Trail Blazers Continue Eastern Conference Swing Against Cavaliers
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Monday evening.
The Trail Blazers (36-23) have found the majority of their success at home this season, but they've come out of the All-Star break seemingly focused on improving their body of work on the road. Portland has won their first two games after the week-long layoff, with both games coming outside the friendly confines of Moda Center. Their most recent triumph was an impressive 131-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon. Jusuf Nurkic paced the Trail Blazers with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds and four assists. Damian Lillard followed with 17 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Enes Kanter furnished 16 points, eight boards and four assists. Al-Farouq Aminu and C.J. McCollum contributed matching 15-point tallies while hauling in six and five rebounds, respectively. Maurice Harkless delivered 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without Evan Turner (ankle) on Monday.
The Cavaliers (14-46) have also come out of the All-Star break on a winning note, as they've notched two straight victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Memphis Grizzlies, which they toppled by a 112-107 score Saturday night. Kevin Love led the way with a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Collin Sexton furnished 20 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Ante Zizic delivered 18 points, seven boards and one assist. Cedi Osman pitched in 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Matthew Dellavedova tallied 10 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Cavaliers will be without Tristan Thompson (foot) and John Henson (wrist) on Monday.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-112 win on Jan. 16.
The Trail Blazers (36-23) have found the majority of their success at home this season, but they've come out of the All-Star break seemingly focused on improving their body of work on the road. Portland has won their first two games after the week-long layoff, with both games coming outside the friendly confines of Moda Center. Their most recent triumph was an impressive 131-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon. Jusuf Nurkic paced the Trail Blazers with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds and four assists. Damian Lillard followed with 17 points, supplementing them with eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Enes Kanter furnished 16 points, eight boards and four assists. Al-Farouq Aminu and C.J. McCollum contributed matching 15-point tallies while hauling in six and five rebounds, respectively. Maurice Harkless delivered 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without Evan Turner (ankle) on Monday.
The Cavaliers (14-46) have also come out of the All-Star break on a winning note, as they've notched two straight victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Memphis Grizzlies, which they toppled by a 112-107 score Saturday night. Kevin Love led the way with a 32-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block. Collin Sexton furnished 20 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Ante Zizic delivered 18 points, seven boards and one assist. Cedi Osman pitched in 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Matthew Dellavedova tallied 10 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Cavaliers will be without Tristan Thompson (foot) and John Henson (wrist) on Monday.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-112 win on Jan. 16.
Pacers Take On Pistons in Motown Battle
The Indiana Pacers take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Pacers (40-20) have started the stretch run of their season off on a winning note, as they'll come into Monday's game having notched victories in their last two games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they toppled by a 119-112 margin Saturday night. Thaddeus Young led the way with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic turned in 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Darren Collison registered 15 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Wesley Matthews delivered 14 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists and four steals. Doug McDermott and Cory Joseph produced 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Pacers will likely list Myles Turner (hip) as no better than questionable for Monday's game after missing the last two contests.
The Pistons (28-30) finally seem to be hitting their stride after floundering for a good portion of the season, as they'll come into Monday's game having won six of their last seven contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 119-96 margin on Saturday night. Ish Smith paced the Pistons from bench, supplying 22 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Blake Griffin followed with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds. Langston Galloway poured in 17 points. Luke Kennard matched Galloway's scoring tally and added five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Reggie Jackson registered 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four blocks.
The Pistons come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 125-88 victory on Dec. 28.
The Pacers (40-20) have started the stretch run of their season off on a winning note, as they'll come into Monday's game having notched victories in their last two games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they toppled by a 119-112 margin Saturday night. Thaddeus Young led the way with 22 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic turned in 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Darren Collison registered 15 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Wesley Matthews delivered 14 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Domantas Sabonis generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists and four steals. Doug McDermott and Cory Joseph produced 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Pacers will likely list Myles Turner (hip) as no better than questionable for Monday's game after missing the last two contests.
The Pistons (28-30) finally seem to be hitting their stride after floundering for a good portion of the season, as they'll come into Monday's game having won six of their last seven contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 119-96 margin on Saturday night. Ish Smith paced the Pistons from bench, supplying 22 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Blake Griffin followed with 20 points, six assists and four rebounds. Langston Galloway poured in 17 points. Luke Kennard matched Galloway's scoring tally and added five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Reggie Jackson registered 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four blocks.
The Pistons come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 125-88 victory on Dec. 28.
