Pelicans and Thunder Do Battle in Sooner State
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Pelicans (1-4) finally managed to break the ice on the win column in their most recent contest, notching a 122-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Jahlil Okafor led the way for New Orleans with 26 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Brandon Ingram provided 25 points, five assists and three rebounds. Frank Jackson led the second unit with 21 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Jrue Holiday returned to action from a knee injury and posted 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals.
The Pelicans will list Derrick Favors (knee) as doubtful for Saturday's game. Zion Williamson (knee) will remain out.
Like their Saturday opponents, the Thunder (1-4) have also gotten the new season off to a difficult start. After notching their sole victory of the season against the Warriors three games ago, Oklahoma City has proceeded to drop consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Portland Trail Blazers, which toppled them by a 102-99 score on Wednesday night. Chris Paul led the way with 21 points and also dished out five assists and pulled down five rebounds. Dennis Schroder followed with a bench-leading 17 points. Nerlens Noel turned in a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Danilo Gallinari matched his scoring total and added six boards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander collected 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Hamidou Diallo put together a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Thunder will continue to be without Andre Roberson (knee) on Saturday. Noel (foot) will be considered probable, while Steven Adams (knee) will be questionable.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series, with the Thunder winning both of their home games by identical 122-116 scores.
The Pelicans (1-4) finally managed to break the ice on the win column in their most recent contest, notching a 122-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Jahlil Okafor led the way for New Orleans with 26 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Brandon Ingram provided 25 points, five assists and three rebounds. Frank Jackson led the second unit with 21 points, adding three rebounds and one steal. Jrue Holiday returned to action from a knee injury and posted 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals.
The Pelicans will list Derrick Favors (knee) as doubtful for Saturday's game. Zion Williamson (knee) will remain out.
Like their Saturday opponents, the Thunder (1-4) have also gotten the new season off to a difficult start. After notching their sole victory of the season against the Warriors three games ago, Oklahoma City has proceeded to drop consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Portland Trail Blazers, which toppled them by a 102-99 score on Wednesday night. Chris Paul led the way with 21 points and also dished out five assists and pulled down five rebounds. Dennis Schroder followed with a bench-leading 17 points. Nerlens Noel turned in a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Danilo Gallinari matched his scoring total and added six boards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander collected 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Hamidou Diallo put together a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Thunder will continue to be without Andre Roberson (knee) on Saturday. Noel (foot) will be considered probable, while Steven Adams (knee) will be questionable.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series, with the Thunder winning both of their home games by identical 122-116 scores.
Nets Look For Second Straight Win Versus Pistons
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
The Nets (2-3) have experienced one constant during the rollercoaster start to their season, that being high-scoring, close games. Brooklyn played yet another such contest Friday night, emerging victorious over the Houston Rockets by a 123-116 margin. Taurean Prince paced the Nets with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Caris LeVert managed 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block. Garrett Temple poured in 16 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris pitched in 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Nets will continue to be without Wilson Chandler (suspension) for Saturday's game.
The Pistons (2-4) have been unable to parlay an impressive Opening Night win over the Pacers into much momentum, as they've dropped four of their subsequent five contests. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, which defeated them by a 112-106 score on Friday night. Andre Drummond led the way with a 25-point, 24-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Derrick Rose poured in 23 points and added seven assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Luke Kennard poured in 15 points, while Markieff Morris produced 12 points and four boards. Langston Galloway tallied 11 points off the bench.
The Pistons will continue to be without Reggie Jackson (back) and Blake Griffin (hamstring/knee) on Saturday.
The Nets won the 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 2-1 margin.
The Nets (2-3) have experienced one constant during the rollercoaster start to their season, that being high-scoring, close games. Brooklyn played yet another such contest Friday night, emerging victorious over the Houston Rockets by a 123-116 margin. Taurean Prince paced the Nets with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Caris LeVert managed 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kyrie Irving generated a 22-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block. Garrett Temple poured in 16 points while adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris pitched in 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Nets will continue to be without Wilson Chandler (suspension) for Saturday's game.
The Pistons (2-4) have been unable to parlay an impressive Opening Night win over the Pacers into much momentum, as they've dropped four of their subsequent five contests. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, which defeated them by a 112-106 score on Friday night. Andre Drummond led the way with a 25-point, 24-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and two steals. Derrick Rose poured in 23 points and added seven assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Luke Kennard poured in 15 points, while Markieff Morris produced 12 points and four boards. Langston Galloway tallied 11 points off the bench.
The Pistons will continue to be without Reggie Jackson (back) and Blake Griffin (hamstring/knee) on Saturday.
The Nets won the 2018-19 season series between the teams by a 2-1 margin.
