Celtics, Pelicans Looking To Bounce Back Saturday
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Boston Celtics at Smoothie King Center on Saturday night.
The Celtics (25-25) are coming off a woeful loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, a game in which Jaylen Brown ended with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the loss while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Marcus Smart delivered 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Robert Williams III posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. No other Boston player scored in double digits, as the team looked overmatched on both ends of the court when it mattered the most. To note, the Celtics have been hovering around the .500 mark during most of the season and one of the biggest reasons for that has been their subpar play on the road, where they've gone 9-15 so far.
The Pelicans (18-30) are coming off a 116-105 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, a game that means the team has lost two games in a row and four of its last six. New Orleans had good performances from rookie Herbert Jones, who scored 19 points, and Willy Hernangomez, who added 18 points and 16 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also scored 18 points for New Orleans, and now the Pelicans saw their four-game winning streak at home end in a drastic fashion. The Pelicans have gone 11-12 when playing at home this season.
The Celtics (25-25) are coming off a woeful loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, a game in which Jaylen Brown ended with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the loss while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Marcus Smart delivered 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Robert Williams III posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. No other Boston player scored in double digits, as the team looked overmatched on both ends of the court when it mattered the most. To note, the Celtics have been hovering around the .500 mark during most of the season and one of the biggest reasons for that has been their subpar play on the road, where they've gone 9-15 so far.
The Pelicans (18-30) are coming off a 116-105 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, a game that means the team has lost two games in a row and four of its last six. New Orleans had good performances from rookie Herbert Jones, who scored 19 points, and Willy Hernangomez, who added 18 points and 16 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also scored 18 points for New Orleans, and now the Pelicans saw their four-game winning streak at home end in a drastic fashion. The Pelicans have gone 11-12 when playing at home this season.
Mavs Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavs (28-21) have won seven of their last eight home games and will look to keep on the right track, with a chance to add to their, 15-9, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team by continuing to put up major numbers, as he is averaging 25.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Kristaps Porzingis has also been playing well, averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.0 blocks, over the last five games. Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) missed the Mavs' last game and remains questionable for action on Saturday. The Mavs average 105.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 103.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (18-32), as they are coming off a hard-fought win in OKC on Friday night. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 30-29, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the Pacers trailed by three, lead at halftime. The hosts rallied to a game-high 16-point lead early in the third, before the Pacers cut it back to an eight-point game, heading into the fourth. The Pacers pushed the contest right down to the wire and forced overtime, where they outplayed the hosts to secure the road win. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 24 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Justin Holiday followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, and Jeremy Lamb chipped in 14 points, off the bench. Goga Bitadze (foot) did not play on Friday and remains questionable for action on Saturday, while Malcolm Brogdon (achilles) and Myles Turner (foot) will remain sidelined. The Pacers will look to stay on the right track and add to their, 6-19, road record.
The Mavs (28-21) have won seven of their last eight home games and will look to keep on the right track, with a chance to add to their, 15-9, home record. Luka Doncic leads the team by continuing to put up major numbers, as he is averaging 25.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Kristaps Porzingis has also been playing well, averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.0 blocks, over the last five games. Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) missed the Mavs' last game and remains questionable for action on Saturday. The Mavs average 105.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to an average of 103.3 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pacers (18-32), as they are coming off a hard-fought win in OKC on Friday night. The contest got out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 30-29, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, but the Pacers trailed by three, lead at halftime. The hosts rallied to a game-high 16-point lead early in the third, before the Pacers cut it back to an eight-point game, heading into the fourth. The Pacers pushed the contest right down to the wire and forced overtime, where they outplayed the hosts to secure the road win. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 24 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Justin Holiday followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, and Jeremy Lamb chipped in 14 points, off the bench. Goga Bitadze (foot) did not play on Friday and remains questionable for action on Saturday, while Malcolm Brogdon (achilles) and Myles Turner (foot) will remain sidelined. The Pacers will look to stay on the right track and add to their, 6-19, road record.