Warriors and Hornets Meet in Interconference Clash
The Golden State Warriors take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Warriors (42-17) have been typically dominant for long stretches this season, but they're currently in the midst of a small downturn. Golden State has dropped two of its last three games dating back to prior to the All-Star break, with their most recent stumble coming against the Houston Rockets by a 118-112 score Saturday night. Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Stephen Curry poured in 25 points and supplemented them with nine boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Klay Thompson furnished 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. DeMarcus Cousins generated a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, four blocks and three steals. Draymond Green turned in four points, four rebounds and three assists over 24 minutes before leaving with a mild ankle sprain.
The Warriors will list Green as probable for Monday's game after he practiced Sunday.
The Hornets (28-31) have found themselves in the loss column more often than not recently, as they'll come into Monday's game having dropped five of their last seven contests. Their most recent defeat came versus the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 117-115 score on Saturday night. Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 32 points, adding three assists, one rebound and two steals. Tony Parker followed with 21 points and supplemented them with five rebounds, five assists and one block. Nicolas Batum supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Cody Zeller contributed a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one block. Marvin Williams finished with 11 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Hornets come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign, with the Warriors notching a 101-87 win and the Hornets countering with a 111-100 victory in the second game.
The Warriors (42-17) have been typically dominant for long stretches this season, but they're currently in the midst of a small downturn. Golden State has dropped two of its last three games dating back to prior to the All-Star break, with their most recent stumble coming against the Houston Rockets by a 118-112 score Saturday night. Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Stephen Curry poured in 25 points and supplemented them with nine boards, seven assists, one steal and one block. Klay Thompson furnished 20 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. DeMarcus Cousins generated a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, four blocks and three steals. Draymond Green turned in four points, four rebounds and three assists over 24 minutes before leaving with a mild ankle sprain.
The Warriors will list Green as probable for Monday's game after he practiced Sunday.
The Hornets (28-31) have found themselves in the loss column more often than not recently, as they'll come into Monday's game having dropped five of their last seven contests. Their most recent defeat came versus the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 117-115 score on Saturday night. Kemba Walker paced the Hornets with 32 points, adding three assists, one rebound and two steals. Tony Parker followed with 21 points and supplemented them with five rebounds, five assists and one block. Nicolas Batum supplied 14 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Cody Zeller contributed a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one block. Marvin Williams finished with 11 points, eight boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Hornets come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign, with the Warriors notching a 101-87 win and the Hornets countering with a 111-100 victory in the second game.
Heat Looking For Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Phoenix Suns, at American Airlines Arena on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Heat (26-32), which began with a loss to the Pistons on Saturday. They have lost five straight at home, dating back to January 23rd, and are 11-17 at home this season. The Heat have dropped eight of their last 10 games overall, including their last two in a row, and sit 10th place in the East. Josh Richardson leads the Heat, averaging 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Dion Waiters has been gathering speed, averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. Dwyane Wade continues to hold his own, averaging 14.1 points, 4.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 25 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a home stand for the Suns (11-50), where they have gone 0-4 so far. The Suns have dropped 13 straight on the road, and are 4-28 on the road this season. They have dropped 17 in a row overall, and own the worst record in the NBA. This contest will mark Tyler Johnson's return to his former home. Johnson put up 29 points in his previous game and has played more than 30 minutes in two games with the Suns. Devin Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 points and 0.9 blocks per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Heat (26-32), which began with a loss to the Pistons on Saturday. They have lost five straight at home, dating back to January 23rd, and are 11-17 at home this season. The Heat have dropped eight of their last 10 games overall, including their last two in a row, and sit 10th place in the East. Josh Richardson leads the Heat, averaging 17.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Dion Waiters has been gathering speed, averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals over his last 10 games. Dwyane Wade continues to hold his own, averaging 14.1 points, 4.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds, in 25 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth and final game of a home stand for the Suns (11-50), where they have gone 0-4 so far. The Suns have dropped 13 straight on the road, and are 4-28 on the road this season. They have dropped 17 in a row overall, and own the worst record in the NBA. This contest will mark Tyler Johnson's return to his former home. Johnson put up 29 points in his previous game and has played more than 30 minutes in two games with the Suns. Devin Booker is averaging 24.7 points, 6.7 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 16.4 points, 10.5 points and 0.9 blocks per game.
