Lakers Looking To Slow Down Red-Hot Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Los Angeles Lakers at StateFarm Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Hawks (23-25) are coming off a 108-92 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday. Trae Young and John Collins both led the Hawks in this victory since both scored 21 points -- Young also added nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Collins contributed nine boards and four blocks. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits in this one, though. Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in with 19 points off the bench, and Danilo Gallinari had 14 points while not missing a single shot from the field. That win over the Celtics was Atlanta’s sixth in a row and the team has also won each of its last five at home.
The Hawks are sporting a clean bill of health when it comes to injuries.
The Lakers (24-26) are coming off a 117-114 loss against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Westbrook led the Lakers with 35 points -- 30 which came after halftime -- adding five assists and four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kent Bazemore poured in 13 points. To make things even more complicated for the Lakers, it remains to be seen whether LeBron James or Anthony Davis will be available due to nagging knee and wrist injuries, respectively. That loss against the Hornets was the Lakers’ second in a row.
Aside from James and Davis, the Lakers have Sekou Doumboya (COVID-19) and Malik Monk (groin) as game-time decisions, while Kendrick Nunn (knee) is out.
The Hawks (23-25) are coming off a 108-92 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday. Trae Young and John Collins both led the Hawks in this victory since both scored 21 points -- Young also added nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Collins contributed nine boards and four blocks. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits in this one, though. Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in with 19 points off the bench, and Danilo Gallinari had 14 points while not missing a single shot from the field. That win over the Celtics was Atlanta’s sixth in a row and the team has also won each of its last five at home.
The Hawks are sporting a clean bill of health when it comes to injuries.
The Lakers (24-26) are coming off a 117-114 loss against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Westbrook led the Lakers with 35 points -- 30 which came after halftime -- adding five assists and four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kent Bazemore poured in 13 points. To make things even more complicated for the Lakers, it remains to be seen whether LeBron James or Anthony Davis will be available due to nagging knee and wrist injuries, respectively. That loss against the Hornets was the Lakers’ second in a row.
Aside from James and Davis, the Lakers have Sekou Doumboya (COVID-19) and Malik Monk (groin) as game-time decisions, while Kendrick Nunn (knee) is out.
Clippers and Hornets Meet for Matinee Interconference Clash
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Clippers (25-26) check into Sunday's matinee affair with a mixed recent track record, as they're just 4-5 over their last nine games. Their most recent contest resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 121-114 decision to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe furnished 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals. Amir Coffey posted 15 points and three boards. Reggie Jackson delivered 13 points, three assists and one rebound. Nicolas Batum totaled 12 points, while Justise Winslow generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block.
The Clippers will list Batum (back) as questionable for Sunday's game. Paul George (elbow) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) will remain out.
The Hornets (28-22) have been on a solid run of late, as they'll enter Sunday's clash with a 9-3 mark in their last 12 contests. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Los Angeles Lakers by a 117-114 score. Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 26 points, supplementing them eight boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Ish Smith furnished 22 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier posted matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. P.J. Washington managed 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Hornets will be without Gordon Hayward (COVID-19 protocols) and Jalen McDaniels (ankle) for Sunday's contest. Kelly Oubre (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-106 win Nov. 7.
The Clippers (25-26) check into Sunday's matinee affair with a mixed recent track record, as they're just 4-5 over their last nine games. Their most recent contest resulted in one of those losses, as they dropped a 121-114 decision to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe furnished 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals. Amir Coffey posted 15 points and three boards. Reggie Jackson delivered 13 points, three assists and one rebound. Nicolas Batum totaled 12 points, while Justise Winslow generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists, one steal and one block.
The Clippers will list Batum (back) as questionable for Sunday's game. Paul George (elbow) and Kawhi Leonard (knee) will remain out.
The Hornets (28-22) have been on a solid run of late, as they'll enter Sunday's clash with a 9-3 mark in their last 12 contests. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Los Angeles Lakers by a 117-114 score. Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 26 points, supplementing them eight boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Ish Smith furnished 22 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier posted matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. P.J. Washington managed 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Hornets will be without Gordon Hayward (COVID-19 protocols) and Jalen McDaniels (ankle) for Sunday's contest. Kelly Oubre (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-106 win Nov. 7.
Trail Blazers and Bulls Tangle in Windy City
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Trail Blazers (21-28) have had their share of struggles this season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest having posted a solid 5-3 record over the last eight games, including three road victories. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Houston Rockets by a 125-110 score. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. CJ McCollum delivered 26 points, five assists and three rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Robert Covington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
The Trail Blazers will list Powell (knee) as probable for Sunday's game. Covington and Dennis Smith will be listed as questionable with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee), Nassir Little (shoulder) and CJ Elleby (hamstring) will remain out.
The Bulls (30-18) have had a much rougher time than their opponent of late, as they'll enter Sunday's interconference clash with a 3-7 record in their last 10 contests. Their most recent defeat came Friday night, as they were toppled by the San Antonio Spurs, 131-122. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with eight assists and six rebounds. Zach LaVine delivered 30 points, four assists, four rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White posted matching 18-point tallies while pulling down eight and two rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will remain without Lonzo Ball (knee), Alex Caruso (wrist) and Derrick Jones (finger) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday'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 112-107 win Nov. 17.
