Magic Host Wizards on Friday
The Washington Wizards travel to Florida to play the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Friday.
The Wizards (20-27) won seven of their previous 10 games before a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, as that's far from a discouraging sign. That's a Warriors team that many teams can't match-up with at this point and fans are hopeful it won't hurt this successful stretch from their team. What's changed the Wizards is the fact that their playing team-ball, as the absence of John Wall has allowed numerous players to thrive. Players like Bradley Beal and Thomas Satoransky are having breakout seasons while Trevor Ariza and Otto Porter are holding down the wings. Getting Markieff Morris and Dwight Howard back after the all-star break would be a huge boost as well, as this frontcourt could definitely help this club as well. Where they really need to work more is on the defensive end, with Washington sitting 29th in points allowed while allowing 126 points on Thursday night.
The Magic (20-28) come into this matchup losing four of five and nine of their last 12 games in total. Where they've really been hurting is on the offensive end of the floor, with Orlando sitting 27th in points scored. What makes that really discouraging is the fact that Nikola Vucevic has had a breakout season, as he's averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds per game. What this team has been missing is a playmaking point guard. D.J. Augustin has been a solid veteran filling-in that role but this is a team that needs a playmaker at that position. Someone like Elfrid Payton or Victor Oladipo would be a nice fit but Orlando management didn't see it that way. Players like Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon solidify the wings but a game-changer in the backcourt could really alter the future of this team. That's why many people are going to watch the Magic closely at the trade deadline, as they could change a lot of things with a big move.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team prevailing in each outing. Prior to that, Washington dominated Orlando over recent years, winning 17 of their previous 19 matchups against them.
The Wizards (20-27) won seven of their previous 10 games before a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, as that's far from a discouraging sign. That's a Warriors team that many teams can't match-up with at this point and fans are hopeful it won't hurt this successful stretch from their team. What's changed the Wizards is the fact that their playing team-ball, as the absence of John Wall has allowed numerous players to thrive. Players like Bradley Beal and Thomas Satoransky are having breakout seasons while Trevor Ariza and Otto Porter are holding down the wings. Getting Markieff Morris and Dwight Howard back after the all-star break would be a huge boost as well, as this frontcourt could definitely help this club as well. Where they really need to work more is on the defensive end, with Washington sitting 29th in points allowed while allowing 126 points on Thursday night.
The Magic (20-28) come into this matchup losing four of five and nine of their last 12 games in total. Where they've really been hurting is on the offensive end of the floor, with Orlando sitting 27th in points scored. What makes that really discouraging is the fact that Nikola Vucevic has had a breakout season, as he's averaging 21 points and 12 rebounds per game. What this team has been missing is a playmaking point guard. D.J. Augustin has been a solid veteran filling-in that role but this is a team that needs a playmaker at that position. Someone like Elfrid Payton or Victor Oladipo would be a nice fit but Orlando management didn't see it that way. Players like Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon solidify the wings but a game-changer in the backcourt could really alter the future of this team. That's why many people are going to watch the Magic closely at the trade deadline, as they could change a lot of things with a big move.
These teams have played twice this season, with the home team prevailing in each outing. Prior to that, Washington dominated Orlando over recent years, winning 17 of their previous 19 matchups against them.
Heat Visit Struggling Cavs in Cleveland
By Oscar Heanue
The Miami Heat will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday evening.
Miami (22-24) has run into some struggles of late, going 1-4 in its last five games. The Heat's hallmark all season has been its elite defense, which is giving up just 106.0 points per game. Recently, however, the team has not been as sharp defensively, allowing 111 points per game in its four recent losses. Still, Miami currently sits in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, as the team is in eighth place in the conference standings. A balanced approach has helped the team stay competitive this season, as six different Heat players are averaging double-digit scoring.
Goran Dragic will be out of the lineup on Friday after receiving surgery on his injured right knee.
Cleveland (9-40) has gone just 1-17 in its last 18 games. The cold stretch has sunk the Cavaliers to last place in the Eastern Conference. Both sides of the ball have been a challenge for the Cavaliers, who own the league's worst defensive rating (118.7) as well as a bottom-ten offensive rating (106.9). With Kevin Love (toe) remaining sidelined, the Cavaliers' leading scorer has been Jordan Clarkson with just 16.7 points per game. Cleveland also struggles to move the ball, ranking third-to-last in the league in assists per game.
