-Star break on a high note, as they notched a 122-110 win on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Otto Porter. Jr. paced Chicago with a career-high 37 points and also supplied 10 rebounds, two assists and one block. Robin Lopez turned in 25 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Zach LaVine furnished 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Cristiano Felicio led the bench with eight points.
The Bulls will list Kris Dunn (back) and Chander Hutchison (toe) as questionable at best for Friday's game. Wendell Carter, Jr. (thumb) remains out.
The Magic (27-32) ironically went into the week-long pause in play in the midst of their best stretch of play this season, as they'd ripped off seven wins in their last eight games before the All-Star break. Their most recent win came in the final game on Feb. 13, when they walloped the Charlotte Hornets by a 127-89 score. Nikola Vucevic led the way with a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, one steal and one block. Jonathan Isaac delivered 16 points, six boards, one steal and one block. Evan Fournier tallied 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Wesley Iwundu delivered 11 points, three boards, one assist and one block. Aaron Gordon generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal.
The Magic will continue to be without Markelle Fultz (shoulder) and Mo Bamba (knee) on Friday.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-1 series lead, having notched 97-91 and 112-84 wins on Dec. 13 and Jan. 2, respectively. The Bulls' one win came by a 90-80 margin on Dec. 21.
The Bulls (14-44) entered the All-Star break on a high note, as they notched a 122-110 win on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Otto Porter. Jr. paced Chicago with a career-high 37 points and also supplied 10 rebounds, two assists and one block. Robin Lopez turned in 25 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Zach LaVine furnished 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Cristiano Felicio led the bench with eight points.
The Bulls will list Kris Dunn (back) and Chander Hutchison (toe) as questionable at best for Friday's game. Wendell Carter, Jr. (thumb) remains out.
The Magic (27-32) ironically went into the week-long pause in play in the midst of their best stretch of play this season, as they'd ripped off seven wins in their last eight games before the All-Star break. Their most recent win came in the final game on Feb. 13, when they walloped the Charlotte Hornets by a 127-89 score. Nikola Vucevic led the way with a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, one steal and one block. Jonathan Isaac delivered 16 points, six boards, one steal and one block. Evan Fournier tallied 12 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Wesley Iwundu delivered 11 points, three boards, one assist and one block. Aaron Gordon generated a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal.
The Magic will continue to be without Markelle Fultz (shoulder) and Mo Bamba (knee) on Friday.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 2-1 series lead, having notched 97-91 and 112-84 wins on Dec. 13 and Jan. 2, respectively. The Bulls' one win came by a 90-80 margin on Dec. 21.
Raptors Play Host to Spurs on Friday
The San Antonio Spurs travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on Friday.
The Spurs (33-26) only weakness this season is their road form, as they currently own an 11-19 road record. The all-star break couldn't have come at a better time either, as San Antonio lost four of their final five games headed into the break. The health is what they really want, as that gave Derrick White, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan all time to heal their differing ailments. Reaching the postseason is all that really matters, as they've achieved that goal for the past two decades straight. That's an unbelievable accomplishment and reaching the playoffs this year may be their most impressive accomplishment in that run. This is a whole new core and Gregg Popovich continues to work his magic to make this team competitive in an elite Western Conference.
The Raptors (43-16) didn't want to see the all-star break come, as they won six-straight fixures heading into it. Winning streaks like that have become commonplace for this organization, as they've catapulted themselves up to second place in the Eastern Conference. The Milwaukee Bucks just continue to win games ahead of them though, as they're up 1.5 games up on the Raptors. Catching them could be a huge deal too, as Toronto is just 1-3 against Milwaukee this season. Playing in Toronto is something no one wants to do, with the Raptors owning a 24-5 record at Air Canada Centre. That's obviously one of the best home records in the league and it's easy to see why when you consider the itinerary it takes to travel outside the country. That's not why this team has been successful though, as the Raptors are one of the only clubs in the NBA who rank top-10 in both scoring and points allowed.
In the first meeting between these teams, San Antonio prevailed at home, 125-107. That marks the Spurs fifth win in their last six games against the Raptors.
The Spurs (33-26) only weakness this season is their road form, as they currently own an 11-19 road record. The all-star break couldn't have come at a better time either, as San Antonio lost four of their final five games headed into the break. The health is what they really want, as that gave Derrick White, LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan all time to heal their differing ailments. Reaching the postseason is all that really matters, as they've achieved that goal for the past two decades straight. That's an unbelievable accomplishment and reaching the playoffs this year may be their most impressive accomplishment in that run. This is a whole new core and Gregg Popovich continues to work his magic to make this team competitive in an elite Western Conference.
