Raptors and Pistons Face Off in Motor City Showdown
The Toronto Raptors take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (34-14) check into Friday's game as one of the hottest teams in the league, as they've notched nine consecutive victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they toppled by a 115-109 score Thursday night. Serge Ibaka led the way with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry followed with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Pascal Siakam collected 19 points, five boards, two assists, four steals and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds and one steal. Chris Boucher supplied 10 points and four rebounds, while Fred VanVleet mustered eight points but also dished out 12 assists.
The Raptors will continue without Marc Gasol (hamstring), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) Malcolm Miller (neck) and Dewan Hernandez (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Pistons (17-32) check into Friday's contest trending in the opposite direction from their opponent, as they've dropped four straight contests, and five of their last six overall. Detroit's most recent stumble came against the Brooklyn Nets, which bested them by a 125-115 score Wednesday night. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and one block. Derrick Rose provided 22 points, six boards and five assists. Christian Wood delivered 20 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Markieff Morris delivered 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pistons will list Morris (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Blake Griffin (knee), Luke Kennard (knee) and Khryi Thomas (foot) will all remain out.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 125-113 and 112-99 wins on Oct. 30 and Dec. 18, respectively.
The Raptors (34-14) check into Friday's game as one of the hottest teams in the league, as they've notched nine consecutive victories. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they toppled by a 115-109 score Thursday night. Serge Ibaka led the way with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Kyle Lowry followed with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Pascal Siakam collected 19 points, five boards, two assists, four steals and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds and one steal. Chris Boucher supplied 10 points and four rebounds, while Fred VanVleet mustered eight points but also dished out 12 assists.
The Raptors will continue without Marc Gasol (hamstring), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ankle) Malcolm Miller (neck) and Dewan Hernandez (ankle) for Friday's game.
The Pistons (17-32) check into Friday's contest trending in the opposite direction from their opponent, as they've dropped four straight contests, and five of their last six overall. Detroit's most recent stumble came against the Brooklyn Nets, which bested them by a 125-115 score Wednesday night. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds and one block. Derrick Rose provided 22 points, six boards and five assists. Christian Wood delivered 20 points, eight boards, one assist and two steals. Markieff Morris delivered 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Pistons will list Morris (illness) as questionable for Friday's game. Blake Griffin (knee), Luke Kennard (knee) and Khryi Thomas (foot) will all remain out.
Friday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 125-113 and 112-99 wins on Oct. 30 and Dec. 18, respectively.
Mavs Look To Stay Strong On The Road
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Mavericks (29-18) have won six of their last 10 games but are coming off a home loss against the Suns in their most recent contest. They have won four of their last five road games and look to build on their 16-6 road record. Luka Doncic (ankle) will not play on Friday, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for action. With the injuries, Kristaps Porzingis will have to carry the load, while he is averaging 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Seth Curry is averaging 12.4 points on 49 percent shooting, including 45.3 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Mavericks are averaging 116.1 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.0 points per game. They are also limiting themselves to 12.1 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (29-18) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in Portland in their most recent contest. This marks their first game back home after a four-game road trip, where they went 2-2. They have dropped three of their last four home games but are 15-7 at home. James Harden leads the Rockets averaging 35.7 points, 7.2 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Eric Gordon is averaging 20.7 points, while shooting 38 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Rockets are averaging 118.5 points per game, which is second most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 114.6 points against. They are averaging a league-best 15.0 threes per game and are shooting 34.7 percent from long range.
The Mavericks (29-18) have won six of their last 10 games but are coming off a home loss against the Suns in their most recent contest. They have won four of their last five road games and look to build on their 16-6 road record. Luka Doncic (ankle) will not play on Friday, while Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) is listed as questionable for action. With the injuries, Kristaps Porzingis will have to carry the load, while he is averaging 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Seth Curry is averaging 12.4 points on 49 percent shooting, including 45.3 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Mavericks are averaging 116.1 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.0 points per game. They are also limiting themselves to 12.1 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (29-18) have dropped six of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in Portland in their most recent contest. This marks their first game back home after a four-game road trip, where they went 2-2. They have dropped three of their last four home games but are 15-7 at home. James Harden leads the Rockets averaging 35.7 points, 7.2 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Eric Gordon is averaging 20.7 points, while shooting 38 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. The Rockets are averaging 118.5 points per game, which is second most in the league, while they are holding opponents to an average of 114.6 points against. They are averaging a league-best 15.0 threes per game and are shooting 34.7 percent from long range.
