Bulls Make Short Trip to Tangle With Cavaliers
The Chicago Bulls take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (1-3) have looked like an improve defensive team in the early going of the new campaign, but they've still dropped three of their first four games. Their latest stumble came against the New York Knicks, which bested them by a 105-98 score on Monday night. Zach LaVine led the way with 21 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen furnished 18 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Thaddeus Young contributed 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will list Otto Porter, Jr. (hip) as probable for Wednesday's game, while Carter will carry the same designation with a thumb issue. Chandler Hutchison is likely to remain sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Cavaliers (1-2) have opened the new season displaying some of the same inconsistencies that plagued them throughout a rebuilding 2018-19 campaign. Cleveland has suffered a pair of double-digit losses, the most recent coming against the Milwaukee Bucks by a 129-112 score on Monday night. Collin Sexton led the way for the Cavs with 18 points, adding three rebounds and one assist. Tristan Thompson and Jordan Clarkson managed matching 17-point tallies, with Thompson also hauling in 13 rebounds. Kevin Love and Larry Nance, Jr. each posted 15 points, with Love pulling down 16 rebounds as well. Cedi Osman poured in 10 points.
The Cavaliers will continue to be without Ante Zizic (foot) and John Henson (hamstring) for Wednesday's contest. Dylan Windler (lower leg) is likely to remain sidelined as well.
The Bulls won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the clubs by a 3-1 margin.
The Bulls (1-3) have looked like an improve defensive team in the early going of the new campaign, but they've still dropped three of their first four games. Their latest stumble came against the New York Knicks, which bested them by a 105-98 score on Monday night. Zach LaVine led the way with 21 points, adding five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Lauri Markkanen furnished 18 points, six boards, two assists and one steal. Thaddeus Young contributed 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
The Bulls will list Otto Porter, Jr. (hip) as probable for Wednesday's game, while Carter will carry the same designation with a thumb issue. Chandler Hutchison is likely to remain sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Cavaliers (1-2) have opened the new season displaying some of the same inconsistencies that plagued them throughout a rebuilding 2018-19 campaign. Cleveland has suffered a pair of double-digit losses, the most recent coming against the Milwaukee Bucks by a 129-112 score on Monday night. Collin Sexton led the way for the Cavs with 18 points, adding three rebounds and one assist. Tristan Thompson and Jordan Clarkson managed matching 17-point tallies, with Thompson also hauling in 13 rebounds. Kevin Love and Larry Nance, Jr. each posted 15 points, with Love pulling down 16 rebounds as well. Cedi Osman poured in 10 points.
The Cavaliers will continue to be without Ante Zizic (foot) and John Henson (hamstring) for Wednesday's contest. Dylan Windler (lower leg) is likely to remain sidelined as well.
The Bulls won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the clubs by a 3-1 margin.
Knicks Head South to Battle Magic
The New York Knicks face the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Knicks (1-3) started the season in frustrating fashion while dropping their first three games by varying margins, but they finally broke the ice with a 105-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Bobby Portis led the charge against one of his old squads, racking up 28 points and complementing them with 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett generated a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Kevin Knox poured in 14 points off the bench, while Julius Randle managed a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Mitchell Robinson and Marcus Morris totaled 10 points each while pulling down nine and five rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks will be without Payton (hamstring) and Reggie Bullock (back) on Wednesday. Dennis Smith, Jr. (personal) and Kadeem Allen (knee) will likely be game-time decisions.
The Magic (1-2) opened the season in impressive fashion with an 11-point victory over the Cavaliers, but they've subsequently dropped two straight. Their latest stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 104-95 margin on Monday night. Aaron Gordon led the way with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Evan Fournier poured in 18 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Markelle Fultz delivered 13 points, five assists and two rebounds. Terrance Ross tallied 11 points and four rebounds, while D.J. Augustin managed 10 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Nikola Vucevic shot just 1-for-13 on his way to five points, but he did pull in 12 rebounds.