The Cavaliers have a long injury report, with Kevin Love (toe), John Henson (wrist), and Larry Nance (knee) all out for the game. David Nwaba (ankle) and Tristan Thompson (ankle) are both day-to-day.
Miami (22-24) has run into some struggles of late, going 1-4 in its last five games. The Heat's hallmark all season has been its elite defense, which is giving up just 106.0 points per game. Recently, however, the team has not been as sharp defensively, allowing 111 points per game in its four recent losses. Still, Miami currently sits in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, as the team is in eighth place in the conference standings. A balanced approach has helped the team stay competitive this season, as six different Heat players are averaging double-digit scoring.
Goran Dragic will be out of the lineup on Friday after receiving surgery on his injured right knee.
Cleveland (9-40) has gone just 1-17 in its last 18 games. The cold stretch has sunk the Cavaliers to last place in the Eastern Conference. Both sides of the ball have been a challenge for the Cavaliers, who own the league's worst defensive rating (118.7) as well as a bottom-ten offensive rating (106.9). With Kevin Love (toe) remaining sidelined, the Cavaliers' leading scorer has been Jordan Clarkson with just 16.7 points per game. Cleveland also struggles to move the ball, ranking third-to-last in the league in assists per game.
The Cavaliers have a long injury report, with Kevin Love (toe), John Henson (wrist), and Larry Nance (knee) all out for the game. David Nwaba (ankle) and Tristan Thompson (ankle) are both day-to-day.
Nets Host Knicks in New York Showdown
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the New York Knicks at Barclay's Center on Friday.
The Knicks (10-36) come into this matchup losing seven-straight and 20 of their last 22 games in total. What makes that even more distressing is all the drama surrounding this team. The Enes Kanter saga is becoming more and more worrisome and it's a wonder what they're doing with their big man. Kanter is arguably the most talented player on this team but received a DNP in the team's most recent loss, despite the team being without Luke Kornet. That simply makes no sense and it says a lot about the divide between he and the coaching staff. It's tough to say who's right and who's wrong but a 10-win team sitting a double-double machine is a questionable decision nonetheless. It has overshadowed solid play from players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Noah Vonleh and Allonzo Trier though, as those three have all had breakout seasons in what's been another dark year for Knicks fans. That's led to trade rumors swirling around this team, as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee are the names being tossed around.
The Nets (26-23) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they come into this matchup winning five-straight and 18 of their last 23 games in total. That's the best stretch this franchise has had in a decade and it's a testament to the growth of these young players. D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie have been huge for this club but they received some devastating news on Thursday. In fact, Dinwiddie was diagnosed with torn ligaments in his thumb, as he might be out for a month. Dinwiddie has been one of the best bench players in the NBA this season and it's a wonder how they'll deal with this injury with Caris LeVert (ankle) sidelined as well. That means they'll need even more from Russell, who has been playing at an all-star level for over a month now.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Brooklyn prevailing in two of three. With that said, New York swept the four-game season series last year.
The Knicks (10-36) come into this matchup losing seven-straight and 20 of their last 22 games in total. What makes that even more distressing is all the drama surrounding this team. The Enes Kanter saga is becoming more and more worrisome and it's a wonder what they're doing with their big man. Kanter is arguably the most talented player on this team but received a DNP in the team's most recent loss, despite the team being without Luke Kornet. That simply makes no sense and it says a lot about the divide between he and the coaching staff. It's tough to say who's right and who's wrong but a 10-win team sitting a double-double machine is a questionable decision nonetheless. It has overshadowed solid play from players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Noah Vonleh and Allonzo Trier though, as those three have all had breakout seasons in what's been another dark year for Knicks fans. That's led to trade rumors swirling around this team, as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee are the names being tossed around.
