TD Garden Site for Hornets and Celtics
The Charlotte Hornets (24-25) took care of the visiting New York Knicks on Monday night, 101-92, on the strength of some strong performances off their bench. Both veteran Tony Parker and Jeremy Lamb posted 15 points in the affair, with Parker adding four assists in a reserve role, and Lamb contributing nine rebounds to pull up short of a double-double. Kemba Walker finished the night with 14 points to his name, adding five assists and five boards on 5-of-16 shooting from field goal range, while Malik Monk played off the pine to the tune of 14 points of his own, including going 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Willy Hernangomez logged a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for a Hornets squad that remains comfortably in eight place in the Eastern Conference, two-and-a-half games ahead of the Detroit Pistons. Charlotte will benefit from a relatively soft schedule in the two weeks leading up to the All-Star break next month.
The Boston Celtics (31-19) were victorious in the fourth of a five-game home stand on Monday night, making relatively easy work of the red hot Brooklyn Nets, 112-104. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown both lead the team offensively, each with 21 points. Smart facilitated seven assists and hit four three-pointers, while Brown came off the bench to grab six rebounds. Al Horford recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds on his way to a double-double, while Marcus Morris had 15 points and eight boards of his own. Kyrie Irving, who is dealing with soreness in his left hip, was sidelined on Monday, but is expected to suit up against the Hornets. Boston's defense is serving them well as the midway point of the season draws near, one that ranks fifth in the league, holding opponents to an average of 105.9 points per game. The Celtics sit in fifth place in the East.
The Boston Celtics (31-19) were victorious in the fourth of a five-game home stand on Monday night, making relatively easy work of the red hot Brooklyn Nets, 112-104. Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown both lead the team offensively, each with 21 points. Smart facilitated seven assists and hit four three-pointers, while Brown came off the bench to grab six rebounds. Al Horford recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds on his way to a double-double, while Marcus Morris had 15 points and eight boards of his own. Kyrie Irving, who is dealing with soreness in his left hip, was sidelined on Monday, but is expected to suit up against the Hornets. Boston's defense is serving them well as the midway point of the season draws near, one that ranks fifth in the league, holding opponents to an average of 105.9 points per game. The Celtics sit in fifth place in the East.
Heat Host Struggling Bulls
The Chicago Bulls travel to South Beach to play the Maimi Heat at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday.
The Bulls (11-40) come into this matchup losing 14 of their last 15 games, as they've truly established themselves as one of the worst teams in the league. Most non-NBA fans would be shocked to hear that the Bulls are one of the worst teams in the league, as their franchise has taken quite the hit over recent years. They appear to be taking the right steps towards a rebuild though, as they maintain one of the best young cores in the NBA. Players like Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. have all the talent in the world, with all four players under the age of 25. That's quite the core going forward but it's not leading to wins right now. Where this young club is really struggling is on the offensive end, with Chicago ranking 29th in scoring and 27th in assists.
The Heat (24-24) got off to an ugly start this season but they've been a different team the last two months. In fact, Miami is 17-11 across their last 28 games, despite losing four of their last seven games. They've really turned into a defensive team, with Miami sitting fourth in points allowed and ninth in rebounding. While that's obviously a recipe for success, the fact that they sit 26th in scoring is a discouraging sign. The main reason for that is the fact that they have no go-to scorer, as Josh Richardson is leading this team with 17.5 points per game. Riding a bunch of role players is not the way the NBA is trending but Miami is making it work right now.
Not only has Miami won both their games over Chicago this season, but they've also won six of their last seven games over them in total.
The Bulls (11-40) come into this matchup losing 14 of their last 15 games, as they've truly established themselves as one of the worst teams in the league. Most non-NBA fans would be shocked to hear that the Bulls are one of the worst teams in the league, as their franchise has taken quite the hit over recent years. They appear to be taking the right steps towards a rebuild though, as they maintain one of the best young cores in the NBA. Players like Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. have all the talent in the world, with all four players under the age of 25. That's quite the core going forward but it's not leading to wins right now. Where this young club is really struggling is on the offensive end, with Chicago ranking 29th in scoring and 27th in assists.
