Magic Aim To End Losing Skid Against Heat
The Orlando Magic will host the Miami Heat at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Magic (5-24) are coming off a 111-96 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 19 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and one assist. Terrence Ross registered 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. R.J. Hampton managed 15 points and four assists. Franz Wagner totaled 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted nine points, 15 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Orlando enters this game on a six-game losing streak.
The Heat (17-12) are coming off a 101-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Five players scored in double digits for the Heat in that victory and were led by Gabe Vincent, who totaled 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 35 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Dewayne Dedmon totaled 10 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Heat shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-44 from long range. Miami has gone 3-2 in its last five contests and has won three of its last four games.
The Magic (5-24) are coming off a 111-96 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 19 points, supplementing them with six rebounds and one assist. Terrence Ross registered 18 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. R.J. Hampton managed 15 points and four assists. Franz Wagner totaled 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted nine points, 15 rebounds, three assists and one steal. Orlando enters this game on a six-game losing streak.
The Heat (17-12) are coming off a 101-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Five players scored in double digits for the Heat in that victory and were led by Gabe Vincent, who totaled 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 35 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Dewayne Dedmon totaled 10 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Heat shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-44 from long range. Miami has gone 3-2 in its last five contests and has won three of its last four games.
Hawks, Magic Collide In Atlanta
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Denver Nuggets at StateFarm Arena on Friday night.
The Hawks (14-14) are coming off a 111-99 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 28 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists. Lou Williams poured in 14 points, while Cam Reddish supplied 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. That win over Orlando ended a two-game losing streak, but Atlanta’s recent form has been poor with a 2-3 record over its last five contests.
The Nuggets (14-14) are coming off a 124-107 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists on 11-of-16 from the field. Monte Morris amassed 15 points and five assists. Will Barton accrued eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Markus Howard led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two steals. Denver was riding a two-game winning streak before this contest and has gone 3-2 in their last five games.
The Hawks (14-14) are coming off a 111-99 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 28 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two steals. John Collins generated a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists. Lou Williams poured in 14 points, while Cam Reddish supplied 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. That win over Orlando ended a two-game losing streak, but Atlanta’s recent form has been poor with a 2-3 record over its last five contests.
The Nuggets (14-14) are coming off a 124-107 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists on 11-of-16 from the field. Monte Morris amassed 15 points and five assists. Will Barton accrued eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Markus Howard led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two steals. Denver was riding a two-game winning streak before this contest and has gone 3-2 in their last five games.
Warriors and Celtics Set for Interconference Showdown
The Golden State Warriors take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Warriors (23-5) are running roughshod over most any opponent put in front of them thus far, and Golden State enters Friday's contest having won four of the last five games. The Dubs' most recent success came at the expense of the New York Knicks in a contest that marked Stephen Curry passing Ray Allen for the top spot on the career list for most made three-pointers, a 105-96 win Tuesday. Curry led the Warriors with 22 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Poole tallied 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins furnished 18 points, six boards and three assists. Nemanja Bjelica collected 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors check into Friday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The Celtics (14-14) are in markedly worse recent shape than their opponent, as they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped four of their last six games. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those wins, as they toppled the Milwaukee Bucks by a 117-103 score Monday night. Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 42 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown registered 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Grant Williams racked up 17 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Robert Williams and Al Horford generated matching 10-point tallies while adding seven and five rebounds, respectively. Horford also dished out four assists.
The Celtics are projected to be without Jabari Parker (COVID-19 protocols) and Bruno Fernando (back) for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Warriors.
The Warriors (23-5) are running roughshod over most any opponent put in front of them thus far, and Golden State enters Friday's contest having won four of the last five games. The Dubs' most recent success came at the expense of the New York Knicks in a contest that marked Stephen Curry passing Ray Allen for the top spot on the career list for most made three-pointers, a 105-96 win Tuesday. Curry led the Warriors with 22 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Poole tallied 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins furnished 18 points, six boards and three assists. Nemanja Bjelica collected 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors check into Friday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The Celtics (14-14) are in markedly worse recent shape than their opponent, as they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped four of their last six games. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those wins, as they toppled the Milwaukee Bucks by a 117-103 score Monday night. Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 42 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown registered 19 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Grant Williams racked up 17 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Robert Williams and Al Horford generated matching 10-point tallies while adding seven and five rebounds, respectively. Horford also dished out four assists.
The Celtics are projected to be without Jabari Parker (COVID-19 protocols) and Bruno Fernando (back) for Friday's game.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Celtics swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Warriors.
Bucks and Pelicans Face Off in Interconference Clash
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Bucks (19-11) come into Friday's game missing some critical pieces, but also riding a stretch of three wins in four games. Milwaukee's most recent success impressively came without Giannis Antetokounmpo (COVID-19 protocols) and Khris Middleton (knee), as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 114-99 score Wednesday night. Jrue Holiday paced the Bucks with a 26-point, 14-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton generated matching 20-point contributions, with Portis also pulling down nine rebounds. Jordan Nwora furnished 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block.
