Cavs Look To End Three-Game Losing Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Cavs (13-37) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a home stand, as they look to salvage the final game and add to their 6-20 home record. The Cavaliers average 105.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.5 points per game. They average 21.9 assists per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are giving up an average of 15.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. Collin Sexton has been playing well, averaging 23.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Tristan Thompson is averaging 11.9 points and a team-high 10.4 rebounds per game, while Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (14-36) have dropped seven of their last 10 games but are coming off an impressive road win in Indiana on Saturday. This marks the final game of their two-game road trip, as they look to build on their 7-18 road record. The Knicks average 103.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 111.2 points against. They average a league-high 11.9 offensive rebounds, but they are averaging 21.2 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league. Marcus Morris Sr. leads the Knicks with 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Elfrid Payton is averaging 9.3 points, 8.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Taj Gibson is averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds, in 17 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. Mitchell Robinson (hamstring) is probable for action on Monday.
The Cavs (13-37) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a home stand, as they look to salvage the final game and add to their 6-20 home record. The Cavaliers average 105.5 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.5 points per game. They average 21.9 assists per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, but they are giving up an average of 15.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. Collin Sexton has been playing well, averaging 23.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Tristan Thompson is averaging 11.9 points and a team-high 10.4 rebounds per game, while Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (14-36) have dropped seven of their last 10 games but are coming off an impressive road win in Indiana on Saturday. This marks the final game of their two-game road trip, as they look to build on their 7-18 road record. The Knicks average 103.8 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 111.2 points against. They average a league-high 11.9 offensive rebounds, but they are averaging 21.2 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league. Marcus Morris Sr. leads the Knicks with 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Elfrid Payton is averaging 9.3 points, 8.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Taj Gibson is averaging 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds, in 17 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. Mitchell Robinson (hamstring) is probable for action on Monday.
Pacers Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Bakers Life Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Pacers (31-18) have won seven of their last 10 games but are coming off a home loss against the Knicks in their most recent contest. This marks the third and final game of a home stand, as they look to build on their 18-6 home record. Domantas Sabonis leads the Pacers with 18.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Victor Oladipo has looked solid in limited minutes over the Pacers' last two contests, which marked his first action of the season. T.J. Warren (concussion) will be sidelined through Monday. The Pacers average 109.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points. They limit themselves to 12.2 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (30-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including a 23-point home win over the Hawks in their most recent contest. The Mavs are 2-2 in their last four road games and come into Monday's contest looking to improve on their already impressive, 16-7 road record. Kristaps Porzingis (rest) missed the last contest but is expected to be ready for action on Monday. However, Luka Doncic (ankle) and Seth Curry (knee) will both be sidelined. Porzingis averages 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Dorian Finney-Smith came up big with 22 points in the Mavs' most recent contest and is averaging 9.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson led the way with 27 points in the last contest and is averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game, over the last 10 games.
The Pacers (31-18) have won seven of their last 10 games but are coming off a home loss against the Knicks in their most recent contest. This marks the third and final game of a home stand, as they look to build on their 18-6 home record. Domantas Sabonis leads the Pacers with 18.2 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Malcolm Brogdon is averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. Victor Oladipo has looked solid in limited minutes over the Pacers' last two contests, which marked his first action of the season. T.J. Warren (concussion) will be sidelined through Monday. The Pacers average 109.6 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.7 points. They limit themselves to 12.2 turnovers per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks (30-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including a 23-point home win over the Hawks in their most recent contest. The Mavs are 2-2 in their last four road games and come into Monday's contest looking to improve on their already impressive, 16-7 road record. Kristaps Porzingis (rest) missed the last contest but is expected to be ready for action on Monday. However, Luka Doncic (ankle) and Seth Curry (knee) will both be sidelined. Porzingis averages 17.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Dorian Finney-Smith came up big with 22 points in the Mavs' most recent contest and is averaging 9.4 points and 6.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson led the way with 27 points in the last contest and is averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game, over the last 10 games.
Wizards Look To Build On Two-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Golden State Warriors at Capital One Arena on Monday evening.
