Cavaliers Host Wizards on Tuesday
The Cleveland Cavaliers play host to the Washington Wizards at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.
The Wizards (21-28) own an 8-5 record across their last 13 games, as they're desperately trying to remain in playoff contention. A 21-28 record would indicate that reaching the postseason is an outlandish goal but Washington is just three games behind the Charlotte Hornets in eighth-place. That means a few more wins will get them right where they need to be, as they have just as much talent as anyone else battling for a playoff spot in the east. The one thing they need to work on if they want to get there is their defense, with Washington sitting 29th in points allowed. That's hard to believe when you consider some of the players they possess, as they're plenty capable of playing better on that end of the floor if they just played with a little more effort.
The Cavaliers (10-41) picked up a win over the Chicago Bulls in their most recent game, as that's a rare sight for Cleveland fans this year. In fact, the Cavaliers lost 18 of their previous 19 games before that win, as Chicago is one of the only teams they can beat at this point. There's simply not enough talent on this team and that hurts even more when you consider the fact that Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are sidelined as well. Overcoming injuries is a battle for any team, let alone one who lost players like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Much like Washington, Cleveland really struggles defensively. In fact, the Cavaliers currently rank dead-last in defensive efficiency, as they're not much better on the offensive end either.
These teams have traded off wins and losses in their last five matchups. With that said, the Cavaliers won six of their previous eight games over the Wizards headed into this season.
The Wizards (21-28) own an 8-5 record across their last 13 games, as they're desperately trying to remain in playoff contention. A 21-28 record would indicate that reaching the postseason is an outlandish goal but Washington is just three games behind the Charlotte Hornets in eighth-place. That means a few more wins will get them right where they need to be, as they have just as much talent as anyone else battling for a playoff spot in the east. The one thing they need to work on if they want to get there is their defense, with Washington sitting 29th in points allowed. That's hard to believe when you consider some of the players they possess, as they're plenty capable of playing better on that end of the floor if they just played with a little more effort.
The Cavaliers (10-41) picked up a win over the Chicago Bulls in their most recent game, as that's a rare sight for Cleveland fans this year. In fact, the Cavaliers lost 18 of their previous 19 games before that win, as Chicago is one of the only teams they can beat at this point. There's simply not enough talent on this team and that hurts even more when you consider the fact that Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are sidelined as well. Overcoming injuries is a battle for any team, let alone one who lost players like LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Much like Washington, Cleveland really struggles defensively. In fact, the Cavaliers currently rank dead-last in defensive efficiency, as they're not much better on the offensive end either.
These teams have traded off wins and losses in their last five matchups. With that said, the Cavaliers won six of their previous eight games over the Wizards headed into this season.
Pistons Play Host to Bludgeoning Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Motown to play the Detroit Pistons at Little Ceasar's Arena on Tuesday.
The Bucks (35-13) come into this matchup winning 17 of their last 21 games, as they're tied with the Toronto Raptors for the best record in the Eastern Conference, Many people thought their early-season success was a bit of a fluke but this stretch proves otherwise. The statistics speak for themselves, with the Bucks sitting top-two in scoring, defensive efficiency and rebounding. That's a recipe for success and it's scary just how potent this team is on both ends of the floor.
The Pistons (21-27) are 4-4 across their last eight games, as that ended a nightmare stretch in which Detroit lost 16 of 20 prior to that. That obviously won't get it done but Detroit is still in the thick of things going forward. In fact, the Pistons are just 2.5 games behind the eight-seed in the east, as some solid play would get them right back into contention. Where this team is really hurting is on the offensive end, with Detroit sitting 24th in scoring and 26th in assists. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond are doing their jobs down low but they simply don't have enough in the backcourt to compete. Reggie Jackson has hit a bit of a wall too and one has to wonder if he's the point guard of the future for this team. It's not all on him though, as these wings haven't done enough either. The fact that Reggie Bullock (ankle) isn't expected to suit up here just adds to those struggles and they'll need players like Stanley Johnson and Luke Kennard to step up in his absence. Playing at home is also big for the Pistons, as they own a 13-11 home record and an ugly 8-16 road record.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams, as Milwaukee has won all three games by an average of 16.3 points per game. The Bucks have now won eight of their last 10 games over the Pistons dating back three years.
The Bucks (35-13) come into this matchup winning 17 of their last 21 games, as they're tied with the Toronto Raptors for the best record in the Eastern Conference, Many people thought their early-season success was a bit of a fluke but this stretch proves otherwise. The statistics speak for themselves, with the Bucks sitting top-two in scoring, defensive efficiency and rebounding. That's a recipe for success and it's scary just how potent this team is on both ends of the floor.
