Grizzlies, Magic Looking To Extend Positive Runs
The Orlando Magic will host the Memphis Grizzlies at Amway Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Magic (12-41) are coming off a 119-118 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with a 19-point, 18-rebound performance, while rookie Franz Wagner had 17 points and four boards. Cole Anthony filled the stat sheet and recorded 15 points, eight assists and six boards, while Jalen Suggs posted 12 points and eight dimes to go along with four rebounds. Gary Harris was the leading scorer for Orlando after putting up 22 points off the bench. The win over Indiana means the Magic have won three of their last four contests. They’ve also gone just 5-18 when playing at home.
The Grizzlies (36-18) are coming off a 120-108 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Ja Morant registered 23 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals. Ziaire Williams posted 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. De'Anthony Melton managed 14 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Desmond Bane mustered 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. With the win over the Knicks, Memphis has now won four of its last five contests. The team has also gone 17-9 when playing on the road.
The Magic (12-41) are coming off a 119-118 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with a 19-point, 18-rebound performance, while rookie Franz Wagner had 17 points and four boards. Cole Anthony filled the stat sheet and recorded 15 points, eight assists and six boards, while Jalen Suggs posted 12 points and eight dimes to go along with four rebounds. Gary Harris was the leading scorer for Orlando after putting up 22 points off the bench. The win over Indiana means the Magic have won three of their last four contests. They’ve also gone just 5-18 when playing at home.
The Grizzlies (36-18) are coming off a 120-108 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Ja Morant registered 23 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals. Ziaire Williams posted 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. De'Anthony Melton managed 14 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Desmond Bane mustered 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. With the win over the Knicks, Memphis has now won four of its last five contests. The team has also gone 17-9 when playing on the road.
Wizards Kick Off Five-Game Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Phoenix Suns at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Wizards (24-27, as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 13-12, home record. Bradley Beal (wrist) has missed the last two games and will remain out through Saturday's action. On the plus side, Kyle Kuzma has been playing well, averaging 20.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 blocks, over the last 10 games. Thomas Bryant (ankle) missed the last game but should be ready to go on Saturday. Bryant is finding his groove, averaging 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds, in 15 minutes per game, over nine games so far this season. The Wizards are averaging 107.4 point per game, while shooting an average of 46.5 percent from the field, but they are giving up an average of 110.0 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Suns (41-10), as they look to bounce back from a loss in the first contest and add to their, 19-5, road record. Devin Booker leads the team averaging 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Chris Paul is averaging 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 10.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. The Suns are averaging 113.1 points per game, which is third most in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to 105.5 points per game, and 44.1 percent shooting, which is third lowest in the league.
This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Wizards (24-27, as they look to build off a win in their last game and add to their, 13-12, home record. Bradley Beal (wrist) has missed the last two games and will remain out through Saturday's action. On the plus side, Kyle Kuzma has been playing well, averaging 20.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 blocks, over the last 10 games. Thomas Bryant (ankle) missed the last game but should be ready to go on Saturday. Bryant is finding his groove, averaging 7.0 points and 3.1 rebounds, in 15 minutes per game, over nine games so far this season. The Wizards are averaging 107.4 point per game, while shooting an average of 46.5 percent from the field, but they are giving up an average of 110.0 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Suns (41-10), as they look to bounce back from a loss in the first contest and add to their, 19-5, road record. Devin Booker leads the team averaging 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Chris Paul is averaging 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 10.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals, while Deandre Ayton is averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. The Suns are averaging 113.1 points per game, which is third most in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to 105.5 points per game, and 44.1 percent shooting, which is third lowest in the league.
Heat and Hornets Tangle in Conference Battle
The Miami Heat takes on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Saturday night.
The Heat (33-20) has had its fair share of troubles when traveling this season on their way to a 15-14 mark away from FTX Arena, but they'll enter Saturday's contest having just snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-95 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and four steals. Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson posted matching 17-point, three-assist tallies, with Butler also pulling down seven rebounds.