The Magic will come into Wednesday's matchup without any injuries to report.
The Magic won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the clubs by a 3-1 margin.
The Knicks (1-3) started the season in frustrating fashion while dropping their first three games by varying margins, but they finally broke the ice with a 105-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. Bobby Portis led the charge against one of his old squads, racking up 28 points and complementing them with 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett generated a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Kevin Knox poured in 14 points off the bench, while Julius Randle managed a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Mitchell Robinson and Marcus Morris totaled 10 points each while pulling down nine and five rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks will be without Payton (hamstring) and Reggie Bullock (back) on Wednesday. Dennis Smith, Jr. (personal) and Kadeem Allen (knee) will likely be game-time decisions.
The Magic (1-2) opened the season in impressive fashion with an 11-point victory over the Cavaliers, but they've subsequently dropped two straight. Their latest stumble came against the Toronto Raptors, which toppled them by a 104-95 margin on Monday night. Aaron Gordon led the way with 24 points, adding seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Evan Fournier poured in 18 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Markelle Fultz delivered 13 points, five assists and two rebounds. Terrance Ross tallied 11 points and four rebounds, while D.J. Augustin managed 10 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Nikola Vucevic shot just 1-for-13 on his way to five points, but he did pull in 12 rebounds.
The Magic will come into Wednesday's matchup without any injuries to report.
The Magic won the four-game 2018-19 season series between the clubs by a 3-1 margin.
Timberwolves Take On 76ers in Battle of the Unbeaten
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (3-0) come into this interconference showdown riding him on their season-opening three-game winning streak. Their latest success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 116-109 margin on Sunday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 25 points, including four three-pointers in the final six minutes, and also tallied six rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals. and one block. Jeff Teague went for 21 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. Shabazz Napier paced the second unit with 12 points, while Robert Covington contributed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Timberwolves come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The 76ers (3-0) have been equally impressive in the early going, even notching one of their three wins without Joel Embiid due to the big man's knee injury. Philadelphia most recently prevailed over the Atlanta Hawks by a 105-103 margin on Monday night. Embiid led the way with 36 points, adding 13 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Josh Richardson provided 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively.
The 76ers will be without Shake Milton (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
The 76ers swept the 2018-19 two-game season series between the clubs.
The Timberwolves (3-0) come into this interconference showdown riding him on their season-opening three-game winning streak. Their latest success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 116-109 margin on Sunday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 25 points, including four three-pointers in the final six minutes, and also tallied six rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals. and one block. Jeff Teague went for 21 points, eight assists, one rebound and one steal. Shabazz Napier paced the second unit with 12 points, while Robert Covington contributed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Timberwolves come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The 76ers (3-0) have been equally impressive in the early going, even notching one of their three wins without Joel Embiid due to the big man's knee injury. Philadelphia most recently prevailed over the Atlanta Hawks by a 105-103 margin on Monday night. Embiid led the way with 36 points, adding 13 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Josh Richardson provided 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively.
The 76ers will be without Shake Milton (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
The 76ers swept the 2018-19 two-game season series between the clubs.
Celtics Welcome Bucks to TD Garden
The Boston Celtics play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on Wednesday.
The Bucks (2-1) suffered a baffling overtime loss to the Miami Heat over the weekend but have been stellar aside from that. The most recent win was a 17-point manhandling of the Cleveland Cavaliers while the first win was an impressive victory over the Houston Rockets. The catalyst has been unchanged, with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing the best ball of his career. That's a strange thing to say from a guy who took down MVP honors last season but his 24.3 point, 13.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists tell you everything you need to know. What's scary is the fact that everyone else has been struggling a bit, with Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe all playing below expectations. All of those guys will eventually get better and the rest of the league has to be worried whenever that does start happening.
