Rockets and Hornets Clash at Spectrum Center
The Houston Rockets (35-25) have won back-to-back games since coming off the All-Star break last week, their latest victory coming on Monday night in a 119-111 win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks. James Harden once again bouyed the Rockets offensively, finishing the night with a team-high 28 points on the back of 14-of-16 shooting from the free throw line, going 7-of-21 from the paint and grabbing five rebounds in the process. Chris Paul recorded eight assists and six boards on his way to a 20-point night, making 3-of-8 from beyond the arc and draining all seven of his attempts from the foul line, while Kenneth Faried was the beneficiary of a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to his credit. Faried, playing in his eighth season, is enjoying the best numbers of his career since joining Houston from the Denver Nuggets this season, averaging 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds through 13 starts. Eric Gordon came off the bench to the tune of 16 points and four three-pointers as the Rockets remain in fifth place in the Western Conference, two games behind the fourth place Portland Trail Blazers.
Losers of four of their last five match-ups, the Charlotte Hornets (28-32) will need to right their ship if they want to maintain their tenuous grip on the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, with the Detroit Pistons breathing down their necks a just a half game behind. Monday night saw the Hornets continue their four-game home stand with a 121-110 loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Cody Zeller did most of the heavy lifting for the team offensively, dropping a team-high 28 points, adding nine boards to pull up short of a double-double. All-Star Kemba Walker shot 9-of-24 from field goal range and 3-of-12 from deep on his way to 23 points and six assists, while sub Jeremy Lamb finished with 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Walker currently ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring, starting all 60 games for Charlotte and averaging 25.1 points per game. The Hornets shot a woeful 21.2 percent from downtown in the defeat, where they rank 19th in the league, averaging 34.8 percent shooting. The team heads to the road on Friday to tangle with the red-hot Brooklyn Nets.
Losers of four of their last five match-ups, the Charlotte Hornets (28-32) will need to right their ship if they want to maintain their tenuous grip on the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, with the Detroit Pistons breathing down their necks a just a half game behind. Monday night saw the Hornets continue their four-game home stand with a 121-110 loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Cody Zeller did most of the heavy lifting for the team offensively, dropping a team-high 28 points, adding nine boards to pull up short of a double-double. All-Star Kemba Walker shot 9-of-24 from field goal range and 3-of-12 from deep on his way to 23 points and six assists, while sub Jeremy Lamb finished with 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Walker currently ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring, starting all 60 games for Charlotte and averaging 25.1 points per game. The Hornets shot a woeful 21.2 percent from downtown in the defeat, where they rank 19th in the league, averaging 34.8 percent shooting. The team heads to the road on Friday to tangle with the red-hot Brooklyn Nets.
Hawks Host T'Wolves on Wednesday
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (29-31) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, as they're desperately trying to remain in playoff contention. In fact, Minnesota is just three games back on the San Antonio Spurs in eighth and four games back on the Los Angeles Clipper in seventh. While that's quite the margin to make up in 22 games, it's very possible with the talent they possess. Karl-Anthony Towns returning to the lineup on Monday was obviously a huge bonus, as he missed the two previous game due to a concussion. Towns provided 34 points and 21 rebounds in that win and that shows the sort of upside he presents when he's playing at full boar. Getting Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins on the same page is the next step, as that'll really get this team right back into the mix of it,
The Hawks (20-41) are way out of playoff contention but it's been a relatively successful season all things considered. The development of their youngsters is what's most promising, with Trae Young and John Collins both blossoming into borderline all-star players. That was evident when Young dropped a career-high 36 points on Monday in a loss to the Houston Rockets. Collins has provided numerous career-best performances this season too and that's a fantastic young core headed forward. The one thing the Hawks need to work on is their defense though, as they've sat dead-last in points allowed for the majority of the season. That obviously won't get it done but that's simply growing pains of a young organization and the arrow finally appears to be pointing up after a couple nightmare seasons.
In the first meeting between these teams, Atlanta prevailed on the road, 123-120.
