Bulls Host Cavaliers in Battle of Bottom-Dwellers
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at United Center on Sunday.
The Cavaliers (9-41) have established themselves as the worst team in the NBA, as they're having trouble competing right now. In fact, Cleveland comes into this matchup losing 18 of their last 19 games, losing by more than 15 points per game. That's obviously atrocious and it's no surprise when looking at the training room. Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are both injured right now, as those are the only remaining pieces from that title contender from the past few years. The good news is that Love's return appears to be inching closer, as he's been practicing recently with his timetable already passed. Getting a double-double machine back into the lineup will obviously be a huge boost but it likely won't get this team out of this deep hole.
The Bulls (11-38) have just one win in their last 13 games, as that ironically came against these Cavaliers. That says a lot about where this team is at right now, as they too have established themselves as one of the worst teams in the NBA. Where they are really hurting is on the offensive end, with Chicago ranking 29th in scoring. That's a sad reality too, as there are way too many weapons on this team to have an offense that poor. Players like Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis are all superb on that end of the floor and one has to wonder if its the system that's slowing them down. Chicago plays at one of the slowest paces in the league and there appears to be a divide between players and coach with some quotes that have been thrown around recently.
These teams just played last week, with Chicago prevailing, 104-88. That marked the Bulls third win this season against the Cavaliers, as a victory here will give them the season sweep.
The Cavaliers (9-41) have established themselves as the worst team in the NBA, as they're having trouble competing right now. In fact, Cleveland comes into this matchup losing 18 of their last 19 games, losing by more than 15 points per game. That's obviously atrocious and it's no surprise when looking at the training room. Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are both injured right now, as those are the only remaining pieces from that title contender from the past few years. The good news is that Love's return appears to be inching closer, as he's been practicing recently with his timetable already passed. Getting a double-double machine back into the lineup will obviously be a huge boost but it likely won't get this team out of this deep hole.
The Bulls (11-38) have just one win in their last 13 games, as that ironically came against these Cavaliers. That says a lot about where this team is at right now, as they too have established themselves as one of the worst teams in the NBA. Where they are really hurting is on the offensive end, with Chicago ranking 29th in scoring. That's a sad reality too, as there are way too many weapons on this team to have an offense that poor. Players like Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis are all superb on that end of the floor and one has to wonder if its the system that's slowing them down. Chicago plays at one of the slowest paces in the league and there appears to be a divide between players and coach with some quotes that have been thrown around recently.
These teams just played last week, with Chicago prevailing, 104-88. That marked the Bulls third win this season against the Cavaliers, as a victory here will give them the season sweep.
Clippers Host Kings on Sunday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on Sunday.
The Kings (25-24) have been middling over recent weeks, as they are 9-9 across their last 18 games. While that's nothing to be discouraged by, it's definitely a regression after an incredible start. Many experts had this team pegged to finish with one of the worst records in the NBA but this stretch proves they're here to stay. What's really promising about this club is all the young talent they possess, as they have one of the best young cores in the NBA. Players like De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic have taken major strides this season and it has them in fantastic positioning for the future. That doesn't even consider players like Marvin Bagley and Willie Cauley-Stein, as that frontcourt has the talent to be one of the best in the league.
The Clippers (27-22) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as that snapped an ugly five-game slide. The wins and losses directly correlate with their competition, with the wins coming against teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat while the losses have come at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. That says a lot about where this team is at right now, as they're a good team but simply can't beat the elite. That's what happens when you build a roster through role players and it seems very likely that this team has overachieved thus far. Players like Lou Williams and Tobias Harris are playing spectacularly right now and they need more of that from those two if they are to remain in playoff contention for the final two months.
Los Angeles has prevailed in both their games over Sacramento this season, with both games being extremely high-scoring. The Clippers have now won 10 of their last 11 games over the Kings and 28 of their last 33 games over them in total.
The Kings (25-24) have been middling over recent weeks, as they are 9-9 across their last 18 games. While that's nothing to be discouraged by, it's definitely a regression after an incredible start. Many experts had this team pegged to finish with one of the worst records in the NBA but this stretch proves they're here to stay. What's really promising about this club is all the young talent they possess, as they have one of the best young cores in the NBA. Players like De'Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic have taken major strides this season and it has them in fantastic positioning for the future. That doesn't even consider players like Marvin Bagley and Willie Cauley-Stein, as that frontcourt has the talent to be one of the best in the league.