The Celtics (2-1) look like a new team. While they did make some major roster changes, it's more about the confidence of the players. With so many playmakers on the roster last season, many players looked lost. Now that Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier and Al Horford are all out of the picture, everyone is way more comfortable in their respective roles. Particularly, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown look really good. Those are some key wings for this team and fans have to be ecstatic to see them play well after slumping for the majority of last season. The increased ball-handling is surely the reason why and the newly-acquired Kemba Walker has really allowed them to grow in this offense. The other major addition was that of Enes Kanter and he's only played one game. He was supposed to fill the offensive void that Horford left behind and his return from a knee issue will obviously be a welcomed site whenever that does occur.
Milwaukee has won three of its last four games over Boston.
The Bucks (2-1) suffered a baffling overtime loss to the Miami Heat over the weekend but have been stellar aside from that. The most recent win was a 17-point manhandling of the Cleveland Cavaliers while the first win was an impressive victory over the Houston Rockets. The catalyst has been unchanged, with Giannis Antetokounmpo playing the best ball of his career. That's a strange thing to say from a guy who took down MVP honors last season but his 24.3 point, 13.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists tell you everything you need to know. What's scary is the fact that everyone else has been struggling a bit, with Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe all playing below expectations. All of those guys will eventually get better and the rest of the league has to be worried whenever that does start happening.
The Celtics (2-1) look like a new team. While they did make some major roster changes, it's more about the confidence of the players. With so many playmakers on the roster last season, many players looked lost. Now that Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier and Al Horford are all out of the picture, everyone is way more comfortable in their respective roles. Particularly, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown look really good. Those are some key wings for this team and fans have to be ecstatic to see them play well after slumping for the majority of last season. The increased ball-handling is surely the reason why and the newly-acquired Kemba Walker has really allowed them to grow in this offense. The other major addition was that of Enes Kanter and he's only played one game. He was supposed to fill the offensive void that Horford left behind and his return from a knee issue will obviously be a welcomed site whenever that does occur.
Milwaukee has won three of its last four games over Boston.
Nets Host Pacers on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers travel to New York to play the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay's Center on Wednesday.
The Pacers (0-3) were one of the surprise teams in the NBA last season but early-season results have to be discouraging. What's really disturbing is the fact that Indiana has yet to play a good team, losing to the Pistons twice and to the Cavaliers in their other game. Both of the Detroit losses were actually decided by two points or fewer and that's led to this ugly 0-3 record. Where they're really hurting is on the offensive end, with Indiana ranked 27th in scoring. That's really no surprise considering they're without their best play-maker, as Victor Oladipo likely won't be back for a couple of months. That means players like Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis need to take more on their shoulders and that doesn't even consider newly-acquired wings like T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb. That's way too good of a starting-five to be playing this poorly and it's just a matter of time before they crawl out of this hole.
The Nets (1-2) could easily be 3-0 but here they are with a losing record. In fact, both of their losses came in overtime and each game was decided by a single point. That means the late-game execution has been lacking and that's strange with one of the most clutch players in the NBA on their roster. You certainly can't blame that guy though, with Kyrie Irving leading the NBA with 37.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Those are easily the best numbers of his career and he definitely looks revived for his new team. If he can play like that when Kevin Durant returns from his Achilles injury, this will be a team to fear for the next five years.
Indiana has dominated this series over recent years, winning nine of their last 10 games over Brooklyn in total.
The Pacers (0-3) were one of the surprise teams in the NBA last season but early-season results have to be discouraging. What's really disturbing is the fact that Indiana has yet to play a good team, losing to the Pistons twice and to the Cavaliers in their other game. Both of the Detroit losses were actually decided by two points or fewer and that's led to this ugly 0-3 record. Where they're really hurting is on the offensive end, with Indiana ranked 27th in scoring. That's really no surprise considering they're without their best play-maker, as Victor Oladipo likely won't be back for a couple of months. That means players like Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis need to take more on their shoulders and that doesn't even consider newly-acquired wings like T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb. That's way too good of a starting-five to be playing this poorly and it's just a matter of time before they crawl out of this hole.