The Timberwolves (29-31) come into this matchup winning four of their last five games, as they're desperately trying to remain in playoff contention. In fact, Minnesota is just three games back on the San Antonio Spurs in eighth and four games back on the Los Angeles Clipper in seventh. While that's quite the margin to make up in 22 games, it's very possible with the talent they possess. Karl-Anthony Towns returning to the lineup on Monday was obviously a huge bonus, as he missed the two previous game due to a concussion. Towns provided 34 points and 21 rebounds in that win and that shows the sort of upside he presents when he's playing at full boar. Getting Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins on the same page is the next step, as that'll really get this team right back into the mix of it,
The Hawks (20-41) are way out of playoff contention but it's been a relatively successful season all things considered. The development of their youngsters is what's most promising, with Trae Young and John Collins both blossoming into borderline all-star players. That was evident when Young dropped a career-high 36 points on Monday in a loss to the Houston Rockets. Collins has provided numerous career-best performances this season too and that's a fantastic young core headed forward. The one thing the Hawks need to work on is their defense though, as they've sat dead-last in points allowed for the majority of the season. That obviously won't get it done but that's simply growing pains of a young organization and the arrow finally appears to be pointing up after a couple nightmare seasons.
In the first meeting between these teams, Atlanta prevailed on the road, 123-120.
Simmering Heat Host Warriors on Wednesday
The Golden State Warriors travel to South Beach to play the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday.
The Warriors (43-17) currently own the best record in the Western Conference but they've played below expectations this season. In fact, they've already reached their projected loss total from the beginning of the season, as there are still 22 games remaining. That's by no means disparaging this team but it does show just how good they are despite playing below expectations. What's truly incredible about this team is their offense, as they currently sit first in points scored, assists and offensive efficiency. That's become commonplace for this organization and it has them in line for homecourt throughout the playoffs yet again. Throwing out the word "dynasty" is always risky but a team who is looking for its fourth title in five years garners that sort of consideration. DeMarcus Cousins playing a season-high 31 minutes in the Warriors most recent win is extremely encouraging too, as he's almost 100 percent back from that Achilles tear. That adds yet another dynamic to this unstoppable team and they are once again heavy favorites to land that title.
The Heat (26-33) come into this matchup losing nine of their last 11 games, as they're steadily freefalling from playoff contention. In fact, they've fallen from seventh to 10th in that stretch, as they are now 1.5 games back on the Charlotte Hornets in eighth. Miami has a new team to catch too, with Orlando climbing up to ninth with a recent winning streak. Getting Goran Dragic back is hopefully what will spark this team, as he's been coming off the bench in his first two games since returning from knee surgery. If they can get him back to his all-star form from last season, Miami can make up this 1.5-game margin.
The first meeting between these teams was a tight one, with Golden State prevailing, 120-118 on February 10. That marked the Warriors eighth win in their last 10 games against the Heat.
The Warriors (43-17) currently own the best record in the Western Conference but they've played below expectations this season. In fact, they've already reached their projected loss total from the beginning of the season, as there are still 22 games remaining. That's by no means disparaging this team but it does show just how good they are despite playing below expectations. What's truly incredible about this team is their offense, as they currently sit first in points scored, assists and offensive efficiency. That's become commonplace for this organization and it has them in line for homecourt throughout the playoffs yet again. Throwing out the word "dynasty" is always risky but a team who is looking for its fourth title in five years garners that sort of consideration. DeMarcus Cousins playing a season-high 31 minutes in the Warriors most recent win is extremely encouraging too, as he's almost 100 percent back from that Achilles tear. That adds yet another dynamic to this unstoppable team and they are once again heavy favorites to land that title.
The Heat (26-33) come into this matchup losing nine of their last 11 games, as they're steadily freefalling from playoff contention. In fact, they've fallen from seventh to 10th in that stretch, as they are now 1.5 games back on the Charlotte Hornets in eighth. Miami has a new team to catch too, with Orlando climbing up to ninth with a recent winning streak. Getting Goran Dragic back is hopefully what will spark this team, as he's been coming off the bench in his first two games since returning from knee surgery. If they can get him back to his all-star form from last season, Miami can make up this 1.5-game margin.
The first meeting between these teams was a tight one, with Golden State prevailing, 120-118 on February 10. That marked the Warriors eighth win in their last 10 games against the Heat.
