Knicks Host Bucks Aiming To Bounce Back
The New York Knicks will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (12-14) are coming off a 90-87 loss against the Toronto Raptors, and that means they have now lost two in a row. The Knicks were led by R.J. Barrett and his 19 points and six rebounds in that loss. Julius Randle registered 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Obi Toppin led the beach with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Derrick Rose provided 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. New York has lost four of its last five games and own a 5-8 mark at home.
The Bucks (17-10) are coming off a 123-114 win over the Houston Rockets. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 41 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis followed up with 21 points each, while Pat Connaughton added 16 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks, off the bench. The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep. Milwaukee has won three of its last four and also owns a 8-6 mark on the road.
The Knicks (12-14) are coming off a 90-87 loss against the Toronto Raptors, and that means they have now lost two in a row. The Knicks were led by R.J. Barrett and his 19 points and six rebounds in that loss. Julius Randle registered 13 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Obi Toppin led the beach with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Derrick Rose provided 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. New York has lost four of its last five games and own a 5-8 mark at home.
The Bucks (17-10) are coming off a 123-114 win over the Houston Rockets. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 41 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis followed up with 21 points each, while Pat Connaughton added 16 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks, off the bench. The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep. Milwaukee has won three of its last four and also owns a 8-6 mark on the road.
Pistons Look To Put An End To 11-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Pistons (4-21) have lost their last 11 games and will be looking to end the slide at home, where they have just a, 2-10, record. Jerami Grant leads the team, averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Cade Cunningham is averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals, while Saddiq Bey is averaging 12.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Pistons are averaging just 99.5 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, and they are shooting a league-low 40.9 percent from the field. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 109.2 points against and allowing opponents to shoot a league-high average of 47.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Nets (18-8), where they have gone, 2-1, so far, including a win in Atlanta in their most recent contest . They will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 10-3, road record, as they take on the slumping Pistons. Kevin Durant continues to lead the team, averaging 28.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. James Harden is averaging 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.4 steals, while LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The Nets are averaging 109.1 points per game, on 46.5 percent shooting, which is among the best in the league.
The Pistons (4-21) have lost their last 11 games and will be looking to end the slide at home, where they have just a, 2-10, record. Jerami Grant leads the team, averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Cade Cunningham is averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.4 steals, while Saddiq Bey is averaging 12.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Pistons are averaging just 99.5 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, and they are shooting a league-low 40.9 percent from the field. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 109.2 points against and allowing opponents to shoot a league-high average of 47.8 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Nets (18-8), where they have gone, 2-1, so far, including a win in Atlanta in their most recent contest . They will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 10-3, road record, as they take on the slumping Pistons. Kevin Durant continues to lead the team, averaging 28.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. James Harden is averaging 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.4 steals, while LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The Nets are averaging 109.1 points per game, on 46.5 percent shooting, which is among the best in the league.
Spurs Host Pelicans on Sunday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center on Sunday.
The Pelicans (8-20) got more rough news on Saturday, losing Zion Williamson for the foreseeable future. The big man has been rehabbing from a foot issue through the first two months of the season, and it doesn't look like he'll return anytime soon after another setback. His absence has really killed this team too, owning one of the worst records in the Western Conference. They have been playing a little better recently, though, entering this matchup winning five of their last nine games and playing much more competitively over the last month. That has fans hopeful for the future, but this club won't do much until a stud like Zion returns and dominates the paint like we've become accustomed to.
The Spurs (9-16) had an ugly showing on Saturday night, getting blown out by the Denver Nuggets. The 127-112 final scoreline doesn't tell the whole story, though, with San Antonio trailing by 32 points at times in that defeat. That forced the hand of Greg Popovich, benching his starters for the majority of that second half. They actually did have five bench players reach double figures in scoring in that defeat, though, and that's a small silver lining in an otherwise ugly performance. The starters being rested probably had something to do with this being the second half of a back-to-back set, and they'll surely play better after that embarrassing loss on Saturday.
These teams played three times last season, with San Antonio winning the series, 2-1. That gives San Antonio six wins in their last seven meetings with New Orleans.
The Pelicans (8-20) got more rough news on Saturday, losing Zion Williamson for the foreseeable future. The big man has been rehabbing from a foot issue through the first two months of the season, and it doesn't look like he'll return anytime soon after another setback. His absence has really killed this team too, owning one of the worst records in the Western Conference. They have been playing a little better recently, though, entering this matchup winning five of their last nine games and playing much more competitively over the last month. That has fans hopeful for the future, but this club won't do much until a stud like Zion returns and dominates the paint like we've become accustomed to.
The Spurs (9-16) had an ugly showing on Saturday night, getting blown out by the Denver Nuggets. The 127-112 final scoreline doesn't tell the whole story, though, with San Antonio trailing by 32 points at times in that defeat. That forced the hand of Greg Popovich, benching his starters for the majority of that second half. They actually did have five bench players reach double figures in scoring in that defeat, though, and that's a small silver lining in an otherwise ugly performance. The starters being rested probably had something to do with this being the second half of a back-to-back set, and they'll surely play better after that embarrassing loss on Saturday.
These teams played three times last season, with San Antonio winning the series, 2-1. That gives San Antonio six wins in their last seven meetings with New Orleans.