The Pistons (21-27) are 4-4 across their last eight games, as that ended a nightmare stretch in which Detroit lost 16 of 20 prior to that. That obviously won't get it done but Detroit is still in the thick of things going forward. In fact, the Pistons are just 2.5 games behind the eight-seed in the east, as some solid play would get them right back into contention. Where this team is really hurting is on the offensive end, with Detroit sitting 24th in scoring and 26th in assists. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond are doing their jobs down low but they simply don't have enough in the backcourt to compete. Reggie Jackson has hit a bit of a wall too and one has to wonder if he's the point guard of the future for this team. It's not all on him though, as these wings haven't done enough either. The fact that Reggie Bullock (ankle) isn't expected to suit up here just adds to those struggles and they'll need players like Stanley Johnson and Luke Kennard to step up in his absence. Playing at home is also big for the Pistons, as they own a 13-11 home record and an ugly 8-16 road record.
This marks the fourth and final meeting between these teams, as Milwaukee has won all three games by an average of 16.3 points per game. The Bucks have now won eight of their last 10 games over the Pistons dating back three years.
Thunder Riding Five-Game Winning Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder, at Amway Center on Tuesday evening.
This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Thunder (31-18), who are 12-11 on the road this season. The Thunder have won their last two road games, and have won their last five games in a row. They sit third place in the West, 4.5 games out of first place, and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. Paul George has been playing great lately, averaging 28.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.6 steals over his last 10 games. Russell Westbrook is also putting up great numbers, averaging 21.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game, however, he is shooting just 41 percent from the field on the season. The Thunder are averaging 114.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and are holding opponents to an average of 109.3 points. They are also forcing their opponents into an average of 17 turnovers per game, which is the most in the NBA.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Magic (20-30), who are 12-14 at home this season. However, the Magic are on a bit of a slide, as they have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They sit 11th place in the East, 4.5 games behind the eighth spot. Nonetheless, Nikola Vucevic continues to have a great season, averaging 20.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Jonathan Isaac has been playing well lately, averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks in 28 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Aaron Gordon has been up and down so far, but is averaging a healthy 15.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Magic are averaging 104.0 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league.
This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Thunder (31-18), who are 12-11 on the road this season. The Thunder have won their last two road games, and have won their last five games in a row. They sit third place in the West, 4.5 games out of first place, and are 6-4 in their last 10 games. Paul George has been playing great lately, averaging 28.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.6 steals over his last 10 games. Russell Westbrook is also putting up great numbers, averaging 21.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game, however, he is shooting just 41 percent from the field on the season. The Thunder are averaging 114.2 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and are holding opponents to an average of 109.3 points. They are also forcing their opponents into an average of 17 turnovers per game, which is the most in the NBA.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Magic (20-30), who are 12-14 at home this season. However, the Magic are on a bit of a slide, as they have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They sit 11th place in the East, 4.5 games behind the eighth spot. Nonetheless, Nikola Vucevic continues to have a great season, averaging 20.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Jonathan Isaac has been playing well lately, averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 blocks in 28 minutes per game over his last 10 games. Aaron Gordon has been up and down so far, but is averaging a healthy 15.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Magic are averaging 104.0 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league.
Nets Looking To Bounce Back After Monday Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Chicago Bulls, at Barclays Center on Tuesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (27-24), as they are coming off a tough loss in Boston on Monday evening. The Nets were shorthanded in the loss, as Spencer Dinwiddie (finger) is the latest member to be sidelined. Dinwiddie remains doubtful for action on Tuesday. D'Angelo Russell did his best to lead the way on Monday, with 25 points, while Shabazz Napier added 20 points off the bench, but it was not enough. Russell leads the Nets, averaging 19.2 points, 6.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. DeMarre Carroll continues to offer good support off the bench, averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists, in 25 minutes per game, while Ed Davis is also a solid contributor, averaging 5.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, in 18 minutes per game off the bench. The Nets have won their last eight home games, and are 15-11 at home this season. They hold on to the sixth spot in the East, with a 2.0-game lead over eighth.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Bulls (11-39), who are 6-19 on the road this season. The Bulls have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls, averaging 22.9 points on 45 percent shooting, 4.4 rebounds 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Lauri Markkanen has returned to good form, after missing time early in the season, and is averaging 17.1 points, shooting 39 percent from long range, along with 7.4 rebounds per game. Kris Dunn is averaging 12.0 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. The Bulls are averaging 101.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nets (27-24), as they are coming off a tough loss in Boston on Monday evening. The Nets were shorthanded in the loss, as Spencer Dinwiddie (finger) is the latest member to be sidelined. Dinwiddie remains doubtful for action on Tuesday. D'Angelo Russell did his best to lead the way on Monday, with 25 points, while Shabazz Napier added 20 points off the bench, but it was not enough. Russell leads the Nets, averaging 19.2 points, 6.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. DeMarre Carroll continues to offer good support off the bench, averaging 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists, in 25 minutes per game, while Ed Davis is also a solid contributor, averaging 5.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, in 18 minutes per game off the bench. The Nets have won their last eight home games, and are 15-11 at home this season. They hold on to the sixth spot in the East, with a 2.0-game lead over eighth.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Bulls (11-39), who are 6-19 on the road this season. The Bulls have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls, averaging 22.9 points on 45 percent shooting, 4.4 rebounds 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Lauri Markkanen has returned to good form, after missing time early in the season, and is averaging 17.1 points, shooting 39 percent from long range, along with 7.4 rebounds per game. Kris Dunn is averaging 12.0 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. The Bulls are averaging 101.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league.
