Pacers Play Host to Magic on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Magic (11-41) enter this matchup winning three of their last five games. That's easily their best stretch of the season, beating tough teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls. That makes this horrendous record all the more surprising, sitting with the worst record in the NBA. They're currently two games back of the Detroit Pistons, and it looks like those two teams will battle for the top pick in next year's draft. Many would argue that this is the more talented team, though, sending out guys like Wendell Carter, Mo Bamba, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony. That's a great young core, and it makes it hard to understand why they have 41 losses through 52 games. In any case, this talented foursome is getting better by the game, and it could be a team to look out for in the coming years.
The Pacers (19-31) have been one of the most frustrating teams in the NBA. They have one of the most talented rosters around but sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Keeping everyone on the floor has been a major issue, with Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis all missing time right now. Those are three all-Star caliber players, and it has people talking about how one of the big men might be on the move. The home/road splits have been equally as infuriating, with Indiana owning a 13-13 record at home and a 6-18 record on the road. That obviously won't get it done, especially with this team having the worst record in the NBA in games decided by five points or fewer.
Indiana swept the three-game season series over Orlando last year and has won six straight over them in total.
The Magic (11-41) enter this matchup winning three of their last five games. That's easily their best stretch of the season, beating tough teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls. That makes this horrendous record all the more surprising, sitting with the worst record in the NBA. They're currently two games back of the Detroit Pistons, and it looks like those two teams will battle for the top pick in next year's draft. Many would argue that this is the more talented team, though, sending out guys like Wendell Carter, Mo Bamba, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony. That's a great young core, and it makes it hard to understand why they have 41 losses through 52 games. In any case, this talented foursome is getting better by the game, and it could be a team to look out for in the coming years.
The Pacers (19-31) have been one of the most frustrating teams in the NBA. They have one of the most talented rosters around but sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Keeping everyone on the floor has been a major issue, with Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis all missing time right now. Those are three all-Star caliber players, and it has people talking about how one of the big men might be on the move. The home/road splits have been equally as infuriating, with Indiana owning a 13-13 record at home and a 6-18 record on the road. That obviously won't get it done, especially with this team having the worst record in the NBA in games decided by five points or fewer.
Indiana swept the three-game season series over Orlando last year and has won six straight over them in total.
Sixers Looking To Extend Winning Streak Against Wizards
The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (31-19) are coming off a 112-119 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, a result that pushed their winning streak to five games. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 33 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and a steal, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris added 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Andre Drummond logged 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The 76ers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range. The Sixers have gone 8-2 in their last 10 contests.
The Wizards (23-27) are coming off a 112-98 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points and 11 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 12 points and two assists. No other Washington starter scored in double digits but Montrezl Harrell stepped his game up from the bench. He ended with 20 points and five rebounds. The Wizards have now dropped six games in a row and seven of their last eight.
The 76ers (31-19) are coming off a 112-119 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, a result that pushed their winning streak to five games. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 33 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and a steal, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris added 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Andre Drummond logged 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The 76ers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range. The Sixers have gone 8-2 in their last 10 contests.
The Wizards (23-27) are coming off a 112-98 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. Kyle Kuzma had 25 points and 11 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 12 points and two assists. No other Washington starter scored in double digits but Montrezl Harrell stepped his game up from the bench. He ended with 20 points and five rebounds. The Wizards have now dropped six games in a row and seven of their last eight.
Hornets, Celtics Lock Horns
The Boston Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (27-25) are coming off a 30-point win over the Miami Heat on Monday. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 29 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford contributed 14 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Richardson and Grant Williams posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Hornets (28-23) are coming off a 115-90 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds, and Miles Bridges contributed 18 points while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds but also added four assists, while Terry Rozier had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. P.J. Washington had 10 points. Charlotte has lost three of its last five contests.