Barclays Center Plays Host to Wizards and Nets
The Washington Wizards (24-36) have had four days to digest four straight losses following a 119-112 loss to the visiting Indiana Pacers on Saturday. The short-handed Wizards had an efficient shooting night, going a collective 53.2 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from long range, but couldn't overcome the absence of John Wall. Bradley Beal stepped up in Wall's absence with a big 35-point outing, going 12-of-22 from field goal range and 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Thomas Bryant recorded 23 points and 12 boards off the bench for a double-double, adding three triples and three blocks, while new Wizard Bobby Portis had a subdued performance, scoring seven points in only 17 minutes played. Jabari Parker had 12 points and four boards off the pine for a Washington team looking set to become a lottery team, as they fall to 11th place in the Eastern Conference, four games out of Playoff contention. Things won't get easier for the team as they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
Monday night saw the surprising Brooklyn Nets (32-30) trounce the struggling San Antonio Spurs on home court, 101-85. D'Angelo Russell, enjoying a career resurgence in Brooklyn, once again led the charge offensively, finishing the contest with 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, making 9-of-19 from the paint and 5-of-11 from behind the arc. The fourth-year star is averaging 20.5 points and 6.7 assists in starting all but one contest for the Nets. Joe Harris and Caris LeVert put up 15 points apiece, with Harris continuing his hot streak from long range with 5-of-6 triples, and LeVert facilitating seven assists. DeMarre Carroll hauled in 12 rebounds in a reserve role for a Brooklyn team that has won three of their last four games and remains in the thick of the East's Playoff picture, sitting in 6th place in the conference.
Monday night saw the surprising Brooklyn Nets (32-30) trounce the struggling San Antonio Spurs on home court, 101-85. D'Angelo Russell, enjoying a career resurgence in Brooklyn, once again led the charge offensively, finishing the contest with 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, making 9-of-19 from the paint and 5-of-11 from behind the arc. The fourth-year star is averaging 20.5 points and 6.7 assists in starting all but one contest for the Nets. Joe Harris and Caris LeVert put up 15 points apiece, with Harris continuing his hot streak from long range with 5-of-6 triples, and LeVert facilitating seven assists. DeMarre Carroll hauled in 12 rebounds in a reserve role for a Brooklyn team that has won three of their last four games and remains in the thick of the East's Playoff picture, sitting in 6th place in the conference.
Trail Blazers Continue Eastern Conference Swing Versus Reeling Celtics
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Trail Blazers (37-23) have encountered plenty of trouble on the road this season, but they're doing a good job of putting a dent in that reputation on their current Eastern Conference road swing. Portland comes into Wednesday's game with three straight road victories, their most recent being a 123-110 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. C.J. McCollum led the way with 35 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Damian Lillard supplied 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic and Seth Curry generated matching 15-point tallies, with Nurkic also hauling in eight rebounds and dishing out four assists. Maurice Harkless and Enes Kanter turned in nine points apiece and posted eight and six rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without the services of Evan Turner (knee) on Wednesday.
The Celtics (37-24) come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of a worrisome skid, as they've dropped three straight games and five of the last seven overall. Boston's most recent stumble came against the rival Toronto Raptors, which throttled them by a 118-95 score on Tuesday night. Marcus Morris paced the Celtics with 17 points, adding six rebounds and one assist. Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier generated matching 11-point tallies, with Tatum notably bringing in seven boards. Jaylen Brown was the only other player in double digits, posting 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Gordon Hayward tallied nine points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Al Horford and Robert Williams contributed eight points apiece.
The Celtics will be without Aron Baynes (foot) for Wednesday's contest. Brad Wanamaker (illness) will likely be questionable at best after missing Tuesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 100-94 victory on Nov. 11.
The Trail Blazers (37-23) have encountered plenty of trouble on the road this season, but they're doing a good job of putting a dent in that reputation on their current Eastern Conference road swing. Portland comes into Wednesday's game with three straight road victories, their most recent being a 123-110 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. C.J. McCollum led the way with 35 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Damian Lillard supplied 21 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic and Seth Curry generated matching 15-point tallies, with Nurkic also hauling in eight rebounds and dishing out four assists. Maurice Harkless and Enes Kanter turned in nine points apiece and posted eight and six rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without the services of Evan Turner (knee) on Wednesday.
The Celtics (37-24) come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of a worrisome skid, as they've dropped three straight games and five of the last seven overall. Boston's most recent stumble came against the rival Toronto Raptors, which throttled them by a 118-95 score on Tuesday night. Marcus Morris paced the Celtics with 17 points, adding six rebounds and one assist. Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier generated matching 11-point tallies, with Tatum notably bringing in seven boards. Jaylen Brown was the only other player in double digits, posting 10 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Gordon Hayward tallied nine points, two rebounds, two assists and one block. Al Horford and Robert Williams contributed eight points apiece.
The Celtics will be without Aron Baynes (foot) for Wednesday's contest. Brad Wanamaker (illness) will likely be questionable at best after missing Tuesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 100-94 victory on Nov. 11.