The Clippers (27-22) come into this matchup winning three of their last four games, as that snapped an ugly five-game slide. The wins and losses directly correlate with their competition, with the wins coming against teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat while the losses have come at the hands of the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. That says a lot about where this team is at right now, as they're a good team but simply can't beat the elite. That's what happens when you build a roster through role players and it seems very likely that this team has overachieved thus far. Players like Lou Williams and Tobias Harris are playing spectacularly right now and they need more of that from those two if they are to remain in playoff contention for the final two months.
Los Angeles has prevailed in both their games over Sacramento this season, with both games being extremely high-scoring. The Clippers have now won 10 of their last 11 games over the Kings and 28 of their last 33 games over them in total.
Thunder Host Bucks on Sunday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday.
The Bucks (35-12) come into this matchup winning six-straight and 13 of their last 15 games in total. Many people wondered if their fantastic start was a mirage but it's clear that this team is here to stay with their recent form. The statistics with this club are downright incredible, with Milwaukee ranking either first or second in scoring, rebounding and defensive efficiency. That's obviously impressive and much of it has to be attributed to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The MVP candidate is currently averaging 26.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, as he's turned into one of the most dynamic players in the league.
The Thunder (30-18) come into this matchup winning three-straight, as that snapped a stretch in which they lost five of their previous six games. What was really bizarre about that losing streak was the teams that they lost to, with the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Laker and Minnesota Timberwolves all beating them in that stretch. That's a bizarre run of games and one has to believe that it was just a blip on the radar for an otherwise superb team. What's scary about this club is the fact that they perform on both ends of the floor, as they currently rank top-five in both points scored and defensive efficiency. That's obviously a recipe for success and it makes this Thunder team one of the most dangerous in the NBA.
These teams have traded off wins and losses across their last five games, with the road team prevailing in three of those. Prior to that, the Thunder won five of their previous six games over the Bucks.
The Bucks (35-12) come into this matchup winning six-straight and 13 of their last 15 games in total. Many people wondered if their fantastic start was a mirage but it's clear that this team is here to stay with their recent form. The statistics with this club are downright incredible, with Milwaukee ranking either first or second in scoring, rebounding and defensive efficiency. That's obviously impressive and much of it has to be attributed to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The MVP candidate is currently averaging 26.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, as he's turned into one of the most dynamic players in the league.
The Thunder (30-18) come into this matchup winning three-straight, as that snapped a stretch in which they lost five of their previous six games. What was really bizarre about that losing streak was the teams that they lost to, with the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Laker and Minnesota Timberwolves all beating them in that stretch. That's a bizarre run of games and one has to believe that it was just a blip on the radar for an otherwise superb team. What's scary about this club is the fact that they perform on both ends of the floor, as they currently rank top-five in both points scored and defensive efficiency. That's obviously a recipe for success and it makes this Thunder team one of the most dangerous in the NBA.
These teams have traded off wins and losses across their last five games, with the road team prevailing in three of those. Prior to that, the Thunder won five of their previous six games over the Bucks.