Spurs Looking To Bounce Back From Ugly Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the San Antonio Spurs, at Barclays Center on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Spurs (33-28), who are coming off a forgettable loss in New York on Sunday, where they trailed the Knicks for almost the entire game. Despite an efficient 32 points from DeMar DeRozan, the Spurs could not pull off a much-needed win against one of the worst teams in the league. The Spurs have dropped two in a row since returning to action after the all-star break, and are now tied for the eighth spot in the West, with just a 1.0-game lead over ninth. This marks the eighth and final game of a road trip for the Spurs, which began on February 4th. They are just 1-6 on the trip so far, and are 11-21 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, the Nets (31-30) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but are coming off a solid win in their most recent outing, where they defeated the Hornets in Charlotte. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets, who have dropped their last two in a row at home. However, they are 17-14 at home this season. The Nets hold on to sixth place in the East, with a 3.0-game lead over ninth place. D'Angelo Russell continues to impress, as he tallied 40 points, including the last 12 straight for the Nets in their most recent win. Russell is averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, in what has become his first all-star season. The Nets are also lucky to have Caris LeVert back in the lineup, after he missed extended time due to a dislocated foot. LeVert was playing great before the injury and is slowly coming back to top form, as he is averaging 9.4 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals, in 24 minutes per game, over his five games back.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Spurs (33-28), who are coming off a forgettable loss in New York on Sunday, where they trailed the Knicks for almost the entire game. Despite an efficient 32 points from DeMar DeRozan, the Spurs could not pull off a much-needed win against one of the worst teams in the league. The Spurs have dropped two in a row since returning to action after the all-star break, and are now tied for the eighth spot in the West, with just a 1.0-game lead over ninth. This marks the eighth and final game of a road trip for the Spurs, which began on February 4th. They are just 1-6 on the trip so far, and are 11-21 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, the Nets (31-30) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but are coming off a solid win in their most recent outing, where they defeated the Hornets in Charlotte. This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Nets, who have dropped their last two in a row at home. However, they are 17-14 at home this season. The Nets hold on to sixth place in the East, with a 3.0-game lead over ninth place. D'Angelo Russell continues to impress, as he tallied 40 points, including the last 12 straight for the Nets in their most recent win. Russell is averaging 20.5 points, 6.7 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, in what has become his first all-star season. The Nets are also lucky to have Caris LeVert back in the lineup, after he missed extended time due to a dislocated foot. LeVert was playing great before the injury and is slowly coming back to top form, as he is averaging 9.4 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals, in 24 minutes per game, over his five games back.
Dysfunctional Pelicans Host Sixers on Monday
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to The Big Easy to play the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Monday.
The Sixers (38-22) own a 4-2 record across their last six games, as they need to figure out how to play without Joel Embiid. The all-star center is currently dealing with knee issues and a 15-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the most recent game indicates they miss him pretty badly. The good news is that they now have Tobias Harris to lighten the load, as he'll have to pick things up in the absence of Embiid. The fact that the Sixers allowed 130 points to Portland in their last game presents what this teams major weakness is, as they currently rank 20th in points allowed. That's not good enough for a title contender and they need to gain some consistency on that end of the floor if they want to go deep.
The Pelicans (27-34) are in complete disarray right now, as there's so much dysfunction around the organization. The base of the problem is this whole Anthony Davis saga, as management refused to trade him at the trade deadline despite his request. What makes it even worse is the fact that he said he wants to continue to play. That has forced the hand of Alvin Gentry, as he's been playing Davis limited minutes. He actually sat out the team's most recent win, as they have just six wins across their last 17 games. That obviously won't get it done and this stretch has pretty much ended any playoff hopes for this talented team. There's also word that they want to limit Jrue Holiday's minutes down the line too, as this club is going to have a tough time competing with their two best players being limited.
The first meeting between these teams was an epic matchup, with Philly prevailing at home, 121-120 on November 21. A win here for New Orleans would mark the sixth-straight season in which these teams split their two-game season series.
The Sixers (38-22) own a 4-2 record across their last six games, as they need to figure out how to play without Joel Embiid. The all-star center is currently dealing with knee issues and a 15-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the most recent game indicates they miss him pretty badly. The good news is that they now have Tobias Harris to lighten the load, as he'll have to pick things up in the absence of Embiid. The fact that the Sixers allowed 130 points to Portland in their last game presents what this teams major weakness is, as they currently rank 20th in points allowed. That's not good enough for a title contender and they need to gain some consistency on that end of the floor if they want to go deep.