Kings Tangle With 76ers in Philly
The Sacramento Kings take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
The Kings (18-32) have endured plenty of struggles this season as their record indicates, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped five straight games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 121-104 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 28 points, adding nine rebounds and two assists. Davion Mitchell supplied 20 points, six assists and two rebounds. Richaun Holmes furnished 12 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Kings will continue without Terence Davis (wrist) for Saturday's game. Chimezie Metu (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The 76ers (29-19) come in on a modest but solid upswing, as they've won three straight and six of the last eight overall. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they defeated a Lakers squad playing without LeBron James, 105-87. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 26 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal. Tobias Harris supplied 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey generated a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and two blocks. Georges Niang matched Maxey's scoring total and also contributed three rebounds and two assists.
The 76ers will list Seth Curry (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's contest. Shake Milton (back) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 102-94 win Nov. 22.
The Kings (18-32) have endured plenty of struggles this season as their record indicates, and they'll come into Saturday's contest having dropped five straight games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 121-104 decision to the Atlanta Hawks. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 28 points, adding nine rebounds and two assists. Davion Mitchell supplied 20 points, six assists and two rebounds. Richaun Holmes furnished 12 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block.
The Kings will continue without Terence Davis (wrist) for Saturday's game. Chimezie Metu (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The 76ers (29-19) come in on a modest but solid upswing, as they've won three straight and six of the last eight overall. Their most recent success came Thursday night, when they defeated a Lakers squad playing without LeBron James, 105-87. Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 26 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal. Tobias Harris supplied 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tyrese Maxey generated a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that included seven rebounds and two blocks. Georges Niang matched Maxey's scoring total and also contributed three rebounds and two assists.
The 76ers will list Seth Curry (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's contest. Shake Milton (back) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 102-94 win Nov. 22.
Traveling Raptors Look To Get Back On Track
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Toronto Raptors at FTX Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Raptors (23-23), which they began with a loss in Chicago on Wednesday. The Raptors will look to bounce back from the loss and add to their, 10-11, road record. Fred VanVleet (knee) missed the last two games and remains questionable for action on Saturday. Pascal Siakam continues to play well, averaging 22.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Gary Trent logged 32 points in each of the last two games, and will have to step up in the backcourt if VanVleet is sidelined. The Raptors are averaging 107.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.4 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (32-17), as they are coming off a home win over the Clippers on Friday. The Heat jumped out to a good start in the game, with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they kept up the pressure to push it to a 12-point game, by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Heat kept control through the quarter and increased their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The visitors made a push in the fourth to cut it to a four-point game, with 33 seconds left, but the Heat kept their composure and closed out a third straight win. Jimmy Butler led the way with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, while Bam Adebayo totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, and Gabe Vincent finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Heat will look to keep it rolling, as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand, with a chance to add to their, 18-5, home record.
This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Raptors (23-23), which they began with a loss in Chicago on Wednesday. The Raptors will look to bounce back from the loss and add to their, 10-11, road record. Fred VanVleet (knee) missed the last two games and remains questionable for action on Saturday. Pascal Siakam continues to play well, averaging 22.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 2.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Gary Trent logged 32 points in each of the last two games, and will have to step up in the backcourt if VanVleet is sidelined. The Raptors are averaging 107.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.4 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (32-17), as they are coming off a home win over the Clippers on Friday. The Heat jumped out to a good start in the game, with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they kept up the pressure to push it to a 12-point game, by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Heat kept control through the quarter and increased their lead to 16, heading into the final frame. The visitors made a push in the fourth to cut it to a four-point game, with 33 seconds left, but the Heat kept their composure and closed out a third straight win. Jimmy Butler led the way with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, while Bam Adebayo totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, and Gabe Vincent finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Heat will look to keep it rolling, as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand, with a chance to add to their, 18-5, home record.
Grizzlies Host Wizards on Saturday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Washington Wizards at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
The Wizards (23-25) looked to be a dangerous team when they were first in the east through the first month of the season, but it's been all downhill since then. In fact, Washington comes into this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak, posting a 9-17 record across their last 26 games in total. That has them looking at an uphill battle to reach the postseason, and it could force them to make some moves at the trade deadline. The one position they need to figure things out is at center. Thomas Bryant, Daniel Gafford and Montrezl Harrell have all looked good at times, but it's too many bodies to split up 48 minutes. Issues like that are killing this team's chemistry, and it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
The Grizzlies (34-17) look like one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 15 of their last 18 outings. That has them catapulting up the Western Conference standings, sitting third so far. That's a huge jump from the youngest team in the NBA, but it's easy to see why when looking at the personnel. The man running the show is Ja Morant, and he was rewarded with a start in this year's All-Star game on Thursday. He's been one of the most exciting players in the NBA since he was drafted, but he's quite simply been one of the best players this month. In fact, Ja has at least 30 points in five straight games and could reach that again here versus a bad Wizards defense.
