Spurs and Pelicans Face Off in New Orleans.
The San Antonio Spurs (27-22) have dropped back-to-back games, their latest a 122-120 heartbreaker at the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. The defeat came despite double-digit production from seven Spurs, including a team-high 26 points and nine rebounds by DeMar ReRozan, who went 12-of-19 from field goal range in the process. Rudy Gay and Patty Mills each posted 17 points, with Gay adding four rebounds and three assists, and Mills draining three triples in a reserve capacity. Fellow sub Marco Belinelli delivered four three-pointers of his own on his way to 16 points, as the Spurs slide to seventh place in the Western Conference, a half game behind the sixth place Utah Jazz. San Antonio returns to Texas on Sunday to begin a four-game home stand, where they're 18-7 on the season.
The New Orleans Pelicans (22-27) have fallen in four of their last five outings, and were topped on the road by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, 122-116. Jrue Holiday buoyed the team with 22 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds to come just shy of a triple-double, shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Elfrid Payton also logged a double-double with 15 points and 12 dimes, going 4-of-4 from the charity stripe, while Darius Miller finished the night with 21 points, seven rebounds and five triples. Despite their recent woes, the Pelicans are fourth in the league in team assists, averaging a collective 26.8 per game. Cheick Diallo came off the bench to put up 16 points for the Pelicans, who have slid to 13th place out of the West.
The New Orleans Pelicans (22-27) have fallen in four of their last five outings, and were topped on the road by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, 122-116. Jrue Holiday buoyed the team with 22 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds to come just shy of a triple-double, shooting 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Elfrid Payton also logged a double-double with 15 points and 12 dimes, going 4-of-4 from the charity stripe, while Darius Miller finished the night with 21 points, seven rebounds and five triples. Despite their recent woes, the Pelicans are fourth in the league in team assists, averaging a collective 26.8 per game. Cheick Diallo came off the bench to put up 16 points for the Pelicans, who have slid to 13th place out of the West.
Grizzlies Face Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Indiana Pacers, at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (19-30), who are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the Kings on Friday evening. Omri Casspi led the Grizzlies with 18 points, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol combined for 27 points in the loss. The Grizzlies are on an ugly slide, having lost nine of their last 10 games, including their last eight in a row. This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the Grizzlies, while they are 11-13 at home this season. They have slipped to 14th place in the West, and sit 8.0 games behind the eighth spot. The Grizzlies are averaging a league-low 100.8 points per game, and are giving up an average of 104.2 points against. Kyle Anderson (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Garrett Temple (shoulder) is questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (32-15) were dealt a huge blow in their last contest, as Victor Oladipo went down with a season-ending leg injury. The Pacers sit third place in the East, and have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. However, without Oladipo going forward, they will have their work cut out for them to just maintain a playoff position. Darren Collison is averaging 9.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, and will need to be one of the primary guys who steps up to maintain the backcourt. Domantas Sabonis will also likely take on a bigger role, as he has been great off the bench already this season, averaging 14.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Pacers are holding opponents to an average of 103.2 points per game, which is lowest in the NBA, and are scoring an average of 109.0 points per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Grizzlies (19-30), who are coming off a heartbreaking home loss against the Kings on Friday evening. Omri Casspi led the Grizzlies with 18 points, while Mike Conley and Marc Gasol combined for 27 points in the loss. The Grizzlies are on an ugly slide, having lost nine of their last 10 games, including their last eight in a row. This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the Grizzlies, while they are 11-13 at home this season. They have slipped to 14th place in the West, and sit 8.0 games behind the eighth spot. The Grizzlies are averaging a league-low 100.8 points per game, and are giving up an average of 104.2 points against. Kyle Anderson (ankle) will remain sidelined, while Garrett Temple (shoulder) is questionable for action.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (32-15) were dealt a huge blow in their last contest, as Victor Oladipo went down with a season-ending leg injury. The Pacers sit third place in the East, and have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. However, without Oladipo going forward, they will have their work cut out for them to just maintain a playoff position. Darren Collison is averaging 9.7 points, 5.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, and will need to be one of the primary guys who steps up to maintain the backcourt. Domantas Sabonis will also likely take on a bigger role, as he has been great off the bench already this season, averaging 14.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The Pacers are holding opponents to an average of 103.2 points per game, which is lowest in the NBA, and are scoring an average of 109.0 points per game.