Mavs Looking To Stay Undefeated On Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Toronto Raptors, at American Airlines Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Mavericks (22-26), where they have gone 2-0 so far, with wins over the Clippers and the Pistons. The Mavs have won three of their last five home games, and are 18-6 at home this season. Luka Doncic continues to turn heads around the league, as he led the Mavericks with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in Friday's win over the Pistons. Doncic is averaging 20.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan is also playing well, averaging 11.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per game, while Harrison Barnes is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Mavericks are averaging 109 points per game, and are giving up and average of 109 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (36-15), where they have gone 0-2, with losses in Indiana and Houston. The Raptors have lost their last three road games, and are 15-11 on the road this season. Nonetheless, they are still 7-3 in their last 10 games, and sit second place in the East. Kawhi Leonard (rest) missed four games, before suiting up in the Raptors' most recent contest. Leonard is averaging 27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game, however, he should be considered questionable for action due to his frequent days off for rest and maintenance. Pascal Siakam has been great for Toronto this season, averaging 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Serge Ibaka is putting up very similar numbers, with 16.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. The Raptors are averaging 113.9 points per game, which is sixth most in the league.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Mavericks (22-26), where they have gone 2-0 so far, with wins over the Clippers and the Pistons. The Mavs have won three of their last five home games, and are 18-6 at home this season. Luka Doncic continues to turn heads around the league, as he led the Mavericks with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in Friday's win over the Pistons. Doncic is averaging 20.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan is also playing well, averaging 11.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per game, while Harrison Barnes is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The Mavericks are averaging 109 points per game, and are giving up and average of 109 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Raptors (36-15), where they have gone 0-2, with losses in Indiana and Houston. The Raptors have lost their last three road games, and are 15-11 on the road this season. Nonetheless, they are still 7-3 in their last 10 games, and sit second place in the East. Kawhi Leonard (rest) missed four games, before suiting up in the Raptors' most recent contest. Leonard is averaging 27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game, however, he should be considered questionable for action due to his frequent days off for rest and maintenance. Pascal Siakam has been great for Toronto this season, averaging 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game, while Serge Ibaka is putting up very similar numbers, with 16.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. The Raptors are averaging 113.9 points per game, which is sixth most in the league.
Chris Paul Set To Return For Houston
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Orlando Magic, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Rockets (28-20), which they kicked off with an impressive win over the Raptors on Friday. The Rockets have won three of their last four games at home, where they are 18-7 this season. They have won six of their last 10 games overall, including their last two in a row. The Rockets are expecting the return of Chris Paul to the lineup, after he missed over a month's action due to a hamstring injury. However, to the surprise of many, the Rockets held just fine without Paul in the lineup, as James Harden mounted one of the best scoring streaks in NBA history. Harden's streak of fantastic play continues, as he is averaging 45.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last 10 games. The Rockets also got another boost recently, as they added Kenneth Faried to their roster. Faried came up big in the Rockets' win over the Raptors and has already proven to be a solid fit.
Meanwhile, the Magic (20-29) have dropped five of their last six games, including their last two in a row. The Magic have dropped six of their last seven road games, and are 8-15 on the road this season. The Magic are averaging 104.1 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league, but are doing a decent job on the defensive end, where they are holding opponents to 107.7 points per game, which is eighth lowest in the league. Nikola Vucevic has been the Magic's best player so far this season, averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Aaron Gordon finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in Orlando's most recent contest, and is averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Rockets (28-20), which they kicked off with an impressive win over the Raptors on Friday. The Rockets have won three of their last four games at home, where they are 18-7 this season. They have won six of their last 10 games overall, including their last two in a row. The Rockets are expecting the return of Chris Paul to the lineup, after he missed over a month's action due to a hamstring injury. However, to the surprise of many, the Rockets held just fine without Paul in the lineup, as James Harden mounted one of the best scoring streaks in NBA history. Harden's streak of fantastic play continues, as he is averaging 45.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.0 blocks over his last 10 games. The Rockets also got another boost recently, as they added Kenneth Faried to their roster. Faried came up big in the Rockets' win over the Raptors and has already proven to be a solid fit.
Meanwhile, the Magic (20-29) have dropped five of their last six games, including their last two in a row. The Magic have dropped six of their last seven road games, and are 8-15 on the road this season. The Magic are averaging 104.1 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league, but are doing a decent job on the defensive end, where they are holding opponents to 107.7 points per game, which is eighth lowest in the league. Nikola Vucevic has been the Magic's best player so far this season, averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Aaron Gordon finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in Orlando's most recent contest, and is averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
Jazz, Timberwolves Meet For Rematch
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Utah Jazz, at Target Center on Sunday evening.
This contest marks a rematch for the Timberwolves (24-25) and Jazz (28-22), as they faced off in Utah on Friday. The Jazz came up with the win on their home court, as they used a strong first and third quarter to create the cushion needed to withstand a late rally from the Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 24 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, one block and steal, while Rudy Gobert added 18 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals. Kyle Korver also played a significant role in the win, as he poured in 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns did his best to lift the Timberwolves, as he tallied 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal, while Andrew Wiggins added 21 points, albeit on 8-of-26 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in the loss.