The Heat (24-24) got off to an ugly start this season but they've been a different team the last two months. In fact, Miami is 17-11 across their last 28 games, despite losing four of their last seven games. They've really turned into a defensive team, with Miami sitting fourth in points allowed and ninth in rebounding. While that's obviously a recipe for success, the fact that they sit 26th in scoring is a discouraging sign. The main reason for that is the fact that they have no go-to scorer, as Josh Richardson is leading this team with 17.5 points per game. Riding a bunch of role players is not the way the NBA is trending but Miami is making it work right now.
Not only has Miami won both their games over Chicago this season, but they've also won six of their last seven games over them in total.
MSG Hosts Mavs at Knicks
The Dallas Mavericks (22-27) saw their two-game winning streak come to an end on Sunday, as they were bested in a heartbreaker by the visiting Toronto Raptors, 123-120. Rookie sensation Luke Doncic finished the contest with a career-high 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his second career triple-double. Doncic went 14-of-24 from the paint and 3-of-9 from long range, and through 48 starts is averaging 20.5 points 6.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists. All other members of the starting five put up double digits in the loss, including Harrison Barnes, who came away with 14 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists. Dennis Smith, Jr. recorded 13 points and six dimes, while Dorian Finney-Smith starred in a sub role for 13 points five rebounds and three steals. Wednesday marks the beginning of a three-game road trip for a Dallas team that remains in 12th place in the Western Conference.
The New York Knicks (10-39) have now lost 10 straight games and are 2-22 dating back to December 6. They spent Monday night losing on the road to the Charlotte Hornets, 101-92, thanks in large part to a stagnant offense that scores an average of 106.5 points per contest. Rookie Kevin Knox did most of the heavy lifting for New York, with a team-best 19 points and three triples to his credit. As with Doncic, Knox has been a boon for his club in his first season, averaging 12.2 points per game. Tim Hardaway, Jr. was the beneficiary of a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, while Nick Vonleh had 12 boards to add to just five points of production. The Knicks are now close to owning the worst record in the NBA, and have the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers to contend with all before the All-Star break.
The New York Knicks (10-39) have now lost 10 straight games and are 2-22 dating back to December 6. They spent Monday night losing on the road to the Charlotte Hornets, 101-92, thanks in large part to a stagnant offense that scores an average of 106.5 points per contest. Rookie Kevin Knox did most of the heavy lifting for New York, with a team-best 19 points and three triples to his credit. As with Doncic, Knox has been a boon for his club in his first season, averaging 12.2 points per game. Tim Hardaway, Jr. was the beneficiary of a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, while Nick Vonleh had 12 boards to add to just five points of production. The Knicks are now close to owning the worst record in the NBA, and have the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers to contend with all before the All-Star break.
Dysfunctional Pelicans Host Surging Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets travel to The Big Easy to play the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie Kings Center on Wednesday.
The Nuggets (34-15) just pulled off a historic win in their most recent game, as that sort of epic outcome shows the sort of magical season they're having. Denver looked dead in the water when they trailed 70-45 late in the second half on Monday but they made it all the way back to hand the Memphis Grizzlies a devastating 95-92 defeat. That marked Denver's 17th win in their last 23 games, as they currently own the second-best record in the Western Conference. What's truly shocking about this club is the fact that they win defensively, as they currently rank top-six in points allowed, defensive efficiency and rebounding. Those are rare feats from a Denver organization that usually thrives offensively and it says a lot about what Mike Malone has brought to his team. Malone has to be thankful he has a stud like Nikola Jokic though, as he's leading this team with averages of 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.
Jamal Murray won't suit up here for Denver, as he continues to deal with severe swelling in his ankle.
The Pelicans (23-28) aren't the worst team in the league right now but they very well may be the most dysfunctional. It's this whole Anthony Davis saga that's really killing them, as he formally asked for a trade on Monday. Losing one of the best players in the league is obviously a detriment, especially considering he is sidelined right now due to a finger injury. He's not the only one in the training room either, as Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton and E'Twaun Moore are all nicked up too. That's arguably five of their best six players and one has to wonder if this has something to do with all this drama. It's led to a disastrous stretch for the Pelicans too, as they come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games. With that said, New Orleans had one of their biggest wins of the season on Tuesday, as they went to Houston and won on the road against the Rockets, despite not having four starters. That means this is the back end of a back-to-back set, as playing in that circumstance in Denver is one of the toughest tasks in the NBA.
