Pelicans and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Clash
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pelicans (18-31) have had their share of losing streaks this season, and fittingly, they'll enter Monday's contest with three consecutive defeats. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they fell to the Boston Celtics by a 107-97 score. Jose Alvarado paced the Pelicans with 19 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Willy Hernangomez delivered 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Garrett Temple and Devonte' Graham supplied 12 points apiece, with Temple also recording five rebounds and four assists. Hebert Jones managed 11 points, four boards and four assists. Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 13 rebound double-double that included two assists and three steals.
The Pelicans will list Hart (knee), Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Jonas Valanciunas (illness) as questionable for Monday's game. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (30-20) had been riding high going into a Sunday evening road date with the Detroit Pistons, as they'd prevailed in eight of their previous nine games. However, they stumbled against an inferior opponent, dropping a 115-105 decision. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Evan Mobley followed with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points, nine boards, three assists and two blocks. Dean Wade turned in 14 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman poured in 13 points.
The Cavaliers will remain without Lauri Markkanen (ankle) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 108-104 win Dec. 28.
The Pelicans (18-31) have had their share of losing streaks this season, and fittingly, they'll enter Monday's contest with three consecutive defeats. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they fell to the Boston Celtics by a 107-97 score. Jose Alvarado paced the Pelicans with 19 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Willy Hernangomez delivered 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Garrett Temple and Devonte' Graham supplied 12 points apiece, with Temple also recording five rebounds and four assists. Hebert Jones managed 11 points, four boards and four assists. Josh Hart generated a 10-point, 13 rebound double-double that included two assists and three steals.
The Pelicans will list Hart (knee), Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Jonas Valanciunas (illness) as questionable for Monday's game. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (30-20) had been riding high going into a Sunday evening road date with the Detroit Pistons, as they'd prevailed in eight of their previous nine games. However, they stumbled against an inferior opponent, dropping a 115-105 decision. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Evan Mobley followed with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points, nine boards, three assists and two blocks. Dean Wade turned in 14 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman poured in 13 points.
The Cavaliers will remain without Lauri Markkanen (ankle) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 108-104 win Dec. 28.
Clippers Looking For Another Road Win, Visit Pacers
The Indiana Pacers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
The Pacers (18-33) are coming off a home loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Domantas Sabonis sniffed a triple-double in the loss and finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Caris LeVert delivered 14 points and four assists, while rookie Chris Duarte ended with 12 points. Duane Washington Jr. notched 22 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson delivered 12 points and six rebounds before fouling out.
The Clippers (26-26) are coming off a win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers and ended with 19 points and five assists, while Marcus Morris delivered 16 points and three rebounds. Brandon Boston looked impressive off the bench and registered a team-high 19 points as well, but he also contributed five rebounds and two dimes. Luke Kennard continued his sizzling stretch of play and recorded 14 points with 10 rebounds. Justise Winslow ended with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Pacers (18-33) are coming off a home loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Domantas Sabonis sniffed a triple-double in the loss and finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Caris LeVert delivered 14 points and four assists, while rookie Chris Duarte ended with 12 points. Duane Washington Jr. notched 22 points, three rebounds and three assists off the bench, and Isaiah Jackson delivered 12 points and six rebounds before fouling out.
The Clippers (26-26) are coming off a win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers and ended with 19 points and five assists, while Marcus Morris delivered 16 points and three rebounds. Brandon Boston looked impressive off the bench and registered a team-high 19 points as well, but he also contributed five rebounds and two dimes. Luke Kennard continued his sizzling stretch of play and recorded 14 points with 10 rebounds. Justise Winslow ended with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
Sixers Look To Remain Undefeated On Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.
This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the 76ers (30-19), where they are undefeated, so far, as they look to continue building on their, 13-10, home record. Joel Embiid continues to put up massive numbers to lead the Sixers, averaging 35.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 blocks, over the last 10 games. Tobias Harris is also playing well, averaging 19.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games, while Seth Curry remains solid in the backcourt, averaging 15.6 points on 50.4 percent shooting this season. The 76ers are averaging 107.6 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 105.2 points per game.
This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Grizzlies (35-17), as they look to build on a three-game win streak and add to their, 16-8, road record. Ja Morant has been on fire lately, averaging 30.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Jaren Jackson is averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.0 steals, while Desmond Bane is averaging 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Tyus Jones (COVID-19) and Ziaire Williams (knee) are listed as questionable for action on Monday, while Dillon Brooks (ankle) will remain sidelined. The Grizzlies are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is tied for fourth most in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 108.2 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot 45.2 percent from the field.
This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the 76ers (30-19), where they are undefeated, so far, as they look to continue building on their, 13-10, home record. Joel Embiid continues to put up massive numbers to lead the Sixers, averaging 35.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.5 blocks, over the last 10 games. Tobias Harris is also playing well, averaging 19.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games, while Seth Curry remains solid in the backcourt, averaging 15.6 points on 50.4 percent shooting this season. The 76ers are averaging 107.6 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 105.2 points per game.
