Nets and Cavaliers Set for Midwest Battle
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Nets (8-8) have had an uneven start to the season, but they've actually been surging of late despite a couple of key injuries. Brooklyn has rattled off three consecutive victories, with their most recent success a narrow 103-101 win over the New York Knicks. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 30 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Jarrett Allen generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Taurean Prince managed 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Joe Harris poured in 13 points, while Garrett Temple totaled 12 points and two steals.
The Nets will continue to be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) for Monday's game.
The Cavaliers (5-11) played surprisingly well to open the season, but they'll come into Monday's game having just snapped a six-game losing streak with a 110-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Jordan Clarkson paced the Cavaliers with 28 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tristan Thompson provided 25 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Collin Sexton managed 19 points, four boards and three steals. Larry Nance, Jr. furnished 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland supplied nine points.
The Cavaliers will list Kevin Love (back) as questionable for Monday's game, while John Henson (hamstring) is likely to carry the same designation at best.
The Nets won the the four-game 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin. Monday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Brooklyn and Cleveland.
The Nets (8-8) have had an uneven start to the season, but they've actually been surging of late despite a couple of key injuries. Brooklyn has rattled off three consecutive victories, with their most recent success a narrow 103-101 win over the New York Knicks. Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 30 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Jarrett Allen generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one steal. Taurean Prince managed 14 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Joe Harris poured in 13 points, while Garrett Temple totaled 12 points and two steals.
The Nets will continue to be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) for Monday's game.
The Cavaliers (5-11) played surprisingly well to open the season, but they'll come into Monday's game having just snapped a six-game losing streak with a 110-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Jordan Clarkson paced the Cavaliers with 28 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tristan Thompson provided 25 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Collin Sexton managed 19 points, four boards and three steals. Larry Nance, Jr. furnished 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Darius Garland supplied nine points.
The Cavaliers will list Kevin Love (back) as questionable for Monday's game, while John Henson (hamstring) is likely to carry the same designation at best.
The Nets won the the four-game 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin. Monday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Brooklyn and Cleveland.
Magic and Pistons Face Off in Motown Showdown
The Orlando Magic takes on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.
The Magic (6-9) recently suffered a pair of key frontcourt injuries, and consequently, they'll come into Monday's game with consecutive losses. Orlando's most recent stumble came against Indiana Pacers, which edged them by a 111-106 score Saturday night. Evan Fournier paced the Magic with 26 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 25 points, nine rebounds, one assist, four steals and two blocks. Markelle Fultz tallied 13 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. D.J. Augustin and Terrance Ross posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Magic will continue to be without Nikola Vucevic (ankle), Aaron Gordon (knee) and Michael Carter-Williams (hip) for Monday's game.
The Pistons (5-11) have endured a rough stretch of late, as they'll check into Monday's contest having dropped six of their last seven games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, which toppled them by a 104-90 score on Saturday night. Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Langston Galloway registered 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two steals. Markieff Morris supplied 11 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back), Tony Snell (hip) and Khyri Thomas (foot) for Monday's contest.
The Pistons won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin. Monday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Orlando and Detroit.
The Magic (6-9) recently suffered a pair of key frontcourt injuries, and consequently, they'll come into Monday's game with consecutive losses. Orlando's most recent stumble came against Indiana Pacers, which edged them by a 111-106 score Saturday night. Evan Fournier paced the Magic with 26 points, adding four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered 25 points, nine rebounds, one assist, four steals and two blocks. Markelle Fultz tallied 13 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. D.J. Augustin and Terrance Ross posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Magic will continue to be without Nikola Vucevic (ankle), Aaron Gordon (knee) and Michael Carter-Williams (hip) for Monday's game.
The Pistons (5-11) have endured a rough stretch of late, as they'll check into Monday's contest having dropped six of their last seven games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, which toppled them by a 104-90 score on Saturday night. Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Langston Galloway registered 13 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two steals. Markieff Morris supplied 11 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back), Tony Snell (hip) and Khyri Thomas (foot) for Monday's contest.
The Pistons won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin. Monday's game marks the first of three 2019-20 meetings for Orlando and Detroit.