Thunder Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder (8-17), which they began with a loss against the Lakers on Friday. They will be looking to bounce back from the loss in order to build on their, 4-8, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 21.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Luguentz Dort is averaging 17.3 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Josh Giddey is the only other player averaging double digits in scoring, with 10.6 points, along with 6.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Thunder are averaging a league-low, 99.1 points per game, while shooting an average of 41.2 percent from the field, which is second lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Mavericks (12-13), where they have gone, 1-1, with a win in Memphis, followed by a loss in Indiana on Friday. They will look to bounce back from the loss and add to their, 6-7, road record by closing the trip on a high note. Luka Doncic (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for the contest, which means Jalen Brunson will likely be looked upon to step up into the starting lineup, while Frank Ntilikina and Trey Burke should see some extra action off the bench. Without Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis is the team's leading scorer, averaging 19.6 points, along with 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The Mavs are averaging 103.8 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 105.6 points against.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder (8-17), which they began with a loss against the Lakers on Friday. They will be looking to bounce back from the loss in order to build on their, 4-8, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 21.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Luguentz Dort is averaging 17.3 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Josh Giddey is the only other player averaging double digits in scoring, with 10.6 points, along with 6.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Thunder are averaging a league-low, 99.1 points per game, while shooting an average of 41.2 percent from the field, which is second lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Mavericks (12-13), where they have gone, 1-1, with a win in Memphis, followed by a loss in Indiana on Friday. They will look to bounce back from the loss and add to their, 6-7, road record by closing the trip on a high note. Luka Doncic (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for the contest, which means Jalen Brunson will likely be looked upon to step up into the starting lineup, while Frank Ntilikina and Trey Burke should see some extra action off the bench. Without Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis is the team's leading scorer, averaging 19.6 points, along with 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. The Mavs are averaging 103.8 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 105.6 points against.
Trail Blazers Host T'Wolves on Sunday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center on Sunday.
The Timberwolves (11-15) come into this matchup amid a five-game losing streak, getting embarrassed by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday in their most recent game. That was a wire-to-wire win for Cleveland, leading by at least 15 points for the final 35 minutes. Performances like that have fans wondering if this club has taken the next step because it looked like that when they were above .500 before this recent slide. The five-game losing streak does correlate with D'Angelo Russell getting injured, though, with the young point guard having a bounceback season in Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are outstanding, but this team isn't the same without their stud point guard.
The Trail Blazers (11-15) are free-falling down the standings, struggling without Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Those two guards have been running this team for quite some time now, and it's becoming evident how bad they are without them in this current four-game losing streak. It's actually eight losses in their last nine games in total, falling out of the playoff picture altogether. The losing has led to plenty of trade rumors as well, with McCollum and Lillard being the main pieces. Management did come out and say that Lillard won't be traded, but there's a lot of talk about how this team is trying to acquire Ben Simmons. He would add a whole new dynamic to this club, and it's becoming clear that they need to make a move to spice things up.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning eight of their last 11 games over Minnesota. That's been the case historically, too, with the Trail Blazers owning an 87-36 record against them.
The Timberwolves (11-15) come into this matchup amid a five-game losing streak, getting embarrassed by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday in their most recent game. That was a wire-to-wire win for Cleveland, leading by at least 15 points for the final 35 minutes. Performances like that have fans wondering if this club has taken the next step because it looked like that when they were above .500 before this recent slide. The five-game losing streak does correlate with D'Angelo Russell getting injured, though, with the young point guard having a bounceback season in Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are outstanding, but this team isn't the same without their stud point guard.
The Trail Blazers (11-15) are free-falling down the standings, struggling without Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Those two guards have been running this team for quite some time now, and it's becoming evident how bad they are without them in this current four-game losing streak. It's actually eight losses in their last nine games in total, falling out of the playoff picture altogether. The losing has led to plenty of trade rumors as well, with McCollum and Lillard being the main pieces. Management did come out and say that Lillard won't be traded, but there's a lot of talk about how this team is trying to acquire Ben Simmons. He would add a whole new dynamic to this club, and it's becoming clear that they need to make a move to spice things up.
Portland has dominated this series over recent years, winning eight of their last 11 games over Minnesota. That's been the case historically, too, with the Trail Blazers owning an 87-36 record against them.
Magic Visit Lakers After Tough Loss
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Orlando Magic at Staples Center on Sunday night.
The Lakers (14-13) are coming off a 116-95 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The Lakers were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Avery Bradley amassed 22 points, two rebounds and four steals. Talen Horton-Tucked totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook registered eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Los Angeles has gone 9-7 at home.
The Magic (5-22) are coming off a 106-104 loss against the Clippers on Saturday. Cole Anthony was the best player for Orlando with 23 points and six rebounds, while Franz Wagner delivered 20 points. Mo Bamba ended with 11 points and seven boards, while Wendell Carter Jr. registered 14 rebounds despite scoring just two points. Gary Harris had 14 points, and Terrence Ross added 22 points off the bench. Orlando shot 43.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep. Orlando has gone 3-14 on the road and has lost four straight.
The Lakers (14-13) are coming off a 116-95 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The Lakers were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, five rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. Avery Bradley amassed 22 points, two rebounds and four steals. Talen Horton-Tucked totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Russell Westbrook registered eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Los Angeles has gone 9-7 at home.
The Magic (5-22) are coming off a 106-104 loss against the Clippers on Saturday. Cole Anthony was the best player for Orlando with 23 points and six rebounds, while Franz Wagner delivered 20 points. Mo Bamba ended with 11 points and seven boards, while Wendell Carter Jr. registered 14 rebounds despite scoring just two points. Gary Harris had 14 points, and Terrence Ross added 22 points off the bench. Orlando shot 43.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep. Orlando has gone 3-14 on the road and has lost four straight.