The Wizards (17-31) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but they have won their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a six-game home stand, as they look to continue building on their 11-11 home record. The Wizards average 115.7 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-worst 120.7 points per game. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with 28.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. Thomas Bryant is coming back into form after missing a few weeks, and he is averaging 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Isaiah Thomas is averaging 11.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. while Gary Payton II is averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 assists, in 16 minutes per game, over the last 10 games, including two games where he went scoreless.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (11-39) have dropped eight of their last 10 games but are coming off a convincing road win in Cleveland. This marks their fourth game of a five-game road trip, as they look to improve upon their league-worst 4-22 road record. The Warriors are averaging 106.1 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 114.3 points against. They are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league, including 34.3 percent from long range, which is sixth worst. D'Angelo Russell continues to play at a very high level, averaging 25.1 points, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Alec Burks is averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Draymond Green continues to contribute across the board, as he averages 8.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
The Wizards (17-31) have dropped six of their last 10 games, but they have won their last two in a row. This marks their third game of a six-game home stand, as they look to continue building on their 11-11 home record. The Wizards average 115.7 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up a league-worst 120.7 points per game. Bradley Beal leads the Wizards with 28.8 points and 6.3 assists per game. Thomas Bryant is coming back into form after missing a few weeks, and he is averaging 11.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Isaiah Thomas is averaging 11.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. while Gary Payton II is averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 assists, in 16 minutes per game, over the last 10 games, including two games where he went scoreless.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (11-39) have dropped eight of their last 10 games but are coming off a convincing road win in Cleveland. This marks their fourth game of a five-game road trip, as they look to improve upon their league-worst 4-22 road record. The Warriors are averaging 106.1 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 114.3 points against. They are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, which is second worst in the league, including 34.3 percent from long range, which is sixth worst. D'Angelo Russell continues to play at a very high level, averaging 25.1 points, 7.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Alec Burks is averaging 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Draymond Green continues to contribute across the board, as he averages 8.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Hornets Look To Build Momentum At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on Monday evening.
The Hornets (16-33) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They won their last home game but lost the seven prior, as they come into Monday's contest with a 8-15 home record. The Hornets average a league-low 103.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.5 points against. They are shooting 43.3 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league, including 34.9 percent from long range. Terry Rozier is averaging 17.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Devonte' Graham has slowed down after his hot start to the season and is averaging 13.6 points on 33 percent shooting, 7.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, over the last 10 games. Cody Zeller averages 11.2 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Magic (21-28) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. This marks their first game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their 8-16 road record. The Magic average 103.2 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, while they are holding opponents to a league-low 104.7 points per game. They are shooting a league-low 43.0 percent from the field, including 33.2 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 18.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Evan Fournier is averaging 18.6 points, 3.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 15.0 points on 45 percent shooting, including 38.5 percent from long range, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
The Hornets (16-33) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They won their last home game but lost the seven prior, as they come into Monday's contest with a 8-15 home record. The Hornets average a league-low 103.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.5 points against. They are shooting 43.3 percent from the field, which is third worst in the league, including 34.9 percent from long range. Terry Rozier is averaging 17.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Devonte' Graham has slowed down after his hot start to the season and is averaging 13.6 points on 33 percent shooting, 7.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game, over the last 10 games. Cody Zeller averages 11.2 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, the Magic (21-28) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last five in a row. This marks their first game of a three-game road trip, as they look to build on their 8-16 road record. The Magic average 103.2 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, while they are holding opponents to a league-low 104.7 points per game. They are shooting a league-low 43.0 percent from the field, including 33.2 percent from long range, which is third worst in the league. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 18.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Evan Fournier is averaging 18.6 points, 3.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 15.0 points on 45 percent shooting, including 38.5 percent from long range, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Celtics and Hawks Set for Peach State Battle
The Boston Celtics take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Monday night.
The Celtics (33-15) come into Monday's contest riding a strong wave of momentum, as they've prevailed in six of their last seven games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Philadelphia 76ers, which they bested by 116-95 score Saturday night. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 32 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum supplied 25 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Smart followed with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brad Wanamaker turned in 15 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Semi Ojeleye posted 11 points, five boards and one steal.
The Celtics will continue without Kemba Walker (knee) and Robert Williams (hip) for Monday's game. Smart (thigh) and Enes Kanter (hip) will be listed as questionable.
The Hawks (13-37) have continued to struggle in recent contests, as they'll come into Monday's game with a 3-5 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came against the Dallas Mavericks, which throttled them by a 123-100 score Saturday night. John Collins led the way with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double. Kyle Huerter furnished 20 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Trae Young totaled 12 points, six rebounds and one assist over 26 minutes before exiting with an ankle injury. Brian Goodwin delivered 11 points, seven boards and five assists, while Vince Carter provided 10 points and five rebounds.
The Hawks will remain without Jabari Parker (shoulder), Chandler Parsons (concussion), Cam Reddish (concussion) and Alex Len (hip) for Monday's contest. Young (ankle), De'Andre Hunter (ankle) and Bruno Fernando (calf) will be listed as questionable, while DeAndre' Bembry (hand) will be listed as doubtful.
