Pistons Looking For Another Win, Host Pelicans
The Detroit Pistons will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night.
The Pistons (12-37) are coming off a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 31 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Cunningham and Frank Jackson posted 19 points each, with Cunningham also recording 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Trey Lyles supplied 15 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Pelicans (18-32) are coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Devonte’ Graham led the way for New Orleans with 20 points and four assists, while Josh Hart looked impressive and posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes delivered 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points, nine boards and four dimes. No other Pelicans player scored in double digits.
The Pistons (12-37) are coming off a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 31 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Cunningham and Frank Jackson posted 19 points each, with Cunningham also recording 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Trey Lyles supplied 15 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Pelicans (18-32) are coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Devonte’ Graham led the way for New Orleans with 20 points and four assists, while Josh Hart looked impressive and posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes delivered 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points, nine boards and four dimes. No other Pelicans player scored in double digits.
Wizards and Bucks Tangle in Milwaukee
The Washington Wizards take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night.
The Wizards (23-26) appear to be a shell of the team that opened the season in surprisingly impressive fashion, and they'll check into Tuesday's game having dropped five consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they dropped a 115-95 decision to the Memphis Grizzlies. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 30 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope registered 15 points and two boards. Spencer Dinwiddie furnished 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bradley Beal totaled nine points, 12 assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will be without Beal (wrist) for Tuesday's game.
The Bucks (31-21) have found it difficult at times to be the defending champions and operate with a target on their backs, as they most recently experienced when they took a 136-100 walloping from Denver Nuggets on Sunday night after entering the contest having won four of the previous five games. Against Denver, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday tallied 14 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen posted matching 11-point contributions while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Bucks will be without George Hill (neck) and Brook Lopez (back) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 101-94 win Nov. 7.
The Wizards (23-26) appear to be a shell of the team that opened the season in surprisingly impressive fashion, and they'll check into Tuesday's game having dropped five consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came Saturday night, when they dropped a 115-95 decision to the Memphis Grizzlies. Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 30 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope registered 15 points and two boards. Spencer Dinwiddie furnished 10 points, four assists and three rebounds. Bradley Beal totaled nine points, 12 assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will be without Beal (wrist) for Tuesday's game.
The Bucks (31-21) have found it difficult at times to be the defending champions and operate with a target on their backs, as they most recently experienced when they took a 136-100 walloping from Denver Nuggets on Sunday night after entering the contest having won four of the previous five games. Against Denver, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday tallied 14 points, eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen posted matching 11-point contributions while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively.
The Bucks will be without George Hill (neck) and Brook Lopez (back) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Wizards hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 101-94 win Nov. 7.
Raptors Looking To Produce Upset Against Cavaliers
The Toronto Raptors will host the Miami Heat at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Raptors (25-23) are coming off a win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Gary Trent Jr. was the leading scorer for the Raptors and finished with 31 points and six rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while also adding two blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet had a 16-point, 11-assist double-double, and OG Anunoby recorded 15 points. The Raptors shot 42.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
The Heat (32-19) delivered one of their worst performances of the season Monday and lost to the Boston Celtics by a 30-point margin. Max Strus led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin supplied 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro furnished 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo turned in 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Gabe Vincent registered 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Raptors (25-23) are coming off a win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Gary Trent Jr. was the leading scorer for the Raptors and finished with 31 points and six rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while also adding two blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet had a 16-point, 11-assist double-double, and OG Anunoby recorded 15 points. The Raptors shot 42.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
The Heat (32-19) delivered one of their worst performances of the season Monday and lost to the Boston Celtics by a 30-point margin. Max Strus led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin supplied 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro furnished 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo turned in 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Gabe Vincent registered 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Hobbled Bulls Look To Keep Momentum Rolling
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Orlando Magic at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The Bulls (31-18) have won three of their last four games and will look to keep the momentum going, with a chance to build on their, 18-6, home record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Lonzo Ball (knee), Alex Caruso (wrist), Derrick Jones (finger) and Patrick Williams (wrist) remain sidelined, while Javonte Green (ankle) is listed as probably for action. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 27.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists, over his last 10 games. Zach LaVine has looked good since returning from a week-long absence, as he is averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. The Bulls are averaging 111.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first road game after a five-game home stand for the Magic (11-40), as they will look to build on two straight wins and add to their, 6-22, road record. Cole Anthony leads the team, averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Mo Bamba is averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while Wendell Carter is averaging 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, per game, to make up a formidable frontcourt. Franz Wagner continues his solid play, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists, over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 102.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.4 points against.