Bulls and Nets Tangle in Big Apple Battle
The Chicago Bulls take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (19-31) still sport an unsightly record, but they do own a solid 4-3 record over their last seven games. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as Chicago fell in overtime by a 115-106 score to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Chandler Hutchison led the way with 21 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine provided 20 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Thaddeus Young delivered 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cristiano Felicio and Tomas Satoransky generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down eight and four rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will continue without Wendell Carter. Jr. (ankle), Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) and Otto Porter Jr. (foot) for Friday's game. Daniel Gafford (thumb) will be listed as doubtful, while Satoransky (ankle), Kris Dunn (quadriceps), Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow), Denzel Valentine (hip), Luke Kornet (ankle) and Hutchison (shoulder) will all carry probable tags.
The Nets (20-26) come into Friday's game dealing with a poor stretch of play, as they've dropped six of their last eight contests. Their most recent game did produce one of their two wins during that span, however, as they toppled the Detroit Pistons by a 125-115 score Wednesday night. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Taurean Prince supplied 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and four steals. Kyrie Irving totaled 20 points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert generated matching 11-point tallies, with Allen adding six rebounds and four blocks. Garrett Temple posted 10 points, five assists and one rebound.
The Nets will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-111 win Nov. 16.
The Bulls (19-31) still sport an unsightly record, but they do own a solid 4-3 record over their last seven games. Their most recent time on the court did result in one of those losses, however, as Chicago fell in overtime by a 115-106 score to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Chandler Hutchison led the way with 21 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine provided 20 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Thaddeus Young delivered 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Cristiano Felicio and Tomas Satoransky generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down eight and four rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls will continue without Wendell Carter. Jr. (ankle), Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) and Otto Porter Jr. (foot) for Friday's game. Daniel Gafford (thumb) will be listed as doubtful, while Satoransky (ankle), Kris Dunn (quadriceps), Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow), Denzel Valentine (hip), Luke Kornet (ankle) and Hutchison (shoulder) will all carry probable tags.
The Nets (20-26) come into Friday's game dealing with a poor stretch of play, as they've dropped six of their last eight contests. Their most recent game did produce one of their two wins during that span, however, as they toppled the Detroit Pistons by a 125-115 score Wednesday night. Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Taurean Prince supplied 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and four steals. Kyrie Irving totaled 20 points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert generated matching 11-point tallies, with Allen adding six rebounds and four blocks. Garrett Temple posted 10 points, five assists and one rebound.
The Nets will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-111 win Nov. 16.
Pelicans Look To Build Momentum At Home
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans (19-29) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. However, they look to get back on track at home, where they have dropped three of their last four contests, and build on their 9-15 home record. Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Zion Williamson has looked good over four games play, so far, averaging 18.0 points on 63 percent shooting, including 67 percent from long range, and 8.3 rebounds per game. Lonzo Ball is averaging 10.9 points, 9.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. The Pelicans average 114.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.3 points against, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (24-24) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second and final game of a road trip, as they look to build on their two-game road winning streak and their 10-11 road record. Ja Morant continues to be great for Memphis, averaging 16.4 points on 50 percent shooting, 9.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks has also been playing well, averaging 21.4 points, while shooting 46.8 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 16.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Grizzlies averaging 113.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league.