The Pelicans (27-34) are in complete disarray right now, as there's so much dysfunction around the organization. The base of the problem is this whole Anthony Davis saga, as management refused to trade him at the trade deadline despite his request. What makes it even worse is the fact that he said he wants to continue to play. That has forced the hand of Alvin Gentry, as he's been playing Davis limited minutes. He actually sat out the team's most recent win, as they have just six wins across their last 17 games. That obviously won't get it done and this stretch has pretty much ended any playoff hopes for this talented team. There's also word that they want to limit Jrue Holiday's minutes down the line too, as this club is going to have a tough time competing with their two best players being limited.
The first meeting between these teams was an epic matchup, with Philly prevailing at home, 121-120 on November 21. A win here for New Orleans would mark the sixth-straight season in which these teams split their two-game season series.
Bucks Visit Chicago for Divisional Clash
By Oscar Heanue
The Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday evening.
The season series between these teams has been lopsided thus far, with Milwaukee (45-14) having won all three matchups. This should come as no surprise, as the Bucks hold the league's best record while Chicago (16-44) is stuck in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee will be looking to make it a clean sweep with a win on Monday, and the team seems primed to do exactly that. The Bucks have won 10 of their last 11 contests and are the only team in the NBA to own both a top-five offense and defense. Milwaukee's success can be largely attributed to MVP hopeful Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is boasting career-best averages of 27.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Antetokounmpo headlined Milwaukee's recent win over the Timberwolves by putting up 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
Things have been looking up for Chicago as well recently, as the Bulls are on a rare three-game winning streak. After holding last place in the East for a large portion of the season, the Bulls have come alive in February. On Saturday, Chicago picked up a win over Boston behind 42 points from Zach LaVine. Chicago also saw a big contribution from Lauri Markkanen, who scored 35 points in the win. Markkanen is now averaging 26.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the month of February. He will hope to continue his strong play as the Bulls look for an upset on Monday.
The season series between these teams has been lopsided thus far, with Milwaukee (45-14) having won all three matchups. This should come as no surprise, as the Bucks hold the league's best record while Chicago (16-44) is stuck in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee will be looking to make it a clean sweep with a win on Monday, and the team seems primed to do exactly that. The Bucks have won 10 of their last 11 contests and are the only team in the NBA to own both a top-five offense and defense. Milwaukee's success can be largely attributed to MVP hopeful Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is boasting career-best averages of 27.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Antetokounmpo headlined Milwaukee's recent win over the Timberwolves by putting up 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
Things have been looking up for Chicago as well recently, as the Bulls are on a rare three-game winning streak. After holding last place in the East for a large portion of the season, the Bulls have come alive in February. On Saturday, Chicago picked up a win over Boston behind 42 points from Zach LaVine. Chicago also saw a big contribution from Lauri Markkanen, who scored 35 points in the win. Markkanen is now averaging 26.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the month of February. He will hope to continue his strong play as the Bulls look for an upset on Monday.
Hawks, Rockets Gear Up for Three-Point Shootout
By Oscar Heanue
The Atlanta Hawks will visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
Monday's tilt could be a long-range shootout, as both teams rank in the top five league-wide in three-pointers attempted. Houston (34-25), under coach Mike D'Antoni, is leading the league in three-pointers for the second straight season, knocking down 15.5 threes per game. However, Houston may be without its most prolific shooter on Monday. Reigning MVP James Harden missed Saturday's game with a cervical strain, and will be a game-time decision for Monday. Harden's absence did not stop Houston from getting the upset win over Golden State this weekend, though, as Chris Paul and the Rockets were able to earn a 118-112 victory. Paul scored 23 points and dished out a season-high 17 assists in the win.
Atlanta (20-40), meanwhile, is fresh off a win of its own. The Hawks took down Phoenix, 120-112, on Saturday. The win was headlined by 23 points and eight assists from rookie point guard Trae Young. Young, the fifth overall pick in the 2018 Draft, has been sensational since the start of the new year. In the month of February, Young is averaging 20.8 points and 9.3 assists per game. The Hawks have also benefited from a breakout season from sophomore star John Collins, who is boasting averages of 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Still, at 20-40, Atlanta occupies 12th place in the East and seems destined for another season outside of the playoffs.