The Nets (1-2) could easily be 3-0 but here they are with a losing record. In fact, both of their losses came in overtime and each game was decided by a single point. That means the late-game execution has been lacking and that's strange with one of the most clutch players in the NBA on their roster. You certainly can't blame that guy though, with Kyrie Irving leading the NBA with 37.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Those are easily the best numbers of his career and he definitely looks revived for his new team. If he can play like that when Kevin Durant returns from his Achilles injury, this will be a team to fear for the next five years.
Indiana has dominated this series over recent years, winning nine of their last 10 games over Brooklyn in total.
Raptors Host Pistons on Wednesday
The Toronto Raptors play host to the Detroit Pistons at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The Pistons (2-2) have two wins over the Indiana Pacers and two losses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks. That's really all you can ask for with their best player sidelined and reports appear to be good on Blake Griffin. The former All-Star is reportedly ready to go and it's just a matter of getting cleared by the training staff. That will be a welcoming sign for a club without a playmaker, as Derrick Rose has been their best ball-handler early on. He and Andre Drummond have been running things while Luke Kennard has been taking on the scoring load. It's a strange recipe for success but it may be good enough to get them into the playoffs in the East once Griffin returns.
The Raptors (3-1) were expected to regress this season with Kawhi Leonard out of the picture but they look as good as ever. Starting out winning three of your first four games is obviously impressive but they appear to have a new recipe for success. What they're doing is bullying their opponents with their big men. Having Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka all down low has led to this team leading the league in rebounding. That's big news considering they have some great guards like Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, as this team looks well on their way to another Top-4 finish in the East. One thing to keep an eye on is the depth though, with six players on the roster averaging at least 12 points while no other player has more than 6.0 points per game
Strangely enough, Detroit swept their three-game season series over Toronto last season. Prior to that, the Raptors won their previous six games over the Pistons.
The Pistons (2-2) have two wins over the Indiana Pacers and two losses against the Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks. That's really all you can ask for with their best player sidelined and reports appear to be good on Blake Griffin. The former All-Star is reportedly ready to go and it's just a matter of getting cleared by the training staff. That will be a welcoming sign for a club without a playmaker, as Derrick Rose has been their best ball-handler early on. He and Andre Drummond have been running things while Luke Kennard has been taking on the scoring load. It's a strange recipe for success but it may be good enough to get them into the playoffs in the East once Griffin returns.
The Raptors (3-1) were expected to regress this season with Kawhi Leonard out of the picture but they look as good as ever. Starting out winning three of your first four games is obviously impressive but they appear to have a new recipe for success. What they're doing is bullying their opponents with their big men. Having Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka all down low has led to this team leading the league in rebounding. That's big news considering they have some great guards like Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet, as this team looks well on their way to another Top-4 finish in the East. One thing to keep an eye on is the depth though, with six players on the roster averaging at least 12 points while no other player has more than 6.0 points per game
Strangely enough, Detroit swept their three-game season series over Toronto last season. Prior to that, the Raptors won their previous six games over the Pistons.
Thunder Host Trail Blazers on Wednesday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Portland Trail Blazers at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) have to play 13 of their first 18 games on the road. That really stinks for any NBA team, especially one who thrives at home. The good news is that this is a poised team that finished third in the west last season. So far this year, they have road wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings while losing in San Antonio in their last game and taking a home defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in the opener. Those two losses are nothing to be discouraged by, as that would be tough for anyone. What they have to be ecstatic about is the play of Damian Lillard, averaging 30.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game so far this season. Those brilliant averages are some of the best numbers of his career and he may finally be in MVP discussion if he continues to play like this. The addition of Hassan Whiteside has been an undervalued asset too though, with the big man averaging 13 points and 12.3 rebounds of his own.
The Thunder (1-3) have to be disappointed to be 1-3 through four games because they've been playing some good basketball. A 28-point win over the Golden State Warriors is the biggest indicator of that but narrow road losses to the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz vindicate that notion. While losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook is obviously a huge detriment, they have to be excited about the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addition. The versatile guard is leading the team with 23.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, as he truly looks like a breakout in the making. If he can continue to play like that and they get better play from struggling veterans like Chris Paul and Steven Adams, this could be a team to fear in the west all season long.