The Pelicans (19-29) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. However, they look to get back on track at home, where they have dropped three of their last four contests, and build on their 9-15 home record. Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 25.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Zion Williamson has looked good over four games play, so far, averaging 18.0 points on 63 percent shooting, including 67 percent from long range, and 8.3 rebounds per game. Lonzo Ball is averaging 10.9 points, 9.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals, over the last 10 games. The Pelicans average 114.7 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.3 points against, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (24-24) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. This marks their second and final game of a road trip, as they look to build on their two-game road winning streak and their 10-11 road record. Ja Morant continues to be great for Memphis, averaging 16.4 points on 50 percent shooting, 9.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks has also been playing well, averaging 21.4 points, while shooting 46.8 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 16.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last 10 games. The Grizzlies averaging 113.5 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 115.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league.
Bucks Host Nuggets on Friday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Denver Nuggets at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
The Nuggets (33-15) have had a ton of absences recently but it hasn't really hurt their results. In fact, they've been playing without Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee and Gary Harris for a couple of weeks now. What makes that all the more surprising is the fact that they own a 7-3 record over their last 10 games. That says a lot about the depth of this team and it's amazing to have guys like Michael Porter Jr, Jerami Grant and Monte Morris filling in for them. The defense has been amazing too, with Denver allowing the fourth-fewest points in the NBA. That's an uncommon trend for Denver and it has them battling for the two-seed in the west.
The Bucks (41-6) started off the season with a 2-2 record over their first four games and have been pretty much unstoppable since then. In fact, they have won 39 of their last 43 games since that strange start which is obviously the best run by any team all season long. What makes this team so scary is the fact that they're efficient on both ends of the floor. That's evident by the fact that they're the only club in the NBA that sits Top-5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That pairs beautifully with the fact that they play at the fastest pace in the league too, making them a great watch as well. That's why Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were both selected to the All-Star team and why Giannis is one of the favorites to land yet another MVP award after snatching it last year
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series over Denver last season. Prior to that, the Nuggets won six of their previous seven games over the Bucks dating back four years.
The Nuggets (33-15) have had a ton of absences recently but it hasn't really hurt their results. In fact, they've been playing without Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee and Gary Harris for a couple of weeks now. What makes that all the more surprising is the fact that they own a 7-3 record over their last 10 games. That says a lot about the depth of this team and it's amazing to have guys like Michael Porter Jr, Jerami Grant and Monte Morris filling in for them. The defense has been amazing too, with Denver allowing the fourth-fewest points in the NBA. That's an uncommon trend for Denver and it has them battling for the two-seed in the west.
The Bucks (41-6) started off the season with a 2-2 record over their first four games and have been pretty much unstoppable since then. In fact, they have won 39 of their last 43 games since that strange start which is obviously the best run by any team all season long. What makes this team so scary is the fact that they're efficient on both ends of the floor. That's evident by the fact that they're the only club in the NBA that sits Top-5 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That pairs beautifully with the fact that they play at the fastest pace in the league too, making them a great watch as well. That's why Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were both selected to the All-Star team and why Giannis is one of the favorites to land yet another MVP award after snatching it last year
Milwaukee swept the two-game season series over Denver last season. Prior to that, the Nuggets won six of their previous seven games over the Bucks dating back four years.
Suns Host Thunder on Friday
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday.
The Thunder (29-20) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games and that emphasizes just how special of a season it been for this team. Many expected them to have a rebuilding season when they sent off Paul George to Los Angeles and Russell Westbrook to Houston but results are extremely encouraging. They replaced those guys with Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander which has proven to be a pretty even move for the most part. That paired with the additions of Dennis Schroder and Danilo Gallinari has made this a dangerous roster and it has them in a great spot for the future. That would make one believe that they'll be a buyer at the trade deadline rather than the seller that most anticipated at the beginning of the year.
The Suns (20-27) own a 9-16 record at home and that's keeping them from being a playoff team. If they just maintained a .500 record at home, they would be just a couple of games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. Unfortunately, they've dealt with a ton of absences this season but are finally fully healthy. Deandre Ayton is the most important addition, ending his 25-game suspension earlier this month. He's come in and provided the 20 points and 10 rebounds that they expected and it pairs wonderfully with a superstar like Devin Booker. Getting those two to play at an All-Star level is a great pairing with Kelly Oubre Jr and Ricky Rubio. That foursome is plenty good to get them into the postseason and this is certainly a team to look out for over the final few months of the season.