Monday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 109-106 win Jan. 3.
The Celtics (33-15) come into Monday's contest riding a strong wave of momentum, as they've prevailed in six of their last seven games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Philadelphia 76ers, which they bested by 116-95 score Saturday night. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 32 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum supplied 25 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Smart followed with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brad Wanamaker turned in 15 points, three assists, one rebound and two steals. Semi Ojeleye posted 11 points, five boards and one steal.
The Celtics will continue without Kemba Walker (knee) and Robert Williams (hip) for Monday's game. Smart (thigh) and Enes Kanter (hip) will be listed as questionable.
The Hawks (13-37) have continued to struggle in recent contests, as they'll come into Monday's game with a 3-5 mark over their last eight games. Their most recent stumble came against the Dallas Mavericks, which throttled them by a 123-100 score Saturday night. John Collins led the way with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double. Kyle Huerter furnished 20 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Trae Young totaled 12 points, six rebounds and one assist over 26 minutes before exiting with an ankle injury. Brian Goodwin delivered 11 points, seven boards and five assists, while Vince Carter provided 10 points and five rebounds.
The Hawks will remain without Jabari Parker (shoulder), Chandler Parsons (concussion), Cam Reddish (concussion) and Alex Len (hip) for Monday's contest. Young (ankle), De'Andre Hunter (ankle) and Bruno Fernando (calf) will be listed as questionable, while DeAndre' Bembry (hand) will be listed as doubtful.
Monday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 109-106 win Jan. 3.
Heat and 76ers Face Off in Divisional Showdown
The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Monday night.
The 76ers (31-19) check into Monday's contest in the midst of some uncharacteristic struggles, having dropped three of their last five games. Their most recent misstep came against the Boston Celtics, which toppled them by a 116-95 score Saturday night. Ben Simmons paced the 76ers with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz followed with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shake Milton and Joel Embiid generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris supplied 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The 76ers will remain without Josh Richardson (hamstring) for Monday's contest.
The Heat (33-15) check into Monday's game in the midst of a solid stretch of performances, as they've posted a 6-3 mark over their last nine contests. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those wins, as they bested the Orlando Magic by a 102-89 score Saturday night. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro followed with 23 points and three boards. Meyers Leonard produced an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Goran Dragic provided 11 points and six boards. Bam Adebayo mustered just four points but also posted 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and three steals.
The Heat are expected to continue without Justise Winslow (back) for Monday's game.
Monday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 2-1 series lead, having notched 108-104 and 117-116 victories on Dec. 18 and Dec. 28, respectively, with the latter win coming in overtime.
The 76ers (31-19) check into Monday's contest in the midst of some uncharacteristic struggles, having dropped three of their last five games. Their most recent misstep came against the Boston Celtics, which toppled them by a 116-95 score Saturday night. Ben Simmons paced the 76ers with 23 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz followed with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Shake Milton and Joel Embiid generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris supplied 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The 76ers will remain without Josh Richardson (hamstring) for Monday's contest.
The Heat (33-15) check into Monday's game in the midst of a solid stretch of performances, as they've posted a 6-3 mark over their last nine contests. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those wins, as they bested the Orlando Magic by a 102-89 score Saturday night. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 24 points, complementing them with three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Tyler Herro followed with 23 points and three boards. Meyers Leonard produced an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Goran Dragic provided 11 points and six boards. Bam Adebayo mustered just four points but also posted 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and three steals.
The Heat are expected to continue without Justise Winslow (back) for Monday's game.
Monday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Heat owns a 2-1 series lead, having notched 108-104 and 117-116 victories on Dec. 18 and Dec. 28, respectively, with the latter win coming in overtime.
Suns and Nets Square Off in Big Apple
The Phoenix Suns take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Monday night.
The Suns (20-29) check into Monday's interconference contest in the midst of a poor stretch of play, as they've dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they dropped a 129-108 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Deandre Ayton followed with a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Jevon Carter produced matching 15-point tallies, with Oubre pulled down 10 rebounds. Cheick Diallo managed 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist.
The Suns will likely list Ricky Rubio (ankle), Ty Jerome (lower leg), Aron Baynes (hip) and Cameron Johnson (quadriceps) as questionable at best for Monday's game. Dario Saric (ankle) and Frank Kaminsky (knee) will remain out.
The Nets (21-27) aren't exactly hitting on all cylinders recently either, as they've dropped seven of their last 10 games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Washington Wizards, which toppled them by a 113-107 score Saturday night. Spencer Dindwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Joe Harris delivered 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block before exiting due to a knee sprain with 5:29 remaining.