Celtics Host Warriors in Potential Finals Preview
The Golden State Warriors travel to Beantown to play the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Saturday.
The Warriors (34-14) come into this matchup winning nine-straight games, as they appear to be playing up to their full potential. That's a scary sight for opponents, as they just got DeMarcus Cousins back from his Achilles tear. The dynamic he brings can't be overlooked, as he's arguably the most dynamic big man in the NBA. Not only can he distribute through the post, but he also provides a ton of floor spreading with his versatile play. That's a horrifying sight for opponents and it's no surprise that this club ranks first in points scored and offensive efficiency with that in their arsenal. It's just the start of the Cousins era too and it'll be fun to see what this team looks like come April and May. We shouldn't overlook the play of Stephen Curry either, as he's scored at least 28 points in nine of his last 11 games. That doesn't even consider the fact that Klay Thompson appears to be getting hot as well, as this winning streak could last quite a while with all these weapons firing at full mass.
The Celtics (30-18) have been one of the best home teams in the NBA this season, as they are 19-5 at TD Garden. What makes them so special is their defense, as they currently rank top-five in both defensive efficiency and points allowed. Some are worried about the health of this club but they expect to be at full health here. One has to wonder if this team is at its best when they're at full healthy though, as some believe that there are too many mouths to feed under those circumstances. Players like Hayward, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have been relegated in these situations and they need everyone playing up to their potential if they want to be a title contender. With all that said, the Celtics come into this matchup winning five-straight games, with all of them being decided by six points or more.
The two-game season series' between these teams have been extremely even the past three years, with all three series split, 1-1.
The Warriors (34-14) come into this matchup winning nine-straight games, as they appear to be playing up to their full potential. That's a scary sight for opponents, as they just got DeMarcus Cousins back from his Achilles tear. The dynamic he brings can't be overlooked, as he's arguably the most dynamic big man in the NBA. Not only can he distribute through the post, but he also provides a ton of floor spreading with his versatile play. That's a horrifying sight for opponents and it's no surprise that this club ranks first in points scored and offensive efficiency with that in their arsenal. It's just the start of the Cousins era too and it'll be fun to see what this team looks like come April and May. We shouldn't overlook the play of Stephen Curry either, as he's scored at least 28 points in nine of his last 11 games. That doesn't even consider the fact that Klay Thompson appears to be getting hot as well, as this winning streak could last quite a while with all these weapons firing at full mass.
The Celtics (30-18) have been one of the best home teams in the NBA this season, as they are 19-5 at TD Garden. What makes them so special is their defense, as they currently rank top-five in both defensive efficiency and points allowed. Some are worried about the health of this club but they expect to be at full health here. One has to wonder if this team is at its best when they're at full healthy though, as some believe that there are too many mouths to feed under those circumstances. Players like Hayward, Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown have been relegated in these situations and they need everyone playing up to their potential if they want to be a title contender. With all that said, the Celtics come into this matchup winning five-straight games, with all of them being decided by six points or more.
The two-game season series' between these teams have been extremely even the past three years, with all three series split, 1-1.
Nuggets Looking For Second Win In Two Nights
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Philadelphia 76ers, at Pepsi Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the first game of a four-game road trip for the 76ers (32-17), who are 11-12 on the road this season. The Sixers have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, which were impressive wins over the Spurs and the Rockets. Jimmy Butler (wrist) is listed as doubtful for action on Saturday, while Wilson Chandler (hamstring) will be sidelined. Nonetheless, the 76ers are still a threat to anyone, as Joel Embiid is averaging 27.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game, and Ben Simmons is averaging 16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. J.J. Redick has also been playing great this season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. The 76ers are averaging 115.7 points per game, which is fourth most in the NBA.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (32-15), who are coming off a blowout win in Phoenix, despite missing Nikola Jokic, who was out for a suspension. Jokic will be back in action on Saturday. He is averaging 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals, in 31 minutes per game. Jamal Murray has been playing well, averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, while Gary Harris is back in good form, averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Nuggets sit second place in the West, 1.5 games behind first place. They have won six of their last 10 games, and are 21-4 at home this season.