The Raptors (43-16) didn't want to see the all-star break come, as they won six-straight fixures heading into it. Winning streaks like that have become commonplace for this organization, as they've catapulted themselves up to second place in the Eastern Conference. The Milwaukee Bucks just continue to win games ahead of them though, as they're up 1.5 games up on the Raptors. Catching them could be a huge deal too, as Toronto is just 1-3 against Milwaukee this season. Playing in Toronto is something no one wants to do, with the Raptors owning a 24-5 record at Air Canada Centre. That's obviously one of the best home records in the league and it's easy to see why when you consider the itinerary it takes to travel outside the country. That's not why this team has been successful though, as the Raptors are one of the only clubs in the NBA who rank top-10 in both scoring and points allowed.
In the first meeting between these teams, San Antonio prevailed at home, 125-107. That marks the Spurs fifth win in their last six games against the Raptors.
Wizards Resume Post-All-Star-Break Play Versus Hornets
The Washington Wizards take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday evening.
The Wizards (24-34) return to action following the All-Star break in a quest to snap yet another losing streak, albeit a relatively modest one. Washington dropped its last two decisions prior to the extended layoff, with the more recent a 129-120 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Bradley Beal led the way with 28 points, adding 11 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jeff Green furnished 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one steal. Jabari Parker turned in 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Trevor Ariza delivered 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 13 points and five boards.
The Wizards will still be without Dwight Howard (back) on Friday.
The Hornets (27-30) also resume play trying to emerge from a skid, as they dropped four of the last five games before the All-Star break. Their most recent loss was a shellacking at the hands of the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 127-89 tally on Thursday, Feb. 14. Malik Monk led the Hornets in the blowout with 15 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Jeremy Lamb followed with 14 points, four boards and two assists. Cody Zeller supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kemba Walker registered 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting just 4-for-20.
The Hornets will list Tony Parker (back) and Bismack Biyombo (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 130-126 win on Dec. 29.
The Wizards (24-34) return to action following the All-Star break in a quest to snap yet another losing streak, albeit a relatively modest one. Washington dropped its last two decisions prior to the extended layoff, with the more recent a 129-120 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Bradley Beal led the way with 28 points, adding 11 assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Jeff Green furnished 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one steal. Jabari Parker turned in 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Trevor Ariza delivered 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 13 points and five boards.
The Wizards will still be without Dwight Howard (back) on Friday.
The Hornets (27-30) also resume play trying to emerge from a skid, as they dropped four of the last five games before the All-Star break. Their most recent loss was a shellacking at the hands of the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 127-89 tally on Thursday, Feb. 14. Malik Monk led the Hornets in the blowout with 15 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Jeremy Lamb followed with 14 points, four boards and two assists. Cody Zeller supplied 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kemba Walker registered 10 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals while shooting just 4-for-20.
The Hornets will list Tony Parker (back) and Bismack Biyombo (knee) as questionable for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 130-126 win on Dec. 29.
Pistons Look To Grab Handle On Playoff Position
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Detroit Pistons, at State Farm Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the first game back from the all-star break for both teams, while they both had players represent at the games.
The Pistons (26-30) went into the break winning six of their last 10 games and are in possession of the eighth spot in the East. This marks their second game of a three-game road trip, which began with a loss in Boston before the break. The Pistons are just 9-17 on the road this season. Detroit was able to make a couple of good depth additions before the break, in Thon Maker and Wayne Ellington. Blake Griffin leads the team, averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists, in 36 minutes per game. Andre Drummond has been consistent as well, and is averaging 17.4 points, 15.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (19-39) went 4-6 in their 10 games prior to the all-star break, and sit 12th in the East, 8.0 games behind the eighth spot. Trae Young has been very good through the first portion of his rookie campaign, averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds, in 30 minutes per game. John Collins has also been impressive so far, averaging 19.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Hawks dealt with some injuries but have most of their guys back for the final run of the regular season. This marks the sixth game of a seven-game home stand for the Hawks, where they have gone 1-4 so far, dating back to February 7th when they fell to the visiting Raptors. The Hawks are 9-17 at home this season.
This marks the first game back from the all-star break for both teams, while they both had players represent at the games.
The Pistons (26-30) went into the break winning six of their last 10 games and are in possession of the eighth spot in the East. This marks their second game of a three-game road trip, which began with a loss in Boston before the break. The Pistons are just 9-17 on the road this season. Detroit was able to make a couple of good depth additions before the break, in Thon Maker and Wayne Ellington. Blake Griffin leads the team, averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists, in 36 minutes per game. Andre Drummond has been consistent as well, and is averaging 17.4 points, 15.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks (19-39) went 4-6 in their 10 games prior to the all-star break, and sit 12th in the East, 8.0 games behind the eighth spot. Trae Young has been very good through the first portion of his rookie campaign, averaging 16.9 points, 7.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds, in 30 minutes per game. John Collins has also been impressive so far, averaging 19.1 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Hawks dealt with some injuries but have most of their guys back for the final run of the regular season. This marks the sixth game of a seven-game home stand for the Hawks, where they have gone 1-4 so far, dating back to February 7th when they fell to the visiting Raptors. The Hawks are 9-17 at home this season.
