Hornets Host Struggling Grizzlies on Friday
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Grizzlies (20-32) come into this matchup losing 16 of their last 18 games, as the two most recent losses show just how badly they're struggling. In fact, they blew a 25-point second half lead against the Denver Nuggets on Monday and followed that up with a devastating overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. That means their last three losses has been decided by a combined eight points, as nothing is going right for this franchise. That's led to a ton of trade speculation surrounding this club, with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol being the focus of those talks. Blowing the whole thing up may be the best option for the future, as it's been a heck of a run for these two. They simply don't have enough offense to compete right now though, with the Grizzlies sitting dead-last in scoring. That won't get it done and one has to wonder just how many games left this core has together.
The Hornets (24-26) own a 17-8 record at home this season, as that's kept them in playoff contention. They are starting to middle though, coming into this matchup trading off wins and losses across their last six games. The mediocrity of this team really stands out when you see the statistics, as this club ranks between 17th and 19th in scoring, points allowed, rebounding and assists. That shows just where this franchise is at right now, sitting somewhere right in the middle-of-the-pack. It's all about Kemba Walker though, as he's leading this team with 24.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. That's why he earned a starting spot at the all-star game and he'll definitely represent his city when it's played in Charlotte in two weeks.
Charlotte won their one meeting with Memphis this season, 118-107. That marked the Hornets fourth-straight win over the Grizzlies and their sixth win in their last seven games in total.
The Grizzlies (20-32) come into this matchup losing 16 of their last 18 games, as the two most recent losses show just how badly they're struggling. In fact, they blew a 25-point second half lead against the Denver Nuggets on Monday and followed that up with a devastating overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. That means their last three losses has been decided by a combined eight points, as nothing is going right for this franchise. That's led to a ton of trade speculation surrounding this club, with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol being the focus of those talks. Blowing the whole thing up may be the best option for the future, as it's been a heck of a run for these two. They simply don't have enough offense to compete right now though, with the Grizzlies sitting dead-last in scoring. That won't get it done and one has to wonder just how many games left this core has together.
The Hornets (24-26) own a 17-8 record at home this season, as that's kept them in playoff contention. They are starting to middle though, coming into this matchup trading off wins and losses across their last six games. The mediocrity of this team really stands out when you see the statistics, as this club ranks between 17th and 19th in scoring, points allowed, rebounding and assists. That shows just where this franchise is at right now, sitting somewhere right in the middle-of-the-pack. It's all about Kemba Walker though, as he's leading this team with 24.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. That's why he earned a starting spot at the all-star game and he'll definitely represent his city when it's played in Charlotte in two weeks.
Charlotte won their one meeting with Memphis this season, 118-107. That marked the Hornets fourth-straight win over the Grizzlies and their sixth win in their last seven games in total.
Knicks Begin New Era As Celtics Come To Town
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Boston Celtics, at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening.
The Knicks (10-40) became the talk of the league, as they dealt away Kristaps Porzingis, along with Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan. It is uncertain whether any of the new additions will suit up for the Knicks on Friday, which could lead to extra minutes for some of the rotation guys. Kevin Knox led the Knicks in scoring, with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting in their most recent contest. Knox is averaging 12.3 points on 37 percent shooting, and 4.2 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game, so far in his rookie campaign. Mario Hezonja has been playing well lately, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.1 assists, in 24 minutes per game over his last 10 games. The Knicks have dropped 11 games in a row, and sit dead last in the East. They are 4-18 at home this season.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (32-19) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. Despite missing Kyrie Irving for the last two games, the Celtics have managed to find success with their depth, as Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart have done an excellent job maintaining the back court, while Al Horford and Jayson Tatum have kept up the work up front. Irving (hip) remains questionable for action against the Knicks. The Celtics continue to be one of the better defensive teams in the league, as they are holding opponents to an average of 105.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. On the other hand, they are scoring an average of 112.4 points per game. However, the Celtics have dropped three of their last four road games, and are 11-13 on the road this season.