Despite the fact that Portland won six-straight games over OKC coming into last season, the Thunder actually swept the four-game set between them last year.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) have to play 13 of their first 18 games on the road. That really stinks for any NBA team, especially one who thrives at home. The good news is that this is a poised team that finished third in the west last season. So far this year, they have road wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings while losing in San Antonio in their last game and taking a home defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets in the opener. Those two losses are nothing to be discouraged by, as that would be tough for anyone. What they have to be ecstatic about is the play of Damian Lillard, averaging 30.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game so far this season. Those brilliant averages are some of the best numbers of his career and he may finally be in MVP discussion if he continues to play like this. The addition of Hassan Whiteside has been an undervalued asset too though, with the big man averaging 13 points and 12.3 rebounds of his own.
The Thunder (1-3) have to be disappointed to be 1-3 through four games because they've been playing some good basketball. A 28-point win over the Golden State Warriors is the biggest indicator of that but narrow road losses to the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz vindicate that notion. While losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook is obviously a huge detriment, they have to be excited about the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addition. The versatile guard is leading the team with 23.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, as he truly looks like a breakout in the making. If he can continue to play like that and they get better play from struggling veterans like Chris Paul and Steven Adams, this could be a team to fear in the west all season long.
Despite the fact that Portland won six-straight games over OKC coming into last season, the Thunder actually swept the four-game set between them last year.
Wizards Host Rockets In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Washington Wizards, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Wizards (1-2) began their season on a three-game road trip, where they fell short in Dallas and San Antonio but came out of Oklahoma City with a win. This marks the home opener for the Wizards and the first of a three-game home stand. Bradley Beal leads the team with 20.3 points per game over the first three games. He also leads the team in assists (7.7) and steals (1.3) per game. Thomas Bryant leads the Wizards in rebounds (9.7) and blocks (1.7) per game. Rui Hachimura has looked great so far in his rookie campaign, as he has started all three games for the Wizards and is averaging 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Isaiah Thomas made his debut for the Wizards in their most recent contest and finished with 16 point, five rebounds and three assists, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Wizards have scored an average of 106.3 points and have given up an average of 105.7 points over their first three games.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (2-1) began their season with a three-game home stand, where they dropped the first one against the Bucks but won the next two in a row against the Pelicans and Thunder. This marks the Rockets' first road game of the season and also the beginning of a four-game road trip. The Rockets have averaged 117.6 points per game over their first three games, while they have allowed an average of 117.3 points against. James Harden and Russell Westbrook have looked good together in their two wins. Westbrook tallied a triple-double with 28 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in the Rockets' first win, while Harden finished with 40 points in their win on Monday. The Rockets have not found their groove from long range, as they have shot an average of 28 percent from behind the arc so far this season.
The Wizards (1-2) began their season on a three-game road trip, where they fell short in Dallas and San Antonio but came out of Oklahoma City with a win. This marks the home opener for the Wizards and the first of a three-game home stand. Bradley Beal leads the team with 20.3 points per game over the first three games. He also leads the team in assists (7.7) and steals (1.3) per game. Thomas Bryant leads the Wizards in rebounds (9.7) and blocks (1.7) per game. Rui Hachimura has looked great so far in his rookie campaign, as he has started all three games for the Wizards and is averaging 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Isaiah Thomas made his debut for the Wizards in their most recent contest and finished with 16 point, five rebounds and three assists, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Wizards have scored an average of 106.3 points and have given up an average of 105.7 points over their first three games.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (2-1) began their season with a three-game home stand, where they dropped the first one against the Bucks but won the next two in a row against the Pelicans and Thunder. This marks the Rockets' first road game of the season and also the beginning of a four-game road trip. The Rockets have averaged 117.6 points per game over their first three games, while they have allowed an average of 117.3 points against. James Harden and Russell Westbrook have looked good together in their two wins. Westbrook tallied a triple-double with 28 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds in the Rockets' first win, while Harden finished with 40 points in their win on Monday. The Rockets have not found their groove from long range, as they have shot an average of 28 percent from behind the arc so far this season.