Anthony Davis (finger), Julius Randle (ankle), Eflrid Payton (ankle), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E'Twaun Moore (rest) are all on the injury report headed into this matchup.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team prevailing in each outing. Prior to that, Denver won four of their previous five games over New Orleans.
The Nuggets (34-15) just pulled off a historic win in their most recent game, as that sort of epic outcome shows the sort of magical season they're having. Denver looked dead in the water when they trailed 70-45 late in the second half on Monday but they made it all the way back to hand the Memphis Grizzlies a devastating 95-92 defeat. That marked Denver's 17th win in their last 23 games, as they currently own the second-best record in the Western Conference. What's truly shocking about this club is the fact that they win defensively, as they currently rank top-six in points allowed, defensive efficiency and rebounding. Those are rare feats from a Denver organization that usually thrives offensively and it says a lot about what Mike Malone has brought to his team. Malone has to be thankful he has a stud like Nikola Jokic though, as he's leading this team with averages of 20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game.
Jamal Murray won't suit up here for Denver, as he continues to deal with severe swelling in his ankle.
The Pelicans (23-28) aren't the worst team in the league right now but they very well may be the most dysfunctional. It's this whole Anthony Davis saga that's really killing them, as he formally asked for a trade on Monday. Losing one of the best players in the league is obviously a detriment, especially considering he is sidelined right now due to a finger injury. He's not the only one in the training room either, as Nikola Mirotic, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton and E'Twaun Moore are all nicked up too. That's arguably five of their best six players and one has to wonder if this has something to do with all this drama. It's led to a disastrous stretch for the Pelicans too, as they come into this matchup losing five of their last seven games. With that said, New Orleans had one of their biggest wins of the season on Tuesday, as they went to Houston and won on the road against the Rockets, despite not having four starters. That means this is the back end of a back-to-back set, as playing in that circumstance in Denver is one of the toughest tasks in the NBA.
Anthony Davis (finger), Julius Randle (ankle), Eflrid Payton (ankle), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E'Twaun Moore (rest) are all on the injury report headed into this matchup.
These teams have split their two meetings this season, with the home team prevailing in each outing. Prior to that, Denver won four of their previous five games over New Orleans.
Grizzlies Face Off With Timberwolves in Arctic Battle
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies (20-31) are stuck in the midst of yet another tailspin, as they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped nine of their last 10 contests. Memphis' attempt to put together a second straight win Monday night fell apart when they blew a 25-point lead in the second half against the Denver Nuggets and dropped a 95-92 decision. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 28 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Mike Conley followed with a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one steal. Kyle Anderson and Justin Holiday turned in matching nine-point efforts. Jaren Jackson, Jr. mustered eight points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
The Grizzlies will be without Garrett Temple (shoulder), Omri Casspi (knee) and Chandler Parsons (team decision) on Wednesday. JaMychal Green (knee) will be a game-time decision.
The Timberwolves (24-26) appeared to be building some much-needed momentum recently with a three-game winning streak, but they've subsequently dropped consecutive contests to the Utah Jazz. The most recent came Sunday night, when Minnesota lost by a 125-111 score. Andrew Wiggins led the way with 35 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks. Jerryd Bayless pitched in 19 points, six assists and three rebounds. Luol Deng netted 15 points. Dario Saric pulled down 11 rebounds off the bench.
The Timberwolves will continue to be without Jeff Teague (foot), Tyus Jones (ankle) and Robert Covington (ankle) on Wednesday. Derrick Rose (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four games between the teams this season. The Grizzlies hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 100-87 win on Nov. 18.
The Grizzlies (20-31) are stuck in the midst of yet another tailspin, as they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped nine of their last 10 contests. Memphis' attempt to put together a second straight win Monday night fell apart when they blew a 25-point lead in the second half against the Denver Nuggets and dropped a 95-92 decision. Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 28 points, a total he supplemented with nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Mike Conley followed with a 23-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one steal. Kyle Anderson and Justin Holiday turned in matching nine-point efforts. Jaren Jackson, Jr. mustered eight points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
The Grizzlies will be without Garrett Temple (shoulder), Omri Casspi (knee) and Chandler Parsons (team decision) on Wednesday. JaMychal Green (knee) will be a game-time decision.