The Trail Blazers (21-28) have had their share of struggles this season, but they'll enter Sunday's contest having posted a solid 5-3 record over the last eight games, including three road victories. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Houston Rockets by a 125-110 score. Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. CJ McCollum delivered 26 points, five assists and three rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Robert Covington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
The Trail Blazers will list Powell (knee) as probable for Sunday's game. Covington and Dennis Smith will be listed as questionable with knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee), Nassir Little (shoulder) and CJ Elleby (hamstring) will remain out.
The Bulls (30-18) have had a much rougher time than their opponent of late, as they'll enter Sunday's interconference clash with a 3-7 record in their last 10 contests. Their most recent defeat came Friday night, as they were toppled by the San Antonio Spurs, 131-122. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with eight assists and six rebounds. Zach LaVine delivered 30 points, four assists, four rebounds and one block. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White posted matching 18-point tallies while pulling down eight and two rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will remain without Lonzo Ball (knee), Alex Caruso (wrist) and Derrick Jones (finger) for Sunday's contest.
Sunday'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 112-107 win Nov. 17.
Cavs Look To Build On Three-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Cavs (30-19) are coming off a perfect, 3-0, home stand and will look to keep the momentum going as they hit the road with a chance to add to their, 15-10, road record. Darius Garland continues to play great, averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. The Cavs are very solid in the frontcourt, as Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Evan Mobley is averaging 15.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Kevin Love also brings good production off the bench, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Pistons (11-37), as they are looking to end a four-game slide and add to their, 7-15, home record. Cory Joseph has been playing well lately, averaging 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, over the last five games. Cade Cunningham scored a career-high 34 points earlier in the week, and he is averaging 18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Saddiq Bey continues to stand out on offense, averaging 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists, over the last 10 games. Jerami Grant (COVID-19) will remain sidelined through Sunday's action, while Josh Jackson (back) is listed as questionable.
The Cavs (30-19) are coming off a perfect, 3-0, home stand and will look to keep the momentum going as they hit the road with a chance to add to their, 15-10, road record. Darius Garland continues to play great, averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 11.0 assists and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. The Cavs are very solid in the frontcourt, as Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, while Evan Mobley is averaging 15.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Kevin Love also brings good production off the bench, averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Pistons (11-37), as they are looking to end a four-game slide and add to their, 7-15, home record. Cory Joseph has been playing well lately, averaging 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, over the last five games. Cade Cunningham scored a career-high 34 points earlier in the week, and he is averaging 18.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Saddiq Bey continues to stand out on offense, averaging 16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists, over the last 10 games. Jerami Grant (COVID-19) will remain sidelined through Sunday's action, while Josh Jackson (back) is listed as questionable.
Bucks Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Bucks (31-20), as they look to add to their, 18-8, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 28.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals. Khris Middleton has been playing great lately, averaging 24.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. Bobby Portis is doing a great job at the center position, averaging 12.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, over the last 10 games. George Hill (neck) is listed as doubtful for action in Sunday's contest, which could mean more playing time for Donte DiVincenzo, coming off the bench. The Bucks are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.3 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a six-game road trip for the Nuggets (27-21), where they are undefeated, so far, as they look to continue building on their, 14-12, road record. Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals, to lead the Nuggets. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists,. Will Barton (illness) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action on Sunday. The Nuggets are averaging 108.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 107.0 points per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Bucks (31-20), as they look to add to their, 18-8, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team, averaging 28.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals. Khris Middleton has been playing great lately, averaging 24.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. Bobby Portis is doing a great job at the center position, averaging 12.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, over the last 10 games. George Hill (neck) is listed as doubtful for action in Sunday's contest, which could mean more playing time for Donte DiVincenzo, coming off the bench. The Bucks are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 108.3 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a six-game road trip for the Nuggets (27-21), where they are undefeated, so far, as they look to continue building on their, 14-12, road record. Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.2 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals, to lead the Nuggets. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists,. Will Barton (illness) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action on Sunday. The Nuggets are averaging 108.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 107.0 points per game.
Magic Looking To Pull Upset Against Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will host the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Center on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (29-21) are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks and finished with 30 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, while Maxi Kleber posted a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Brunson ended with 13 points and eight dimes, while Kristaps Porzingis had just five points while playing only 11 minutes. Reggie Bullock posted 23 points off the bench, while Josh Green (12 points) and Dwight Powell (10 points) looked good off the bench.
The Magic (10-40) are coming off a win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Rookie Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with a 24-point, three-rebound performance, while Mo Bamba registered a double-double after pouring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 boards and three assists to go along with nine points. Veteran Terrence Ross had 21 points off the bench, and Gary Harris contributed 10 points and six assists off the bench as well.
The Mavericks (29-21) are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Luka Doncic was the best player for the Mavericks and finished with 30 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, while Maxi Kleber posted a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Brunson ended with 13 points and eight dimes, while Kristaps Porzingis had just five points while playing only 11 minutes. Reggie Bullock posted 23 points off the bench, while Josh Green (12 points) and Dwight Powell (10 points) looked good off the bench.