The Bulls (31-18) have won three of their last four games and will look to keep the momentum going, with a chance to build on their, 18-6, home record. They continue to deal with injury trouble, as Lonzo Ball (knee), Alex Caruso (wrist), Derrick Jones (finger) and Patrick Williams (wrist) remain sidelined, while Javonte Green (ankle) is listed as probably for action. DeMar DeRozan leads the team, averaging 27.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists, over his last 10 games. Zach LaVine has looked good since returning from a week-long absence, as he is averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. The Bulls are averaging 111.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first road game after a five-game home stand for the Magic (11-40), as they will look to build on two straight wins and add to their, 6-22, road record. Cole Anthony leads the team, averaging 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. Mo Bamba is averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while Wendell Carter is averaging 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, per game, to make up a formidable frontcourt. Franz Wagner continues his solid play, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists, over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 102.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.4 points against.
Timberwolves Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Denver Nuggets at Target Center on Tuesday evening.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Timberwolves (25-25), as they will look to carry over the momentum from a win in their last game and add to their, 14-10, home record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 24.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.7 points, 5.1 rebonds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 111.6 points per game. They are giving up an average of 110.6 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 45.3 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth game of a six-game road trip for the Nuggets (28-21), where they are undefeated so far. The Nuggets have won their last five games in a row and will look to keep the streak going to build on their, 15-12, road record. Nikola Jokic (toe) leads the team with dominant numbers, but he is listed as questionable for action on Tuesday. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.7 points, 5..6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Will Barton is averaging 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists, per game. The Nuggets are averaging 109.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.1 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Timberwolves (25-25), as they will look to carry over the momentum from a win in their last game and add to their, 14-10, home record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 24.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.7 points, 5.1 rebonds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 111.6 points per game. They are giving up an average of 110.6 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 45.3 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fifth game of a six-game road trip for the Nuggets (28-21), where they are undefeated so far. The Nuggets have won their last five games in a row and will look to keep the streak going to build on their, 15-12, road record. Nikola Jokic (toe) leads the team with dominant numbers, but he is listed as questionable for action on Tuesday. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.7 points, 5..6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Will Barton is averaging 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists, per game. The Nuggets are averaging 109.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.1 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league.
Spurs Host Warriors on Tuesday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Golden State Warriors at AT&T Center on Tuesday.
The Warriors (38-13) come into this matchup amid a six-game winning streak, beating the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing on Monday. That's a win this team was expected to take care of, but it leaves some question marks here. Most importantly, it probably means that Klay Thompson will rest here in the second half of a back-to-back set, with Stephen Curry and Otto Porter being candidates as well. Resting players this early is a frustrating sign for NBA fans, but it's the optimal strategy with how good the Warriors have looked. Wins are essential, but the most important thing is to be fully healthy headed into the postseason.
The Spurs (19-32) are coming off one of their most impressive performances of the season on Sunday. While it was a loss, San Antonio battled in Phoenix and nearly beat the Suns without their three best players. San Antonio chose to rest Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Jakob Poeltl in that game, getting great performances from guys like Doug McDermott, Tre Jones and Lonnie Walker. They actually led by 12 points going into the fourth quarter but couldn't hold on against the best team in the NBA. In any case, it was nice to see these reserve players play so well, and it'll be nice to have Murray, White and Poeltl full ready to go here.