The Nets (26-23) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they come into this matchup winning five-straight and 18 of their last 23 games in total. That's the best stretch this franchise has had in a decade and it's a testament to the growth of these young players. D'Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie have been huge for this club but they received some devastating news on Thursday. In fact, Dinwiddie was diagnosed with torn ligaments in his thumb, as he might be out for a month. Dinwiddie has been one of the best bench players in the NBA this season and it's a wonder how they'll deal with this injury with Caris LeVert (ankle) sidelined as well. That means they'll need even more from Russell, who has been playing at an all-star level for over a month now.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams this season, with Brooklyn prevailing in two of three. With that said, New York swept the four-game season series last year.
Clippers, Bulls Spar in Chicago
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Clippers will visit the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Friday evening.
The Clippers (26-22) are looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time in two weeks. After a hot start to the season, LA ran into some trouble recently, dropping five straight before winning two of its last three. Most recently, the Clippers earned a 111-99 win over Miami. Star forward Tobias Harris led the team with 31 points, which he paired with seven rebounds and six assists. It was an overall strong night for LA, who shot 53 percent from the field in the win. The Clippers still own one of the league's top offenses, ranking sixth in the NBA in team scoring.
Despite their recent win, the Clippers have multiple significant injuries. Star forward Danilo Gallinari (back) is day-to-day after missing Wednesday's tilt, while Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) is also a game-time decision.
Chicago (11-37), meanwhile, has been one of the league's worst teams of late. The Bulls are 1-11 in their last 12 contests, and continue to struggle offensively. The Bulls rank 29th league-wide in points per game and last in offensive rating (102.2). This is despite a career year from Zach LaVine, who is averaging 22.9 points per game. Recently-returned sophomore forward Lauri Markkanen has also impressed, scoring 17.1 points per game.
Rookie big man Wendell Carter (thumb) is out for Friday's tilt.
The Clippers (26-22) are looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time in two weeks. After a hot start to the season, LA ran into some trouble recently, dropping five straight before winning two of its last three. Most recently, the Clippers earned a 111-99 win over Miami. Star forward Tobias Harris led the team with 31 points, which he paired with seven rebounds and six assists. It was an overall strong night for LA, who shot 53 percent from the field in the win. The Clippers still own one of the league's top offenses, ranking sixth in the NBA in team scoring.
Despite their recent win, the Clippers have multiple significant injuries. Star forward Danilo Gallinari (back) is day-to-day after missing Wednesday's tilt, while Luc Mbah a Moute (knee) is also a game-time decision.
Chicago (11-37), meanwhile, has been one of the league's worst teams of late. The Bulls are 1-11 in their last 12 contests, and continue to struggle offensively. The Bulls rank 29th league-wide in points per game and last in offensive rating (102.2). This is despite a career year from Zach LaVine, who is averaging 22.9 points per game. Recently-returned sophomore forward Lauri Markkanen has also impressed, scoring 17.1 points per game.
Rookie big man Wendell Carter (thumb) is out for Friday's tilt.
Raptors and Rockets Tangle in Interconference Battle
The Toronto Raptors take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Raptors (36-14) are a legitimate Eastern Conference powerhouse, a notion bolstered by the fact they've won eight of their last 10 games. However, one of those losses came their last time on the court, when they dropped a 110-106 decision to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Serge Ibaka led the way for Toronto with 23 points and 11 rebounds. He added three assists and three blocks. Kyle Lowry supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Pascal Siakam followed with 16 points, nine boards and four assists. Fred VanVleet turned in 14 points, three assists and two rebounds. Norman Powell and Danny Green contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Raptors will continue to be without Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) on Friday.
The Rockets (27-20) have been a study in inconsistency recently, as they'll come into Friday's game with a 5-5 record over their last 10 contests. Houston was successful in its most recent game, dropping the New York Knicks by a 114-110 margin on Wednesday night. James Harden led the way with his latest spectacular performance, totaling a career-high 61 points and adding 15 rebounds, four assists and five steals. Eric Gordon supplied 20 points, four boards and two steals. Kenneth Faried turned in 11 points, eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks.