The Magic (10-40) are coming off a win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Rookie Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with a 24-point, three-rebound performance, while Mo Bamba registered a double-double after pouring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 boards and three assists to go along with nine points. Veteran Terrence Ross had 21 points off the bench, and Gary Harris contributed 10 points and six assists off the bench as well.
T'Wolves Host Jazz on Sunday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Utah Jazz at Target Center on Sunday.
The Jazz (30-20) find themselves in their worst slump in two years, entering this matchup losing four straight and 10 of their last 12 games in total. That's a shocking stretch from a team that led the NBA in victories last year, but it's easy to understand why. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have missed most of those games, and they quite simply can't compete without their two best players in the lineup. The good news is that both guys are close to returning, and it could be a silver lining to have them fully ready for the second half of the season. It has also helped Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson to get rolling, and that could be a bright spot in an otherwise dark period as well.
The Timberwolves (24-25) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 13 games. With that said, D'Angelo Russell suffered a shin injury in a loss against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday and was unable to play in a defeat against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Having to play the Warriors and Suns in back-to-back nights is tough enough but to do it on the road without your point guard is a nearly impossible task. In any case, it's been a good stretch from this team outside of that, and it has Minnesota fas ecstatic to watch these youngsters work. Where they've really stepped up in on the defensive end, ranked 11th in total defense this year after finishing 28th last season.
These teams played three times in December, with Utah winning all three matchups by at least 12 points apiece. With that said, Minnesota swept the three-game season series last year.
The Jazz (30-20) find themselves in their worst slump in two years, entering this matchup losing four straight and 10 of their last 12 games in total. That's a shocking stretch from a team that led the NBA in victories last year, but it's easy to understand why. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have missed most of those games, and they quite simply can't compete without their two best players in the lineup. The good news is that both guys are close to returning, and it could be a silver lining to have them fully ready for the second half of the season. It has also helped Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson to get rolling, and that could be a bright spot in an otherwise dark period as well.
The Timberwolves (24-25) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 13 games. With that said, D'Angelo Russell suffered a shin injury in a loss against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday and was unable to play in a defeat against the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Having to play the Warriors and Suns in back-to-back nights is tough enough but to do it on the road without your point guard is a nearly impossible task. In any case, it's been a good stretch from this team outside of that, and it has Minnesota fas ecstatic to watch these youngsters work. Where they've really stepped up in on the defensive end, ranked 11th in total defense this year after finishing 28th last season.
These teams played three times in December, with Utah winning all three matchups by at least 12 points apiece. With that said, Minnesota swept the three-game season series last year.
Suns Host Spurs on Sunday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Footprint Center on Sunday.
The Spurs (19-31) pulled off a massive win on Friday, beating the Chicago Bulls, 131-122. Dejounte Murray did his usual thing in that spectacular performance, providing 29 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. He's been posting enormous lines like that all season, and one would have to believe he's earned an All-Star berth. He's not the only one who's grown, though, with Jakob Poeltl looking like one of the best centers in the west over the last month or so. If they can just add a few more ancillary pieces around these two and start building for the future, this club could be a dangerous one in the coming years.
The Suns (39-9) have the best record in the NBA, and they certainly look like it right now. They enter this matchup in the midst of a nine-game winning streak, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in their most recent outing. Chris Paul picked up his third triple-double of the season in that victory, while Devin Booker provided 29 points and nine assists. Those two have been the best backcourt in the NBA, and it's sad that neither made the All-Star team as a starter. In any case, this team has bigger goals than to make the All-Star team, but they need to be at full health to accomplish those goals. That means getting Deandre Ayton back is critical because he's one of the best players on this team when he's rolling, and it'd be scary to see how they look with him back in the fold.
These teams have already faced off three times this season, with Phoenix winning all three matchups. That gives the Suns five straight wins in this series, dating back to last season.
The Spurs (19-31) pulled off a massive win on Friday, beating the Chicago Bulls, 131-122. Dejounte Murray did his usual thing in that spectacular performance, providing 29 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. He's been posting enormous lines like that all season, and one would have to believe he's earned an All-Star berth. He's not the only one who's grown, though, with Jakob Poeltl looking like one of the best centers in the west over the last month or so. If they can just add a few more ancillary pieces around these two and start building for the future, this club could be a dangerous one in the coming years.
The Suns (39-9) have the best record in the NBA, and they certainly look like it right now. They enter this matchup in the midst of a nine-game winning streak, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in their most recent outing. Chris Paul picked up his third triple-double of the season in that victory, while Devin Booker provided 29 points and nine assists. Those two have been the best backcourt in the NBA, and it's sad that neither made the All-Star team as a starter. In any case, this team has bigger goals than to make the All-Star team, but they need to be at full health to accomplish those goals. That means getting Deandre Ayton back is critical because he's one of the best players on this team when he's rolling, and it'd be scary to see how they look with him back in the fold.
These teams have already faced off three times this season, with Phoenix winning all three matchups. That gives the Suns five straight wins in this series, dating back to last season.