Rockets Host Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Houston on Tuesday to take on the Rockets at Toyota Center.
This will be the first time the Pelicans (22-28) take the floor since Anthony Davis' agent came out and said that the perennial All-Star would not sign an extension with the team and would like to be traded. That makes Tuesday night's trip to Houston the first real test for this Pelicans team to see if Davis' desire to be shipped out is a distraction or not. Fortunately, in a way, for the Pelicans, Davis is nursing a sprained left index finger that is expected to keep him out through this weekend, so it will be a while before he is back on the floor with his teammates. What's not fortunate for the Pelicans, however, is that fellow big man Julius Randle is nursing a sprained ankle that has kept him out for each of the last two games. He is currently listed as questionable for Tuesday, but New Orleans could be very light on frontcourt depth yet again if he is out.
As for the Rockets (29-20), they've rattled off three wins in a row and are coming off a comeback victory over the Magic on Sunday. While James Harden, who scored 40 points in Sunday's win, has continued to be stellar with his offensive production, it is Kenneth Faried that is now showing he may be able to take this Rockets' offense to another level. When Clint Capela (thumb) was ruled out for at least a month following surgery, Houston's offense turned into one that completely lacked an inside presence. Now, Faried, who has only been with the Rockets for four games, has helped bring the pick and roll back into head coach Mike D'Antoni's offense, and he is averaging 14.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game with Houston. If the Pelicans are light on big bodies again Tuesday, Faried could prove to be a real problem for them.
This will be the first time the Pelicans (22-28) take the floor since Anthony Davis' agent came out and said that the perennial All-Star would not sign an extension with the team and would like to be traded. That makes Tuesday night's trip to Houston the first real test for this Pelicans team to see if Davis' desire to be shipped out is a distraction or not. Fortunately, in a way, for the Pelicans, Davis is nursing a sprained left index finger that is expected to keep him out through this weekend, so it will be a while before he is back on the floor with his teammates. What's not fortunate for the Pelicans, however, is that fellow big man Julius Randle is nursing a sprained ankle that has kept him out for each of the last two games. He is currently listed as questionable for Tuesday, but New Orleans could be very light on frontcourt depth yet again if he is out.
As for the Rockets (29-20), they've rattled off three wins in a row and are coming off a comeback victory over the Magic on Sunday. While James Harden, who scored 40 points in Sunday's win, has continued to be stellar with his offensive production, it is Kenneth Faried that is now showing he may be able to take this Rockets' offense to another level. When Clint Capela (thumb) was ruled out for at least a month following surgery, Houston's offense turned into one that completely lacked an inside presence. Now, Faried, who has only been with the Rockets for four games, has helped bring the pick and roll back into head coach Mike D'Antoni's offense, and he is averaging 14.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game with Houston. If the Pelicans are light on big bodies again Tuesday, Faried could prove to be a real problem for them.
Suns Face Test Against Spurs
By Oscar Heanue
The Phoenix Suns will visit the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Tuesday evening.
Phoenix (11-41) continues to be stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Suns come into Tuesday having lost eight straight, including a double-digit loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Injuries have not helped the Suns' case, as T.J. Warren (ankle) and DeAndre Ayton (ankle) both missed Sunday's tilt. However, the team's struggles go well beyond the injury report. Phoenix ranks in the bottom three league-wide in both offensive and defensive rating.
Warren (ankle) and De'Anthony Melton (ankle) will both be out on Tuesday, while Ayton (ankle) is a game-time decision.