This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Grizzlies (35-17), as they look to build on a three-game win streak and add to their, 16-8, road record. Ja Morant has been on fire lately, averaging 30.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Jaren Jackson is averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.0 steals, while Desmond Bane is averaging 17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Tyus Jones (COVID-19) and Ziaire Williams (knee) are listed as questionable for action on Monday, while Dillon Brooks (ankle) will remain sidelined. The Grizzlies are averaging 112.0 points per game, which is tied for fourth most in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 108.2 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot 45.2 percent from the field.
Hawks Host Raptors In Eastern Conference Showdown
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Toronto Raptors at StateFarm Arena on Monday night.
The Hawks (24-25) are coming off an impressive comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Trae Young led the Hawks in this one since he ended with 36 points and 12 assists, while John Collins reported 20 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu looked good off the bench and posted 16 points with five rebounds, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 10 points across 27 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 58.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from deep.
The Raptors (24-23) are coming off a 124-120 win against the Miami Heat on Saturday, though that game was decided after three overtime periods. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 33 points, five rebounds and five steals, in 55 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 21 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocks, while OG Anunoby tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
The Hawks (24-25) are coming off an impressive comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Trae Young led the Hawks in this one since he ended with 36 points and 12 assists, while John Collins reported 20 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu looked good off the bench and posted 16 points with five rebounds, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 10 points across 27 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 58.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from deep.
The Raptors (24-23) are coming off a 124-120 win against the Miami Heat on Saturday, though that game was decided after three overtime periods. Gary Trent led the Raptors with 33 points, five rebounds and five steals, in 55 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 21 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocks, while OG Anunoby tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block.
Celtics, Heat Clash In Boston
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Miami Heat at TD Garden on Monday evening.
The Celtics (26-25) have won three of their last four games and will look to build off a win in their last outing for a chance to add to their, 16-10, home record. Jayson Tatum leads the team, averaging 26.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals, while Robert Williams is averaging 9.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Celtics are averaging 107.7 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 104.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a six-game road trip for the Heat (32-18), as they will look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent game and add to their, 14-12, road record. Jimmy Butler (ankle) played 52 minutes in the Heat's last game, where they lost in triple overtime, and he is listed as questionable for action on Monday. Kyle Lowry (personal) is expected to remain sidelined. Gabe Vincent has been solid in the absence of Lowry, as he is averaging 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Bam Adebayo has played will since returning from a six-week absence, as he is averaging 15.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3. blocks, over the last seven games. Tyler Herro shot 5-of-22 in the Heat's last game, but he is averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists, this season. The Heat are averaging 109.1 points per game, and they are limiting opponents to an average of 104.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
The Celtics (26-25) have won three of their last four games and will look to build off a win in their last outing for a chance to add to their, 16-10, home record. Jayson Tatum leads the team, averaging 26.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals, while Robert Williams is averaging 9.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. The Celtics are averaging 107.7 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 104.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a six-game road trip for the Heat (32-18), as they will look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent game and add to their, 14-12, road record. Jimmy Butler (ankle) played 52 minutes in the Heat's last game, where they lost in triple overtime, and he is listed as questionable for action on Monday. Kyle Lowry (personal) is expected to remain sidelined. Gabe Vincent has been solid in the absence of Lowry, as he is averaging 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last five games. Bam Adebayo has played will since returning from a six-week absence, as he is averaging 15.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3. blocks, over the last seven games. Tyler Herro shot 5-of-22 in the Heat's last game, but he is averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists, this season. The Heat are averaging 109.1 points per game, and they are limiting opponents to an average of 104.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Knicks Host Kings on Monday
The Sacramento Kings travel to The Big Apple to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Kings (18-33) come into this matchup amid a six-game losing streak, losing 11 of their last 13 games in total. Runs like that got Luke Walton fired at the beginning of the season, but it appears that didn't solve anything. The most recent loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday was particularly distressing, with the Kings blowing a 17-point lead. They even had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but were unable to prevail. It was certainly no fault of Tyrese Haliburton, though, tallying 38 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals in that defeat. We expected to see him step up without De'Aaron Fox, but lines like that have Kings fans excited for the future, despite how bad this team looks right now.
The Knicks (23-27) are having their fair share of struggles as well, losing six of their last seven games. While the offense looked much improved through the first month of the season, it's been one of the worst since then. In fact, New York ranks 27th in points scored and 29th in assists. Having Kemba Walker struggle at the point guard position is a significant reason why, but Julius Randle having a regression season hurts too. Those two were expected to carry the load this season, and they simply won't compete if both are slouching their way through the year. R.J. Barrett is amid a breakout, though, and they'll need him to keep playing well to get out of this ugly slide.
These teams played twice last season, with the home team winning both outings. Before that, the Kings won four of their previous five games in this series, dating back three years.
The Kings (18-33) come into this matchup amid a six-game losing streak, losing 11 of their last 13 games in total. Runs like that got Luke Walton fired at the beginning of the season, but it appears that didn't solve anything. The most recent loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday was particularly distressing, with the Kings blowing a 17-point lead. They even had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but were unable to prevail. It was certainly no fault of Tyrese Haliburton, though, tallying 38 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals in that defeat. We expected to see him step up without De'Aaron Fox, but lines like that have Kings fans excited for the future, despite how bad this team looks right now.