Grizzlies Host Bulls on Wednesday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Chicago Bulls at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
The Bulls (16-45) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, which is easily their best stretch of the season. In fact, the Bulls had just three wins across their previous 22 games prior to that. That shows the sort of season its been for Chicago fans, as they have a long way to go. This is a promising young core though, with talent all across the board. Players like Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been superb this season and the only thing they're really missing is a veteran presence. Not having a true ball-handler has really killed this offense, with Chicago ranking 28th in scoring and 27th in assists. That says a lot about the immaturity of this team and one has to wonder how a team with so many talented players can be so inept on the offensive end.
The Grizzlies (24-38) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games, as this has become a lost season. The trade of Marc Gasol was the start of it and it's time for this franchise to start rebuilding. The guy to build around is Jaren Jackson Jr, as he's developed into one of the best rookies in the NBA. With that said, he is dealing with a deep bone bruise and will likely miss a few weeks because of that injury. That has forced the hand of Joakim Noah and Jonas Valanciunas, with both players having resurgent seasons. This is a club that likes to play big and having two guys like that in the frontcourt has to please fans who loved the Zach Randolph and Gasol days. It still doesn't affect this offense enough though, with the Grizzlies sitting dead-last in scoring.
Chicago won their first game over Memphis earlier this season, 122-110. That marked the Bulls third-straight win over the Grizzlies. Despite the fact that both these offense have been putrid over recent years, no team has scored fewer than 110 points in any of those three games.
The Bulls (16-45) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, which is easily their best stretch of the season. In fact, the Bulls had just three wins across their previous 22 games prior to that. That shows the sort of season its been for Chicago fans, as they have a long way to go. This is a promising young core though, with talent all across the board. Players like Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been superb this season and the only thing they're really missing is a veteran presence. Not having a true ball-handler has really killed this offense, with Chicago ranking 28th in scoring and 27th in assists. That says a lot about the immaturity of this team and one has to wonder how a team with so many talented players can be so inept on the offensive end.
The Grizzlies (24-38) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games, as this has become a lost season. The trade of Marc Gasol was the start of it and it's time for this franchise to start rebuilding. The guy to build around is Jaren Jackson Jr, as he's developed into one of the best rookies in the NBA. With that said, he is dealing with a deep bone bruise and will likely miss a few weeks because of that injury. That has forced the hand of Joakim Noah and Jonas Valanciunas, with both players having resurgent seasons. This is a club that likes to play big and having two guys like that in the frontcourt has to please fans who loved the Zach Randolph and Gasol days. It still doesn't affect this offense enough though, with the Grizzlies sitting dead-last in scoring.
Chicago won their first game over Memphis earlier this season, 122-110. That marked the Bulls third-straight win over the Grizzlies. Despite the fact that both these offense have been putrid over recent years, no team has scored fewer than 110 points in any of those three games.
Pacers Battle Mavericks In Interconference Showdown
The Indiana Pacers take on the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers (40-21) have been riding high for a multi-week stretch, even though they'll come into Wednesday's contest having just dropped a 113-109 decision to the red-hot Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 25 points and added four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis followed with 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Darren Collison contributed 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Wesley Matthews poured in 14 points. Thaddeus Young generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Pacers will be without Domantas Sabonis (ankle) on Wednesday. Tyreke Evans (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Mavericks (26-34) have been heading in the wrong direction since prior to the All-Star break, as they'll come into Wednesday on a five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came against the Los Angeles Clippers, which toppled them by a 121-112 score Monday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 28-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in his return from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury. Dwight Powell made a spot start and provided 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dirk Nowitzki turned in 12 points and five boards. Maxi Kleber led the bench with 10 points.
The Mavericks will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 111-99 win on Jan. 19.
The Pacers (40-21) have been riding high for a multi-week stretch, even though they'll come into Wednesday's contest having just dropped a 113-109 decision to the red-hot Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 25 points and added four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis followed with 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Darren Collison contributed 21 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Wesley Matthews poured in 14 points. Thaddeus Young generated a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Pacers will be without Domantas Sabonis (ankle) on Wednesday. Tyreke Evans (illness) will be listed as questionable.
The Mavericks (26-34) have been heading in the wrong direction since prior to the All-Star break, as they'll come into Wednesday on a five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble came against the Los Angeles Clippers, which toppled them by a 121-112 score Monday night. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with a 28-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in his return from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury. Dwight Powell made a spot start and provided 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Tim Hardaway, Jr. finished with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dirk Nowitzki turned in 12 points and five boards. Maxi Kleber led the bench with 10 points.
