Cavaliers Looking To Extend Run Against Rockets
The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Houston Rockets at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (17-12) are coming off a 105-94 win over the Miami Heat on Monday and extended their winning streak to four contests. Kevin Love led the way for the Cavs with 23 points and nine rebounds, in 24 minutes. Isaac Okoro followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Jarrett Allen totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block. The Cavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range. The Cavs have also gone 8-7 when playing at home.
The Rockets (9-18) are on the rise and are coming off a 132-126 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, three assists and one steal. D.J. Augustin followed with 22 points, two boards and one assist. Jae'Sean Tate delivered 15 points, four assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kenyon Martin Jr. supplied 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Christian Wood registered 12 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun and David Nwaba posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds. Despite their woeful 2-12 mark on the road, the Rockets have gone 3-2 in their last five contests and the win over Atlanta snapped a two-game losing skid.
The Cavaliers (17-12) are coming off a 105-94 win over the Miami Heat on Monday and extended their winning streak to four contests. Kevin Love led the way for the Cavs with 23 points and nine rebounds, in 24 minutes. Isaac Okoro followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Jarrett Allen totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block. The Cavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range. The Cavs have also gone 8-7 when playing at home.
The Rockets (9-18) are on the rise and are coming off a 132-126 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets with 32 points, complementing them with three rebounds, three assists and one steal. D.J. Augustin followed with 22 points, two boards and one assist. Jae'Sean Tate delivered 15 points, four assists, two rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Kenyon Martin Jr. supplied 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one block. Christian Wood registered 12 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Alperen Sengun and David Nwaba posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, while pulling down six rebounds. Despite their woeful 2-12 mark on the road, the Rockets have gone 3-2 in their last five contests and the win over Atlanta snapped a two-game losing skid.
Hawks and Magic Set for Sunshine State Clash
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (13-14) have had quite the rollercoaster of a first quarter of the season, and they'll enter Wednesday's game having lost five of their last seven contests. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Houston Rockets by a 132-126 score. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 41 points, supplementing them with nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. John Collins went for 14 points, seven rebounds and one block. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish offered matching 12-points, two-rebound efforts, while Lou Williams matched his teammates' scoring totals and also dished out two assists.
The Hawks will continue without Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) and DeAndre Hunter (wrist) for Wednesday's contest.
The Magic (5-23) are in even more dire straits than their opponent, as Orlando enters Wednesday's clash with five consecutive defeats and losses in 12 of their last 13 contests overall. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 106-94 score. Cole Anthony led the way with 21 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner registered 20 points, seven boards and two assists. Wendell Carter, Jr. compiled 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Terrence Ross delivered 15 points, six boards, two assists and three steals.
The Magic will continue without E'Twaun Moore (knee) and Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-111 win Nov. 15.
The Hawks (13-14) have had quite the rollercoaster of a first quarter of the season, and they'll enter Wednesday's game having lost five of their last seven contests. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Houston Rockets by a 132-126 score. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 41 points, supplementing them with nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. John Collins went for 14 points, seven rebounds and one block. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double that included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Cam Reddish offered matching 12-points, two-rebound efforts, while Lou Williams matched his teammates' scoring totals and also dished out two assists.
The Hawks will continue without Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) and DeAndre Hunter (wrist) for Wednesday's contest.
The Magic (5-23) are in even more dire straits than their opponent, as Orlando enters Wednesday's clash with five consecutive defeats and losses in 12 of their last 13 contests overall. Their most recent stumble came Sunday night, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers by a 106-94 score. Cole Anthony led the way with 21 points, adding six rebounds and five assists. Franz Wagner registered 20 points, seven boards and two assists. Wendell Carter, Jr. compiled 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Terrence Ross delivered 15 points, six boards, two assists and three steals.
The Magic will continue without E'Twaun Moore (knee) and Michael Carter-Williams (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Hawks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-111 win Nov. 15.
Sixers Play Host To Shorthanded Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday evening.