The Timberwolves (24-26) appeared to be building some much-needed momentum recently with a three-game winning streak, but they've subsequently dropped consecutive contests to the Utah Jazz. The most recent came Sunday night, when Minnesota lost by a 125-111 score. Andrew Wiggins led the way with 35 points, adding four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks. Jerryd Bayless pitched in 19 points, six assists and three rebounds. Luol Deng netted 15 points. Dario Saric pulled down 11 rebounds off the bench.
The Timberwolves will continue to be without Jeff Teague (foot), Tyus Jones (ankle) and Robert Covington (ankle) on Wednesday. Derrick Rose (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the second of four games between the teams this season. The Grizzlies hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 100-87 win on Nov. 18.
Pacers Tangle With Wizards in Nation's Capital
The Indiana Pacers face off against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (32-17) continue to be an excellent position in the Eastern Conference, but they recently saw Victor Oladipo (knee) go down for the season and replacement Tyreke Evans suffer a back injury in a car accident over the weekend. A short-handed Indiana squad was no match for the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Monday night, as they dropped a 132-100 decision. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 16 points, adding six rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic posted 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Darren Collison contributed 13 points and eight assists. Aaron Holiday poured in 12 points and also furnished four assists and two rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 11 points, seven boards and four assists.
The Pacers do not have any other injuries outside of those to Oladipo and Evans.
The Wizards (21-29) are still trying to claw their way back to respectability, but it's seemingly been a season of one step forward and two steps back. Washington comes into Wednesday's game having dropped three of its past four contests, with its most recent stumble a 116-113 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday evening. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 31 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Jordan McCrae impressively poured in 15 points in just eight minutes. Trevor Ariza delivered 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Otto Porter, Jr. and Gary Payton II generated matching 11-point contributions off the bench. Jeff Green netted nine points, three rebounds and one steal.
The Wizards will continue to be without Markieff Morris (neck) and Dwight Howard (back) on Wednesday.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 109-101 and 105-89 victories on Dec. 10 and Dec. 23, respectively.
The Pacers (32-17) continue to be an excellent position in the Eastern Conference, but they recently saw Victor Oladipo (knee) go down for the season and replacement Tyreke Evans suffer a back injury in a car accident over the weekend. A short-handed Indiana squad was no match for the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Monday night, as they dropped a 132-100 decision. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 16 points, adding six rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Bojan Bogdanovic posted 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Darren Collison contributed 13 points and eight assists. Aaron Holiday poured in 12 points and also furnished four assists and two rebounds. Thaddeus Young finished with 11 points, seven boards and four assists.
The Pacers do not have any other injuries outside of those to Oladipo and Evans.
The Wizards (21-29) are still trying to claw their way back to respectability, but it's seemingly been a season of one step forward and two steps back. Washington comes into Wednesday's game having dropped three of its past four contests, with its most recent stumble a 116-113 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday evening. Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 31 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Jordan McCrae impressively poured in 15 points in just eight minutes. Trevor Ariza delivered 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Otto Porter, Jr. and Gary Payton II generated matching 11-point contributions off the bench. Jeff Green netted nine points, three rebounds and one steal.
The Wizards will continue to be without Markieff Morris (neck) and Dwight Howard (back) on Wednesday.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 109-101 and 105-89 victories on Dec. 10 and Dec. 23, respectively.
Hawks, Kings to Square Off in Sacramento
By Oscar Heanue
The Atlanta Hawks will visit the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
Wednesday will be the fourth game of a lengthy seven-game road trip for Atlanta (16-33). So far, the team has enjoyed a fair amount of success, picking up wins against Chicago and the Los Angeles Clippers. The 2-1 start to the trip puts Atlanta at 3-3 in its last six games, marking somewhat of a turnaround from the team's tough start to the season. Rookie points guard Trae Young has had a big part in the team's improved play. Young is averaging 18.3 points per game in the month of January. On Monday, he led the Hawks to a win over Los Angeles by scoring 26 points and dishing out eight assists to go with just one turnover.