The Mavericks will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 111-99 win on Jan. 19.
Pistons Face Spurs In Lone Star State Showdown
The Detroit Pistons take on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pistons (29-30) have been doing plenty of making up for lost time in recent games, as they've notched three straight victories, and seven in their last eight games overall. Detroit's most recent success came at the expense of the Indiana Pacers, which they toppled by a 113-109 score on Monday night. Andre Drummond led the Pistons with a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Blake Griffin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included one steal. Luke Kennard totaled 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Jackson and Wayne Ellington delivered 14 points apiece. Langston Galloway furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Pistons come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Spurs (33-29) have been heading in the opposite direction of their opponents recently, as they've lost three consecutive games, and seven of their last eight contests overall. Their most recent stumble came versus the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 101-85 score on Monday night. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with 26 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan registered 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Rudy Gay turned in 13 points and three rebounds. Derrick White provided seven points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block.
The Spurs also come into Wednesday's contest with a clean bill of health.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 119-107 victory on Jan. 7.
The Pistons (29-30) have been doing plenty of making up for lost time in recent games, as they've notched three straight victories, and seven in their last eight games overall. Detroit's most recent success came at the expense of the Indiana Pacers, which they toppled by a 113-109 score on Monday night. Andre Drummond led the Pistons with a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Blake Griffin generated a 20-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included one steal. Luke Kennard totaled 19 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Jackson and Wayne Ellington delivered 14 points apiece. Langston Galloway furnished 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Pistons come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Spurs (33-29) have been heading in the opposite direction of their opponents recently, as they've lost three consecutive games, and seven of their last eight contests overall. Their most recent stumble came versus the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 101-85 score on Monday night. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with 26 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and three blocks. DeMar DeRozan registered 23 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Rudy Gay turned in 13 points and three rebounds. Derrick White provided seven points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block.
The Spurs also come into Wednesday's contest with a clean bill of health.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Spurs hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 119-107 victory on Jan. 7.
Clippers, Jazz Prepare for Tilt in Salt Lake City
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Clippers will visit the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers (34-28) surprised many by moving star forward Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. However, LA seems to be holding up without Harris, having won three of its last four outings. With the starting five depleted, bench stars Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell have had big impacts on LA's success. The tandem of Williams and Harrell is averaging a combined 38.4 points per game, the most by a bench duo in a single season in league history. Harrell has been particularly sharp lately. On Friday, he set a new career high with 30 points. That record did not last long, as he poured in another 32 points in the Clippers' win over Dallas on Monday. LA's second unit should factor in heavily as the team prepares to take on Utah.
The Jazz (33-26) are coming off a 125-109 rout of the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Utah, as in past seasons under coach Quin Snyder, has found its identity this year on the defensive end. The Jazz ranks third in the league in defensive rating and is holding its opponents to just 106.7 points per game. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert has helped to establish the team's strong defense, blocking a team-high 2.2 shots per game and averaging nearly a steal per contest. Utah is also seeing strong recent play from Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 24.7 points per game in the month of February.
The Clippers (34-28) surprised many by moving star forward Tobias Harris at the trade deadline. However, LA seems to be holding up without Harris, having won three of its last four outings. With the starting five depleted, bench stars Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell have had big impacts on LA's success. The tandem of Williams and Harrell is averaging a combined 38.4 points per game, the most by a bench duo in a single season in league history. Harrell has been particularly sharp lately. On Friday, he set a new career high with 30 points. That record did not last long, as he poured in another 32 points in the Clippers' win over Dallas on Monday. LA's second unit should factor in heavily as the team prepares to take on Utah.
The Jazz (33-26) are coming off a 125-109 rout of the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Utah, as in past seasons under coach Quin Snyder, has found its identity this year on the defensive end. The Jazz ranks third in the league in defensive rating and is holding its opponents to just 106.7 points per game. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert has helped to establish the team's strong defense, blocking a team-high 2.2 shots per game and averaging nearly a steal per contest. Utah is also seeing strong recent play from Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 24.7 points per game in the month of February.
Bucks Visit Kings in Clash of Teams on the Rise
By Oscar Heanue
The Milwaukee Bucks will visit the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday evening.