These teams have played once this year, with Oklahoma City winning, 126-108, on December 20. That gives the Thunder seven-straight victories over the Suns in total.
The Thunder (29-20) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games and that emphasizes just how special of a season it been for this team. Many expected them to have a rebuilding season when they sent off Paul George to Los Angeles and Russell Westbrook to Houston but results are extremely encouraging. They replaced those guys with Chris Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander which has proven to be a pretty even move for the most part. That paired with the additions of Dennis Schroder and Danilo Gallinari has made this a dangerous roster and it has them in a great spot for the future. That would make one believe that they'll be a buyer at the trade deadline rather than the seller that most anticipated at the beginning of the year.
The Suns (20-27) own a 9-16 record at home and that's keeping them from being a playoff team. If they just maintained a .500 record at home, they would be just a couple of games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. Unfortunately, they've dealt with a ton of absences this season but are finally fully healthy. Deandre Ayton is the most important addition, ending his 25-game suspension earlier this month. He's come in and provided the 20 points and 10 rebounds that they expected and it pairs wonderfully with a superstar like Devin Booker. Getting those two to play at an All-Star level is a great pairing with Kelly Oubre Jr and Ricky Rubio. That foursome is plenty good to get them into the postseason and this is certainly a team to look out for over the final few months of the season.
These teams have played once this year, with Oklahoma City winning, 126-108, on December 20. That gives the Thunder seven-straight victories over the Suns in total.
Lakers Host Trail Blazers on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Friday.
The Trail Blazers (21-27) have three wins over their last four games and they're hopeful that it's the start of a big run. They find themselves a handful of games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth, who currently sit at .500. There's one man that's getting them to this point and it's Damian Lillard. The superstar point guard is averaging nearly 50 points per game over his last four outings while flirting with triple-double averages in that span. That makes him the scariest player in the league right now and he'll surely want to show out in a place like Spales Center. That earned him an All-star appearance and he'll be needed again with Carmelo Anthony missing this game.
The Lakers (36-10) have yet to play this week and it's safe to say that this is going to be an intense environment. This is actually the first game for the Lakers in Staples Center since the passing of Kobe Bryant and that's going to make for an emotional scene. Many people say that Kobe built Staples Center into what it is today and the Lakers will surely be playing with heavy hearts in this fixture. They'll definitely want to put on a show for fans too and they're in good form to do just that. In fact, Los Angels enter this matchup winning 12 of their last 15 games. The thing that's really made them better is their defense, ranked sixth in points allowed. As long as that continues with LeBron James and Anthony Davis running the offense, this will be one of the favorites to land a championship this season.
These teams have played twice already this season, with Los Angeles winning both matchups. Prior to that, Portland won 17 of its previous 19 games over Los Angeles dating back to 2014.
The Trail Blazers (21-27) have three wins over their last four games and they're hopeful that it's the start of a big run. They find themselves a handful of games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth, who currently sit at .500. There's one man that's getting them to this point and it's Damian Lillard. The superstar point guard is averaging nearly 50 points per game over his last four outings while flirting with triple-double averages in that span. That makes him the scariest player in the league right now and he'll surely want to show out in a place like Spales Center. That earned him an All-star appearance and he'll be needed again with Carmelo Anthony missing this game.
The Lakers (36-10) have yet to play this week and it's safe to say that this is going to be an intense environment. This is actually the first game for the Lakers in Staples Center since the passing of Kobe Bryant and that's going to make for an emotional scene. Many people say that Kobe built Staples Center into what it is today and the Lakers will surely be playing with heavy hearts in this fixture. They'll definitely want to put on a show for fans too and they're in good form to do just that. In fact, Los Angels enter this matchup winning 12 of their last 15 games. The thing that's really made them better is their defense, ranked sixth in points allowed. As long as that continues with LeBron James and Anthony Davis running the offense, this will be one of the favorites to land a championship this season.
These teams have played twice already this season, with Los Angeles winning both matchups. Prior to that, Portland won 17 of its previous 19 games over Los Angeles dating back to 2014.