76ers, Cavs Tangle Saturday
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
The 76ers (22-11) currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings and are coming off a 111-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Sixers were led by Joel Embiid, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals despite going 5-of-20 from the field. Seth Curry totaled 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Ben Simmons accrued 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dwight Howard led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Philadelphia has won two games in a row and have come out on top in four of their last five contests, so it's clear the Sixers are looking like the class of the East right now.
Tobias Harris (knee) has been ruled out for this contest. He's the only absence for the Sixers in terms of injuries.
The Cavaliers (12-21) are coming off back-to-back wins over the Hawks and the Rockets. Jarrett Allen paced the Cavaliers with a 26-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and four blocks. Collin Sexton registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dylan Winder turned in 13 points, four boards and two assists. Darius Garland generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Dean Wade matched Garland's scoring total and provided six boards and two assists. Isaac Okoro contributed 10 points. Cleveland has struggled to gain any sort of consistency right now, but the two wins over Atlanta and Houston should boost their chances.
Kevin Love (calf), Andre Drummond (not injury related), Taurean Prince (personal), Matthew Dellavedova (abdomen) and Larry Nance (finger) have all been ruled out.
The 76ers (22-11) currently sit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings and are coming off a 111-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Sixers were led by Joel Embiid, tallying 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals despite going 5-of-20 from the field. Seth Curry totaled 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Ben Simmons accrued 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dwight Howard led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Philadelphia has won two games in a row and have come out on top in four of their last five contests, so it's clear the Sixers are looking like the class of the East right now.
Tobias Harris (knee) has been ruled out for this contest. He's the only absence for the Sixers in terms of injuries.
The Cavaliers (12-21) are coming off back-to-back wins over the Hawks and the Rockets. Jarrett Allen paced the Cavaliers with a 26-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and four blocks. Collin Sexton registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dylan Winder turned in 13 points, four boards and two assists. Darius Garland generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Dean Wade matched Garland's scoring total and provided six boards and two assists. Isaac Okoro contributed 10 points. Cleveland has struggled to gain any sort of consistency right now, but the two wins over Atlanta and Houston should boost their chances.
Kevin Love (calf), Andre Drummond (not injury related), Taurean Prince (personal), Matthew Dellavedova (abdomen) and Larry Nance (finger) have all been ruled out.
Timberwolves Looking To Bounce Back, Visit Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The Wizards (12-18) have been trending in the right direction and are coming off a 112-110 win over the Denver Nuggets the last time out in a game where Washington were led by Bradley Beal and his 33 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook collected 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Raul Neto led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and five steals. The Wizards continue to struggle and have several things to iron out, but they're undoubtedly going through their best stretch of the campaign. The Wizards are also 5-9 away from home this season.
The Timberwolves (7-26) currently have the worst record in the entire league with just seven wins out of 33 games and have also endured a tough stretch of late with six straight losses and just one win over their previous 11 contests. They're coming off a 133-126 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Malik Beasley led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Anthony Edwards delivered 21 points, nine boards, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt managed 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and four steals. Naz Reid turned in 13 points, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal, while Jaylen Nowell poured in 12 points.
The Wizards (12-18) have been trending in the right direction and are coming off a 112-110 win over the Denver Nuggets the last time out in a game where Washington were led by Bradley Beal and his 33 points, four rebounds and four assists. Rui Hachimura amassed 20 points, five rebounds and two assists. Russell Westbrook collected 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Raul Neto led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, four assists and five steals. The Wizards continue to struggle and have several things to iron out, but they're undoubtedly going through their best stretch of the campaign. The Wizards are also 5-9 away from home this season.
The Timberwolves (7-26) currently have the worst record in the entire league with just seven wins out of 33 games and have also endured a tough stretch of late with six straight losses and just one win over their previous 11 contests. They're coming off a 133-126 loss against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Malik Beasley led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Anthony Edwards delivered 21 points, nine boards, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt managed 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and four steals. Naz Reid turned in 13 points, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal, while Jaylen Nowell poured in 12 points.