The 76ers (15-13) will be looking to bounce back from a loss in Memphis in their most recent contest and add to their, 6-6, home record. Joel Embiid (ribs) and Seth Curry (shoulder) were both late scratches from the Sixers' contest on Monday, and they remain questionable for action on Wednesday. Tobias Harris will be the focal point on offense if Embiid remains out, as he is averaging 18.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while Shake Milton is averaging 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Sixers are scoring an average of 106.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 106.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Heat (16-12), which began with a loss in Cleveland on Monday. The Heat will be looking to bounce back and build on their, 8-8, road record, however, they are still dealing with injury trouble, as Jimmy Butler (back) and Bam Adebayo (thumb) will remain out. Tyler Herro (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for action. Kyle Lowry has been doing what he can to lead the way, averaging 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists, over the last 10 games. Dewayne Dedmon will continue to start in place of Adebayo, while Max Strus is expected to pick up the start in place of Butler. The Heat are averaging 107.1 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 104.1 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
The 76ers (15-13) will be looking to bounce back from a loss in Memphis in their most recent contest and add to their, 6-6, home record. Joel Embiid (ribs) and Seth Curry (shoulder) were both late scratches from the Sixers' contest on Monday, and they remain questionable for action on Wednesday. Tobias Harris will be the focal point on offense if Embiid remains out, as he is averaging 18.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists, while Shake Milton is averaging 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. The Sixers are scoring an average of 106.0 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 106.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a four-game road trip for the Heat (16-12), which began with a loss in Cleveland on Monday. The Heat will be looking to bounce back and build on their, 8-8, road record, however, they are still dealing with injury trouble, as Jimmy Butler (back) and Bam Adebayo (thumb) will remain out. Tyler Herro (quadriceps) is listed as questionable for action. Kyle Lowry has been doing what he can to lead the way, averaging 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 8.5 assists, over the last 10 games. Dewayne Dedmon will continue to start in place of Adebayo, while Max Strus is expected to pick up the start in place of Butler. The Heat are averaging 107.1 points per game, while they are holding opponents to an average of 104.1 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Lakers Aiming For Another Win, Visit Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (14-13) are coming off a 120-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, a result that pushed their winning streak to two games. Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Mavs, with 24 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks, in 25 minutes. Trey Burke followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Tim Hardaway Jr. tallied 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The Mavs shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-41 from long range. The Mavericks have gone 3-2 in their last five contests and also own a 7-6 record at home.
The Lakers (15-13) are coming off a 106-94 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, a game in which they got a triple-double from LeBron James, tallying 30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks. Russell Westbrook registered 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 19 points, three assists and six steals, while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks. The Lakers have won two in a row and three of their last four, and they’re beginning to look on the rise. Los Angeles has also gone 5-6 on the road.
The Mavericks (14-13) are coming off a 120-96 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, a result that pushed their winning streak to two games. Kristaps Porzingis led the way for the Mavs, with 24 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks, in 25 minutes. Trey Burke followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Tim Hardaway Jr. tallied 19 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The Mavs shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-41 from long range. The Mavericks have gone 3-2 in their last five contests and also own a 7-6 record at home.
The Lakers (15-13) are coming off a 106-94 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, a game in which they got a triple-double from LeBron James, tallying 30 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks. Russell Westbrook registered 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Talen Horton-Tucker totaled 19 points, three assists and six steals, while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and two blocks. The Lakers have won two in a row and three of their last four, and they’re beginning to look on the rise. Los Angeles has also gone 5-6 on the road.
Pacers and Bucks Set for Divisional Clash
The Indiana Pacers take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (12-17) had recently appeared to be picking up some momentum with a three-game winning streak, but they were most recently tripped up by the Golden State Warriors, 102-100, on Monday night. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 30 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, two steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon provided 23 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Caris LeVert managed 19 points, five assists, two boards and one steal.
The Pacers will list Justin Holiday (conditioning) as questionable for Wednesday's game, while T.J. McConnell (wrist) will remain out.
The Bucks (18-11) rolled into a Monday night date with the Celtics having won 12 of their previous 14 games, but a 117-103 loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday night hurt them in more than the loss column. Khris Middleton suffered a hyperextended knee that has him listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered COVID-19 protocols Tuesday and will miss Wednesday's game. Against Boston, Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday co-led the Bucks with matching 20-point tallies while recording eight rebounds and eight assists, respectively. Pat Connaughton supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bobby Portis compiled 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block.
In addition to Antetokounmpo's confirmed absence and Middleton's possible one, the Bucks will list DeMarcus Cousins (personal), Semi Ojeleye (calf) and Brook Lopez (back) for Wednesday's game. Wesley Matthews (COVID-19 protocols) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 119-109 and 118-100 wins on Oct. 25 and Nov. 28, respectively.