San Antonio (29-22) is 17-8 in its last 25 games, making it one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last two months. Defense is largely responsible for the Spurs' resurgence, as the team went from allowing over 112 points per game through November to just 106.7 points per game since. The Spurs enter Tuesday's contest having won back-to-back games by double-digit margins, taking down the Pelicans and Wizards on consecutive nights. San Antonio saw big performances from LaMarcus Aldridge in both games, as he combined for 58 points and 21 rebounds over the two nights.
Spurs All-Star DeMar DeRozan will miss his third straight game with knee soreness on Tuesday.
Phoenix (11-41) continues to be stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Suns come into Tuesday having lost eight straight, including a double-digit loss to the Lakers on Sunday. Injuries have not helped the Suns' case, as T.J. Warren (ankle) and DeAndre Ayton (ankle) both missed Sunday's tilt. However, the team's struggles go well beyond the injury report. Phoenix ranks in the bottom three league-wide in both offensive and defensive rating.
Warren (ankle) and De'Anthony Melton (ankle) will both be out on Tuesday, while Ayton (ankle) is a game-time decision.
San Antonio (29-22) is 17-8 in its last 25 games, making it one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last two months. Defense is largely responsible for the Spurs' resurgence, as the team went from allowing over 112 points per game through November to just 106.7 points per game since. The Spurs enter Tuesday's contest having won back-to-back games by double-digit margins, taking down the Pelicans and Wizards on consecutive nights. San Antonio saw big performances from LaMarcus Aldridge in both games, as he combined for 58 points and 21 rebounds over the two nights.
Spurs All-Star DeMar DeRozan will miss his third straight game with knee soreness on Tuesday.
76ers Visit Lakers in LA
By Oscar Heanue
The Philadelphia 76ers will pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Tuesday evening.
Philadelphia (32-18) lost its last game to Denver, but still has plenty of momentum heading into Tuesday's tilt. The 76ers are 9-3 in their last 12 and have built one of the Eastern Conference's elite teams on the back of Joel Embiid. Embiid, in just his third active season, is averaging a whopping 27.2 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. The big man has somehow managed to ramp up his production even more in the new year, where he is scoring 29.5 points per game on 51 percent shooting and 39 percent from beyond the arc. With Embiid at the helm, Philadelphia has become one of the league's toughest opponents, ranking fourth in the league in scoring (115.6 points per game) and 12th in defensive rating.
All-Star wing Jimmy Butler (wrist) will be active on Tuesday after being sidelined for three games with an injury.
Los Angeles (26-24), meanwhile, is coming off a much-needed win over Phoenix. The Lakers routed the Suns, 116-102, on Sunday, behind 24 points and 16 rebounds from Ivica Zubac. The team also saw 22 points from Brandon Ingram and 11 assists from Rajon Rondo. It was a breath of fresh air for a Lakers team that has struggled without LeBron James, going just 6-10 in the superstar's absence. With James not slated to return to action on Tuesday, the Lakers will need strong performances across the roster again to earn a win.
In addition to James' absence, Lonzo Ball (ankle) is out for LA, while Josh Hart (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (hip) are both game-time decisions.
Philadelphia (32-18) lost its last game to Denver, but still has plenty of momentum heading into Tuesday's tilt. The 76ers are 9-3 in their last 12 and have built one of the Eastern Conference's elite teams on the back of Joel Embiid. Embiid, in just his third active season, is averaging a whopping 27.2 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. The big man has somehow managed to ramp up his production even more in the new year, where he is scoring 29.5 points per game on 51 percent shooting and 39 percent from beyond the arc. With Embiid at the helm, Philadelphia has become one of the league's toughest opponents, ranking fourth in the league in scoring (115.6 points per game) and 12th in defensive rating.
All-Star wing Jimmy Butler (wrist) will be active on Tuesday after being sidelined for three games with an injury.
Los Angeles (26-24), meanwhile, is coming off a much-needed win over Phoenix. The Lakers routed the Suns, 116-102, on Sunday, behind 24 points and 16 rebounds from Ivica Zubac. The team also saw 22 points from Brandon Ingram and 11 assists from Rajon Rondo. It was a breath of fresh air for a Lakers team that has struggled without LeBron James, going just 6-10 in the superstar's absence. With James not slated to return to action on Tuesday, the Lakers will need strong performances across the roster again to earn a win.
In addition to James' absence, Lonzo Ball (ankle) is out for LA, while Josh Hart (knee) and Kyle Kuzma (hip) are both game-time decisions.