Griffin, Pistons Looking To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Dallas Mavericks, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday evening.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Pistons (21-28), which began with a loss against the Bucks on Tuesday. The Pistons have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They have also dropped two in a row at home, where they are 13-12 this season. The Pistons are averaging 105.9 points per game, which is sixth worst in the NBA. Blake Griffin has been Detroit's only significant, consistent contributor this season, averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists, in 36 minutes per game. Andre Drummond has also been playing well, averaging 16.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists per game, while Reggie Jackson has had a relatively uninspiring season so far, averaging 14.3 points on 40 percent shooting, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (23-27), who are coming off a convincing win against the Knicks, in New York on Wednesday evening. This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Mavs, who are just 5-20 on the road this season. Luka Doncic has been a fantastic bright spot for Dallas, averaging 20.5 points, 5.4 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He also has notched two triple-doubles already, and is one of the first in NBA history to do so this early in his career. Dennis Smith Jr. has been back in action for four games after missing a couple of weeks, and is looking solid, contributing across the board in all four games. Smith Jr. is averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan provides Dallas a reliable centerpiece, averaging 11.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks, in 31 minutes per game.
This marks the second game of a four-game home stand for the Pistons (21-28), which began with a loss against the Bucks on Tuesday. The Pistons have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They have also dropped two in a row at home, where they are 13-12 this season. The Pistons are averaging 105.9 points per game, which is sixth worst in the NBA. Blake Griffin has been Detroit's only significant, consistent contributor this season, averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists, in 36 minutes per game. Andre Drummond has also been playing well, averaging 16.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists per game, while Reggie Jackson has had a relatively uninspiring season so far, averaging 14.3 points on 40 percent shooting, 4.2 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (23-27), who are coming off a convincing win against the Knicks, in New York on Wednesday evening. This marks the second game of a three-game road trip for the Mavs, who are just 5-20 on the road this season. Luka Doncic has been a fantastic bright spot for Dallas, averaging 20.5 points, 5.4 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He also has notched two triple-doubles already, and is one of the first in NBA history to do so this early in his career. Dennis Smith Jr. has been back in action for four games after missing a couple of weeks, and is looking solid, contributing across the board in all four games. Smith Jr. is averaging 12.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. DeAndre Jordan provides Dallas a reliable centerpiece, averaging 11.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks, in 31 minutes per game.
Pacers and Magic Face Off in Central Florida Showdown
The Indiana Pacers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Thursday evening.
The Pacers (32-18) sport an impressive record that belies the pall that rests over the team at the moment. Victor Oladipo's season-ending knee injury versus the Raptors three games ago combined with the back issue currently plaguing Tyreke Evans clearly has left Indiana reeling, as they've dropped three consecutive contests coming into Thursday. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 107-89 decision to the Washington Wizards. Thaddeus Young led the Pacers with 13 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 12 points, two boards and two assists. T.J. Leaf and Doug McDermott generated matching 12-point tallies off the bench. Aaron Holiday poured in 10 points and added three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis matched Holiday's scoring total and also posted eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Myles Turner furnished nine points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal over 27 minutes.
The Pacers will likely list Evans as no better than questionable for Thursday's game.
The Magic (20-31) come into Thursday's contest in the midst of a significant tailspin, as they've dropped four straight games, and seven of the last eight overall. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which toppled them by a 126-117 score on Tuesday night. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 27 points and also hauled in 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Fournier posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Aaron Gordon and Terrance Ross turned in matching 16 point tallies while hauling in nine and six rebounds, respectively. Jonathan Isaac and D.J. Augustin poured in 11 points apiece. Isaac notably brought down eight rebounds, while Augustin dished out five assists.
The Magic will list Isaiah Briscoe (ankle) and Jonathon Simmons (abdominal) as questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 112-90 victory Dec. 7.