The Nets will continue without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-112 win Nov. 10.
The Suns (20-29) check into Monday's interconference contest in the midst of a poor stretch of play, as they've dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they dropped a 129-108 decision to the Milwaukee Bucks. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 32 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Deandre Ayton followed with a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. and Jevon Carter produced matching 15-point tallies, with Oubre pulled down 10 rebounds. Cheick Diallo managed 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist.
The Suns will likely list Ricky Rubio (ankle), Ty Jerome (lower leg), Aron Baynes (hip) and Cameron Johnson (quadriceps) as questionable at best for Monday's game. Dario Saric (ankle) and Frank Kaminsky (knee) will remain out.
The Nets (21-27) aren't exactly hitting on all cylinders recently either, as they've dropped seven of their last 10 games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Washington Wizards, which toppled them by a 113-107 score Saturday night. Spencer Dindwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Joe Harris delivered 22 points, three rebounds and three assists. Garrett Temple supplied 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 13-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two blocks. Kyrie Irving delivered 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block before exiting due to a knee sprain with 5:29 remaining.
The Nets will continue without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Monday's contest.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 118-112 win Nov. 10.
Grizzlies Host Pistons on Monday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Detroit Pistons at FedEx Forum on Monday.
The Pistons (18-33) picked up a shocking overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday which snapped a five-game losing streak. The thing that's really bizarre about this team is the fact that they continue to get blasted on the boards. In fact, Detroit currently sits dead-last with just 42.3 rebounds per game, despite having the leading rebounder in the NBA. That happens to be Andre Drummond, who's leading the way with 15.7 boards per outing. Losing Blake Griffin to injury has obviously hurt that and it's led to a lack of playmaking on this team as well. Luckily, Derrick Rose has come out of nowhere to return to his Chicago form, leading the team in scoring and assists since Griffin went down. That pairs nicely with the return of Reggie Jackson, so, don't count this team out quite yet in a weak Eastern Conference.
The Grizzlies (24-25) finally got back to .500 for the first time since the opening week just a few days ago but suffered a loss on Friday to fall right back out. It actually took them winning 11 of their previous 13 games before that defeat to finally get to .500 and fans just want them to get over that hump. What it has done is put them in a great spot to reach the postseason, with the Grizzlies currently sitting eighth in the west. That's truly miraculous considering this was supposed to be a rebuilding season, with players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks all having breakout seasons. The Grizzlies do need to watch their tail though, with the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers creeping right up on them. Those teams obviously have more experience and if Memphis could hold them off, it would be a testament to how much they've truly grown.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Memphis winning on the road, 125-112, on January 24. Prior to that, the Pistons won four of their previous five games over the Grizzlies in total.
The Pistons (18-33) picked up a shocking overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday which snapped a five-game losing streak. The thing that's really bizarre about this team is the fact that they continue to get blasted on the boards. In fact, Detroit currently sits dead-last with just 42.3 rebounds per game, despite having the leading rebounder in the NBA. That happens to be Andre Drummond, who's leading the way with 15.7 boards per outing. Losing Blake Griffin to injury has obviously hurt that and it's led to a lack of playmaking on this team as well. Luckily, Derrick Rose has come out of nowhere to return to his Chicago form, leading the team in scoring and assists since Griffin went down. That pairs nicely with the return of Reggie Jackson, so, don't count this team out quite yet in a weak Eastern Conference.
The Grizzlies (24-25) finally got back to .500 for the first time since the opening week just a few days ago but suffered a loss on Friday to fall right back out. It actually took them winning 11 of their previous 13 games before that defeat to finally get to .500 and fans just want them to get over that hump. What it has done is put them in a great spot to reach the postseason, with the Grizzlies currently sitting eighth in the west. That's truly miraculous considering this was supposed to be a rebuilding season, with players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks all having breakout seasons. The Grizzlies do need to watch their tail though, with the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers creeping right up on them. Those teams obviously have more experience and if Memphis could hold them off, it would be a testament to how much they've truly grown.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Memphis winning on the road, 125-112, on January 24. Prior to that, the Pistons won four of their previous five games over the Grizzlies in total.
Kings Host T'Wolves on Monday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
The Timberwolves (15-33) enter this matchup in the midst of an 11-game losing streak and this marks their second such stretch of the season. That has obviously led to this terrible record and continued this nightmare season. Karl-Anthony Towns actually returned in the midst of this from injury and he himself hasn't won a game since November. While it's obviously not his fault, one has to wonder if his time is up in Minnesota. He has been the focal point of numerous trade discussions and his actions and mannerisms are showing us that he no longer wants to be in Minnesota. It's not every day that you land a franchise player though and it's going to take quite the haul to get him off this roster. The simple fact is, something needs to change because this sort of losing is unacceptable from such a talented team.