Kings Looking For First Win, Host Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Charlotte Hornets, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday evening.
The Kings (0-4) have dropped four in a row to start the season, including two losses on the road and two at home. They are coming off a home loss against the Nuggets on Monday, where Richaun Holmes led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Buddy Hield struggled in the loss, with just five points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field. De'Aaron Fox leads the Kings in points (16.2) and assists (6.0) assists per game. Richaun Holmes leads the team in rebounding (6.2) and blocks (1.2) per game. Buddy Hield has had a relatively quiet start to the season, averaging 14.3 points per game on 35 percent shooting. The Kings are giving up an average of 115 points per game, while scoring a league-low average of 95.5 points per game. This marks the second game of a three-game home stand and the third home game of the season for the Kings.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (1-3), where they have gone 0-2 so far. After winning their first game of the season, the Hornets have dropped three in a row. Devonte' Graham has been the Hornets leading scorer so far, averaging 17.5 points in 29 minutes off the bench per game. Graham also leads the team in assists (7.2) per game. Despite missing the Hornets' second game, Cody Zeller has had a good start to the season, averaging a team best 13 rebounds per game, along with 16 points, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal per game. Terry Rozier has been managing his new role as starting point guard by averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game through his first four games.
The Kings (0-4) have dropped four in a row to start the season, including two losses on the road and two at home. They are coming off a home loss against the Nuggets on Monday, where Richaun Holmes led the team with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Buddy Hield struggled in the loss, with just five points on 2-of-13 shooting from the field. De'Aaron Fox leads the Kings in points (16.2) and assists (6.0) assists per game. Richaun Holmes leads the team in rebounding (6.2) and blocks (1.2) per game. Buddy Hield has had a relatively quiet start to the season, averaging 14.3 points per game on 35 percent shooting. The Kings are giving up an average of 115 points per game, while scoring a league-low average of 95.5 points per game. This marks the second game of a three-game home stand and the third home game of the season for the Kings.
Meanwhile, this marks the third game of a four-game road trip for the Hornets (1-3), where they have gone 0-2 so far. After winning their first game of the season, the Hornets have dropped three in a row. Devonte' Graham has been the Hornets leading scorer so far, averaging 17.5 points in 29 minutes off the bench per game. Graham also leads the team in assists (7.2) per game. Despite missing the Hornets' second game, Cody Zeller has had a good start to the season, averaging a team best 13 rebounds per game, along with 16 points, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal per game. Terry Rozier has been managing his new role as starting point guard by averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game through his first four games.
Jazz Looking To Build On Two-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Los Angeles Clippers, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (3-1) have won two in a row, with a win over the Kings at home and then a road win over the Suns in their most recent contest. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz in scoring with an average of 24 points per game. He also leads the team with 1.8 steals per game. Bojan Bogdanovic has been excellent for the his new team, averaging 23.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Bogdanovic has led the Jazz in scoring in each of their last two contests, including a 29-point performance in their most recent outing. Rudy Gobert is leading the team in rebounding, with 11.8 rebounds per game, while Mike Conley leads the team with 4.2 assists per game. So far the Jazz have held opponents to a league-best average of 91.5 points per game. The Jazz are 2-0 at home.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (3-1) won their first two games of the season before falling short in Phoenix in their third outing but managed to bounce back in their most recent contest with a home win over the Hornets. The Clippers are 1-1 on the road. They have been on fire offensively as they are averaging 121.5 points per game. Kawhi Leonard is leading the Clippers in scoring, averaging 27 points per game. He also leads the team in assists with an average 7.5 per game. Montrezl Harrell leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per game, while Patrick Beverley averages a team-best 2.2 steals per game. Lou Williams continues to be a major spark off the bench, averaging 22 points and five assists, in 31 minutes per game. So far Williams and Harrell are each averaging more minutes per game than Leonard.