The Knicks (10-40) became the talk of the league, as they dealt away Kristaps Porzingis, along with Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Mavericks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., Wesley Matthews and DeAndre Jordan. It is uncertain whether any of the new additions will suit up for the Knicks on Friday, which could lead to extra minutes for some of the rotation guys. Kevin Knox led the Knicks in scoring, with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting in their most recent contest. Knox is averaging 12.3 points on 37 percent shooting, and 4.2 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game, so far in his rookie campaign. Mario Hezonja has been playing well lately, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.1 assists, in 24 minutes per game over his last 10 games. The Knicks have dropped 11 games in a row, and sit dead last in the East. They are 4-18 at home this season.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (32-19) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. Despite missing Kyrie Irving for the last two games, the Celtics have managed to find success with their depth, as Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart have done an excellent job maintaining the back court, while Al Horford and Jayson Tatum have kept up the work up front. Irving (hip) remains questionable for action against the Knicks. The Celtics continue to be one of the better defensive teams in the league, as they are holding opponents to an average of 105.6 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. On the other hand, they are scoring an average of 112.4 points per game. However, the Celtics have dropped three of their last four road games, and are 11-13 on the road this season.
Thunder Tangles With Heat in Interconference Showdown
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Friday night.
The Thunder (32-18) come into South Florida riding high, as they've prevailed in six straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 126-117 margin on Tuesday night. Paul George paced the Thunder with 37 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook followed with a 23-point, 14-rebound, 14-assist triple-double that also included one block. Dennis Schroder generated 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Jerami Grant finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three steals. Nerlens Noel drew the start for Adams and produced 12 points, seven boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will likely list both Terrance Ferguson (back) and Steven Adams (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Heat (24-25) come into Friday's contest in the midst of another one of the stretches of inconsistency that have come to define their season. Miami is just 2-3 over its last five games, with their most recent stumble coming against the Chicago Bulls by a 105-89 score Wednesday night. Tyler Johnson paced the Heat with 15 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Justise Winslow turned in 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Wayne Ellington followed with matching 13-point tallies while hauling in seven and four rebounds, respectively. Josh Richardson supplied 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated eight points, nine rebounds and one block.
The Heat will continue to be without both Goran Dragic (knee) and Derrick Jones, Jr. (knee) on Friday.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Thunder swept the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Thunder (32-18) come into South Florida riding high, as they've prevailed in six straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Orlando Magic, which they toppled by a 126-117 margin on Tuesday night. Paul George paced the Thunder with 37 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook followed with a 23-point, 14-rebound, 14-assist triple-double that also included one block. Dennis Schroder generated 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Jerami Grant finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three steals. Nerlens Noel drew the start for Adams and produced 12 points, seven boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will likely list both Terrance Ferguson (back) and Steven Adams (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game.
The Heat (24-25) come into Friday's contest in the midst of another one of the stretches of inconsistency that have come to define their season. Miami is just 2-3 over its last five games, with their most recent stumble coming against the Chicago Bulls by a 105-89 score Wednesday night. Tyler Johnson paced the Heat with 15 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Justise Winslow turned in 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo and Wayne Ellington followed with matching 13-point tallies while hauling in seven and four rebounds, respectively. Josh Richardson supplied 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Hassan Whiteside generated eight points, nine rebounds and one block.
The Heat will continue to be without both Goran Dragic (knee) and Derrick Jones, Jr. (knee) on Friday.
Friday's contest marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Thunder swept the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Jazz Look to Bounce Back vs. Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks will head to Utah on Friday to take on the Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
The Hawks enter Friday's contest in the middle of their seven-game road trip. They've split the first four games, and after they pulled off a surprising upset victory at the Clippers, they laid a total egg in Sacramento, falling to the Kings, 135-113. It won't get any easier now, with Utah being one of the most difficult places to play in the NBA.
While the team's success has been varied since they hit the road, rookie Trae Young has been sensational since Atlanta headed out west. In his last three games, Young is averaging 26.3 points and 8.0 assists per game, but what has been most impressive is the level of efficiency Young has been playing at. The rookie point guard is hitting 41 percent of his three and a scorching 62 percent from the field overall. Young and the Hawks' offense, however, has not been the issue, as the team has allowed anyone and everyone to score, giving up at least 118 points in four of their last five games.