The Rockets will list Chris Paul (hamstring) as questionable for Friday's game, although the expectation is he'll likely sit out at least one more game. Brandon Knight (knee) and Nene Hilario (undisclosed) are likely to carry questionable designations. Clint Capela (thumb) remains out.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the two-game series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Raptors (36-14) are a legitimate Eastern Conference powerhouse, a notion bolstered by the fact they've won eight of their last 10 games. However, one of those losses came their last time on the court, when they dropped a 110-106 decision to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Serge Ibaka led the way for Toronto with 23 points and 11 rebounds. He added three assists and three blocks. Kyle Lowry supplied 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Pascal Siakam followed with 16 points, nine boards and four assists. Fred VanVleet turned in 14 points, three assists and two rebounds. Norman Powell and Danny Green contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Raptors will continue to be without Jonas Valanciunas (thumb) on Friday.
The Rockets (27-20) have been a study in inconsistency recently, as they'll come into Friday's game with a 5-5 record over their last 10 contests. Houston was successful in its most recent game, dropping the New York Knicks by a 114-110 margin on Wednesday night. James Harden led the way with his latest spectacular performance, totaling a career-high 61 points and adding 15 rebounds, four assists and five steals. Eric Gordon supplied 20 points, four boards and two steals. Kenneth Faried turned in 11 points, eight rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks.
The Rockets will list Chris Paul (hamstring) as questionable for Friday's game, although the expectation is he'll likely sit out at least one more game. Brandon Knight (knee) and Nene Hilario (undisclosed) are likely to carry questionable designations. Clint Capela (thumb) remains out.
Friday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors swept the two-game series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Kings Face Grizzlies In Friday Night Battle
The Sacramento Kings take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Kings (24-24) have been one of the NBA's more improved teams this season, but they'll check into Friday's game having dropped three of their last four games. Sacramento's most recent stumble came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, which upended them by a 120-105 score Tuesday night. Marvin Bagley III drew the start for Nemanja Bjelica (back) and led the way with 22 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic totaled 16 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Buddy Hield managed 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Harry Giles generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Yogi Ferrell, Willie Cauley-Stein and Ben McLemore all contributed 10 points apiece. Ferrell and Cauley-Stein notably pulled down seven and six boards, respectively.
The Kings are likely to list Iman Shumpert as probable for Friday's game after he was held out for rest Tuesday. Skal Labissiere (personal) will likely carry a questionable designation.
The Grizzlies (19-29) come into Friday's game in the midst of an extensive stretch of futility, as they've dropped seven straight and 13 of their last 14 overall. Their most recent stumble in a long line of disappointments came at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, which toppled them by a 118-107 score Wednesday night. Mike Conley paced the Grizzlies with 31 points. Marc Gasol followed with a 22-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included three steals. Jaren Jackson, Jr. contributed 15 points. JaMychal Green managed 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Justin Holiday delivered 10 points and six boards.
The Grizzlies will list Garrett Temple (heel) as probable for Friday's game. Kyle Anderson (ankle) and Chandler Parsons (team decision) remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 97-92 and 102-99 wins on Oct. 24 and Dec. 21. The Grizzlies notched a 112-104 victory Nov. 16.
The Kings (24-24) have been one of the NBA's more improved teams this season, but they'll check into Friday's game having dropped three of their last four games. Sacramento's most recent stumble came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, which upended them by a 120-105 score Tuesday night. Marvin Bagley III drew the start for Nemanja Bjelica (back) and led the way with 22 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic totaled 16 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Buddy Hield managed 15 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Harry Giles generated 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Yogi Ferrell, Willie Cauley-Stein and Ben McLemore all contributed 10 points apiece. Ferrell and Cauley-Stein notably pulled down seven and six boards, respectively.
The Kings are likely to list Iman Shumpert as probable for Friday's game after he was held out for rest Tuesday. Skal Labissiere (personal) will likely carry a questionable designation.
The Grizzlies (19-29) come into Friday's game in the midst of an extensive stretch of futility, as they've dropped seven straight and 13 of their last 14 overall. Their most recent stumble in a long line of disappointments came at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, which toppled them by a 118-107 score Wednesday night. Mike Conley paced the Grizzlies with 31 points. Marc Gasol followed with a 22-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that also included three steals. Jaren Jackson, Jr. contributed 15 points. JaMychal Green managed 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Justin Holiday delivered 10 points and six boards.