The Bucks expect to continue without Antetokounmpo and will also be without Portis (COVID-19 protocols), Wesley Matthews (COVID-19 protocols) and Semi Ojeleye (calf) for Friday's game. Middleton will be considered probable.
The Pelicans (9-21) haven't had much to celebrate this season as their record indicates, but they'll enter Friday's game having won two of their last three contest. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 113-110 score on Devonte Graham's 61-footer at the buzzer. Brandon Ingram led the way with 34 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two steals and one block. Graham finished with 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans will come into Friday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the 2020-21 two-game season series.
The Bucks (19-11) come into Friday's game missing some critical pieces, but also riding a stretch of three wins in four games. Milwaukee's most recent success impressively came without Giannis Antetokounmpo (COVID-19 protocols) and Khris Middleton (knee), as they toppled the Indiana Pacers by a 114-99 score Wednesday night. Jrue Holiday paced the Bucks with a 26-point, 14-assist double-double that included four rebounds and one steal. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton generated matching 20-point contributions, with Portis also pulling down nine rebounds. Jordan Nwora furnished 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and one block.
The Bucks expect to continue without Antetokounmpo and will also be without Portis (COVID-19 protocols), Wesley Matthews (COVID-19 protocols) and Semi Ojeleye (calf) for Friday's game. Middleton will be considered probable.
The Pelicans (9-21) haven't had much to celebrate this season as their record indicates, but they'll enter Friday's game having won two of their last three contest. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder by a 113-110 score on Devonte Graham's 61-footer at the buzzer. Brandon Ingram led the way with 34 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two steals and one block. Graham finished with 15 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal. Josh Hart delivered 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans will come into Friday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the 2020-21 two-game season series.
Jazz Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a six-game home stand for the Jazz (20-7), which they began with a win over the Clippers on Wednesday. The Jazz have won eight in a row and will look to continue rolling to add on their, 10-4, home record. Donovan Mitchell leads the team, averaging 24.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Rudy Gobert continues to play well, averaging 15.3 points, 14.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, while Bogdan Bogdanovic is averaging 17.0 points on 47 percent shooting, including 42 percent from the field. Jakob Poeltl is averaging 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. The Jazz are averaging a league-best 115.6 points per game, while shooting an average of 48.2 percent from the field, which is also a league-best.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game road trip for the Spurs (10-17), as they look to bounce back from a home loss in their most recent contest. The Spurs are, 4-8, on the road. Dejounte Murray leads the Spurs, averaging 17.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Derrick White is averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 14.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, per game. The Spurs are averaging 108.8 points, while shooting an average of 46.6 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 109.5 points against. Lonnie Walker (illness) is listed as questionable for action.
This marks the second game of a six-game home stand for the Jazz (20-7), which they began with a win over the Clippers on Wednesday. The Jazz have won eight in a row and will look to continue rolling to add on their, 10-4, home record. Donovan Mitchell leads the team, averaging 24.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Rudy Gobert continues to play well, averaging 15.3 points, 14.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, while Bogdan Bogdanovic is averaging 17.0 points on 47 percent shooting, including 42 percent from the field. Jakob Poeltl is averaging 12.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. The Jazz are averaging a league-best 115.6 points per game, while shooting an average of 48.2 percent from the field, which is also a league-best.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a four-game road trip for the Spurs (10-17), as they look to bounce back from a home loss in their most recent contest. The Spurs are, 4-8, on the road. Dejounte Murray leads the Spurs, averaging 17.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game. Derrick White is averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals, while Keldon Johnson is averaging 14.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, per game. The Spurs are averaging 108.8 points, while shooting an average of 46.6 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 109.5 points against. Lonnie Walker (illness) is listed as questionable for action.
Timberwolves Play Host To Shorthanded Lakers
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center on Friday evening.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Timberwolves (13-15), as they will look to use the momentum of a two-game win streak to help add to their, 7-9, home record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.6 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.3 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Lakers (16-13), which they began with a win in Dallas in their most recent contest, on Wednesday. The Lakers will look to build on their three-game win streak and add to their, 6-6 road record. Avery Bradley (COVID-19), Talen Horton-Tucker (COVID-19), Dwight Howard (COVID-19) and Russell Westbrook (COVID-19), will all be sidelined, which will mean lots of minutes to be filled in by guys like Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Wayne Ellington and Rajon Rondo. LeBron James is averaging 26.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game, and he will need to come up big to help lead the way for his shorthanded squad. Anthony Davis is averaging 23.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. The Lakers are scoring an average of 111.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Timberwolves (13-15), as they will look to use the momentum of a two-game win streak to help add to their, 7-9, home record. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves with 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Anthony Edwards is averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals, while D'Angelo Russell is averaging 18.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.6 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 109.3 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Lakers (16-13), which they began with a win in Dallas in their most recent contest, on Wednesday. The Lakers will look to build on their three-game win streak and add to their, 6-6 road record. Avery Bradley (COVID-19), Talen Horton-Tucker (COVID-19), Dwight Howard (COVID-19) and Russell Westbrook (COVID-19), will all be sidelined, which will mean lots of minutes to be filled in by guys like Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Wayne Ellington and Rajon Rondo. LeBron James is averaging 26.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game, and he will need to come up big to help lead the way for his shorthanded squad. Anthony Davis is averaging 23.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. The Lakers are scoring an average of 111.1 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.2 points per game, which is sixth most in the league.