Pacers and Knicks Clash in Big Apple
The Indiana Pacers take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The Pacers (15-16) head into Saturday's matchup in a bit of a modest skid, as they've dropped consecutive games. Indiana's most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a 118-112 decision to the Boston Celtics. Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Pacers with 24 points, adding nine assists and six rebounds. Justin Holiday supplied 19 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also includes one assist, three blocks and one steal. Aaron Holiday poured in 15 points, while Malcolm Brogdon finished with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Pacers will likely list JaKarr Sampson (COVID-19 protocols) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (kidney) will remain out.
The Knicks (16-17) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've prevailed in five of the last seven games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Sacramento Kings, which they toppled by a 140-121 score Thursday night. Immanuel Quickley led the way for New York with 25 points, adding three assists, one rebound and two steals. Alec Burks supplied 24 points, four boards and two assists. Julius Randle generated a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Derrick Rose furnished 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. RJ Barrett delivered 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Reggie Bullock poured in 10 points.
The Knicks will list Elfrid Payton (hamstring) as doubtful for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is split 1-1, with the Pacers notching a 121-107 win Dec. 23 and the Knicks countering with a 106-102 victory Jan. 2.
The Pacers (15-16) head into Saturday's matchup in a bit of a modest skid, as they've dropped consecutive games. Indiana's most recent stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a 118-112 decision to the Boston Celtics. Domantas Sabonis led the way for the Pacers with 24 points, adding nine assists and six rebounds. Justin Holiday supplied 19 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Myles Turner generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also includes one assist, three blocks and one steal. Aaron Holiday poured in 15 points, while Malcolm Brogdon finished with 12 points, six rebounds and six assists.
The Pacers will likely list JaKarr Sampson (COVID-19 protocols) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game. T.J. Warren (foot) and Caris LeVert (kidney) will remain out.
The Knicks (16-17) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've prevailed in five of the last seven games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Sacramento Kings, which they toppled by a 140-121 score Thursday night. Immanuel Quickley led the way for New York with 25 points, adding three assists, one rebound and two steals. Alec Burks supplied 24 points, four boards and two assists. Julius Randle generated a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Derrick Rose furnished 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. RJ Barrett delivered 12 points, three rebounds and three assists. Reggie Bullock poured in 10 points.
The Knicks will list Elfrid Payton (hamstring) as doubtful for Saturday's game.
Saturday's contest marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The series is split 1-1, with the Pacers notching a 121-107 win Dec. 23 and the Knicks countering with a 106-102 victory Jan. 2.
Jazz and Magic Set for Central Florida battle
The Utah Jazz takes on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Saturday night.
The Jazz (26-7) remain the hottest team in the league after forging an 11-2 mark over their last 13 games, but those two losses have come within the last four contests. Utah's most recent defeat came Friday night, when they fell to the Miami Heat by a 124-116 score. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Jazz with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 17 points and two rebounds. Rudy Gobert generated a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley delivered 14 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson contributed matching 13-point, two-rebound tallies while dishing out three and four assists, respectively.
The Jazz head into Saturday's contest without any major injuries to report.
The Magic (13-20) have continued to struggle with developing and/or sustaining any consistency, as they've followed up a recent three-game winning streak with back-to-back losses. Their most recent loss was particularly deflating, as Orlando fell to the Brooklyn Nets by a 129-92 score. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. James Ennis registered 15 points, three rebounds and one steal. Michael Carter-Williams and Dwayne Bacon posted 11 points each, with Carter-Williams also dishing out five assists.
The Magic will continue without Cole Anthony (ribs), Ennis (calf) and Aaron Gordon (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Jazz swept the two-game 2019-20 season series from the Magic.
The Jazz (26-7) remain the hottest team in the league after forging an 11-2 mark over their last 13 games, but those two losses have come within the last four contests. Utah's most recent defeat came Friday night, when they fell to the Miami Heat by a 124-116 score. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Jazz with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 17 points and two rebounds. Rudy Gobert generated a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Mike Conley delivered 14 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson contributed matching 13-point, two-rebound tallies while dishing out three and four assists, respectively.