The Celtics (27-25) are coming off a 30-point win over the Miami Heat on Monday. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 29 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford contributed 14 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Richardson and Grant Williams posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Hornets (28-23) are coming off a 115-90 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds, and Miles Bridges contributed 18 points while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds but also added four assists, while Terry Rozier had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. P.J. Washington had 10 points. Charlotte has lost three of its last five contests.
Grizzlies Meet Knicks in Big Apple
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (35-18) have been on a multi-week stretch of success, but they've naturally had their occasional bumps in the road along the way. One such instance unfolded Monday night, when they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers by a 122-119 score in overtime to snap a three-game winning streak. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 37 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 34 points, seven boards, one assist and three steals. Jaren Jackson totaled 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Steven Adams mustered just seven points but added 12 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Grizzlies will list Adams (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Dillon Brooks (ankle) is expected to remain out.
The Knicks (24-27) have mostly been heading in the opposite direction of their opponent, as their 116-96 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night was only their second victory in the last eight games. Alec Burks led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Evan Fournier followed with 18 points, two assists and two steals. Julius Randle delivered 17 points, nine boards, four assists and one steal. Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes generated matching 14-point, four-rebound tallies. RJ Barrett supplied 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Knicks will continue without Derrick Rose (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies (35-18) have been on a multi-week stretch of success, but they've naturally had their occasional bumps in the road along the way. One such instance unfolded Monday night, when they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers by a 122-119 score in overtime to snap a three-game winning streak. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 37 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Desmond Bane furnished 34 points, seven boards, one assist and three steals. Jaren Jackson totaled 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Steven Adams mustered just seven points but added 12 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Grizzlies will list Adams (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Dillon Brooks (ankle) is expected to remain out.
The Knicks (24-27) have mostly been heading in the opposite direction of their opponent, as their 116-96 win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday night was only their second victory in the last eight games. Alec Burks led the way for the Knicks with 21 points, adding five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Evan Fournier followed with 18 points, two assists and two steals. Julius Randle delivered 17 points, nine boards, four assists and one steal. Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes generated matching 14-point, four-rebound tallies. RJ Barrett supplied 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Knicks will continue without Derrick Rose (ankle) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Grizzlies.
Rockets Looking To End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Rockets (14-36), where they are winless so far. They have lost four in a row overall and will look to end the slide for a chance to build on their, 7-16, home record. Christian Wood leads the team, averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Eric Gordon is averaging 14.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while Jalen Green is averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Rockets are averaging 108.3 points per game, and they are giving up a league-high average of 116.9 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot 47.5 percent from the field, which is also a league-high.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (31-20) will look to build off a win in their last contest and add to their, 15-11, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injuries, as Darius Garland (back) and Lauri Markkanen (ankle) will be sidelined through Wednesday's action. Cedi Osman will likely pick up another start in place of Garland, after he logged seven points, two rebounds and 12 assists, in the Cavs' last game. Evan Mobley is playing well, averaging 14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jarrett Allen has also been playing well, averaging 13.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, over his last 10 games. The Cavs are averaging 106.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.6 percent from the field, and they are holding opponents to an average of 102.2 points per game.
This marks the fourth and final game of a home stand for the Rockets (14-36), where they are winless so far. They have lost four in a row overall and will look to end the slide for a chance to build on their, 7-16, home record. Christian Wood leads the team, averaging 17.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Eric Gordon is averaging 14.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while Jalen Green is averaging 14.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Rockets are averaging 108.3 points per game, and they are giving up a league-high average of 116.9 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot 47.5 percent from the field, which is also a league-high.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (31-20) will look to build off a win in their last contest and add to their, 15-11, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injuries, as Darius Garland (back) and Lauri Markkanen (ankle) will be sidelined through Wednesday's action. Cedi Osman will likely pick up another start in place of Garland, after he logged seven points, two rebounds and 12 assists, in the Cavs' last game. Evan Mobley is playing well, averaging 14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks, over the last 10 games. Jarrett Allen has also been playing well, averaging 13.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, over his last 10 games. The Cavs are averaging 106.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 46.6 percent from the field, and they are holding opponents to an average of 102.2 points per game.