As for the Jazz, they come into Friday's game as winners of nine of their last 11. Both of those losses in that stretch, however, have come at the hands' of the Portland Trail Blazers. Wednesday's road game against the Blazers was a disaster for Utah, as the team was out of it as soon as they gave up 45 points to the home team in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Jazz are still surging, and they are continuing to creep their way up the Western Conference standings. They currently stand in the No. 7 spot, but they are just three games behind No. 4 Portland. Friday should be a prime opportunity for Utah to get back on the right track, as the Jazz have won eight in a row at home against teams with losing records.
The Hawks enter Friday's contest in the middle of their seven-game road trip. They've split the first four games, and after they pulled off a surprising upset victory at the Clippers, they laid a total egg in Sacramento, falling to the Kings, 135-113. It won't get any easier now, with Utah being one of the most difficult places to play in the NBA.
While the team's success has been varied since they hit the road, rookie Trae Young has been sensational since Atlanta headed out west. In his last three games, Young is averaging 26.3 points and 8.0 assists per game, but what has been most impressive is the level of efficiency Young has been playing at. The rookie point guard is hitting 41 percent of his three and a scorching 62 percent from the field overall. Young and the Hawks' offense, however, has not been the issue, as the team has allowed anyone and everyone to score, giving up at least 118 points in four of their last five games.
As for the Jazz, they come into Friday's game as winners of nine of their last 11. Both of those losses in that stretch, however, have come at the hands' of the Portland Trail Blazers. Wednesday's road game against the Blazers was a disaster for Utah, as the team was out of it as soon as they gave up 45 points to the home team in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Jazz are still surging, and they are continuing to creep their way up the Western Conference standings. They currently stand in the No. 7 spot, but they are just three games behind No. 4 Portland. Friday should be a prime opportunity for Utah to get back on the right track, as the Jazz have won eight in a row at home against teams with losing records.
Rockets, Nuggets Square Off in Denver
By Oscar Heanue
The Denver Nuggets will play host to the Houston Rockets at Pepsi Center on Thursday evening.
The season series has belonged to Houston (29-21) thus far, with the Rockets claiming both of the previous clashes between the two teams by double digits. Houston enters Friday's game in the midst of a hot stretch. Though the team lost its most recent game, falling 116-121 to New Orleans, it had won three in a row prior to that contest. The Rockets have bounced back admirably since their slow start to the season, now sitting at 18-7 in their last 25 games. Of course, much of that turnaround can be attributed to the incredible play of James Harden. The reigning MVP's 43.7 point per game average in January was the highest in a single month by any player since Wilt Chamberlain. He will look to kick off February in similar fashion against Denver.
The Nuggets (35-15) boast an MVP contender of their own. Nikola Jokic has been one of the league's dominant forces this season, averaging 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists from the center position. The big man was named an All-Star for the first time on Thursday, and his play has contributed to an elite season for his team. Denver sits at second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the defending champion Warriors. The Nuggets come into Friday's game having won six of their last seven.
Both teams have a long injury report. Houston will be missing Clint Capela (thumb) and Nene Hilario (rest), while Chris Paul (back) and Danuel House (Undisclosed) are game-time decisions. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will be without Jamal Murray (ankle), while Gary Harris (groin) will have his status evaluated before tip-off.
The season series has belonged to Houston (29-21) thus far, with the Rockets claiming both of the previous clashes between the two teams by double digits. Houston enters Friday's game in the midst of a hot stretch. Though the team lost its most recent game, falling 116-121 to New Orleans, it had won three in a row prior to that contest. The Rockets have bounced back admirably since their slow start to the season, now sitting at 18-7 in their last 25 games. Of course, much of that turnaround can be attributed to the incredible play of James Harden. The reigning MVP's 43.7 point per game average in January was the highest in a single month by any player since Wilt Chamberlain. He will look to kick off February in similar fashion against Denver.
The Nuggets (35-15) boast an MVP contender of their own. Nikola Jokic has been one of the league's dominant forces this season, averaging 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists from the center position. The big man was named an All-Star for the first time on Thursday, and his play has contributed to an elite season for his team. Denver sits at second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the defending champion Warriors. The Nuggets come into Friday's game having won six of their last seven.
Both teams have a long injury report. Houston will be missing Clint Capela (thumb) and Nene Hilario (rest), while Chris Paul (back) and Danuel House (Undisclosed) are game-time decisions. The Nuggets, meanwhile, will be without Jamal Murray (ankle), while Gary Harris (groin) will have his status evaluated before tip-off.