The Jazz head into Saturday's contest without any major injuries to report.
The Magic (13-20) have continued to struggle with developing and/or sustaining any consistency, as they've followed up a recent three-game winning streak with back-to-back losses. Their most recent loss was particularly deflating, as Orlando fell to the Brooklyn Nets by a 129-92 score. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. James Ennis registered 15 points, three rebounds and one steal. Michael Carter-Williams and Dwayne Bacon posted 11 points each, with Carter-Williams also dishing out five assists.
The Magic will continue without Cole Anthony (ribs), Ennis (calf) and Aaron Gordon (ankle) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Jazz swept the two-game 2019-20 season series from the Magic.
Spurs Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on Saturday evening
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Spurs (16-12), as they look to get back on track after a loss in OKC in their most recent contest. Prior to the recent loss, the Spurs had four games postponed, leaving them a bit rusty and in need of a momentum shift. They have that opportunity as they begin the home stand, looking to improve on their, 7-8, home record. The Spurs have been hampered by some injury trouble, as DeMar DeRozan (personal) missed the most recent contest and remains questionable for action on Saturday. In addition, Rudy Gay (covid) and Derrick White (covid) will remain sidelined, while LaMarcus Aldridge (wrist) is questionable. Dejounte Murray continues to play well for the Spurs, averaging 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The Spurs limit themselves to a league-low 10.6 turnovers per game, and they also commit an average of just 17.0 personal fouls per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second and final game of a road trip for the Pelicans (14-18), as they look to bounce back from a loss and add to their, 5-11, road record. Zion Williamson continues to play great at lead the team, averaging 25.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Brandon Ingram is averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, while Lonzo Ball is averaging 14.4 points 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The Pelicans are averaging 115.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 48.4 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against, which is fifth most in the league, and they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.5 percent from the field, which is seventh highest in the league.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Spurs (16-12), as they look to get back on track after a loss in OKC in their most recent contest. Prior to the recent loss, the Spurs had four games postponed, leaving them a bit rusty and in need of a momentum shift. They have that opportunity as they begin the home stand, looking to improve on their, 7-8, home record. The Spurs have been hampered by some injury trouble, as DeMar DeRozan (personal) missed the most recent contest and remains questionable for action on Saturday. In addition, Rudy Gay (covid) and Derrick White (covid) will remain sidelined, while LaMarcus Aldridge (wrist) is questionable. Dejounte Murray continues to play well for the Spurs, averaging 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game. The Spurs limit themselves to a league-low 10.6 turnovers per game, and they also commit an average of just 17.0 personal fouls per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second and final game of a road trip for the Pelicans (14-18), as they look to bounce back from a loss and add to their, 5-11, road record. Zion Williamson continues to play great at lead the team, averaging 25.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Brandon Ingram is averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, while Lonzo Ball is averaging 14.4 points 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. The Pelicans are averaging 115.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 48.4 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 115.6 points against, which is fifth most in the league, and they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.5 percent from the field, which is seventh highest in the league.