Monday's tilt could be a long-range shootout, as both teams rank in the top five league-wide in three-pointers attempted. Houston (34-25), under coach Mike D'Antoni, is leading the league in three-pointers for the second straight season, knocking down 15.5 threes per game. However, Houston may be without its most prolific shooter on Monday. Reigning MVP James Harden missed Saturday's game with a cervical strain, and will be a game-time decision for Monday. Harden's absence did not stop Houston from getting the upset win over Golden State this weekend, though, as Chris Paul and the Rockets were able to earn a 118-112 victory. Paul scored 23 points and dished out a season-high 17 assists in the win.
Atlanta (20-40), meanwhile, is fresh off a win of its own. The Hawks took down Phoenix, 120-112, on Saturday. The win was headlined by 23 points and eight assists from rookie point guard Trae Young. Young, the fifth overall pick in the 2018 Draft, has been sensational since the start of the new year. In the month of February, Young is averaging 20.8 points and 9.3 assists per game. The Hawks have also benefited from a breakout season from sophomore star John Collins, who is boasting averages of 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Still, at 20-40, Atlanta occupies 12th place in the East and seems destined for another season outside of the playoffs.
Timberwolves Host Kings on Monday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Sacramento Kings at Target Center on Monday.
The Kings (31-28) have lost two of their last three games coming into this matchup but analyzing those losses shows just how good this team has been. In fact, Sacramento lost by equal two-point margins at the hands of the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. Those are the two best teams in the Western Conference and it says a lot about this team and just how competitive they are. They actually followed that up with a three-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as that is yet another dominant Western Conference foe. This run has gotten them within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers in eighth, as Sacramento looks like the far better team. Reaching the postseason would be a heck of an achievement, especially when you consider the fact that many people had this team pegged to finish bottom-five at the beginning of the season.
The Timberwolves (28-31) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as they're making one final push at a playoff berth. Minnesota currently sits four games back in the Clippers in eighth and that's a lot of ground to make up with Sacramento and the Lakers just ahead of them. Getting Karl-Anthony Towns back is critical in terms of making one final run, as he is currently in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in a car crash. The good news is that it's not too serious, as he's expected to return possibly for this matchup. Getting Jeff Teague back was huge add too and they need their full arsenal if they want to make up this deep margin.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Sacramento prevailing in two of three. In fact, the home team has won all three fixtures, with the home team averaging 131.3 points per game.
The Kings (31-28) have lost two of their last three games coming into this matchup but analyzing those losses shows just how good this team has been. In fact, Sacramento lost by equal two-point margins at the hands of the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. Those are the two best teams in the Western Conference and it says a lot about this team and just how competitive they are. They actually followed that up with a three-point victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as that is yet another dominant Western Conference foe. This run has gotten them within a game of the Los Angeles Clippers in eighth, as Sacramento looks like the far better team. Reaching the postseason would be a heck of an achievement, especially when you consider the fact that many people had this team pegged to finish bottom-five at the beginning of the season.
The Timberwolves (28-31) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as they're making one final push at a playoff berth. Minnesota currently sits four games back in the Clippers in eighth and that's a lot of ground to make up with Sacramento and the Lakers just ahead of them. Getting Karl-Anthony Towns back is critical in terms of making one final run, as he is currently in concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in a car crash. The good news is that it's not too serious, as he's expected to return possibly for this matchup. Getting Jeff Teague back was huge add too and they need their full arsenal if they want to make up this deep margin.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Sacramento prevailing in two of three. In fact, the home team has won all three fixtures, with the home team averaging 131.3 points per game.
Lakers, Grizzlies to Square off in Memphis
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Lakers will visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Monday.
LeBron James' tenure as a Laker has thus far put him in unfamiliar territory, as Los Angeles (29-30) is below .500 and is currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The Lakers have dropped three of their last four games, including a tough 115-128 loss to the Pelicans without Anthony Davis on Saturday. James scored 27 points and had 12 assists in the loss, but the Lakers could not keep up with New Orleans' red-hot offense. LA's primary struggle this season has been creating offense; the Lakers rank 27th in three-point percentage and 21st in offensive rating. The Lakers will hope to improve their shooting and end their struggles against a Memphis team that has seen plenty of its own problems recently.
The Grizzlies (23-38) have fallen from playoff contender to flirting with last place. Memphis has dropped four straight games and continues to have one of the league's most stagnant offenses. The Grizzlies are the lowest-scoring team in the NBA, putting up just 100.8 points per game. A bright spot for Memphis, though, has been the success of recently-acquired big man Jonas Valanciunas. Since being moved in a deal for All-Star center Marc Gasol at the deadline, Valanciunas has averaged 20 points in three games with the Grizzlies. Memphis also added veterans Delon Wright and Avery Bradley prior to the trade deadline.