Kent Bazemore (ankle) will be a game-time decision for the Hawks, while Miles Plumlee (knee) is out of the lineup.
Sacramento (25-25), on the other hand, has run into a rough patch recently. The Kings are 2-4 in their last six games, and all four losses have come by a margin of at least 14 points. Most recently, Sacramento took a 108-122 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. The Kings struggled to find reliable offense in the win, shooting just 39.8 percent from the field in the loss. After their recent rough patch, the Kings rank just 19th in the league in offensive rating and 21st defensively.
The Kings enter Wednesday's matchup with no injuries to report.
Wednesday will be the fourth game of a lengthy seven-game road trip for Atlanta (16-33). So far, the team has enjoyed a fair amount of success, picking up wins against Chicago and the Los Angeles Clippers. The 2-1 start to the trip puts Atlanta at 3-3 in its last six games, marking somewhat of a turnaround from the team's tough start to the season. Rookie points guard Trae Young has had a big part in the team's improved play. Young is averaging 18.3 points per game in the month of January. On Monday, he led the Hawks to a win over Los Angeles by scoring 26 points and dishing out eight assists to go with just one turnover.
Kent Bazemore (ankle) will be a game-time decision for the Hawks, while Miles Plumlee (knee) is out of the lineup.
Sacramento (25-25), on the other hand, has run into a rough patch recently. The Kings are 2-4 in their last six games, and all four losses have come by a margin of at least 14 points. Most recently, Sacramento took a 108-122 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. The Kings struggled to find reliable offense in the win, shooting just 39.8 percent from the field in the loss. After their recent rough patch, the Kings rank just 19th in the league in offensive rating and 21st defensively.
The Kings enter Wednesday's matchup with no injuries to report.
Jazz, Trail Blazers Close Season Series in Portland
By Oscar Heanue
The Utah Jazz will visit the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday.
Utah (29-22) has been one of the league's hottest teams recently, going 9-1 in its last 10 games. That singular loss did come against Portland, though, as the Jazz were edged out 104-109 last week. Utah nearly came back from a late double-digit deficit thanks to a late run from Donovan Mitchell, who scored the team's last 14 points. It was too little, too late, though, and the Jazz fell to 2-1 on the season against the Trail Blazers. With their strong recent play, the team will be hoping to win the season series with a victory on Wednesday.
Raul Neto (groin), Dante Exum (ankle), Tony Bradley (knee), and Thabo Sefolosha (hamstring) will be sidelined for the Jazz on Wednesday.
Portland (31-20) has been on fire as well, picking up five wins in its last six games. The Trail Blazers have been benefiting from a breakout season from big man Jusuf Nurkic, who is averaging 17.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game in the month of January. Nurkic was the X-factor for Portland the last time these two teams clashed, as he managed to tally 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and six blocks against Rudy Gobert and the tough Jazz defense. He will hope to perform well again on Wednesday as the Trail Blazers look to even the season series at two games apiece.
Nik Stauskas (knee) has been ruled out for the Trail Blazers.
Utah (29-22) has been one of the league's hottest teams recently, going 9-1 in its last 10 games. That singular loss did come against Portland, though, as the Jazz were edged out 104-109 last week. Utah nearly came back from a late double-digit deficit thanks to a late run from Donovan Mitchell, who scored the team's last 14 points. It was too little, too late, though, and the Jazz fell to 2-1 on the season against the Trail Blazers. With their strong recent play, the team will be hoping to win the season series with a victory on Wednesday.
Raul Neto (groin), Dante Exum (ankle), Tony Bradley (knee), and Thabo Sefolosha (hamstring) will be sidelined for the Jazz on Wednesday.
Portland (31-20) has been on fire as well, picking up five wins in its last six games. The Trail Blazers have been benefiting from a breakout season from big man Jusuf Nurkic, who is averaging 17.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game in the month of January. Nurkic was the X-factor for Portland the last time these two teams clashed, as he managed to tally 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and six blocks against Rudy Gobert and the tough Jazz defense. He will hope to perform well again on Wednesday as the Trail Blazers look to even the season series at two games apiece.
Nik Stauskas (knee) has been ruled out for the Trail Blazers.