The Pacers (32-18) sport an impressive record that belies the pall that rests over the team at the moment. Victor Oladipo's season-ending knee injury versus the Raptors three games ago combined with the back issue currently plaguing Tyreke Evans clearly has left Indiana reeling, as they've dropped three consecutive contests coming into Thursday. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 107-89 decision to the Washington Wizards. Thaddeus Young led the Pacers with 13 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 12 points, two boards and two assists. T.J. Leaf and Doug McDermott generated matching 12-point tallies off the bench. Aaron Holiday poured in 10 points and added three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis matched Holiday's scoring total and also posted eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Myles Turner furnished nine points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal over 27 minutes.
The Pacers will likely list Evans as no better than questionable for Thursday's game.
The Magic (20-31) come into Thursday's contest in the midst of a significant tailspin, as they've dropped four straight games, and seven of the last eight overall. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, which toppled them by a 126-117 score on Tuesday night. Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 27 points and also hauled in 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Fournier posted 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Aaron Gordon and Terrance Ross turned in matching 16 point tallies while hauling in nine and six rebounds, respectively. Jonathan Isaac and D.J. Augustin poured in 11 points apiece. Isaac notably brought down eight rebounds, while Augustin dished out five assists.
The Magic will list Isaiah Briscoe (ankle) and Jonathon Simmons (abdominal) as questionable for Thursday's contest.
Thursday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pacers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 112-90 victory Dec. 7.
Raptors Host Bucks for Top-Seed in the East
The Milwaukee Bucks travel north of the border to play the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre on Thursday.
The Bucks (36-13) come into this matchup with a 4-3 record across their last seven games, as they've struggled against elite competition on the road. In fact, those three losses all came on the road against the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets. That makes this matchup look even more difficult, as Milwaukee is nearly impossible to beat in their home building. Calling a 4-3 stretch a slump shows just how good this team is though, as they won seven of eight heading into this so-called "skid". The Raptors are just happy to have Kawhi Leonard back and fully healthy, as he's playing some of the best ball of his career right now. In fact, Leonard is averaging 31.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.0 steals across his last seven games.
The Raptors (37-15) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games, as they're playing majestically right now. What's truly special about this club is that they excel on both ends of the floor, as they currently rank second in scoring and first in defensive efficiency. That says a lot about how dangerous this team can be, as Toronto is the only other team who sits top-10 in both those statistics. It's all about Giannis Antetokounmpo though, as he's leading this team with 26.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Those are MVP caliber numbers and it blends beautifully with all of these role players who have all-star potential.
These teams have played three times this season already, with Milwaukee prevailing in two of three. This marks their fourth and final meeting, as the winner here will attain first-place in the Eastern Conference, with Milwaukee up 0.5 games.
The Bucks (36-13) come into this matchup with a 4-3 record across their last seven games, as they've struggled against elite competition on the road. In fact, those three losses all came on the road against the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets. That makes this matchup look even more difficult, as Milwaukee is nearly impossible to beat in their home building. Calling a 4-3 stretch a slump shows just how good this team is though, as they won seven of eight heading into this so-called "skid". The Raptors are just happy to have Kawhi Leonard back and fully healthy, as he's playing some of the best ball of his career right now. In fact, Leonard is averaging 31.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.0 steals across his last seven games.
The Raptors (37-15) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games, as they're playing majestically right now. What's truly special about this club is that they excel on both ends of the floor, as they currently rank second in scoring and first in defensive efficiency. That says a lot about how dangerous this team can be, as Toronto is the only other team who sits top-10 in both those statistics. It's all about Giannis Antetokounmpo though, as he's leading this team with 26.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. Those are MVP caliber numbers and it blends beautifully with all of these role players who have all-star potential.
These teams have played three times this season already, with Milwaukee prevailing in two of three. This marks their fourth and final meeting, as the winner here will attain first-place in the Eastern Conference, with Milwaukee up 0.5 games.
Surging Nets Visit San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs will play host to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday at AT&T Center.
The Spurs (30-22) enter Thursday's contest having rattled off three wins in a row, and most impressively, they have done so without star swingman DeMar DeRozan, who has been out with a sore left knee. It wouldn't be wise, however, for San Antonio to look too deep into its recent success sans DeRozan, as the team has won its last three games against the injury-plagued Pelicans, at home against Washington and at home against Phoenix, which required a game-winner from Rudy Gay in the closing seconds. Additionally, LaMarcus Aldridge has stepped up in a major way in DeRozan's absence, averaging 29.0 points and and 11.7 rebounds over those three games while shooting over 60 percent from the field. Regardless, DeRozan said he is feeling the best he's felt in weeks and is listed as probable to play Thursday, and with that, the Spurs will have a clean injury report should he officially be ruled active.