The Pacers (12-17) had recently appeared to be picking up some momentum with a three-game winning streak, but they were most recently tripped up by the Golden State Warriors, 102-100, on Monday night. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 30 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, two steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon provided 23 points, eight assists, six rebounds and two steals. Caris LeVert managed 19 points, five assists, two boards and one steal.
The Pacers will list Justin Holiday (conditioning) as questionable for Wednesday's game, while T.J. McConnell (wrist) will remain out.
The Bucks (18-11) rolled into a Monday night date with the Celtics having won 12 of their previous 14 games, but a 117-103 loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday night hurt them in more than the loss column. Khris Middleton suffered a hyperextended knee that has him listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo entered COVID-19 protocols Tuesday and will miss Wednesday's game. Against Boston, Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday co-led the Bucks with matching 20-point tallies while recording eight rebounds and eight assists, respectively. Pat Connaughton supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bobby Portis compiled 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block.
In addition to Antetokounmpo's confirmed absence and Middleton's possible one, the Bucks will list DeMarcus Cousins (personal), Semi Ojeleye (calf) and Brook Lopez (back) for Wednesday's game. Wesley Matthews (COVID-19 protocols) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 119-109 and 118-100 wins on Oct. 25 and Nov. 28, respectively.
Thunder Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder (8-18), where they have gone, 0-2, so far. They will look to end their two game slide and get back on track at home by improving on their their, 4-9, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Luguentz Dort (ankle) is the Thunder's next-leading scorer, with 17.0 points per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday. Josh Giddey continues to play well, averaging 10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Darius Bazley is averaging 8.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The Thunder are averaging a league-low 98.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 108.2 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Pelicans (8-21), as they look to bounce back from a loss in San Antonio and improve on their, 4-12, road record. Brandon Ingram continues to play well and leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Jonas Valanciunas is also playing at a high level, as he is averaging 18.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte' Graham are averaging 13 points each, while Josh Hart averages 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The Pelicans are averaging 103.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.9 points against.
This marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Thunder (8-18), where they have gone, 0-2, so far. They will look to end their two game slide and get back on track at home by improving on their their, 4-9, home record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team, averaging 21.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Luguentz Dort (ankle) is the Thunder's next-leading scorer, with 17.0 points per game, but he is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday. Josh Giddey continues to play well, averaging 10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Darius Bazley is averaging 8.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. The Thunder are averaging a league-low 98.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 108.2 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game road trip for the Pelicans (8-21), as they look to bounce back from a loss in San Antonio and improve on their, 4-12, road record. Brandon Ingram continues to play well and leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Jonas Valanciunas is also playing at a high level, as he is averaging 18.7 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Devonte' Graham are averaging 13 points each, while Josh Hart averages 11.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. The Pelicans are averaging 103.7 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.9 points against.
Hornets and Spurs Poised for Interconference Battle
The Charlotte Hornets take on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (15-14) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of a modest skid, as they've dropped three of their past four games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Dallas Mavericks by a 120-96 score. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre co-led the Hornets with 20 points while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Gordon Hayward furnished 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. James Bouknight delivered 13 points and six boards. P.J. Washington registered 11 points and four boards.
The Hornets will continue without LaMelo Ball (COVID-19 protocols) and Ish Smith (COVID-19 protocols) for Wednesday's game. Mason Plumlee (ribs) will be listed as questionable.
The Spurs (10-16) have mostly been trending in the right direction of late, as they've prevailed in six of the last nine contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New Orleans Pelicans, which they bested by a 112-97 score Sunday night. Jakob Poeltl and Derrick White co-led the Spurs with 24 points while adding 12 and eight rebounds, respectively. White also dished out nine assists. Keldon Johnson compiled 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Doug McDermott provided 13 point and four boards. Lonnie Walker poured in 11 points, while Dejounte Murray generated a 10-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
The Spurs will check into Wednesday's contest without any short-term injuries to report.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the two-game 2020-21 season series.
The Hornets (15-14) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of a modest skid, as they've dropped three of their past four games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Dallas Mavericks by a 120-96 score. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre co-led the Hornets with 20 points while recording four rebounds and four assists, respectively. Gordon Hayward furnished 17 points, six rebounds and six assists. James Bouknight delivered 13 points and six boards. P.J. Washington registered 11 points and four boards.
The Hornets will continue without LaMelo Ball (COVID-19 protocols) and Ish Smith (COVID-19 protocols) for Wednesday's game. Mason Plumlee (ribs) will be listed as questionable.