The Grizzlies will list Garrett Temple (heel) as probable for Friday's game. Kyle Anderson (ankle) and Chandler Parsons (team decision) remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 97-92 and 102-99 wins on Oct. 24 and Dec. 21. The Grizzlies notched a 112-104 victory Nov. 16.
Pistons Looking To Build Off Recent Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Detroit Pistons, at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Pistons (21-26), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a loss in Washington, followed by a win in New Orleans in their most recent contest. They are 8-15 on the road this season, and sit ninth place in the East, 1.5 games behind the eighth spot. Andre Drummond (concussion) has missed the last four contests, and remains questionable for action on Friday. Blake Griffin continues to play at a high level, leading the Pistons with an average of 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Reggie Jackson is averaging modest numbers, with 14.1 points, 4.1 assists and 2.8 steals per game. The Pistons are averaging 108.6 points per game, which is the sixth lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Mavs (21-26), which they kicked off with a win over the Clippers on Tuesday. The Mavs are 11-12 at home this season, and sit 13th place in the West, 4.5 games out of eighth place. They have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including four straight, before their most recent win. Luka Doncic leads the Mavs, with impressive numbers for a rookie, of 19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan is averaging 11.1 points, 14.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while Harrison Barnes is averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Pistons (21-26), where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a loss in Washington, followed by a win in New Orleans in their most recent contest. They are 8-15 on the road this season, and sit ninth place in the East, 1.5 games behind the eighth spot. Andre Drummond (concussion) has missed the last four contests, and remains questionable for action on Friday. Blake Griffin continues to play at a high level, leading the Pistons with an average of 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Reggie Jackson is averaging modest numbers, with 14.1 points, 4.1 assists and 2.8 steals per game. The Pistons are averaging 108.6 points per game, which is the sixth lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Mavs (21-26), which they kicked off with a win over the Clippers on Tuesday. The Mavs are 11-12 at home this season, and sit 13th place in the West, 4.5 games out of eighth place. They have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including four straight, before their most recent win. Luka Doncic leads the Mavs, with impressive numbers for a rookie, of 19.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan is averaging 11.1 points, 14.0 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while Harrison Barnes is averaging 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
East-leading Bucks Host Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks will play host to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday at Fiserv Forum.
The Bucks (34-12) are continuing to roll, having won five games in a row and seven of their last eight. And they aren't just defeating teams, they are dominating them, with each of their last five wins coming by at least 10 points. Now, entering Friday's contest, the home team will be well rested, as they haven't played since Monday — a 116-106 home victory over the Mavericks. Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show for All-Star voters that game, posting 31 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes, and the MVP candidate has now been named a captain for the All-Star game after being the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets (23-24), however, have been one of the few teams in the NBA that has been able to consistently present a challenge to the East-leading Bucks this season. Charlotte lost by just one point to Milwaukee in the season-opener for both teams, and then defeated the Bucks 110-107 in their second meeting of the season. Both of those games, however, came on the Hornets' home floor, so a visit to Milwaukee will be a whole new test for them. Despite being under .500, the Hornets are still holding on tight to a playoff spot. As of Friday, Charlotte is the No. 7 seed in the East, sitting a game ahead of No. 8 Miami and two games ahead of the ninth-seeded Pistons.
The Bucks (34-12) are continuing to roll, having won five games in a row and seven of their last eight. And they aren't just defeating teams, they are dominating them, with each of their last five wins coming by at least 10 points. Now, entering Friday's contest, the home team will be well rested, as they haven't played since Monday — a 116-106 home victory over the Mavericks. Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show for All-Star voters that game, posting 31 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes, and the MVP candidate has now been named a captain for the All-Star game after being the top vote-getter in the Eastern Conference.
The Hornets (23-24), however, have been one of the few teams in the NBA that has been able to consistently present a challenge to the East-leading Bucks this season. Charlotte lost by just one point to Milwaukee in the season-opener for both teams, and then defeated the Bucks 110-107 in their second meeting of the season. Both of those games, however, came on the Hornets' home floor, so a visit to Milwaukee will be a whole new test for them. Despite being under .500, the Hornets are still holding on tight to a playoff spot. As of Friday, Charlotte is the No. 7 seed in the East, sitting a game ahead of No. 8 Miami and two games ahead of the ninth-seeded Pistons.