New-Look Knicks Host Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves, at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening.
This marks the first game after the all-star break for both teams, while they both had players compete in the games in Charlotte. Karl-Anthony Towns represented the Timberwolves as an all-star reserve, while Dennis Smith Jr. put on a show in the dunk contest.
The Timberwolves (27-30) sit 11th place in the West, 4.0 games behind the eighth spot. They won two in a row going into the break, but dropped six of their last 10 games. The Timberwolves have lost their last four road games, and are 8-20 on the road this season. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1,8 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (11-47) sit last place in the Eastern Conference, with nothing to play for other than the development of their young and recently assembled core. Dennis Smith Jr. has become the new face of the franchise, for now, while Kevin Knox showed well through the first half of his rookie campaign. Smith Jr. is averaging 13.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Knox is averaging 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
This marks the first game after the all-star break for both teams, while they both had players compete in the games in Charlotte. Karl-Anthony Towns represented the Timberwolves as an all-star reserve, while Dennis Smith Jr. put on a show in the dunk contest.
The Timberwolves (27-30) sit 11th place in the West, 4.0 games behind the eighth spot. They won two in a row going into the break, but dropped six of their last 10 games. The Timberwolves have lost their last four road games, and are 8-20 on the road this season. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 23.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1,8 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (11-47) sit last place in the Eastern Conference, with nothing to play for other than the development of their young and recently assembled core. Dennis Smith Jr. has become the new face of the franchise, for now, while Kevin Knox showed well through the first half of his rookie campaign. Smith Jr. is averaging 13.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Knox is averaging 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Clippers Start Playoff Push in Memphis
The Los Angeles Clippers will head to Memphis on Friday to take on the Grizzlies at FedExForum.
For the last 15 days before the All-Star break, the Clippers (32-27), no matter who was on their roster before and after the trade deadline, could not find any rhythm, as they went 4-5 over their last nine games heading into the break. Yet, the Clippers still find themselves squarely in the playoff picture, sitting a full game ahead of the ninth-place Kings and three games ahead of the rival Lakers. Friday now will kick off a crucial stretch for the team where it will play four of the next five games away from home, but fortunately for the Clippers, they've been a quality road team this season, going 16-15 away from Staples Center so far this season. Head coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that he is going to continue utilizing the three-guard starting lineup of rookies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet along with Patrick Beverly, starting with Friday night.
As for the Grizzlies (23-36), it's been a steady decline, as they lost three of their last four games before heading into the All-Star break. And now, to make matters worse, the team has a remarkable six players on their injury report for Friday's game. Kyle Anderson (shoulder) and Jonas Valanciunas (personal) have both already been ruled out, but most concerning is the status of rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., who was a late addition to the injury report with right quad soreness. Surprisingly enough, Chandler Parsons, who has been battling knee issues for several years now, is not on the Grizzlies' extensive injury report and was back practicing with the team Thursday. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that he plans on inserting Parsons back into the rotation.
For the last 15 days before the All-Star break, the Clippers (32-27), no matter who was on their roster before and after the trade deadline, could not find any rhythm, as they went 4-5 over their last nine games heading into the break. Yet, the Clippers still find themselves squarely in the playoff picture, sitting a full game ahead of the ninth-place Kings and three games ahead of the rival Lakers. Friday now will kick off a crucial stretch for the team where it will play four of the next five games away from home, but fortunately for the Clippers, they've been a quality road team this season, going 16-15 away from Staples Center so far this season. Head coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that he is going to continue utilizing the three-guard starting lineup of rookies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet along with Patrick Beverly, starting with Friday night.
As for the Grizzlies (23-36), it's been a steady decline, as they lost three of their last four games before heading into the All-Star break. And now, to make matters worse, the team has a remarkable six players on their injury report for Friday's game. Kyle Anderson (shoulder) and Jonas Valanciunas (personal) have both already been ruled out, but most concerning is the status of rookie Jaren Jackson Jr., who was a late addition to the injury report with right quad soreness. Surprisingly enough, Chandler Parsons, who has been battling knee issues for several years now, is not on the Grizzlies' extensive injury report and was back practicing with the team Thursday. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said that he plans on inserting Parsons back into the rotation.