The Heat will likely list Butler (toe), Max Strus (quadriceps), P.J. Tucker (knee) and Caleb Martin (Achilles) as questionable for Saturday's contest. KZ Okpala (wrist) will remain out.
The Hornets (28-25) have made plenty of strides this season as indicated by their record, but they'll check into Saturday's game having dropped three straight games and five of their last seven overall. Charlotte's most recent stumble was a particularly frustrating one, as they dropped a 102-101 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night on a pair of Kevin Love free throws in the final seconds. Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Kelly Oubre totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball supplied 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges registered 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets will list Jalen McDaniels (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 114-99 win Oct. 29.
The Heat (33-20) has had its fair share of troubles when traveling this season on their way to a 15-14 mark away from FTX Arena, but they'll enter Saturday's contest having just snapped a three-game losing streak with a 112-95 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 24 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists and four steals. Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson posted matching 17-point, three-assist tallies, with Butler also pulling down seven rebounds.
The Heat will likely list Butler (toe), Max Strus (quadriceps), P.J. Tucker (knee) and Caleb Martin (Achilles) as questionable for Saturday's contest. KZ Okpala (wrist) will remain out.
The Hornets (28-25) have made plenty of strides this season as indicated by their record, but they'll check into Saturday's game having dropped three straight games and five of their last seven overall. Charlotte's most recent stumble was a particularly frustrating one, as they dropped a 102-101 decision to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night on a pair of Kevin Love free throws in the final seconds. Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Kelly Oubre totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. LaMelo Ball supplied 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges registered 12 points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal.
The Hornets will list Jalen McDaniels (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 114-99 win Oct. 29.
Lakers Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the New York Knicks at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening.
Th is marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Lakers (25-28), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and build on their, 16-12, home record. LeBron James (knee) missed the last four games and remains questionable for action on Saturday. Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) will be sidelined. Anthony Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.4 steals, over five games, since returning from a month-long absence. Russell Westbrook is averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games, while Malik Monk is averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over his last 10 games. The Lakers are averaging 110.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 112.2 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Knicks (24-28), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and add to their, 11-13, road record. Mitchell Robinson has been playing well lately, averaging 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, over his last 10 games. RJ Barrett continues to play well, averaging 17.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while Julius Randle is averaging 18.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. The Knicks are averaging 104.2 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 104.9 points, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Th is marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Lakers (25-28), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and build on their, 16-12, home record. LeBron James (knee) missed the last four games and remains questionable for action on Saturday. Carmelo Anthony (hamstring) will be sidelined. Anthony Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.4 steals, over five games, since returning from a month-long absence. Russell Westbrook is averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games, while Malik Monk is averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, over his last 10 games. The Lakers are averaging 110.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 112.2 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a five-game road trip for the Knicks (24-28), as they look to bounce back from a loss in their last game and add to their, 11-13, road record. Mitchell Robinson has been playing well lately, averaging 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, over his last 10 games. RJ Barrett continues to play well, averaging 17.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists, while Julius Randle is averaging 18.5 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. The Knicks are averaging 104.2 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 104.9 points, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Trail Blazers Host Bucks on Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Moda Center on Saturday.
The Bucks (32-21) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games. It hasn't been as easy as many fans would hope, but the defending champs are doing just fine. While they currently sit fifth in the east, they're just one game back of the top seed. That's a good indicator of how bunched up the Eastern Conference is right now, and many people still have the Bucks as the favorite going forward. What makes them even scarier is the fact that they're expected to get Brook Lopez back sometime soon. The center has missed most of the season due to back surgery, and having him down low would be a massive boost for this club. If they find out he won't be ready to come back anytime soon, don't be surprised to see the Bucks make a move before next week's trade deadline.