The Jazz (3-1) have won two in a row, with a win over the Kings at home and then a road win over the Suns in their most recent contest. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz in scoring with an average of 24 points per game. He also leads the team with 1.8 steals per game. Bojan Bogdanovic has been excellent for the his new team, averaging 23.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Bogdanovic has led the Jazz in scoring in each of their last two contests, including a 29-point performance in their most recent outing. Rudy Gobert is leading the team in rebounding, with 11.8 rebounds per game, while Mike Conley leads the team with 4.2 assists per game. So far the Jazz have held opponents to a league-best average of 91.5 points per game. The Jazz are 2-0 at home.
Meanwhile, the Clippers (3-1) won their first two games of the season before falling short in Phoenix in their third outing but managed to bounce back in their most recent contest with a home win over the Hornets. The Clippers are 1-1 on the road. They have been on fire offensively as they are averaging 121.5 points per game. Kawhi Leonard is leading the Clippers in scoring, averaging 27 points per game. He also leads the team in assists with an average 7.5 per game. Montrezl Harrell leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per game, while Patrick Beverley averages a team-best 2.2 steals per game. Lou Williams continues to be a major spark off the bench, averaging 22 points and five assists, in 31 minutes per game. So far Williams and Harrell are each averaging more minutes per game than Leonard.
Warriors Look To Build Momentum After First Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Phoenix Suns, at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
After falling short in their first two games, the Warriors (1-2) pulled together a win in their most recent outing as they topped the Pelicans 134-123 in New Orleans. Draymond Green has his best game of the early season and was a true catalyst for the Warriors, as he finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. D'Angelo Russell came up big as well, with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the win. Russell has looked good with his new team, averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game. Stephen Curry is leading the team with 24 points and 6.7 assists in 30 minutes per game. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, while they are 0-1 at home so far. The Warriors need to tighten up their defense as they have allowed their opponents an average of 128 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Suns (2-2) have had a decent start to the season with wins over the Kings and Clippers and losses to the Nuggets and Jazz. This marks their second road game of the season, while they are 0-1 on the road so far. Devin Booker leads the team in scoring with an average of 22.8 points in 35 minutes per game. Ricky Rubio leads the team in assists (9.3), rebounds (8.0) and steals (2.0) per game, while Kelly Oubre Jr. leads the team in blocks (1.0) per game. The Suns lost Deandre Ayton (suspended) after the first game of the season but Aron Baynes and Frank Kaminsky have done a solid job of filling in the role. Kaminsky is averaging 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 28.5 minutes per game, while Baynes is averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21 minutes per game.
After falling short in their first two games, the Warriors (1-2) pulled together a win in their most recent outing as they topped the Pelicans 134-123 in New Orleans. Draymond Green has his best game of the early season and was a true catalyst for the Warriors, as he finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. D'Angelo Russell came up big as well, with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the win. Russell has looked good with his new team, averaging 16.7 points, 6.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game. Stephen Curry is leading the team with 24 points and 6.7 assists in 30 minutes per game. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, while they are 0-1 at home so far. The Warriors need to tighten up their defense as they have allowed their opponents an average of 128 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Suns (2-2) have had a decent start to the season with wins over the Kings and Clippers and losses to the Nuggets and Jazz. This marks their second road game of the season, while they are 0-1 on the road so far. Devin Booker leads the team in scoring with an average of 22.8 points in 35 minutes per game. Ricky Rubio leads the team in assists (9.3), rebounds (8.0) and steals (2.0) per game, while Kelly Oubre Jr. leads the team in blocks (1.0) per game. The Suns lost Deandre Ayton (suspended) after the first game of the season but Aron Baynes and Frank Kaminsky have done a solid job of filling in the role. Kaminsky is averaging 14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 28.5 minutes per game, while Baynes is averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21 minutes per game.