As for the Nets (28-24), they continue to be one of the hottest teams in the NBA as winners of seven of their last eight games. In fact, they have won 11 of their last 15 games, with their four losses coming against the Eastern Conference's elite (Bucks, Raptors and the Celtics twice). The biggest reason for their ongoing surge has been the play of D'Angelo Russell, who has helped fill the hole left by the absence of breakout star Spencer Dinwiddie (finger). Russell is coming off a 30-point performance in Tuesday's victory over the Bulls and is now averaging 27.2 points per game over his last six outings. The play of Russell and the Nets has capitulated them into a comfortable spot in the Eastern Conference standings, as they sit in the No. 6 spot and are 5.5 games ahead of the ninth-seed Wizards.
The Spurs (30-22) enter Thursday's contest having rattled off three wins in a row, and most impressively, they have done so without star swingman DeMar DeRozan, who has been out with a sore left knee. It wouldn't be wise, however, for San Antonio to look too deep into its recent success sans DeRozan, as the team has won its last three games against the injury-plagued Pelicans, at home against Washington and at home against Phoenix, which required a game-winner from Rudy Gay in the closing seconds. Additionally, LaMarcus Aldridge has stepped up in a major way in DeRozan's absence, averaging 29.0 points and and 11.7 rebounds over those three games while shooting over 60 percent from the field. Regardless, DeRozan said he is feeling the best he's felt in weeks and is listed as probable to play Thursday, and with that, the Spurs will have a clean injury report should he officially be ruled active.
As for the Nets (28-24), they continue to be one of the hottest teams in the NBA as winners of seven of their last eight games. In fact, they have won 11 of their last 15 games, with their four losses coming against the Eastern Conference's elite (Bucks, Raptors and the Celtics twice). The biggest reason for their ongoing surge has been the play of D'Angelo Russell, who has helped fill the hole left by the absence of breakout star Spencer Dinwiddie (finger). Russell is coming off a 30-point performance in Tuesday's victory over the Bulls and is now averaging 27.2 points per game over his last six outings. The play of Russell and the Nets has capitulated them into a comfortable spot in the Eastern Conference standings, as they sit in the No. 6 spot and are 5.5 games ahead of the ninth-seed Wizards.
76ers Continue Road Trip, Visit Golden State
By Oscar Heanue
The Golden State Warriors will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Oracle Arena on Thursday evening.
Thursday's tilt will be the first meeting between these two teams this season, and it comes at a time when both teams are playing some of their best basketball. Philadelphia (33-18) has won six of its last eight contests, including a 121-105 blowout of the Lakers in LA on Tuesday. The 76ers can credit much of their success to star center Joel Embiid, who scored 28 points in the win and is averaging 29.3 points since their Christmas Day clash with the Celtics. Embiid has tallied 15 double-doubles in 17 games over that stretch and is blocking 2.1 shots per game over that same span. Philadelphia also added depth to its bench with the recent acquisition of Corey Brewer. Brewer, who has played five games since joining the Sixers on a 10-day contract, has been a pesky defender, notching two or more steals in each of his last four outings.
The Warriors (36-14), meanwhile, are riding a league-best 10-game winning streak. Golden State recently strengthened its already star-studded lineup with the return of DeMarcus Cousins, who has played five games since coming back from his torn Achilles tendon. Cousins has averaged 15.2 points and 7 rebounds in just 21.8 minutes per game with the Warriors. His minutes restriction has not been all about his injury, though - Cousins has already fouled out twice with Golden State. His propensity for fouling may cause trouble as he matches up with Embiid, who attempts more free-throws than any other big man at 10.0 per game. Still, the Warriors have plenty of firepower surrounding Cousins on both ends of the court. Golden State leads the league in offensive rating and has improved to 14th defensively after a slow start to the season.