The Jazz have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Jazz have won three of their last four games on the road, where they are 13-13 this season. The Jazz are holding opponents to an average of 105.0 points per game, which is third best in the league, while they are scoring an average of 108.4 points per game. Rudy Gobert (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action on Sunday.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves, who are 16-8 at home this season. The Timberwolves are scoring an average of 111 points per game, and are also giving up an average of 111 points per game. Robert Covington (ankle) and Jeff Teague (foot) will be sidelined through Sunday, while Derrick Rose (ankle) is listed as questionable. Jerryd Bayless has been taking on a significant role with Rose and Teague out.
This contest marks a rematch for the Timberwolves (24-25) and Jazz (28-22), as they faced off in Utah on Friday. The Jazz came up with the win on their home court, as they used a strong first and third quarter to create the cushion needed to withstand a late rally from the Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 24 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, one block and steal, while Rudy Gobert added 18 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals. Kyle Korver also played a significant role in the win, as he poured in 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns did his best to lift the Timberwolves, as he tallied 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal, while Andrew Wiggins added 21 points, albeit on 8-of-26 shooting, along with 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, in the loss.
The Jazz have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Jazz have won three of their last four games on the road, where they are 13-13 this season. The Jazz are holding opponents to an average of 105.0 points per game, which is third best in the league, while they are scoring an average of 108.4 points per game. Rudy Gobert (hamstring) is listed as questionable for action on Sunday.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Timberwolves, who are 16-8 at home this season. The Timberwolves are scoring an average of 111 points per game, and are also giving up an average of 111 points per game. Robert Covington (ankle) and Jeff Teague (foot) will be sidelined through Sunday, while Derrick Rose (ankle) is listed as questionable. Jerryd Bayless has been taking on a significant role with Rose and Teague out.
Wizards and Spurs Tangle in Lone Star Battle
The Washington Wizards take on the San Antonio Spurs at AT & T Center on Sunday evening.
The Wizards (21-27) have been showing some signs of improvement in the new calendar year despite the absence of John Wall (heel), Markieff Morris (neck) and Dwight Howard (back) , and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won three of their past four games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 95-91 margin on Friday night. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green supplied 24 points, six boards and three assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 11 points and six boards. Otto Porter, Jr. turned in 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Wizards will continue to be without Wall, Morris and Howard on Sunday.
The Spurs (28-22) have been a bit inconsistent of late, but they'll come into Sunday's contest having won three of their past five games. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Rudy Gay churned out 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Pau Gasol drew the start and managed 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Derrick White provided 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Bryn Forbes mustered 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. Quincy Pondexter led the bench with 10 points.
The Spurs will likely list DeMar DeRozan (knee) and Davis Bertans (personal) as questionable at best for Sunday's game. Gay (undisclosed) is likely to share the same designation after leaving Monday's game early.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Wizards (21-27) have been showing some signs of improvement in the new calendar year despite the absence of John Wall (heel), Markieff Morris (neck) and Dwight Howard (back) , and they'll come into Sunday's contest having won three of their past four games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 95-91 margin on Friday night. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green supplied 24 points, six boards and three assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 11 points and six boards. Otto Porter, Jr. turned in 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Wizards will continue to be without Wall, Morris and Howard on Sunday.
The Spurs (28-22) have been a bit inconsistent of late, but they'll come into Sunday's contest having won three of their past five games. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Spurs with a 28-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Rudy Gay churned out 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Pau Gasol drew the start and managed 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. Derrick White provided 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Bryn Forbes mustered 11 points, three assists and two rebounds. Quincy Pondexter led the bench with 10 points.
The Spurs will likely list DeMar DeRozan (knee) and Davis Bertans (personal) as questionable at best for Sunday's game. Gay (undisclosed) is likely to share the same designation after leaving Monday's game early.
Sunday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Heat and Knicks Tangle In Big Apple
The Miami Heat takes on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Heat (23-24) have had trouble finding any degree of consistency this season, and accordingly, they'll come into Sunday's game having lost four of their last six games. However, they were successful in their most recent contest, dropping the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 100-94 score on Friday night. Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double of his own. Dwyane Wade tallied 13 points, six boards and three assists. Josh Richardson produced 10 points and four assists. Tyler Johnson supplied nine points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Heat will list Tyler Johnson (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game, while Goran Dragic (knee) remains out.