Mavs Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Mavs (29-22), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and add to their, 16-9, home record. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) missed the Mavs' last game and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) will also remain sidelined. On the bright side, Luka Doncic continues to put up big numbers, averaging 25.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jalen Brunson is averaging 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith averages 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, per game. The Mavericks are averaging 106.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 103.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Thunder (15-34), as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 6-18, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) remains sidelined, which means Tre Mann will continue to start, while Josh Giddey slides over to handle point-guard duties. Giddey is averaging 11.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.0 steals, as he has shown that he can be a very good facilitator. Luguentz Dort is averaging 16.4 points on 40 percent shooting, but he will need to step up to help lead the way without Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder are averaging a league-low, 100.7 points per game, while shooting a league-low 41.6 percent from the field.
This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Mavs (29-22), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and add to their, 16-9, home record. Kristaps Porzingis (knee) missed the Mavs' last game and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Tim Hardaway Jr. (foot) will also remain sidelined. On the bright side, Luka Doncic continues to put up big numbers, averaging 25.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Jalen Brunson is averaging 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith averages 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, per game. The Mavericks are averaging 106.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 103.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Thunder (15-34), as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 6-18, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle) remains sidelined, which means Tre Mann will continue to start, while Josh Giddey slides over to handle point-guard duties. Giddey is averaging 11.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.0 steals, as he has shown that he can be a very good facilitator. Luguentz Dort is averaging 16.4 points on 40 percent shooting, but he will need to step up to help lead the way without Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder are averaging a league-low, 100.7 points per game, while shooting a league-low 41.6 percent from the field.
Nets and Kings Battle in Sacramento
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.
The Nets (29-21) come into Wednesday's interconference clash reeling from a five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Tuesday night, when they dropped a 121-111 decision to the Phoenix Suns. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 26 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. James Harden generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Blake Griffin totaled 17 points, six boards, two assists and one steal Kessler Edwards produced 13 points, five rebounds and one steal.
The Nets are expected to remain without LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) and Kevin Durant (knee) for Wednesday's game.
The Kings (18-34) have struggled most of the season as their record clearly indicates, and recent key injuries have only served to unsurprisingly exacerbate the situation. Sacramento enters Wednesday's contest mired in a seven-game losing streak, with its most recent stumble a 116-96 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 21 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Davion Mitchell registered 18 points, six assists, one rebound and two blocks. Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield provided matching 11-point, five-rebound tallies.
The Kings are likely to list De’Aaron Fox (ankle) and Marvin Bagley (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Terence Davis (wrist) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Kings.
The Nets (29-21) come into Wednesday's interconference clash reeling from a five-game losing streak. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Tuesday night, when they dropped a 121-111 decision to the Phoenix Suns. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 26 points, adding four rebounds, three assists and one steal. James Harden generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that included five rebounds and one steal. Blake Griffin totaled 17 points, six boards, two assists and one steal Kessler Edwards produced 13 points, five rebounds and one steal.
The Nets are expected to remain without LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) and Kevin Durant (knee) for Wednesday's game.
The Kings (18-34) have struggled most of the season as their record clearly indicates, and recent key injuries have only served to unsurprisingly exacerbate the situation. Sacramento enters Wednesday's contest mired in a seven-game losing streak, with its most recent stumble a 116-96 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 21 points, adding eight assists and one rebound. Davion Mitchell registered 18 points, six assists, one rebound and two blocks. Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield provided matching 11-point, five-rebound tallies.
The Kings are likely to list De’Aaron Fox (ankle) and Marvin Bagley (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Terence Davis (wrist) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Kings.