Trail Blazers Host Hornets on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Moda Center on Friday.
The Hornets (16-14) have been dealing with a COVID breakout for two weeks now, and it's really killed their record. They enter this matchup losing six of their last nine games, but players are finally returning. Terry Rozier returned in the team's most recent loss, and there's some talk that LaMelo Ball will be ready to go here. Those are the critical pieces for this young team, and it's sad that something so unpredictable ruin such a promising start. In any case, the Hornets are still above .500 and have plenty of time to make up this gap. What they do need to improve on is their defense, though, ranked dead-last in points allowed and defensive efficiency.
The Trail Blazers (11-18) had the best home record in the NBA before last week, but five straight home defeats have ruined that impressive mark. They actually have seven consecutive losses in total, and it's becoming clear this is not the same old Blazers team. C.J. McCollum missing time due to a lung issue is a significant reason why but Damian Lillard suffering his worst shooting slump is another reason. The good news is that he just returned from an injury himself, and they'll need tremendous performances from him to get out of this nightmarish lull. The defense also needs to improve, with Portland sitting 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. If that continues, all these trade rumors that have been shot down could be considered over the next two months.
These teams played back on October 31, with Charlotte prevailing, 125-113. That's the second straight win for the Hornets in this series, which followed up seven straight wins by the Trail Blazers prior.
The Hornets (16-14) have been dealing with a COVID breakout for two weeks now, and it's really killed their record. They enter this matchup losing six of their last nine games, but players are finally returning. Terry Rozier returned in the team's most recent loss, and there's some talk that LaMelo Ball will be ready to go here. Those are the critical pieces for this young team, and it's sad that something so unpredictable ruin such a promising start. In any case, the Hornets are still above .500 and have plenty of time to make up this gap. What they do need to improve on is their defense, though, ranked dead-last in points allowed and defensive efficiency.
The Trail Blazers (11-18) had the best home record in the NBA before last week, but five straight home defeats have ruined that impressive mark. They actually have seven consecutive losses in total, and it's becoming clear this is not the same old Blazers team. C.J. McCollum missing time due to a lung issue is a significant reason why but Damian Lillard suffering his worst shooting slump is another reason. The good news is that he just returned from an injury himself, and they'll need tremendous performances from him to get out of this nightmarish lull. The defense also needs to improve, with Portland sitting 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. If that continues, all these trade rumors that have been shot down could be considered over the next two months.
These teams played back on October 31, with Charlotte prevailing, 125-113. That's the second straight win for the Hornets in this series, which followed up seven straight wins by the Trail Blazers prior.
Kings Host Grizzlies on Friday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
The Grizzlies (18-11) might be the hottest team in the NBA, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games. Winning nine games in a 10-game span is impressive enough, but the nature of those victories is even more impressive. They've only trailed for a handful of minutes in those nine games, winning by over 20 points per game. What makes this run even more bizarre is that they're missing Ja Morant (knee). The superstar point guard was averaging nearly 30 points per game before getting injured, and it's scary to think how good they'll look when he's back and fully healthy. No one knows when that will be, but it makes this one of the most dangerous clubs in the NBA.
The Kings (12-17) looked well on their way to another ugly loss on Wednesday, but a 35-16 fourth quarter completed one of their biggest comebacks of the season. They actually trailed by 12 points near the end of that third quarter against the Washington Wizards, and to see them put in such a resilient performance is a really encouraging sign for the future. With that said, they lost three straight before that, which followed up a three-game winning streak. The main issue is the same as always, with Sacramento sitting 26th in total defense this year. That's actually an improvement on last year's numbers, and it's sadly been a longstanding trend for this club for way too long.
These teams played back on November 28, with Memphis dominating, 128-101. That gives the Grizzlies four straight wins in this series, completing a season sweep last year.
The Grizzlies (18-11) might be the hottest team in the NBA, entering this matchup winning nine of their last 10 games. Winning nine games in a 10-game span is impressive enough, but the nature of those victories is even more impressive. They've only trailed for a handful of minutes in those nine games, winning by over 20 points per game. What makes this run even more bizarre is that they're missing Ja Morant (knee). The superstar point guard was averaging nearly 30 points per game before getting injured, and it's scary to think how good they'll look when he's back and fully healthy. No one knows when that will be, but it makes this one of the most dangerous clubs in the NBA.
The Kings (12-17) looked well on their way to another ugly loss on Wednesday, but a 35-16 fourth quarter completed one of their biggest comebacks of the season. They actually trailed by 12 points near the end of that third quarter against the Washington Wizards, and to see them put in such a resilient performance is a really encouraging sign for the future. With that said, they lost three straight before that, which followed up a three-game winning streak. The main issue is the same as always, with Sacramento sitting 26th in total defense this year. That's actually an improvement on last year's numbers, and it's sadly been a longstanding trend for this club for way too long.
These teams played back on November 28, with Memphis dominating, 128-101. That gives the Grizzlies four straight wins in this series, completing a season sweep last year.