Magic Look To Close Home Stand With A Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic play host to the Denver Nuggets at Amway Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Magic (2-3), who are coming off a home loss against the Bucks on Friday. The Magic had a tough time on Friday, as they trailed by as many as 34 points, before falling short by 32 at home. Evan Fourier led the team with 19 points, while four other players scored in double digits. This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Magic, where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a win over the Knicks followed by Friday's loss to the Bucks. The Magic are 2-1 at home this season. They are averaging 94.8 points per game, which is the lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, after winning three straight to start the season, the Nuggets (3-2) have dropped two in a row. They dropped one at home against the Mavs, followed by a loss in New Orleans in their most recent contest. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Nuggets, who are 2-1 on the road. Jamal Murray is averaging a team-high 17.8 points per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 15.0 points and team highs in rebounding (11.2) and assists (6.4) per game. Michael Porter Jr. made his NBA regular season debut in the Nuggets' last contest and he ended up leading the team in scoring with 15 points, in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Nuggets were victorious in both contests against the Magic last season. They won by a 25-point margin in the first meeting, while the second meeting went to overtime.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Magic (2-3), who are coming off a home loss against the Bucks on Friday. The Magic had a tough time on Friday, as they trailed by as many as 34 points, before falling short by 32 at home. Evan Fourier led the team with 19 points, while four other players scored in double digits. This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Magic, where they have gone 1-1 so far, with a win over the Knicks followed by Friday's loss to the Bucks. The Magic are 2-1 at home this season. They are averaging 94.8 points per game, which is the lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, after winning three straight to start the season, the Nuggets (3-2) have dropped two in a row. They dropped one at home against the Mavs, followed by a loss in New Orleans in their most recent contest. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Nuggets, who are 2-1 on the road. Jamal Murray is averaging a team-high 17.8 points per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 15.0 points and team highs in rebounding (11.2) and assists (6.4) per game. Michael Porter Jr. made his NBA regular season debut in the Nuggets' last contest and he ended up leading the team in scoring with 15 points, in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Nuggets were victorious in both contests against the Magic last season. They won by a 25-point margin in the first meeting, while the second meeting went to overtime.
Raptors Tangle With Bucks in Conference Showdown
The Toronto Raptors take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Saturday night.
The Raptors (4-1) had lowered expectations heading into the season after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency, but they've gotten the campaign off to a strong start. Toronto has won three straight games, with their most recent success a 125-113 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, adding five assists, five rebounds and two steals. Kyle Lowry delivered 20 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Serge Ibaka and Norman Powell poured in 19 points apiece. Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby tallied 13 points each, with VanVleet dishing out 11 assists and Anunoby pulling down eight rebounds.
The Raptors will list Patrick McCaw (knee) as out for Saturday's game.
The Bucks (3-2) have gotten their season off to a rollercoaster start, alternating wins and losses over their first five games. Milwaukee's most recent time on the court was a success, as they dominated the Orlando Magic by a 123-91 score on Friday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a 29-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Eric Bledsoe contributed 18 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Khris Middleton totaled 16 points and six boards. Ersan Ilyasova had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Bucks will likely list Kyle Korver (rest) as probable for Saturday's contest.
The Bucks won the four-game 2018-19 regular-season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin but they subsequently lost the six-game playoff series, 4-2.
The Raptors (4-1) had lowered expectations heading into the season after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency, but they've gotten the campaign off to a strong start. Toronto has won three straight games, with their most recent success a 125-113 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam led the way for the Raptors with 30 points, adding five assists, five rebounds and two steals. Kyle Lowry delivered 20 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Serge Ibaka and Norman Powell poured in 19 points apiece. Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby tallied 13 points each, with VanVleet dishing out 11 assists and Anunoby pulling down eight rebounds.
The Raptors will list Patrick McCaw (knee) as out for Saturday's game.
The Bucks (3-2) have gotten their season off to a rollercoaster start, alternating wins and losses over their first five games. Milwaukee's most recent time on the court was a success, as they dominated the Orlando Magic by a 123-91 score on Friday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a 29-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. Eric Bledsoe contributed 18 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Khris Middleton totaled 16 points and six boards. Ersan Ilyasova had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Bucks will likely list Kyle Korver (rest) as probable for Saturday's contest.
The Bucks won the four-game 2018-19 regular-season series between the teams by a 3-1 margin but they subsequently lost the six-game playoff series, 4-2.
Wizards Host T'Wolves on Saturday
The Washington Wizards play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Verizon Center on Saturday.
The Timberwolves (3-1) have been one of the surprises of the NBA but a beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game really hurt this club. The L in the win-loss column is not what I'm talking about though, as they'll have to play the next two games without Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man got suspended because of a fight with Joel Embiid and it's going to be tough for this team to compete without him. The superstar center is currently averaging 27.3 points, 11.5 rebounds 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game and that's a lot of production to make up, especially with how thin they are at the center position behind KAT.
The Wizards (1-3) suffered a devastating loss in their last game, playing an absolute barnburner with the Houston Rockets. In fact, Houston won that game in regulation, 159-158, despite the fact that Washington shot 63 percent from the field and 56 percent from three-point range. That's only happened a few times in NBA history and it says a lot about how bad this defense is at times. This Washington team has actually been playing better than most expected though. While a 1-3 record is nothing special, narrow losses to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks is nothing to be discouraged by. Players like Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant have taken major steps this season and development is probably the most important thing for this team this season.