The Knicks (23-27) are having their fair share of struggles as well, losing six of their last seven games. While the offense looked much improved through the first month of the season, it's been one of the worst since then. In fact, New York ranks 27th in points scored and 29th in assists. Having Kemba Walker struggle at the point guard position is a significant reason why, but Julius Randle having a regression season hurts too. Those two were expected to carry the load this season, and they simply won't compete if both are slouching their way through the year. R.J. Barrett is amid a breakout, though, and they'll need him to keep playing well to get out of this ugly slide.
These teams played twice last season, with the home team winning both outings. Before that, the Kings won four of their previous five games in this series, dating back three years.
Rockets Host Warriors on Monday
The Golden State Warriors travel to Texas to face the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday.
The Warriors (37-13) come into this matchup amid a five-game winning streak, beating the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday in their most recent outing. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry had just 12 points through three quarters of that game but combined for 23 points in that final frame to grab the Warriors the win. That's the Splash Brothers we've been waiting to see, and it gave them one of their highlight wins of the season. Klay actually knocked down a game-clinching three with 12.5 seconds remaining off of a Curry screen-and-pop, and that sort of chemistry shows why these two are so good. The next step is to get Draymond Green (back) back, but who knows when that will happen with the questionable reports out there.
The Rockets (14-35) come into this matchup losing three straight, allowing at least 125 points in five of their last seven losses. That ugly defensive form has been an issue all season, though, with the Rockets ranked dead-last in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. Part of that is their blistering pace, but it's also embarrassing to see the other team run lay-up drills in the middle of a game. In any case, it's all about getting these youngsters gelling, and we've seen some great performances from Christian Wood, Kevin Porter, Jae'Sean Tate and Jalen Green this season. Unfortunately, Porter is out for the foreseeable future, landing in the dreaded COVID protocols over the weekend.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Golden State winning both games. That gives them five straight wins in this series, winning four of those by at least 13 points apiece.
The Warriors (37-13) come into this matchup amid a five-game winning streak, beating the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday in their most recent outing. Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry had just 12 points through three quarters of that game but combined for 23 points in that final frame to grab the Warriors the win. That's the Splash Brothers we've been waiting to see, and it gave them one of their highlight wins of the season. Klay actually knocked down a game-clinching three with 12.5 seconds remaining off of a Curry screen-and-pop, and that sort of chemistry shows why these two are so good. The next step is to get Draymond Green (back) back, but who knows when that will happen with the questionable reports out there.
The Rockets (14-35) come into this matchup losing three straight, allowing at least 125 points in five of their last seven losses. That ugly defensive form has been an issue all season, though, with the Rockets ranked dead-last in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. Part of that is their blistering pace, but it's also embarrassing to see the other team run lay-up drills in the middle of a game. In any case, it's all about getting these youngsters gelling, and we've seen some great performances from Christian Wood, Kevin Porter, Jae'Sean Tate and Jalen Green this season. Unfortunately, Porter is out for the foreseeable future, landing in the dreaded COVID protocols over the weekend.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Golden State winning both games. That gives them five straight wins in this series, winning four of those by at least 13 points apiece.
Trail Blazers and Thunder Set for Conference Clash
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-29) have been showing signs of improved play of late compared to earlier in the season, but they'll enter Monday's contest having dropped three of their past four games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they suffered a 130-116 defeat to the Chicago Bulls. CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Anfernee Simons registered 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic posted matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee) and Nassir Little (shoulder) for Monday's contest. CJ Elleby (hamstring) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
The Thunder (14-34) are enduring a forgettable season overall, and they'll enter Monday's clash with seven consecutive losses and 12 of the last 13 overall. Oklahoma City's latest stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a narrow 113-110 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Luguentz Dort paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Darius Bazley furnished 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Shai Gigleous-Alexander and Ty Jerome posted matching 10-point tallies, with the former also posting three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block over 17 minutes before suffering an ankle injury that forced his exit.
The Thunder will remain without Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers won the 2020-21 season series with the Thunder by a 2-1 margin.
The Trail Blazers (21-29) have been showing signs of improved play of late compared to earlier in the season, but they'll enter Monday's contest having dropped three of their past four games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they suffered a 130-116 defeat to the Chicago Bulls. CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Anfernee Simons registered 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic posted matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee) and Nassir Little (shoulder) for Monday's contest. CJ Elleby (hamstring) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
The Thunder (14-34) are enduring a forgettable season overall, and they'll enter Monday's clash with seven consecutive losses and 12 of the last 13 overall. Oklahoma City's latest stumble came Friday night, when they dropped a narrow 113-110 decision to the Indiana Pacers. Luguentz Dort paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Darius Bazley furnished 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Shai Gigleous-Alexander and Ty Jerome posted matching 10-point tallies, with the former also posting three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block over 17 minutes before suffering an ankle injury that forced his exit.
The Thunder will remain without Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) for Monday's game.
Monday's contest marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers won the 2020-21 season series with the Thunder by a 2-1 margin.