The Kings (18-31) come into this matchup winning three of their last five games, with their two defeats coming against the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder. That's certainly nothing to be ashamed of either, with those clubs being some of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. The problem is that the losing has been way more consistent than the winning, with the Kings having two losing streaks of at least six games since the start of December. That has them way out of playoff contention and it's sad to see such a young and talented team have such a stark regression this season. They currently sit 24th in scoring which is simply strange after ranking Top-7 in that statistic last season.
These teams have split their first two meetings this season, with both going into overtime. In fact, Sacramento overcame a 17-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining in the most recent matchup less than two weeks ago.
The Timberwolves (15-33) enter this matchup in the midst of an 11-game losing streak and this marks their second such stretch of the season. That has obviously led to this terrible record and continued this nightmare season. Karl-Anthony Towns actually returned in the midst of this from injury and he himself hasn't won a game since November. While it's obviously not his fault, one has to wonder if his time is up in Minnesota. He has been the focal point of numerous trade discussions and his actions and mannerisms are showing us that he no longer wants to be in Minnesota. It's not every day that you land a franchise player though and it's going to take quite the haul to get him off this roster. The simple fact is, something needs to change because this sort of losing is unacceptable from such a talented team.
The Kings (18-31) come into this matchup winning three of their last five games, with their two defeats coming against the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder. That's certainly nothing to be ashamed of either, with those clubs being some of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. The problem is that the losing has been way more consistent than the winning, with the Kings having two losing streaks of at least six games since the start of December. That has them way out of playoff contention and it's sad to see such a young and talented team have such a stark regression this season. They currently sit 24th in scoring which is simply strange after ranking Top-7 in that statistic last season.
These teams have split their first two meetings this season, with both going into overtime. In fact, Sacramento overcame a 17-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining in the most recent matchup less than two weeks ago.
Clippers Host Spurs on Monday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on Monday.
The Spurs (22-26) own a 10-8 record over their last 18 games and it actually has them right back in the thick of things for the postseason. While it may not sound like anything special, it has them just two games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. Whats fans are really encouraged by is the competition in that stretch, grabbing wins over teams like Milwaukee, Boston, Toronto, Miami and Utah in that span. That's a brilliant run of victories and it's really promising that they got those tough fixtures out of the way. No one is going to count this team out either, with San Antonio making the playoffs every year since the new Millenium.
The Clippers (34-15) own an 11-4 record over their last 15 games and it has them vying for the top-seed in the Western Conference. They currently sit in second, just 3.5 games back of the Los Angeles Lakers in first. Many people expected the two LA teams to battle atop the conference and it's no surprise that they're up there going into the All-Star break. What makes it really promising for the Clippers is the fact that they haven't been healthy all season. Paul George has missed nearly half of the year to hamstring issues while Kawhi Leonard has been rested regularly for management purposes. It's scary to think that they'll only get better from here on out but they now have to deal with another injury to Montrezl Harrell from over the weekend.
These teams have already played three times this season, with Los Angeles winning two of their three meetings. The last matchup was extremely one-sided, with the Clippers prevailing, 134-109, on December 21.
The Spurs (22-26) own a 10-8 record over their last 18 games and it actually has them right back in the thick of things for the postseason. While it may not sound like anything special, it has them just two games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. Whats fans are really encouraged by is the competition in that stretch, grabbing wins over teams like Milwaukee, Boston, Toronto, Miami and Utah in that span. That's a brilliant run of victories and it's really promising that they got those tough fixtures out of the way. No one is going to count this team out either, with San Antonio making the playoffs every year since the new Millenium.
The Clippers (34-15) own an 11-4 record over their last 15 games and it has them vying for the top-seed in the Western Conference. They currently sit in second, just 3.5 games back of the Los Angeles Lakers in first. Many people expected the two LA teams to battle atop the conference and it's no surprise that they're up there going into the All-Star break. What makes it really promising for the Clippers is the fact that they haven't been healthy all season. Paul George has missed nearly half of the year to hamstring issues while Kawhi Leonard has been rested regularly for management purposes. It's scary to think that they'll only get better from here on out but they now have to deal with another injury to Montrezl Harrell from over the weekend.
These teams have already played three times this season, with Los Angeles winning two of their three meetings. The last matchup was extremely one-sided, with the Clippers prevailing, 134-109, on December 21.