Grizzlies and Pacers Set for Monday Night Battle
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Grizzlies (5-10) have been somewhat typical of a young team early this season, as they'll come into Monday's game with a three-game losing streak in tow in the immediate aftermath of three consecutive wins. Memphis' most recent defeat came by a narrow 109-108 margin to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and five steals. Jae Crowder followed with 21 points, six boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Dillon Brooks compiled 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson filled out the stat sheet with 11 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies will list Marko Guduric (knee) as questionable for Monday's game, while Andre Iguodala (team decision) will be out.
The Pacers (9-6) check into Monday's game on an upswing, having won back-to-back games and six of their last eight overall. Their most recent success came against the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 111-106 score Saturday night. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Lamb turned in 14 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Aaron Holiday and Doug McDermott generated matching 13-point tallies, with Holiday also recording four rebounds and four assists. Justin Holiday tallied 12 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Myles Turner posted 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Pacers are slated to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Edmond Sumner (hand) on Monday, while JaKarr Sampson (back) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
The teams split the two-game 2018-19 season series. Monday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings for Memphis and Indiana.
The Grizzlies (5-10) have been somewhat typical of a young team early this season, as they'll come into Monday's game with a three-game losing streak in tow in the immediate aftermath of three consecutive wins. Memphis' most recent defeat came by a narrow 109-108 margin to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 26 points, supplementing them with six assists, three rebounds and five steals. Jae Crowder followed with 21 points, six boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jaren Jackson, Jr. contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Dillon Brooks compiled 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Kyle Anderson filled out the stat sheet with 11 points, six boards, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Grizzlies will list Marko Guduric (knee) as questionable for Monday's game, while Andre Iguodala (team decision) will be out.
The Pacers (9-6) check into Monday's game on an upswing, having won back-to-back games and six of their last eight overall. Their most recent success came against the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 111-106 score Saturday night. Domantas Sabonis led the way with 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jeremy Lamb turned in 14 points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Aaron Holiday and Doug McDermott generated matching 13-point tallies, with Holiday also recording four rebounds and four assists. Justin Holiday tallied 12 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Myles Turner posted 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Pacers are slated to be without Victor Oladipo (knee) and Edmond Sumner (hand) on Monday, while JaKarr Sampson (back) is likely to be listed as questionable at best.
The teams split the two-game 2018-19 season series. Monday's game marks the first of two 2019-20 meetings for Memphis and Indiana.
Reeling Hawks Host Timberwolves
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at State Farm Arena on Monday evening.
The Hawks (4-12) have lost six in a row, as they have plummeted after a 4-6 start to their season. The Hawks have lost four in a row at home and are 2-6 at home this season. Despite having one of the most renowned three-point shooters on their team, Trae Young, the Hawks are shooting 31.2 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Young is averaging a team-high 25.9 points per game, while shooting 35 percent form long range. Young is also averaging a team-high 8.7 assists per game. Jabari Parker is averaging 16.6 points and a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game. De'Andre Hunter has been playing well lately, as he has topped 25 points in two of the last three games. Hunter is averaging 18.8 points over his last five games.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (8-8) have dropped two in a row, as they went winless on a short home stand. This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Timberwolves, who have won their last two road games and are 5-2 on the road this season. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with team highs of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 25.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. Jeff Teague is averaging 13.2 points and a team-high 7.7 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 48.1 rebounds per game, which is third most in the league, including 11.1 offensive rebounds per game, which is fifth most in the league.
The Hawks (4-12) have lost six in a row, as they have plummeted after a 4-6 start to their season. The Hawks have lost four in a row at home and are 2-6 at home this season. Despite having one of the most renowned three-point shooters on their team, Trae Young, the Hawks are shooting 31.2 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Young is averaging a team-high 25.9 points per game, while shooting 35 percent form long range. Young is also averaging a team-high 8.7 assists per game. Jabari Parker is averaging 16.6 points and a team-high 6.1 rebounds per game. De'Andre Hunter has been playing well lately, as he has topped 25 points in two of the last three games. Hunter is averaging 18.8 points over his last five games.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves (8-8) have dropped two in a row, as they went winless on a short home stand. This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Timberwolves, who have won their last two road games and are 5-2 on the road this season. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with team highs of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Andrew Wiggins is averaging 25.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. Jeff Teague is averaging 13.2 points and a team-high 7.7 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 48.1 rebounds per game, which is third most in the league, including 11.1 offensive rebounds per game, which is fifth most in the league.