Warriors forward Jonas Jerebko (personal) will miss Thursday's contest as he and his wife await the birth of their child. The 76ers, meanwhile, will be without Markelle Fultz (shoulder). Jonah Bolden (Achilles) will be a game-time decision for the Sixers.
Thursday's tilt will be the first meeting between these two teams this season, and it comes at a time when both teams are playing some of their best basketball. Philadelphia (33-18) has won six of its last eight contests, including a 121-105 blowout of the Lakers in LA on Tuesday. The 76ers can credit much of their success to star center Joel Embiid, who scored 28 points in the win and is averaging 29.3 points since their Christmas Day clash with the Celtics. Embiid has tallied 15 double-doubles in 17 games over that stretch and is blocking 2.1 shots per game over that same span. Philadelphia also added depth to its bench with the recent acquisition of Corey Brewer. Brewer, who has played five games since joining the Sixers on a 10-day contract, has been a pesky defender, notching two or more steals in each of his last four outings.
The Warriors (36-14), meanwhile, are riding a league-best 10-game winning streak. Golden State recently strengthened its already star-studded lineup with the return of DeMarcus Cousins, who has played five games since coming back from his torn Achilles tendon. Cousins has averaged 15.2 points and 7 rebounds in just 21.8 minutes per game with the Warriors. His minutes restriction has not been all about his injury, though - Cousins has already fouled out twice with Golden State. His propensity for fouling may cause trouble as he matches up with Embiid, who attempts more free-throws than any other big man at 10.0 per game. Still, the Warriors have plenty of firepower surrounding Cousins on both ends of the court. Golden State leads the league in offensive rating and has improved to 14th defensively after a slow start to the season.
Warriors forward Jonas Jerebko (personal) will miss Thursday's contest as he and his wife await the birth of their child. The 76ers, meanwhile, will be without Markelle Fultz (shoulder). Jonah Bolden (Achilles) will be a game-time decision for the Sixers.
Lakers and Clippers Clash at Staples Center
The Los Angeles Lakers (26-25) have lost four of their last five contests, including a 121-105 defeat at the hands of the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. Brandon Ingram led the charge for L.A., posting a team-high 36 points, adding five rebounds and five assists on 16-of-20 from field goal range. Through 40 starts this season, the third-year forward is averaging 17.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and three assists per game. JaVale McGee came off the bench to deliver 17 points and haul in 14 rebounds on his way to a double-double, going 7-of-12 from the paint, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished the night behind 12 points and a pair of triples. Rajon Rondo dished out 11 assists to add to his five points as the Lakers, at the heart of Anthony Davis trade rumors, have slipped to ninth place in the Western Conference, two games behind their opponents on Thursday. The Lakers have a tough road ahead of him prior to the All-Star break, with games scheduled against the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and a rematch with the Sixers.
Monday night saw the Los Angeles Clippers' (28-23) three-game winning streak come to a halt, as they fell at home to the Atlanta Hawks, 123-118. Seven Clippers finished the game with double digits, led by Tobias Harris' 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, going 11-of-18 from the field and making all but one of his seven shot attempts from the charity stripe. Lou Williams came off the pine to pull just shy of a double-double with 21 points and nine assists, shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line, while Patrick Beverley had 10 points and 10 assists in a starting role, making all eight of his free throws, as well. The Clippers' 24th-ranked team defense, one that allows 113.5 points per game, will need to be shored up in the second half of their 2018-19 campaign, as they remain in the midst of a competitive, low-seed logjam in the West.
Monday night saw the Los Angeles Clippers' (28-23) three-game winning streak come to a halt, as they fell at home to the Atlanta Hawks, 123-118. Seven Clippers finished the game with double digits, led by Tobias Harris' 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, going 11-of-18 from the field and making all but one of his seven shot attempts from the charity stripe. Lou Williams came off the pine to pull just shy of a double-double with 21 points and nine assists, shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line, while Patrick Beverley had 10 points and 10 assists in a starting role, making all eight of his free throws, as well. The Clippers' 24th-ranked team defense, one that allows 113.5 points per game, will need to be shored up in the second half of their 2018-19 campaign, as they remain in the midst of a competitive, low-seed logjam in the West.