These teams played on November 5, with Washington dominating, 115-87. With that said, the Grizzlies won each of their previous four meetings, dating back to 2019.
The Wizards (23-25) looked to be a dangerous team when they were first in the east through the first month of the season, but it's been all downhill since then. In fact, Washington comes into this matchup in the midst of a four-game losing streak, posting a 9-17 record across their last 26 games in total. That has them looking at an uphill battle to reach the postseason, and it could force them to make some moves at the trade deadline. The one position they need to figure things out is at center. Thomas Bryant, Daniel Gafford and Montrezl Harrell have all looked good at times, but it's too many bodies to split up 48 minutes. Issues like that are killing this team's chemistry, and it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
The Grizzlies (34-17) look like one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 15 of their last 18 outings. That has them catapulting up the Western Conference standings, sitting third so far. That's a huge jump from the youngest team in the NBA, but it's easy to see why when looking at the personnel. The man running the show is Ja Morant, and he was rewarded with a start in this year's All-Star game on Thursday. He's been one of the most exciting players in the NBA since he was drafted, but he's quite simply been one of the best players this month. In fact, Ja has at least 30 points in five straight games and could reach that again here versus a bad Wizards defense.
These teams played on November 5, with Washington dominating, 115-87. With that said, the Grizzlies won each of their previous four meetings, dating back to 2019.
Warriors Host Nets on Saturday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center on Saturday.
The Nets (29-19) still sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, but they appear to be leaking oil. Losing Kevin Durant to a knee injury started that small leak, with Brooklyn entering this matchup losing three straight and 10 of their last 16 games in total. Not having Kyrie Irving for home games has hurt as well, and it's becoming clear that there's very little outside of Kyrie, KD and James Harden. Getting Joe Harris back from ankle surgery will be a huge boost, but it remains to be seen if that will patch things up or put a band-aid on a stab wound. In any case, the Nets are just two games back of first, and they still remain title favorites in many people's eyes.
The Warriors (36-13) haven't been playing their best basketball recently, but they enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game winning streak. They actually lost six of nine games before that, and it's clear just how much they're missing Draymond Green. They now have an 8-7 record in the 15 games without the All-Star, and his presence on the floor can't be matched by many other players in the NBA. What's been key in the mini resurgence is Klay Thompson. The sharpshooter is finally looking like himself recently, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win over the T'Wolves on Thursday. That's the guy we've been waiting to see, and it's exciting to see him return after two devastating injuries.
These teams played back on November 16, with Golden State prevailing, 117-99. That gives the Warriors nine wins in their last 12 meetings with the Nets, dating back to 2015.
The Nets (29-19) still sit fourth in the Eastern Conference, but they appear to be leaking oil. Losing Kevin Durant to a knee injury started that small leak, with Brooklyn entering this matchup losing three straight and 10 of their last 16 games in total. Not having Kyrie Irving for home games has hurt as well, and it's becoming clear that there's very little outside of Kyrie, KD and James Harden. Getting Joe Harris back from ankle surgery will be a huge boost, but it remains to be seen if that will patch things up or put a band-aid on a stab wound. In any case, the Nets are just two games back of first, and they still remain title favorites in many people's eyes.
The Warriors (36-13) haven't been playing their best basketball recently, but they enter this matchup in the midst of a four-game winning streak. They actually lost six of nine games before that, and it's clear just how much they're missing Draymond Green. They now have an 8-7 record in the 15 games without the All-Star, and his presence on the floor can't be matched by many other players in the NBA. What's been key in the mini resurgence is Klay Thompson. The sharpshooter is finally looking like himself recently, tallying 23 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win over the T'Wolves on Thursday. That's the guy we've been waiting to see, and it's exciting to see him return after two devastating injuries.
These teams played back on November 16, with Golden State prevailing, 117-99. That gives the Warriors nine wins in their last 12 meetings with the Nets, dating back to 2015.