Shorthanded Jazz Host Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Jazz (30-21), as they are looking to put an end to a five-game slide and add to their, 15-10, home record. The Jazz remain shorthanded, as Rudy Gobert (calf), Donovan Mitchell (concussion) and Danuel House Jr. (COVID-19) will be sidelined, while Hassan Whiteside (back) is listed as questionable for action. Jordan Clarkson is averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic is averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and both players will have to step up in the absence of Mitchell. Mike Conley has been playing well, averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals, over the last five games.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (28-22), as they are coming off a rough loss in Minnesota on Tuesday. The contest got out to a tight start as they trailed, 30-28, after one quarter. They lost control in the second, where they saw the deficit grow to 18 points by halftime. The Nuggets had no answers in the third, and they allowed the hosts to push it to a 22-point game into the final frame. The Nuggets put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as their five-game win streak came to a halt with the road loss. Nikola Jokic led the way with 21 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Will Barton logged 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, and Monte Morris chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Nuggets will look to bounce back as they face the sixth and final game of their current road trip, where they have gone, 4-1, so far.
This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Jazz (30-21), as they are looking to put an end to a five-game slide and add to their, 15-10, home record. The Jazz remain shorthanded, as Rudy Gobert (calf), Donovan Mitchell (concussion) and Danuel House Jr. (COVID-19) will be sidelined, while Hassan Whiteside (back) is listed as questionable for action. Jordan Clarkson is averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic is averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and both players will have to step up in the absence of Mitchell. Mike Conley has been playing well, averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals, over the last five games.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (28-22), as they are coming off a rough loss in Minnesota on Tuesday. The contest got out to a tight start as they trailed, 30-28, after one quarter. They lost control in the second, where they saw the deficit grow to 18 points by halftime. The Nuggets had no answers in the third, and they allowed the hosts to push it to a 22-point game into the final frame. The Nuggets put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as their five-game win streak came to a halt with the road loss. Nikola Jokic led the way with 21 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Will Barton logged 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, and Monte Morris chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Nuggets will look to bounce back as they face the sixth and final game of their current road trip, where they have gone, 4-1, so far.
Lakers Host Trail Blazers on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto Center on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (21-30) are really struggling right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last five games. That stretch has been common for this team all year, though, owning one of the worst records in the Western Conference. It's easy to understand why, because Portland is missing 25 points and eight assists from Damian Lillard. The superstar point guard had abductor surgery last month, and it's unclear if or when he will return this season. That means it's up to guys like C.J. McCollum, Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic to step up. Where they really need to see some improvement is on the defensive end, though, with Portland ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings.
The Lakers (24-27) are having their fair share of struggles, too, entering this matchup amid a three-game losing streak. Much like Portland, Los Angeles has been trying to cope without their superstar playmaker. That happens to be LeBron James, who's currently dealing with knee soreness. There are conflicting reports that say he could be out through the All-Star break, and some say he could be ready to go here. In any case, Anthony Davis just returned from an injury of his own and has been ridiculous in the two games since. They've only had LeBron and AD on the floor together for a handful of games, and fans can't wait to see how they look when this roster is finally fully healthy.
These teams have played two lopsided games this season, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, Portland has won four of their last six games in this series.
The Trail Blazers (21-30) are really struggling right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last five games. That stretch has been common for this team all year, though, owning one of the worst records in the Western Conference. It's easy to understand why, because Portland is missing 25 points and eight assists from Damian Lillard. The superstar point guard had abductor surgery last month, and it's unclear if or when he will return this season. That means it's up to guys like C.J. McCollum, Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic to step up. Where they really need to see some improvement is on the defensive end, though, with Portland ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings.
The Lakers (24-27) are having their fair share of struggles, too, entering this matchup amid a three-game losing streak. Much like Portland, Los Angeles has been trying to cope without their superstar playmaker. That happens to be LeBron James, who's currently dealing with knee soreness. There are conflicting reports that say he could be out through the All-Star break, and some say he could be ready to go here. In any case, Anthony Davis just returned from an injury of his own and has been ridiculous in the two games since. They've only had LeBron and AD on the floor together for a handful of games, and fans can't wait to see how they look when this roster is finally fully healthy.
These teams have played two lopsided games this season, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, Portland has won four of their last six games in this series.