Thunder Look To Stay Strong On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Denver Nuggets at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Thunder (14-19), as they are coming off an impressive, 118-109, home win over the Hawks on Friday. The contest was out to a tight start, as the Thunder trailed by two points heading into the second quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to take an eight-point lead into the break. They kept the up the intensity through the third and expanded their advantage to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Thunder maintained their composure in the fourth and closed out their second straight win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in the win. Darius Bazley added 18 points, 12 rebounds, a block and a steal, while Theo Maledon totaled 13 points, 12 assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Thunder face the fourth and final game of their current home stand, where they have gone, 2-1, so far, and look to add to their, 6-10, home record.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Nuggets (17-15), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and contribute to their, 8-8, road record. The Nuggets have been one of the top offensive teams so far, as they are averaging 115.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. They are also shooting an average of 48.0 percent from the field, which eighth best in the league. However, they could use some improvement on the defensive end, as they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.3 percent from the field, which is ninth highest in the league. Jamal Murray has been playing great lately and is averaging, 26.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. Nikola Jokic also is keeping up the elite-level play, as he is averaging 26.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.6 steals, over the last 10 games.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Thunder (14-19), as they are coming off an impressive, 118-109, home win over the Hawks on Friday. The contest was out to a tight start, as the Thunder trailed by two points heading into the second quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, to take an eight-point lead into the break. They kept the up the intensity through the third and expanded their advantage to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Thunder maintained their composure in the fourth and closed out their second straight win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in the win. Darius Bazley added 18 points, 12 rebounds, a block and a steal, while Theo Maledon totaled 13 points, 12 assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Thunder face the fourth and final game of their current home stand, where they have gone, 2-1, so far, and look to add to their, 6-10, home record.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Nuggets (17-15), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and contribute to their, 8-8, road record. The Nuggets have been one of the top offensive teams so far, as they are averaging 115.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league. They are also shooting an average of 48.0 percent from the field, which eighth best in the league. However, they could use some improvement on the defensive end, as they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.3 percent from the field, which is ninth highest in the league. Jamal Murray has been playing great lately and is averaging, 26.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. Nikola Jokic also is keeping up the elite-level play, as he is averaging 26.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.6 steals, over the last 10 games.
Nets Host Mavericks on Saturday
The Dallas Mavericks travel to The Big Apple to face the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center on Saturday.
The Mavericks (15-16) suffered another tough loss on Thursday, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, 111-97. Unfortunately, they were never really competitive in that game, and it says a lot about the gap between the two teams. The guy they were missing was Kristaps Porzingis. The big man continues to miss games because of a back issue, and this team simply doesn't have enough depth to compete without him. That one loss is overshadowing a decent stretch from Dallas though, winning six of their previous seven games. That got them back to .500, but that still puts them well below expectations. That has a lot of people talking about them as a trade destination in next month's trade deadline, and one has to believe they need to make another move if they want to be a true contender this season.
The Nets (22-12) were the talk of the NBA when they traded for James Harden a month ago and have been unstoppable since then. In fact, they enter this matchup in the midst of an eight-game winning streak, battering opponents night after night. That was on full display Thursday when they handed the Orlando Magic a 129-92 beatdown. That's the sixth time they've won by at least nine points in that eight-game spurt, doing that damage with Kevin Durant sidelined. The former MVP continues to nurse a hamstring issue, and it's scary to think how good they'll be when he's back and fully healthy. This time allows the others to adjust to Harden's unique game, and it has them looking like the scariest team in the NBA outside of Utah.
These teams haven't played this season but played back on January 2 of 2020, with Dallas prevailing, 123-112. They've now traded off wins in their last four meetings.
The Mavericks (15-16) suffered another tough loss on Thursday, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, 111-97. Unfortunately, they were never really competitive in that game, and it says a lot about the gap between the two teams. The guy they were missing was Kristaps Porzingis. The big man continues to miss games because of a back issue, and this team simply doesn't have enough depth to compete without him. That one loss is overshadowing a decent stretch from Dallas though, winning six of their previous seven games. That got them back to .500, but that still puts them well below expectations. That has a lot of people talking about them as a trade destination in next month's trade deadline, and one has to believe they need to make another move if they want to be a true contender this season.
The Nets (22-12) were the talk of the NBA when they traded for James Harden a month ago and have been unstoppable since then. In fact, they enter this matchup in the midst of an eight-game winning streak, battering opponents night after night. That was on full display Thursday when they handed the Orlando Magic a 129-92 beatdown. That's the sixth time they've won by at least nine points in that eight-game spurt, doing that damage with Kevin Durant sidelined. The former MVP continues to nurse a hamstring issue, and it's scary to think how good they'll be when he's back and fully healthy. This time allows the others to adjust to Harden's unique game, and it has them looking like the scariest team in the NBA outside of Utah.
These teams haven't played this season but played back on January 2 of 2020, with Dallas prevailing, 123-112. They've now traded off wins in their last four meetings.