LeBron James' tenure as a Laker has thus far put him in unfamiliar territory, as Los Angeles (29-30) is below .500 and is currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The Lakers have dropped three of their last four games, including a tough 115-128 loss to the Pelicans without Anthony Davis on Saturday. James scored 27 points and had 12 assists in the loss, but the Lakers could not keep up with New Orleans' red-hot offense. LA's primary struggle this season has been creating offense; the Lakers rank 27th in three-point percentage and 21st in offensive rating. The Lakers will hope to improve their shooting and end their struggles against a Memphis team that has seen plenty of its own problems recently.
The Grizzlies (23-38) have fallen from playoff contender to flirting with last place. Memphis has dropped four straight games and continues to have one of the league's most stagnant offenses. The Grizzlies are the lowest-scoring team in the NBA, putting up just 100.8 points per game. A bright spot for Memphis, though, has been the success of recently-acquired big man Jonas Valanciunas. Since being moved in a deal for All-Star center Marc Gasol at the deadline, Valanciunas has averaged 20 points in three games with the Grizzlies. Memphis also added veterans Delon Wright and Avery Bradley prior to the trade deadline.
Clippers Host Mavericks on Monday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on Monday.
The Mavericks (26-33) are looking forward to next season, as they have formed one of the most dangerous young cores in the league. Not only has Luka Doncic transformed into a superstar in his first season, but Dallas also made the brash move of acquiring Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline. While that conceded any hopes this season, it did open things up for the future. The Mavericks had to ship off numerous pieces in that trade and this roster is looking very shallow considering Doncic is dealing with an ankle issue of his own. The fact that this season doesn't matter much anymore probably means they'll limit Doncic from here on out, as they have their eye on next year. In Doncic's absence, players like Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson have been asked to take on a much bigger load. That's not exactly a dangerous duo but getting these players ready to become valuable role players is what's key for the future.
The Clippers (33-28) suffered a nightmarish defeat on Sunday, as they went into Denver and took a 27-point beatdown at the hands of the Nuggets. That's something a lot of teams have dealt with this season but it's discouraging to see such a lopsided defeat from a team battling for a playoff berth. Los Angeles is just one game up on the Sacramento Kings in ninth and three games up on the Los Angeles Lakers in 10th. Many people expect either the Lakers or Kings to catch them, especially considering the fact that the Clippers shipped of Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. That's 20 points and 10 rebounds that can't be made up and one has to wonder why they would do that. Tanking has become commonplace throughout the league but it's bizarre to see a team do that when they're already in playoff contention. In any case, Los Angeles is still holding that eight-seed and they'll be a team to watch over the final two months.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Dallas winning two of three. In fact, the home team has won all three fixtures thus far. The home team has actually won the last eight games in this series dating back three years.
The Mavericks (26-33) are looking forward to next season, as they have formed one of the most dangerous young cores in the league. Not only has Luka Doncic transformed into a superstar in his first season, but Dallas also made the brash move of acquiring Kristaps Porzingis at the trade deadline. While that conceded any hopes this season, it did open things up for the future. The Mavericks had to ship off numerous pieces in that trade and this roster is looking very shallow considering Doncic is dealing with an ankle issue of his own. The fact that this season doesn't matter much anymore probably means they'll limit Doncic from here on out, as they have their eye on next year. In Doncic's absence, players like Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson have been asked to take on a much bigger load. That's not exactly a dangerous duo but getting these players ready to become valuable role players is what's key for the future.
The Clippers (33-28) suffered a nightmarish defeat on Sunday, as they went into Denver and took a 27-point beatdown at the hands of the Nuggets. That's something a lot of teams have dealt with this season but it's discouraging to see such a lopsided defeat from a team battling for a playoff berth. Los Angeles is just one game up on the Sacramento Kings in ninth and three games up on the Los Angeles Lakers in 10th. Many people expect either the Lakers or Kings to catch them, especially considering the fact that the Clippers shipped of Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. That's 20 points and 10 rebounds that can't be made up and one has to wonder why they would do that. Tanking has become commonplace throughout the league but it's bizarre to see a team do that when they're already in playoff contention. In any case, Los Angeles is still holding that eight-seed and they'll be a team to watch over the final two months.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Dallas winning two of three. In fact, the home team has won all three fixtures thus far. The home team has actually won the last eight games in this series dating back three years.