The Knicks (10-37) continued mired in a jaw-dropping stretch of futility, having dropped 16 of their last 17 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 109-99 score Friday night. Trey Burke led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, adding five assists, two steals and two blocks. Noah Vonleh managed a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Allonzo Trier posted 13 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Tim Hardaway, Jr. managed 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox furnished seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Knicks will be without Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Luke Kornet (ankle) on Sunday.
Sunday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Heat hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 110-87 win Oct. 24.
The Heat (23-24) have had trouble finding any degree of consistency this season, and accordingly, they'll come into Sunday's game having lost four of their last six games. However, they were successful in their most recent contest, dropping the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 100-94 score on Friday night. Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double of his own. Dwyane Wade tallied 13 points, six boards and three assists. Josh Richardson produced 10 points and four assists. Tyler Johnson supplied nine points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Heat will list Tyler Johnson (ankle) as questionable for Sunday's game, while Goran Dragic (knee) remains out.
The Knicks (10-37) continued mired in a jaw-dropping stretch of futility, having dropped 16 of their last 17 games. Their most recent stumble came against the Brooklyn Nets, which toppled them by a 109-99 score Friday night. Trey Burke led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, adding five assists, two steals and two blocks. Noah Vonleh managed a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Allonzo Trier posted 13 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Tim Hardaway, Jr. managed 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox furnished seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
The Knicks will be without Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Luke Kornet (ankle) on Sunday.
Sunday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Heat hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 110-87 win Oct. 24.
Suns and Lakers Tangle in Western Conference Showdown
The Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Sunday night.
The Suns (11-40) come into Sunday's game reeling, as they've dropped seven straight games. Their most recent stumble was a sizable one, when they dropped a 132-95 decision to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, despite the fact they were missing Nikola Jokic (suspension). Devin Booker paced the Suns with 35 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Josh Jackson supplied 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Dragan Bender tallied 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. managed 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Quincy Acy went scoreless over 16 minutes but hauled in 10 rebounds.
The Suns will be without T.J. Warren and De'Anthony Melton on Sunday due to ankle injuries. Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) will both be listed as questionable.
The Lakers (25-24) come into Sunday's contest on a losing streak of their own, albeit a more modest one than their opponent's. Los Angeles has dropped three consecutive games, and five of their last seven overall. Their most recent stumble unfolded Thursday night, when they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 120-105 score. Brandon Ingram paced the Lakers with 20 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Rajon Rondo generated a 15-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 13 points. Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and JaVale McGee all generated matching 10-point efforts while hauling in four, eight and six rebounds, respectively.
The Lakers will continue to be without LeBron James (groin) on Sunday, while Kuzma (hip) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 131-113 and 120-96 wins on Oct. 24 and Dec. 2, respectively.
The Suns (11-40) come into Sunday's game reeling, as they've dropped seven straight games. Their most recent stumble was a sizable one, when they dropped a 132-95 decision to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, despite the fact they were missing Nikola Jokic (suspension). Devin Booker paced the Suns with 35 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Josh Jackson supplied 17 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Dragan Bender tallied 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kelly Oubre, Jr. managed 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Quincy Acy went scoreless over 16 minutes but hauled in 10 rebounds.
The Suns will be without T.J. Warren and De'Anthony Melton on Sunday due to ankle injuries. Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) will both be listed as questionable.
The Lakers (25-24) come into Sunday's contest on a losing streak of their own, albeit a more modest one than their opponent's. Los Angeles has dropped three consecutive games, and five of their last seven overall. Their most recent stumble unfolded Thursday night, when they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 120-105 score. Brandon Ingram paced the Lakers with 20 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Rajon Rondo generated a 15-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope poured in 13 points. Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and JaVale McGee all generated matching 10-point efforts while hauling in four, eight and six rebounds, respectively.
The Lakers will continue to be without LeBron James (groin) on Sunday, while Kuzma (hip) will be listed as questionable.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 131-113 and 120-96 wins on Oct. 24 and Dec. 2, respectively.