Kings Host Slipping Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics play host to the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (7-8), as they are coming off a solid win in Washington on Sunday. Harrison Barnes led the way with 26 points, while Richaun Holmes tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds, in the win. This marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Kings, where they have gone 1-1, so far. The Kings are 3-5 on the road this season. Buddy Hield leads the Kings in scoring, with an average of 19.1 points per game, while shooting 41.6 percent from the field. Barnes is averaging 15.3 points per game, while Holmes is averaging 11.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Kings are averaging 105.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they allow an average of 109.2 points against.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (11-4) are in the midst of their worst stretch of the season so far, having lost three of their last four games. This marks their first game back home after a four-game road trip. The Celtics remain undefeated at home with a 5-0 record. The Celtics are averaging 8.8 steals per game, which is fifth most in the league. They are also limiting themselves to an average of 12.1 turnovers per game, which is the fewest in the league. Kemba Walker (neck), the Celtics' leading scorer, is doubtful for action on Monday. Jayson Tatum averages 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Gordon Hayward (hand) remains sidelined.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (7-8), as they are coming off a solid win in Washington on Sunday. Harrison Barnes led the way with 26 points, while Richaun Holmes tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds, in the win. This marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Kings, where they have gone 1-1, so far. The Kings are 3-5 on the road this season. Buddy Hield leads the Kings in scoring, with an average of 19.1 points per game, while shooting 41.6 percent from the field. Barnes is averaging 15.3 points per game, while Holmes is averaging 11.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The Kings are averaging 105.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they allow an average of 109.2 points against.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (11-4) are in the midst of their worst stretch of the season so far, having lost three of their last four games. This marks their first game back home after a four-game road trip. The Celtics remain undefeated at home with a 5-0 record. The Celtics are averaging 8.8 steals per game, which is fifth most in the league. They are also limiting themselves to an average of 12.1 turnovers per game, which is the fewest in the league. Kemba Walker (neck), the Celtics' leading scorer, is doubtful for action on Monday. Jayson Tatum averages 20.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 18.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Gordon Hayward (hand) remains sidelined.
Heat Host Sliding Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Arena on Monday evening.
The Heat (11-4) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, as they fell short in Philadelphia in their most recent contest. The Heat return home where they are undefeated with a 6-0 record. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with team highs of 18.8 points, 6.7 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 13.9 points and a team-high 10.1 points per game. Kendrick Nunn continues his impressive play, as he is averaging 16.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Heat are averaging 9.5 steals per game, which is second most in the league, but they are also giving up 17.7 turnovers per game, which is the most in the league. They have been one of the most efficient teams in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting 47.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (6-11) have dropped four in a row. They have dropped their lead three road games and are 3-6 on the road. Devonte' Graham continues to impress, as he leads the Hornets with team highs of 18.2 points and 7.1 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and a team-high 1.2 steals per game. Cody Zeller remains solid at the centre position for Charlotte, averaging 11.3 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game. The Hornets are averaging 106.3 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average 113.7 points against. They are also the lowest-rebounding team in the league, averaging 41.2 boards per game.
The Heat (11-4) saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, as they fell short in Philadelphia in their most recent contest. The Heat return home where they are undefeated with a 6-0 record. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with team highs of 18.8 points, 6.7 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 13.9 points and a team-high 10.1 points per game. Kendrick Nunn continues his impressive play, as he is averaging 16.8 points, 3.2 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Heat are averaging 9.5 steals per game, which is second most in the league, but they are also giving up 17.7 turnovers per game, which is the most in the league. They have been one of the most efficient teams in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting 47.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (6-11) have dropped four in a row. They have dropped their lead three road games and are 3-6 on the road. Devonte' Graham continues to impress, as he leads the Hornets with team highs of 18.2 points and 7.1 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and a team-high 1.2 steals per game. Cody Zeller remains solid at the centre position for Charlotte, averaging 11.3 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game. The Hornets are averaging 106.3 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, while they are giving up an average 113.7 points against. They are also the lowest-rebounding team in the league, averaging 41.2 boards per game.
Raptors, 76ers Clash In Toronto
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Raptors (11-4) have won three in a row and remain undefeated at home, with a 6-0 record. Kyle Lowry (thumb) will remain sidelined through Monday's action, while Serge Ibaka (ankle) is doubtful for action. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 25.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Fred VanVleet has been playing great this season and has stepped up even more to help fill the void left by the injured Lowry. VanVleet is averaging 18.7 points, 7.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last 10 games. Norman Powell has also picked up his game lately, as he is averaging 16.0 points over his last five games. The Raptors have done a great job the defensive end so far this season, holding opponents to a league-low 41.3 percent shooting from the field. On the offensive end the Raptors are shooting a league-best 39.8 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (11-5) have won four in a row. However, they have lost five of their last six road games and are 4-5 on the road. The 76ers are shooting 47.4 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league. They are averaging 26.9 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league. They are averaging 8.9 steals per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are also giving up 16.1 turnovers per game. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with team highs of 22.8 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Ben Simmons is averaging 13.1 points and team highs with 7.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
The Raptors (11-4) have won three in a row and remain undefeated at home, with a 6-0 record. Kyle Lowry (thumb) will remain sidelined through Monday's action, while Serge Ibaka (ankle) is doubtful for action. Pascal Siakam leads the Raptors with team highs of 25.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Fred VanVleet has been playing great this season and has stepped up even more to help fill the void left by the injured Lowry. VanVleet is averaging 18.7 points, 7.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals over his last 10 games. Norman Powell has also picked up his game lately, as he is averaging 16.0 points over his last five games. The Raptors have done a great job the defensive end so far this season, holding opponents to a league-low 41.3 percent shooting from the field. On the offensive end the Raptors are shooting a league-best 39.8 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (11-5) have won four in a row. However, they have lost five of their last six road games and are 4-5 on the road. The 76ers are shooting 47.4 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league. They are averaging 26.9 assists per game, which is fourth most in the league. They are averaging 8.9 steals per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are also giving up 16.1 turnovers per game. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with team highs of 22.8 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Ben Simmons is averaging 13.1 points and team highs with 7.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 18.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Bulls Host Blazers on Monday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at United Center on Sunday.
The Trail Blazers (5-12) finished third in the west in each of the last two seasons but it's going to take a miracle to get back to that point this season. The depth at forward has really killed this club, losing Al-Farouq Aminu in the offseason and suffering an injury to Zach Collins the opening weeks. That left almost nothing at the power forward position which is why this club made the desperation move of signing Carmelo Anthony. Early results for Melo are about as good as they could hope, averaging 13 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. That's really all you can ask for from a player who's been out for a full year and they'll need more than that if they are to get out of this slide.
The Bulls (6-11) have had some serious issues of their own. A win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday might mask some of the issues, as that was a borderline miracle win of is own. In fact, Chicago trailed by five points with less than 10 seconds left but hit two three's in the final seconds to pull out that unlikely victory. Zach LaVine was the one who hit the game-winner, which capped off a 49-point gem. That career performance was right after getting benched in the previous game and it says a lot about this kid to come back in that sort of fashion. They do need more from their other young players though, with Lauri Markkanen hitting a regression wall this season. If he doesn't return to his 20-10 ways soon, Chicago fans are going to question if he's the real deal and if this franchise is headed in the right direction.
Portland swept the season series over Chicago last season and has now won five-straight games over them in total.
The Trail Blazers (5-12) finished third in the west in each of the last two seasons but it's going to take a miracle to get back to that point this season. The depth at forward has really killed this club, losing Al-Farouq Aminu in the offseason and suffering an injury to Zach Collins the opening weeks. That left almost nothing at the power forward position which is why this club made the desperation move of signing Carmelo Anthony. Early results for Melo are about as good as they could hope, averaging 13 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. That's really all you can ask for from a player who's been out for a full year and they'll need more than that if they are to get out of this slide.
The Bulls (6-11) have had some serious issues of their own. A win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday might mask some of the issues, as that was a borderline miracle win of is own. In fact, Chicago trailed by five points with less than 10 seconds left but hit two three's in the final seconds to pull out that unlikely victory. Zach LaVine was the one who hit the game-winner, which capped off a 49-point gem. That career performance was right after getting benched in the previous game and it says a lot about this kid to come back in that sort of fashion. They do need more from their other young players though, with Lauri Markkanen hitting a regression wall this season. If he doesn't return to his 20-10 ways soon, Chicago fans are going to question if he's the real deal and if this franchise is headed in the right direction.
Portland swept the season series over Chicago last season and has now won five-straight games over them in total.
Bucks Host Jazz on Monday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on Monday.
The Jazz (11-5) seem to have the same issues every season. They always play elite defense and thrive at home while posting a subpar offense and struggling on the road. That's just the case again this season, with Utah posting a 3-4 road record. It's hard to understand why they've had such a disparity in those splits over recent years and it really makes no sense with all the talent they possess. What makes them frightening is that aforementioned defense, with Utah ranked Top-3 in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. That's become commonplace for this team over recent years but they need to see some improvement on their 25th-ranked offense to become a true threat this season.
The Bucks (13-3) looked like the best team in the NBA last season but were bounced the Eastern Conference Finals by the Toronto Raptors. That ugly defeat has appeared to fuel this club even more this season, with Milwaukee looking as good as ever. What makes their 13-3 start all the more impressive is the fact that they've been doing a lot of it with Khris Middleton sidelined. The small forward continues to nurse a thigh injury and he's actually only expected to miss about one more week. Once he gets back and joins Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo, this team will be even scarier. It's all about Giannis though, with the versatile superstar averaging 29.9 points and 13.4 rebounds per game this season.
Utah won the first meeting between these teams, 103-100, on November 8. That marked the Jazz' ninth win in their last 11 games against the Bucks dating back six years.
The Jazz (11-5) seem to have the same issues every season. They always play elite defense and thrive at home while posting a subpar offense and struggling on the road. That's just the case again this season, with Utah posting a 3-4 road record. It's hard to understand why they've had such a disparity in those splits over recent years and it really makes no sense with all the talent they possess. What makes them frightening is that aforementioned defense, with Utah ranked Top-3 in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. That's become commonplace for this team over recent years but they need to see some improvement on their 25th-ranked offense to become a true threat this season.
The Bucks (13-3) looked like the best team in the NBA last season but were bounced the Eastern Conference Finals by the Toronto Raptors. That ugly defeat has appeared to fuel this club even more this season, with Milwaukee looking as good as ever. What makes their 13-3 start all the more impressive is the fact that they've been doing a lot of it with Khris Middleton sidelined. The small forward continues to nurse a thigh injury and he's actually only expected to miss about one more week. Once he gets back and joins Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo, this team will be even scarier. It's all about Giannis though, with the versatile superstar averaging 29.9 points and 13.4 rebounds per game this season.
Utah won the first meeting between these teams, 103-100, on November 8. That marked the Jazz' ninth win in their last 11 games against the Bucks dating back six years.
Struggling Spurs Host Lakers on Monday
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Texas to face the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Monday.
The Lakers (14-2) looked like one of the best teams in the league on paper coming into the season and they haven't disappointed one bit. In fact, we're over a month into the season and the only losses this team has suffered are against the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. Those are two teams that are expected to be playing late into May and it shows just how good the Lakers have been. While adding a superstar like Anthony Davis is obviously huge, its the other additions that have really added to this club. Picking up guys like Avery Bradley and Danny Green have improved this defense dramatically, with the Lakers owning the best defensive rating in the NBA. That's truly horrifying with Davis and LeBron James on the offensive end, with King James leading the league with 11 assists per game in yet another special season.
The Spurs (6-11) record simply doesn't look correct, as this team is in its worst slump in quite some time. In fact, San Antonio just snapped an eight-game losing streak in their most recent outing, which was the longest such streak for this organization since the '90s. That's truly shocking and it's no surprise when you see that the Spurs have made the playoffs in 20-straight seasons. The most recent win over the New York Knicks had some flaws of its own, with San Antonio nearly blowing a 25-point lead in that victory. The outlying statistic for this club is the 24th-ranked defense. That's something you never see from the Spurs and it's a wonder if that will ever be fixed to get this ugly record out of the dumps.
Los Angeles won the first meeting between these teams, 103-96, on November 3. That marked the Lakers sixth win in their last nine games against the Spurs, despite San Antonio winning the previous eight matchups.
The Lakers (14-2) looked like one of the best teams in the league on paper coming into the season and they haven't disappointed one bit. In fact, we're over a month into the season and the only losses this team has suffered are against the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. Those are two teams that are expected to be playing late into May and it shows just how good the Lakers have been. While adding a superstar like Anthony Davis is obviously huge, its the other additions that have really added to this club. Picking up guys like Avery Bradley and Danny Green have improved this defense dramatically, with the Lakers owning the best defensive rating in the NBA. That's truly horrifying with Davis and LeBron James on the offensive end, with King James leading the league with 11 assists per game in yet another special season.
The Spurs (6-11) record simply doesn't look correct, as this team is in its worst slump in quite some time. In fact, San Antonio just snapped an eight-game losing streak in their most recent outing, which was the longest such streak for this organization since the '90s. That's truly shocking and it's no surprise when you see that the Spurs have made the playoffs in 20-straight seasons. The most recent win over the New York Knicks had some flaws of its own, with San Antonio nearly blowing a 25-point lead in that victory. The outlying statistic for this club is the 24th-ranked defense. That's something you never see from the Spurs and it's a wonder if that will ever be fixed to get this ugly record out of the dumps.
Los Angeles won the first meeting between these teams, 103-96, on November 3. That marked the Lakers sixth win in their last nine games against the Spurs, despite San Antonio winning the previous eight matchups.
Warriors Host Thunder on Monday
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to San Francisco to play the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Monday,
The Thunder (5-10) have had to do a lot of rebuilding the last few years and it's led to a disappointing start this season. What's really annoying is the fact that OKC seems to be in every game but they have poor late-game execution. That's really bizarre with a guy like Chris Paul running the team but he's not really the one in charge. In fact, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the team in usage rate, minutes played and shots taken, indicating that he's the focal point of this offense. That's why they acquired him in that monster Paul George trade and why he's the centerpiece for the future. If they can just turn those close losses into narrow victories, this is a club that could compete for a playoff spot.
The Warriors (3-14) had an uphill battle when they had to start the year without Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant and that only got worse when Stephen Curry got injured. That means four All-Stars from last season were all out and it's led to this disastrous start to the season. The simple fact is, this team is a shell of itself. They tried to add D'Angelo Russell in the offseason and resign Kevon Looney but both of those guys got injured too. That has left Draymond Green with a bunch of misfits, as this has truly been a broken puzzle all season long. If there's one silver lining, it's that Golden State finally gets to develop some youngsters. They've seen some great games from players like Alec Burks and Eric Paschall, as they're hopeful that those guys will be the key role players when all of these injured guys return,
Oklahoma City has won the first two games against Golden State this season, averaging 117 points per game.
The Thunder (5-10) have had to do a lot of rebuilding the last few years and it's led to a disappointing start this season. What's really annoying is the fact that OKC seems to be in every game but they have poor late-game execution. That's really bizarre with a guy like Chris Paul running the team but he's not really the one in charge. In fact, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the team in usage rate, minutes played and shots taken, indicating that he's the focal point of this offense. That's why they acquired him in that monster Paul George trade and why he's the centerpiece for the future. If they can just turn those close losses into narrow victories, this is a club that could compete for a playoff spot.
The Warriors (3-14) had an uphill battle when they had to start the year without Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant and that only got worse when Stephen Curry got injured. That means four All-Stars from last season were all out and it's led to this disastrous start to the season. The simple fact is, this team is a shell of itself. They tried to add D'Angelo Russell in the offseason and resign Kevon Looney but both of those guys got injured too. That has left Draymond Green with a bunch of misfits, as this has truly been a broken puzzle all season long. If there's one silver lining, it's that Golden State finally gets to develop some youngsters. They've seen some great games from players like Alec Burks and Eric Paschall, as they're hopeful that those guys will be the key role players when all of these injured guys return,
Oklahoma City has won the first two games against Golden State this season, averaging 117 points per game.