These teams played on December 4, with San Antonio prevailing, 112-107. They have now traded off wins and losses in their last five meetings, dating back three years.
The Warriors (38-13) come into this matchup amid a six-game winning streak, beating the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing on Monday. That's a win this team was expected to take care of, but it leaves some question marks here. Most importantly, it probably means that Klay Thompson will rest here in the second half of a back-to-back set, with Stephen Curry and Otto Porter being candidates as well. Resting players this early is a frustrating sign for NBA fans, but it's the optimal strategy with how good the Warriors have looked. Wins are essential, but the most important thing is to be fully healthy headed into the postseason.
The Spurs (19-32) are coming off one of their most impressive performances of the season on Sunday. While it was a loss, San Antonio battled in Phoenix and nearly beat the Suns without their three best players. San Antonio chose to rest Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Jakob Poeltl in that game, getting great performances from guys like Doug McDermott, Tre Jones and Lonnie Walker. They actually led by 12 points going into the fourth quarter but couldn't hold on against the best team in the NBA. In any case, it was nice to see these reserve players play so well, and it'll be nice to have Murray, White and Poeltl full ready to go here.
These teams played on December 4, with San Antonio prevailing, 112-107. They have now traded off wins and losses in their last five meetings, dating back three years.
Suns Host Nets on Tuesday
The Brooklyn Nets travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on Tuesday.
The Nets (30-21) are in their worst stretch of the season, entering this matchup losing four straight. The losing ways have lasted much longer than that though, with Brooklyn maintaining a 6-11 record over their last 17 games. That has dropped them from the top spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting sixth at this point. The good news is that they're only two games clear of first, and a small winning streak could bump them right back to that spot. This poor stretch directly correlates with a knee injury to Kevin Durant, and it's becoming clear just how much the NBA's leading scorer means to this team. That's even worse with James Harden dealing with a hand injury and Kyrie Irving missing home games, forcing this team to battle more adversity than almost any other team in the NBA.
The Suns (40-9) come into this matchup amid a 10-game winning streak. That's actually their second double-digit winning streak of the season, now sitting with the best record in the NBA. They're actually a few games clear of anyone else, and it's hard not to say that this is the best team around. While they did struggle against a shorthanded San Antonio Spurs team on Sunday, they overcame a fourth-quarter 12-point deficit to complete their comeback win. Performances like that have been common for Phoenix all year, and it feels like they're never out of any game. Getting 20 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists from Chris Paul will give you that sort of confidence, and he's undoubtedly in the MVP hunt after yet another magical performance.
These teams played back on November 27, with Phoenix prevailing, 113-107. With that said, the Nets won 15 of their previous 19 games over the Suns in this series, dating back to 2012.
The Nets (30-21) are in their worst stretch of the season, entering this matchup losing four straight. The losing ways have lasted much longer than that though, with Brooklyn maintaining a 6-11 record over their last 17 games. That has dropped them from the top spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting sixth at this point. The good news is that they're only two games clear of first, and a small winning streak could bump them right back to that spot. This poor stretch directly correlates with a knee injury to Kevin Durant, and it's becoming clear just how much the NBA's leading scorer means to this team. That's even worse with James Harden dealing with a hand injury and Kyrie Irving missing home games, forcing this team to battle more adversity than almost any other team in the NBA.
The Suns (40-9) come into this matchup amid a 10-game winning streak. That's actually their second double-digit winning streak of the season, now sitting with the best record in the NBA. They're actually a few games clear of anyone else, and it's hard not to say that this is the best team around. While they did struggle against a shorthanded San Antonio Spurs team on Sunday, they overcame a fourth-quarter 12-point deficit to complete their comeback win. Performances like that have been common for Phoenix all year, and it feels like they're never out of any game. Getting 20 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists from Chris Paul will give you that sort of confidence, and he's undoubtedly in the MVP hunt after yet another magical performance.
These teams played back on November 27, with Phoenix prevailing, 113-107. With that said, the Nets won 15 of their previous 19 games over the Suns in this series, dating back to 2012.