This marks the first game of a four-game road trip for the 76ers (32-17), who are 11-12 on the road this season. The Sixers have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, which were impressive wins over the Spurs and the Rockets. Jimmy Butler (wrist) is listed as doubtful for action on Saturday, while Wilson Chandler (hamstring) will be sidelined. Nonetheless, the 76ers are still a threat to anyone, as Joel Embiid is averaging 27.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 blocks per game, and Ben Simmons is averaging 16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. J.J. Redick has also been playing great this season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. The 76ers are averaging 115.7 points per game, which is fourth most in the NBA.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (32-15), who are coming off a blowout win in Phoenix, despite missing Nikola Jokic, who was out for a suspension. Jokic will be back in action on Saturday. He is averaging 19.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals, in 31 minutes per game. Jamal Murray has been playing well, averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, while Gary Harris is back in good form, averaging 15.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Nuggets sit second place in the West, 1.5 games behind first place. They have won six of their last 10 games, and are 21-4 at home this season.
Hawks Head West To Tangle With Trail Blazers
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Saturday night.
The Hawks (15-32) come into Saturday's contest with a 3-5 record over their last eight games, although the way things have gone for them at times this season, that could be considered progress. One of Atlanta's wins during that stretch came during their last time on the court, when they defeated the Chicago Bulls by a 121-101 score on Wednesday night. John Collins led the way with 35 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Taurean Prince and Jeremy Lin produced matching 15-point tallies, with Prince notably adding six rebounds among his other contributions. The center duo of Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len were both productive, posting 14 points each while hauling in seven and 10 boards, respectively.
The Hawks will likely list Kevin Huerter (neck) and Miles Plumlee (knee) as questionable at best for Saturday's game, while Kent Bazemore (ankle) remains out.
The Trail Blazers (30-20) stroll into Saturday's game in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've prevailed in four of the last five contests. Portland's most recent success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they toppled by a 120-106 margin Thursday night. Damian Lillard overcame a questionable designation due to a hand injury and provided 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. C.J. McCollum and Jake Layman produced matching 20-point tallies, with Layman also pulling down eight rebounds. Seth Curry poured in 17 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Jusuf Nurkic turned in 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Nik Stauskas (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game after he missed Thursday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two clubs split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Hawks (15-32) come into Saturday's contest with a 3-5 record over their last eight games, although the way things have gone for them at times this season, that could be considered progress. One of Atlanta's wins during that stretch came during their last time on the court, when they defeated the Chicago Bulls by a 121-101 score on Wednesday night. John Collins led the way with 35 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Taurean Prince and Jeremy Lin produced matching 15-point tallies, with Prince notably adding six rebounds among his other contributions. The center duo of Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len were both productive, posting 14 points each while hauling in seven and 10 boards, respectively.
The Hawks will likely list Kevin Huerter (neck) and Miles Plumlee (knee) as questionable at best for Saturday's game, while Kent Bazemore (ankle) remains out.
The Trail Blazers (30-20) stroll into Saturday's game in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've prevailed in four of the last five contests. Portland's most recent success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they toppled by a 120-106 margin Thursday night. Damian Lillard overcame a questionable designation due to a hand injury and provided 24 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. C.J. McCollum and Jake Layman produced matching 20-point tallies, with Layman also pulling down eight rebounds. Seth Curry poured in 17 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Jusuf Nurkic turned in 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Trail Blazers will likely list Nik Stauskas (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game after he missed Thursday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two clubs split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.