The Spurs (10-16) have mostly been trending in the right direction of late, as they've prevailed in six of the last nine contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New Orleans Pelicans, which they bested by a 112-97 score Sunday night. Jakob Poeltl and Derrick White co-led the Spurs with 24 points while adding 12 and eight rebounds, respectively. White also dished out nine assists. Keldon Johnson compiled 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Doug McDermott provided 13 point and four boards. Lonnie Walker poured in 11 points, while Dejounte Murray generated a 10-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included three steals.
The Spurs will check into Wednesday's contest without any short-term injuries to report.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two squads split the two-game 2020-21 season series.
Nuggets Look To Build On Two-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Nuggets (14-13), which they began with a win over the Wizards on Monday. The Nuggets have won their last two games and will look to use the momentum to help build on their, 8-4, home record. Will Barton (illness) and Austin Rivers (COVID-19) both missed the Nuggets' last contest and remain questionable for action on Wednesday. On the plus side, Nikola Jokic continues to play great, including an impressive outing in the Nuggets' most recent contest, where he logged 28 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, before getting ejected from the game in the fourth quarter. Jokic leads the Nuggets, averaging 26.5 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. The Nuggets are averaging 105.8 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 105.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Timberwolves (12-15), after they are coming off a win in Portland on Sunday. They will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 5-6, road record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the way for his team, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Anthony Edwards continues to play well, averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.4 points against.
This marks the second game of a two-game home stand for the Nuggets (14-13), which they began with a win over the Wizards on Monday. The Nuggets have won their last two games and will look to use the momentum to help build on their, 8-4, home record. Will Barton (illness) and Austin Rivers (COVID-19) both missed the Nuggets' last contest and remain questionable for action on Wednesday. On the plus side, Nikola Jokic continues to play great, including an impressive outing in the Nuggets' most recent contest, where he logged 28 points, 19 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, before getting ejected from the game in the fourth quarter. Jokic leads the Nuggets, averaging 26.5 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Aaron Gordon is averaging 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Monte Morris is averaging 12.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. The Nuggets are averaging 105.8 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 105.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Timberwolves (12-15), after they are coming off a win in Portland on Sunday. They will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 5-6, road record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the way for his team, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Anthony Edwards continues to play well, averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 19.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.4 points against.
Grizzlies and Trail Blazers Tangle in Portland
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (17-11) have found surprising success since star guard Ja Morant went down with a knee sprain Nov. 26, winning eight of their last nine games, including three straight. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they defeated a Joel Embiid-less 76ers team by a 126-91 score. Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jaren Jackson supplied 22 points, four boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Anthony Melton registered 15 points and four assists, while Tyus Jones netted 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies are projected to continue without Morant, Brandon Clarke (knee) and Ziaire Williams (ankle) on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (11-17) check in going through their worst stretch of play this season, as they've dropped six straight games and nine of their last 10 overall. Their most recent stumble just came Tuesday night, as they fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime, 111-107. Damian Lillard paced the Trail Blazers with 31 points, complementing them with 10 assists, two rebounds and one block. Norman Powell furnished 23 points, six boards and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Larry Nance netted nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers will be without C.J. McCollum (chest) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-96 win Oct. 27.
The Grizzlies (17-11) have found surprising success since star guard Ja Morant went down with a knee sprain Nov. 26, winning eight of their last nine games, including three straight. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they defeated a Joel Embiid-less 76ers team by a 126-91 score. Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 23 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jaren Jackson supplied 22 points, four boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. De'Anthony Melton registered 15 points and four assists, while Tyus Jones netted 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies are projected to continue without Morant, Brandon Clarke (knee) and Ziaire Williams (ankle) on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (11-17) check in going through their worst stretch of play this season, as they've dropped six straight games and nine of their last 10 overall. Their most recent stumble just came Tuesday night, as they fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime, 111-107. Damian Lillard paced the Trail Blazers with 31 points, complementing them with 10 assists, two rebounds and one block. Norman Powell furnished 23 points, six boards and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and one steal. Larry Nance netted nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Trail Blazers will be without C.J. McCollum (chest) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 116-96 win Oct. 27.