Nuggets, Mavericks Clash in Battle of Euro Stars
By Oscar Heanue
The Denver Nuggets will visit the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena on Friday evening.
After competing in his first All-Star Game this past weekend, superstar big man Nikola Jokic will take the court with the Nuggets (39-18) again as the team looks to compete for first place in the Western Conference. The Nuggets fell out of first with an uncharacteristic three-game losing streak in early February, but managed to turn things around with two consecutive wins before the break. After starting the season as one of the league's top defenses, the Nuggets have seemingly reverted back to an offense-first identity in line with the past few years. Denver ranks third in the league in offensive efficiency, behind only Golden State and Houston, while owning just the 14th-place defensive rating in the league. Still, the Nuggets have been one of the league's powerhouses all season, with Jokic's near-triple-double averages helping the team to play at an elite level.
Dallas (26-31) is also headlined by a European star, as rookie sensation Luka Doncic has turned heads with impressive play in his first season. The 19-year-old out of Slovenia is averaging 20.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season. The Mavericks shook things up before the deadline, trading center DeAndre Jordan and point guard Dennis Smith, Jr. to the Knicks for All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, though, remains out as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL. It will not be until next season that the two European stars have the chance to play together. In the meantime, Dallas has a tough road to the playoffs this year, occupying 12th place in the West and sitting five games back from the eighth-place Clippers.
After competing in his first All-Star Game this past weekend, superstar big man Nikola Jokic will take the court with the Nuggets (39-18) again as the team looks to compete for first place in the Western Conference. The Nuggets fell out of first with an uncharacteristic three-game losing streak in early February, but managed to turn things around with two consecutive wins before the break. After starting the season as one of the league's top defenses, the Nuggets have seemingly reverted back to an offense-first identity in line with the past few years. Denver ranks third in the league in offensive efficiency, behind only Golden State and Houston, while owning just the 14th-place defensive rating in the league. Still, the Nuggets have been one of the league's powerhouses all season, with Jokic's near-triple-double averages helping the team to play at an elite level.
Dallas (26-31) is also headlined by a European star, as rookie sensation Luka Doncic has turned heads with impressive play in his first season. The 19-year-old out of Slovenia is averaging 20.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season. The Mavericks shook things up before the deadline, trading center DeAndre Jordan and point guard Dennis Smith, Jr. to the Knicks for All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis, though, remains out as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL. It will not be until next season that the two European stars have the chance to play together. In the meantime, Dallas has a tough road to the playoffs this year, occupying 12th place in the West and sitting five games back from the eighth-place Clippers.
Jazz Visit Thunder to Kick Off Second Half
By Oscar Heanue
The Utah Jazz will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Thunder (37-20) hold the advantage in the season series, having won both of the previous meetings between these two teams. The divisional rivals have not squared off since late December, when the Thunder edged the Jazz out by a one-point margin. Since then, the Thunder have remained one of the league's top teams, boasting a 21-14 record since the start of January. The team has relied heavily on its tandem of All-Stars, with Paul George's career year helping to lead OKC's strong season. George is boasting a career-high average of 28.7 points per game, and the star scored 45 or more in two of the Thunder's last three games prior to the All-Star Break. Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, is in the midst of his third consecutive season averaging a triple-double.
Utah (32-25), meanwhile, ended its first half with a 108-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Still, the Jazz has turned things around since holding a sub-.500 record through 25 games. Utah's bread and butter has been its stellar defense, anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Gobert, despite not being named an All-Star, has put up career numbers this season. He is averaging 15.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while helping Utah hold the league's third-best defensive rating (105.8). It has also been a strong year for sophomore star Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging over 25 points per game since the start of January.
The Thunder (37-20) hold the advantage in the season series, having won both of the previous meetings between these two teams. The divisional rivals have not squared off since late December, when the Thunder edged the Jazz out by a one-point margin. Since then, the Thunder have remained one of the league's top teams, boasting a 21-14 record since the start of January. The team has relied heavily on its tandem of All-Stars, with Paul George's career year helping to lead OKC's strong season. George is boasting a career-high average of 28.7 points per game, and the star scored 45 or more in two of the Thunder's last three games prior to the All-Star Break. Russell Westbrook, meanwhile, is in the midst of his third consecutive season averaging a triple-double.
Utah (32-25), meanwhile, ended its first half with a 108-115 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Still, the Jazz has turned things around since holding a sub-.500 record through 25 games. Utah's bread and butter has been its stellar defense, anchored by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Gobert, despite not being named an All-Star, has put up career numbers this season. He is averaging 15.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while helping Utah hold the league's third-best defensive rating (105.8). It has also been a strong year for sophomore star Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging over 25 points per game since the start of January.