Sacramento (31-29) took its worst loss of the season when these two teams met back in November, allowing Milwaukee (46-14) to earn a 144-109 win. Plenty has changed since then, though, as the Kings appear to be in the midst of a renaissance season. The breakout backcourt of Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox is contributing 38 points per game this season, and rookie sensation Marvin Bagley has come alive as well, averaging 18.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in the month of February. The Kings have hit a bit of a rough patch recently, dropping three of their last four games. However, that one win came against a powerhouse Oklahoma City team which was led by a 43-point night from Russell Westbrook.
Although Sacramento has cemented itself as a worthy opponent this season, the Bucks still look like a tough test. Milwaukee owns the best record in the NBA and the league's top defense, which has been anchored by MVP hopeful Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo took a rare game off to deal with knee soreness in Milwaukee's recent win against Chicago. However, the All-Star is considered probable for Wednesday's tilt. The Bucks are in the midst of one of their hottest stretches of the season, having picked up 11 wins in their last 12 outings. They will hope to expand their lead on the Eastern Conference with a win in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Sacramento (31-29) took its worst loss of the season when these two teams met back in November, allowing Milwaukee (46-14) to earn a 144-109 win. Plenty has changed since then, though, as the Kings appear to be in the midst of a renaissance season. The breakout backcourt of Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox is contributing 38 points per game this season, and rookie sensation Marvin Bagley has come alive as well, averaging 18.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in the month of February. The Kings have hit a bit of a rough patch recently, dropping three of their last four games. However, that one win came against a powerhouse Oklahoma City team which was led by a 43-point night from Russell Westbrook.
Although Sacramento has cemented itself as a worthy opponent this season, the Bucks still look like a tough test. Milwaukee owns the best record in the NBA and the league's top defense, which has been anchored by MVP hopeful Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo took a rare game off to deal with knee soreness in Milwaukee's recent win against Chicago. However, the All-Star is considered probable for Wednesday's tilt. The Bucks are in the midst of one of their hottest stretches of the season, having picked up 11 wins in their last 12 outings. They will hope to expand their lead on the Eastern Conference with a win in Sacramento on Wednesday.
Pelicans, Lakers Clash for Second Time in Last Week
By Oscar Heanue
The New Orleans Pelicans will visit the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
All is not well in LA, as the Lakers (29-31) have lost four of their last five, including two games in a row. One of those losses came against the Pelicans, who served up a 128-115 blowout despite the absence of star big man Anthony Davis. Los Angeles ran into even more trouble on Monday, losing to the Grizzlies, who had dropped four straight heading into the tilt. While many figured it was a given that LA would be in the playoffs and continue LeBron James' streak of 14 consecutive playoff berths, the Lakers are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The Lakers occupy 11th place in a crowded Western Conference and are being dragged down by their stagnant offense, which ranks 22nd league-wide.
New Orleans (27-35), meanwhile, is also in dire straits, sitting at 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans have gone 1-2 since the All-Star break, with that lone win coming against Los Angeles this weekend. The Pelicans are still dealing with the aftermath of Anthony Davis's trade request, as the big man has seen limited minutes in his recent appearances. On Monday, this meant only 20 minutes on the court in the Pelicans' one-point loss to the 76ers. Unlike the Lakers, New Orleans has actually managed to thrive on offense this season, ranking in the top 10 league-wide in offensive rating. However, the team has been weighed down by its cataclysmically poor defense, which is allowing the fourth-most points per game across the league this season.
All is not well in LA, as the Lakers (29-31) have lost four of their last five, including two games in a row. One of those losses came against the Pelicans, who served up a 128-115 blowout despite the absence of star big man Anthony Davis. Los Angeles ran into even more trouble on Monday, losing to the Grizzlies, who had dropped four straight heading into the tilt. While many figured it was a given that LA would be in the playoffs and continue LeBron James' streak of 14 consecutive playoff berths, the Lakers are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. The Lakers occupy 11th place in a crowded Western Conference and are being dragged down by their stagnant offense, which ranks 22nd league-wide.
New Orleans (27-35), meanwhile, is also in dire straits, sitting at 12th in the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans have gone 1-2 since the All-Star break, with that lone win coming against Los Angeles this weekend. The Pelicans are still dealing with the aftermath of Anthony Davis's trade request, as the big man has seen limited minutes in his recent appearances. On Monday, this meant only 20 minutes on the court in the Pelicans' one-point loss to the 76ers. Unlike the Lakers, New Orleans has actually managed to thrive on offense this season, ranking in the top 10 league-wide in offensive rating. However, the team has been weighed down by its cataclysmically poor defense, which is allowing the fourth-most points per game across the league this season.