Kings Host Wizards on Wednesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
The Wizards (15-13) have really struggled recently, losing five of their last six and 10 of their last 15 games in total. That has undone one of the most impressive starts in the NBA, but a record above .500 is remarkable nonetheless. This team was expected to battle for ping pong balls this year, but it looks like they have a great chance to reach the postseason. Management has to be the ones credited, grabbing a bunch of cast-offs and pairing them together. Guys like Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Daniel Gafford were never given chances for their former teams, and all four guys have come in here and played a significant impact for this surprise club.
The Kings (11-17) come into this matchup amid a three-game losing streak, getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in their two most recent outings. That countered a three-game winning streak after the firing of Luke Walton, and it looks like this is the same old Kings. The guy they're really missing in this current streak is Richaun Holmes, with the big man suffering an eye injury three games ago. He's developed into one of the best centers in the NBA, and it's hard for this team to cope without him. It's also discouraging to see De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton take a step back this season because those two young guards were supposed to carry this team.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the road team winning both outings. With that said, the Kings have won three of their previous four games in this series.
The Wizards (15-13) have really struggled recently, losing five of their last six and 10 of their last 15 games in total. That has undone one of the most impressive starts in the NBA, but a record above .500 is remarkable nonetheless. This team was expected to battle for ping pong balls this year, but it looks like they have a great chance to reach the postseason. Management has to be the ones credited, grabbing a bunch of cast-offs and pairing them together. Guys like Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Daniel Gafford were never given chances for their former teams, and all four guys have come in here and played a significant impact for this surprise club.
The Kings (11-17) come into this matchup amid a three-game losing streak, getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors in their two most recent outings. That countered a three-game winning streak after the firing of Luke Walton, and it looks like this is the same old Kings. The guy they're really missing in this current streak is Richaun Holmes, with the big man suffering an eye injury three games ago. He's developed into one of the best centers in the NBA, and it's hard for this team to cope without him. It's also discouraging to see De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton take a step back this season because those two young guards were supposed to carry this team.
These teams split their two-game season series last year, with the road team winning both outings. With that said, the Kings have won three of their previous four games in this series.
Jazz Host Clippers on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Clippers (16-12) pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Monday, beating a Phoenix Suns team with the best record in the NBA. What made it even more remarkable is that they did it without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi isn't expected back anytime soon, but George could return any day. This club has been outstanding without him recently, winning four straight outings. That's a genuinely shocking stretch because it's left guys like Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard as their go-to players. Those two are plenty capable of being great role players but seeing them take over in this stretch is an encouraging sign for the future. The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Jazz (19-7) got off to a slow start this season but enter this matchup amid a seven-game winning streak. It's no flukey streak either, beating their opponents by at least 22 points in five of those. That's the dominant team we saw in the 2020-21 season, with Utah leading the NBA in wins last year. Like every other season, Donovan Mitchell runs the offense while Rudy Gobert dominates the paint. The big Frenchman is arguably the most paramount player in the NBA, and it's no surprise when you see that he leads the league with nearly 15 rebounds per game this year. They've been doing all of this damage with Bojan Bogdanovic and Mike Conley both struggling a bit, and it'd be scary to see how good they'd look if both of those guys start rolling, as we've seen in the past.
These teams played three times last season, with Utah winning the season series, 2-1. That gives the Jazz nine wins in their previous 12 meetings with the Clippers in total.
The Clippers (16-12) pulled off one of their most impressive wins of the season on Monday, beating a Phoenix Suns team with the best record in the NBA. What made it even more remarkable is that they did it without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi isn't expected back anytime soon, but George could return any day. This club has been outstanding without him recently, winning four straight outings. That's a genuinely shocking stretch because it's left guys like Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard as their go-to players. Those two are plenty capable of being great role players but seeing them take over in this stretch is an encouraging sign for the future. The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Jazz (19-7) got off to a slow start this season but enter this matchup amid a seven-game winning streak. It's no flukey streak either, beating their opponents by at least 22 points in five of those. That's the dominant team we saw in the 2020-21 season, with Utah leading the NBA in wins last year. Like every other season, Donovan Mitchell runs the offense while Rudy Gobert dominates the paint. The big Frenchman is arguably the most paramount player in the NBA, and it's no surprise when you see that he leads the league with nearly 15 rebounds per game this year. They've been doing all of this damage with Bojan Bogdanovic and Mike Conley both struggling a bit, and it'd be scary to see how good they'd look if both of those guys start rolling, as we've seen in the past.
These teams played three times last season, with Utah winning the season series, 2-1. That gives the Jazz nine wins in their previous 12 meetings with the Clippers in total.