The Trail Blazers (21-32) have had a disastrous season, and they became the first team to make a significant move on Friday. Portland sent Robert Covington and Norman Powell to the Los Angeles Clippers in a shocking move. It's clearly a rebuild-type trade because the only players Portland got were Eric Bledsoe and Justise Winslow. That has many people wondering if more moves are on the way, with Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic and C.J. McCollum all looking like prime candidates to be shipped off. This team was a title contender just two years ago, and it's sad that we're already in the discussion of a rebuild. In any case, Portland comes into this matchup losing six of their last seven games, and it doesn't look like things will get better anytime soon.
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series last year, winning five straight games over Portland in total. In fact, they're winning by an average of 24 points per game in that five-game winning streak.
The Bucks (32-21) come into this matchup winning five of their last seven games. It hasn't been as easy as many fans would hope, but the defending champs are doing just fine. While they currently sit fifth in the east, they're just one game back of the top seed. That's a good indicator of how bunched up the Eastern Conference is right now, and many people still have the Bucks as the favorite going forward. What makes them even scarier is the fact that they're expected to get Brook Lopez back sometime soon. The center has missed most of the season due to back surgery, and having him down low would be a massive boost for this club. If they find out he won't be ready to come back anytime soon, don't be surprised to see the Bucks make a move before next week's trade deadline.
The Trail Blazers (21-32) have had a disastrous season, and they became the first team to make a significant move on Friday. Portland sent Robert Covington and Norman Powell to the Los Angeles Clippers in a shocking move. It's clearly a rebuild-type trade because the only players Portland got were Eric Bledsoe and Justise Winslow. That has many people wondering if more moves are on the way, with Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic and C.J. McCollum all looking like prime candidates to be shipped off. This team was a title contender just two years ago, and it's sad that we're already in the discussion of a rebuild. In any case, Portland comes into this matchup losing six of their last seven games, and it doesn't look like things will get better anytime soon.
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series last year, winning five straight games over Portland in total. In fact, they're winning by an average of 24 points per game in that five-game winning streak.
Kings Host Thunder on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
The Thunder (17-34) knew they'd have an uphill battle this season, and it's definitely looking like that's the case. Things were already tough when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was healthy, but now that he's dealing with an ankle injury, it's hard to see this team winning many more games. With that said, they do enter this matchup winning three straight, beating the Portland Trail Blazers twice and the Dallas Mavericks. Josh Giddey. Tre Mann and Darius Bazley were huge in those games, and it's up to those guys to carry the load in SGA's absence. In any case, this club ranks dead-last in both scoring and assists, making it tough to compete with anyone.
The Kings (19-35) have had their fair share of struggles as well, but they actually had expectations coming into the season. Having a roster with De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes will do that, and it makes it really hard to understand why they're so bad. They come into this matchup losing eight of their last nine games, ranked 29th in the NBA in total defense. That's been the issue for this club for years, and it has many people believing some moves are on the horizon. Any of those aforementioned players could be traded, and it's sad that Sacramento fans are staring down yet another rebuild.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, the Kings have won four of their last five games in this series.
The Thunder (17-34) knew they'd have an uphill battle this season, and it's definitely looking like that's the case. Things were already tough when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was healthy, but now that he's dealing with an ankle injury, it's hard to see this team winning many more games. With that said, they do enter this matchup winning three straight, beating the Portland Trail Blazers twice and the Dallas Mavericks. Josh Giddey. Tre Mann and Darius Bazley were huge in those games, and it's up to those guys to carry the load in SGA's absence. In any case, this club ranks dead-last in both scoring and assists, making it tough to compete with anyone.
The Kings (19-35) have had their fair share of struggles as well, but they actually had expectations coming into the season. Having a roster with De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes will do that, and it makes it really hard to understand why they're so bad. They come into this matchup losing eight of their last nine games, ranked 29th in the NBA in total defense. That's been the issue for this club for years, and it has many people believing some moves are on the horizon. Any of those aforementioned players could be traded, and it's sad that Sacramento fans are staring down yet another rebuild.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team winning both outings. With that said, the Kings have won four of their last five games in this series.