Strangely enough, these teams have split every two-game season series between them dating all the way back to 2009.
The Timberwolves (3-1) have been one of the surprises of the NBA but a beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game really hurt this club. The L in the win-loss column is not what I'm talking about though, as they'll have to play the next two games without Karl-Anthony Towns. The big man got suspended because of a fight with Joel Embiid and it's going to be tough for this team to compete without him. The superstar center is currently averaging 27.3 points, 11.5 rebounds 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game and that's a lot of production to make up, especially with how thin they are at the center position behind KAT.
The Wizards (1-3) suffered a devastating loss in their last game, playing an absolute barnburner with the Houston Rockets. In fact, Houston won that game in regulation, 159-158, despite the fact that Washington shot 63 percent from the field and 56 percent from three-point range. That's only happened a few times in NBA history and it says a lot about how bad this defense is at times. This Washington team has actually been playing better than most expected though. While a 1-3 record is nothing special, narrow losses to the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks is nothing to be discouraged by. Players like Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant have taken major steps this season and development is probably the most important thing for this team this season.
Strangely enough, these teams have split every two-game season series between them dating all the way back to 2009.
Grizzlies Kick Off Three-Game Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Phoenix Suns, at FedEx Forum on Saturday evening.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Grizzlies (1-3), who are 1-1 at home so far this season. The Grizzlies are coming off a loss the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday, where they fell short by 29 points. Rookie, Ja Morant was the high-point man for Memphis in the contest, as he finished with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, while Jonas Valanciunas added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Morant is leading the team in multiple categories so far, including points (17.5), assists (5.0) and steals (1.8) per games. Valanciunas is averaging 11.8 points and a team-high 9.0 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies are averaging 107.0 points on 41.5 percent shooting per game. On the other hand, they are allowing an average of 120.8 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 45 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, despite losing Deandre Ayton to a 25-game suspension, the Suns (3-2) have had a strong start to the season, with wins over the Kings, Clippers and Warriors. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Suns, which began with a win in Golden State on Wednesday. Devin Booker led the way with 31 points in the win, while Aron Baynes came up big with 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Baynes has done a great job filling in the starting centre position. Baynes is averaging 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists, in 22.2 minutes per game. Booker leads the team with an average of 24.4 points per game, while Ricky Rubio leads the team in assists (8.8), rebounds (6.8) and steals (2.0) per game. The Suns are scoring an average of 115.4 points per game, while they are allowing an average of 106.2 points against.
This marks the first game of a three-game home stand for the Grizzlies (1-3), who are 1-1 at home so far this season. The Grizzlies are coming off a loss the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday, where they fell short by 29 points. Rookie, Ja Morant was the high-point man for Memphis in the contest, as he finished with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, while Jonas Valanciunas added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Morant is leading the team in multiple categories so far, including points (17.5), assists (5.0) and steals (1.8) per games. Valanciunas is averaging 11.8 points and a team-high 9.0 rebounds per game. The Grizzlies are averaging 107.0 points on 41.5 percent shooting per game. On the other hand, they are allowing an average of 120.8 points against, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 45 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, despite losing Deandre Ayton to a 25-game suspension, the Suns (3-2) have had a strong start to the season, with wins over the Kings, Clippers and Warriors. This marks the second game of a two-game trip for the Suns, which began with a win in Golden State on Wednesday. Devin Booker led the way with 31 points in the win, while Aron Baynes came up big with 24 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Baynes has done a great job filling in the starting centre position. Baynes is averaging 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists, in 22.2 minutes per game. Booker leads the team with an average of 24.4 points per game, while Ricky Rubio leads the team in assists (8.8), rebounds (6.8) and steals (2.0) per game. The Suns are scoring an average of 115.4 points per game, while they are allowing an average of 106.2 points against.
Warriors Still Looking For First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Charlotte Hornets, at Chase Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (1-4), who are coming off a tough home loss against the Spurs on Friday. They fell short by 17 points despite impressive performances from D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Poole. Russell finished with 30 points and eight assists, while Poole added 20 points. Alec Burks was the only other player to score in double digits, with 14 points, in 16 minutes off the bench. With the loss the Warriors moved to 0-3 at home on the season, while it marked their second loss in a row. Saturday's contest marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, and another shot at grabbing their first win at the Chase Center. The Warriors' season took a turn on Wednesday, when Stephen Curry left their contest with the Suns with a broken left hand. Draymond Green remains as the only starter from the 2018-19 season, while new comers like D'Angelo Russell and Willie Cauley-Stein are left with major shoes to fill if the team has any hope of a competitive season.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Hornets (2-3), where they have gone 1-2 so far, with losses in L.A. to the Lakers and Clippers, and a win in Sacramento in their most recent contest. Devonte' Graham is leading the Hornets' in points (16.4) and assists (7.6) per game. Cody Zeller has been solid, averaging 15.0 points and a team-high 13.5 rebounds per game, while P.J. Washington is averaging 15.8 points on 54.7 percent shooting. Rookie, