Cavs Host Streaking Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Thursday evening.
The Cavs (13-35) have dropped eight of their last 10 games and a re coming off a home loss in their most recent contest. This marks their second game of a four-game home stand, as the Cavs look to build on their 6-18 home record. The Cavs average 105.3 points per game which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.1 points against. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with an average of 19.5 points per game, and he is coming off a 24-point outing in the Cavs' most recent contest. Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, while Tristan Thompson is averaging 12.2 points and a team-high 10.3 rebounds per game. Cedi Osman is averaging 12.4 points, while shooting 45 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (33-14) have won eight in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, while they have won seven straight road games and are 16-7 on the road. The Raptors average 112.4 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game. The Raptors are holding opponents to 42.8 percent shooting from the field, which is second worst in the league. Pascal Siakam is playing great lately, averaging 23.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting, and 9.0 rebounds, over the last five games. Serge Ibaka tallied 24 points and 10 rebounds in the Raptors' most recent contest and is averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Kyle Lowry continues to drive the team, averaging 19.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
The Cavs (13-35) have dropped eight of their last 10 games and a re coming off a home loss in their most recent contest. This marks their second game of a four-game home stand, as the Cavs look to build on their 6-18 home record. The Cavs average 105.3 points per game which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.1 points against. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with an average of 19.5 points per game, and he is coming off a 24-point outing in the Cavs' most recent contest. Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, while Tristan Thompson is averaging 12.2 points and a team-high 10.3 rebounds per game. Cedi Osman is averaging 12.4 points, while shooting 45 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (33-14) have won eight in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, while they have won seven straight road games and are 16-7 on the road. The Raptors average 112.4 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 106.2 points per game. The Raptors are holding opponents to 42.8 percent shooting from the field, which is second worst in the league. Pascal Siakam is playing great lately, averaging 23.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting, and 9.0 rebounds, over the last five games. Serge Ibaka tallied 24 points and 10 rebounds in the Raptors' most recent contest and is averaging 16.0 points and 7.9 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Kyle Lowry continues to drive the team, averaging 19.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
Wizards Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena on Thursday evening.
The Wizards (15-31) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Wizards, as they look to build on their 9-11 home record. Bradley Beal continues to do what ever possible to try to lift his team, as he is averaging 38.0 points on 55 percent shooting, over the last five games. Isaiah Thomas is averaging 12.1 points and 3.7 assists per game, while Ish Smith is averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Jordan McRae (ankle) will be sidelined through Thursday's action. The Wizards average 115.6 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-high 121.3 points against. They are shooting 46.3 from the field, including 36.6 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (16-31) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but are coming off a home win in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they have lost four straight on the road and look to improve upon their 8-16 road record. Devonte' Graham leads the Hornets with 18.3 points and 7.6 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 18.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while Cody Zeller averages 11.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Hornets average a league-low 103.1 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.2 points against. They are shooting 43.3 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league.
The Wizards (15-31) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks the first game of a six-game home stand for the Wizards, as they look to build on their 9-11 home record. Bradley Beal continues to do what ever possible to try to lift his team, as he is averaging 38.0 points on 55 percent shooting, over the last five games. Isaiah Thomas is averaging 12.1 points and 3.7 assists per game, while Ish Smith is averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. Jordan McRae (ankle) will be sidelined through Thursday's action. The Wizards average 115.6 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-high 121.3 points against. They are shooting 46.3 from the field, including 36.6 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, the Hornets (16-31) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, but are coming off a home win in their most recent contest. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they have lost four straight on the road and look to improve upon their 8-16 road record. Devonte' Graham leads the Hornets with 18.3 points and 7.6 assists per game. Terry Rozier is averaging 18.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while Cody Zeller averages 11.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Hornets average a league-low 103.1 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.2 points against. They are shooting 43.3 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league.
Sixers Host Hawks on Thursday
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Georgia to face the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Thursday.
The Sixers (31-17) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games and just got Joel Embiid back from injury. That's scary to think that a team this hot just got back one of the best players in the NBA and his absence might have been a blessing in disguise. It got Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Al Horford and Matisse Thybulle all rolling and this team would be truly frightening if they continue their recent success with Embiid back in the fold. The thing that's really made them dynamic is their defense though, allowing the second-fewest points in the NBA. This club has the talent to keep that going and this is certainly a team no one wants to face now or in the postseason.
The Hawks (12-36) own a 4-4 record over their last eight games and that's sadly one of their best stretches of the season. Prior to that, the Hawks lost 14 of their previous 16 games and that run has them well out of playoff contention. Not being in playoff contention in the east is downright embarrassing and it simply makes no sense when you look at talented players like Trae Young and John Collins making up this roster. Where they've really fallen apart is on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, they currently sit 29th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency. That obviously won't get it done and one has to wonder if they'll keep rebuilding at the fast-approaching trade deadline.
Philly won the first game over Atlanta earlier this season, 105-103, October 28. Prior to that, the Hawks won their previous three games over the Sixers which followed up a four-game winning streak by Philly.
The Sixers (31-17) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games and just got Joel Embiid back from injury. That's scary to think that a team this hot just got back one of the best players in the NBA and his absence might have been a blessing in disguise. It got Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Al Horford and Matisse Thybulle all rolling and this team would be truly frightening if they continue their recent success with Embiid back in the fold. The thing that's really made them dynamic is their defense though, allowing the second-fewest points in the NBA. This club has the talent to keep that going and this is certainly a team no one wants to face now or in the postseason.
The Hawks (12-36) own a 4-4 record over their last eight games and that's sadly one of their best stretches of the season. Prior to that, the Hawks lost 14 of their previous 16 games and that run has them well out of playoff contention. Not being in playoff contention in the east is downright embarrassing and it simply makes no sense when you look at talented players like Trae Young and John Collins making up this roster. Where they've really fallen apart is on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, they currently sit 29th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency. That obviously won't get it done and one has to wonder if they'll keep rebuilding at the fast-approaching trade deadline.
Philly won the first game over Atlanta earlier this season, 105-103, October 28. Prior to that, the Hawks won their previous three games over the Sixers which followed up a four-game winning streak by Philly.
Warriors Visit Celtics in Interconference Clash
The Golden State Warriors take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Thursday night.
The Warriors (10-38) are in the midst of their worst stretch of play in an utterly forgettable season, as they'll check into Thursday's game having dropped 14 of their last 15 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Philadelphia 76ers, which toppled them by a 115-104 score Tuesday night. D'Angelo Russell led the way for the Warriors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 20 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Marquese Chriss delivered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks poured in 12 points and added six rebounds off the bench, while Draymond Green mustered nine points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Warriors will remain without Stephen Curry (hand), Klay Thompson (knee) and Kevon Looney (abdomen) for Thursday's game.
The Celtics (31-15) are beginning to heat up after a rare three-game losing streak, as they've won four of their last five contests. Their most recent victory was especially impressive, as they handed the Miami Heat a rare home loss by a 109-101 margin Tuesday night. Gordon Hayward led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown delivered 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and one block. Kemba Walker supplied 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Marcus Smart delivered 11 points, eight boards, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 10-point, 11 rebound double-double.
The Celtics will continue without Enes Kanter (hip) and Robert Williams III (hip) for Thursday's game. Jayson Tatum (groin) will be considered questionable.
Thursday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-105 win Nov. 15.
The Warriors (10-38) are in the midst of their worst stretch of play in an utterly forgettable season, as they'll check into Thursday's game having dropped 14 of their last 15 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Philadelphia 76ers, which toppled them by a 115-104 score Tuesday night. D'Angelo Russell led the way for the Warriors with 28 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 20 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Marquese Chriss delivered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Alec Burks poured in 12 points and added six rebounds off the bench, while Draymond Green mustered nine points, 12 assists, nine rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Warriors will remain without Stephen Curry (hand), Klay Thompson (knee) and Kevon Looney (abdomen) for Thursday's game.
The Celtics (31-15) are beginning to heat up after a rare three-game losing streak, as they've won four of their last five contests. Their most recent victory was especially impressive, as they handed the Miami Heat a rare home loss by a 109-101 margin Tuesday night. Gordon Hayward led the way with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Jaylen Brown delivered 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and one block. Kemba Walker supplied 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Marcus Smart delivered 11 points, eight boards, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Daniel Theis generated a 10-point, 11 rebound double-double.
The Celtics will continue without Enes Kanter (hip) and Robert Williams III (hip) for Thursday's game. Jayson Tatum (groin) will be considered questionable.
Thursday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 113-105 win Nov. 15.
Jazz and Nuggets Face Off in Mile High Showdown
The Utah Jazz takes on the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on Thursday night.
The Jazz (32-15) come into Thursday's contest having followed up a four-game winning streak with back-to-back losses, the most recent a 127-120 defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 31 points, complementing them with four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jordan Clarkson delivered 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated a 17-point, 19-rebound double-double. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 17 points, nine boards and four assists. Mike Conley poured in 12 points.
The Jazz will come into Thursday's game without any injuries to report.
The Nuggets (32-15) check into Thursday's game in the midst of a solid stretch, as they're 6-3 over their last nine contests. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as they fell by a 104-96 score Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Jerami Grant followed with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Gary Harris finished with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Nuggets will continue without Jamal Murray (ankle), Paul Millsap (knee) and Mason Plumlee (foot) for Thursday's game.
Thursday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Jazz won the four-game 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
The Jazz (32-15) come into Thursday's contest having followed up a four-game winning streak with back-to-back losses, the most recent a 127-120 defeat at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night. Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 31 points, complementing them with four assists, one rebound and one steal. Jordan Clarkson delivered 20 points, two rebounds and two steals. Rudy Gobert generated a 17-point, 19-rebound double-double. Bojan Bogdanovic registered 17 points, nine boards and four assists. Mike Conley poured in 12 points.
The Jazz will come into Thursday's game without any injuries to report.
The Nuggets (32-15) check into Thursday's game in the midst of a solid stretch, as they're 6-3 over their last nine contests. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as they fell by a 104-96 score Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Jerami Grant followed with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Gary Harris finished with 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Nuggets will continue without Jamal Murray (ankle), Paul Millsap (knee) and Mason Plumlee (foot) for Thursday's game.
Thursday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Jazz won the four-game 2018-19 season series by a 3-1 margin.
Clippers Host Kings on Thursday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on Thursday.
The Kings (17-30) had a miraculous win on Monday, pulling out an overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In fact, they trailed by 17 points with less than three minutes remaining in that game and somehow got that game into an extra session and eventually prevailed. That would make one believe that momentum is on their side but a home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday ended any notions of that idea. That's just the nature of the season for the Kings though and it's truly been a mind-boggling year for fans. They showed flashes of brilliance last season but have completely regressed this year despite bringing back almost all of the same young pieces. That makes some believe they'll be a target at the trade deadline and this is certainly a team to watch over the next week or two.
The Clippers (33-14) haven't played since last week because of their game getting postponed on Tuesday due to the death of Kobe Bryant. That would have been an emotional environment in Staples Center with the Los Angeles Lakers playing host and this actually marks the first game there since his death. While it won't have the same impact as a Lakers game, there will surely be an emotional crowd there in Los Angeles. The Clippers are going to do their best to treat them to a win too, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games in total. That stretch ended a subpar run for the Clips at the beginning of January and it wouldn't be surprising to see them keep this form going for the remainder of the season with the talent and roster that they possess.
Los Angeles blew out Sacramento in their first meeting this season, 105-87, on December 31. That gives the Clippers 10-straight wins over the Kings dating back to 2017.
The Kings (17-30) had a miraculous win on Monday, pulling out an overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In fact, they trailed by 17 points with less than three minutes remaining in that game and somehow got that game into an extra session and eventually prevailed. That would make one believe that momentum is on their side but a home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday ended any notions of that idea. That's just the nature of the season for the Kings though and it's truly been a mind-boggling year for fans. They showed flashes of brilliance last season but have completely regressed this year despite bringing back almost all of the same young pieces. That makes some believe they'll be a target at the trade deadline and this is certainly a team to watch over the next week or two.
The Clippers (33-14) haven't played since last week because of their game getting postponed on Tuesday due to the death of Kobe Bryant. That would have been an emotional environment in Staples Center with the Los Angeles Lakers playing host and this actually marks the first game there since his death. While it won't have the same impact as a Lakers game, there will surely be an emotional crowd there in Los Angeles. The Clippers are going to do their best to treat them to a win too, entering this matchup winning six of their last seven games in total. That stretch ended a subpar run for the Clips at the beginning of January and it wouldn't be surprising to see them keep this form going for the remainder of the season with the talent and roster that they possess.
Los Angeles blew out Sacramento in their first meeting this season, 105-87, on December 31. That gives the Clippers 10-straight wins over the Kings dating back to 2017.