Suns, Nuggets Clash In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns, at Pepsi Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Suns (11-39), who are coming off a home loss against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Suns have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Suns, who are 4-20 on the road this season. Deandre Ayton (ankle) missed the Suns' last contest and remains questionable for action on Friday. Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points on Thursday, and leads the team with an average of 24.2 points, 6.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. Kelly Oubre Jr. has played well since joining the Suns, and is averaging 16.9 points on 48 percent shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks over his last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (31-15) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two at home, where they are 20-4 this season. They sit second place in the West, 2.0 games out of first place. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, exemplified by an impressive outing in his last contest, where he tallied 28 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. Jokic is averaging 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. After returning from injury about a month ago, Gary Harris is coming back into form, averaging 13.0 points on 47 percent shooting, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists over his last 10 games. Jamal Murray was quiet, with only nine points in the Nuggets' last contest, but is averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Suns (11-39), who are coming off a home loss against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Suns have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Suns, who are 4-20 on the road this season. Deandre Ayton (ankle) missed the Suns' last contest and remains questionable for action on Friday. Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points on Thursday, and leads the team with an average of 24.2 points, 6.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. Kelly Oubre Jr. has played well since joining the Suns, and is averaging 16.9 points on 48 percent shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks over his last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets (31-15) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two at home, where they are 20-4 this season. They sit second place in the West, 2.0 games out of first place. Nikola Jokic continues to dominate, exemplified by an impressive outing in his last contest, where he tallied 28 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. Jokic is averaging 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. After returning from injury about a month ago, Gary Harris is coming back into form, averaging 13.0 points on 47 percent shooting, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists over his last 10 games. Jamal Murray was quiet, with only nine points in the Nuggets' last contest, but is averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.
Surging Jazz Host Timberwolves
The Utah Jazz will play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Jazz (27-22) are coming off arguably their biggest win of the season so far, as they welcomed the Nuggets to town on Wednesday and took home a six-point victory in a game that they had full control of for almost the entire 48 minutes. With that victory, Utah has won seven of their last eight games and continue to climb the Western Conference standings. What's helped the Jazz most during this streak has been their lack of travel, as they have played seven of those eight games during that stretch on their home floor. Most importantly for Utah, however, is that the team finally has Ricky Rubio back as its starting point guard. Wednesday night was the first time he was in the starting lineup since missing six games with a hamstring injury, and he finished with 17 points and six assists over 24 minutes.
As for the Timberwolves (24-24), they are also looking to continue a recent surge, as they've one three games in a row entering Friday's game. Two of those wins, however, came against the lowly Phoenix Suns. Now, the odds are surely stacked against them Friday night in Utah, as Minnesota does not find itself in a favorable situation schedule-wise. Not only is it their third game in four nights, but it is their fifth game in seven nights, and that combined with the elevation in Utah will certainly make Thursday's outing an uphill climb for the away team. This will be the first game this season that Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves play in high elevation, and it couldn't come at a worse time.
The Jazz (27-22) are coming off arguably their biggest win of the season so far, as they welcomed the Nuggets to town on Wednesday and took home a six-point victory in a game that they had full control of for almost the entire 48 minutes. With that victory, Utah has won seven of their last eight games and continue to climb the Western Conference standings. What's helped the Jazz most during this streak has been their lack of travel, as they have played seven of those eight games during that stretch on their home floor. Most importantly for Utah, however, is that the team finally has Ricky Rubio back as its starting point guard. Wednesday night was the first time he was in the starting lineup since missing six games with a hamstring injury, and he finished with 17 points and six assists over 24 minutes.
As for the Timberwolves (24-24), they are also looking to continue a recent surge, as they've one three games in a row entering Friday's game. Two of those wins, however, came against the lowly Phoenix Suns. Now, the odds are surely stacked against them Friday night in Utah, as Minnesota does not find itself in a favorable situation schedule-wise. Not only is it their third game in four nights, but it is their fifth game in seven nights, and that combined with the elevation in Utah will certainly make Thursday's outing an uphill climb for the away team. This will be the first game this season that Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves play in high elevation, and it couldn't come at a worse time.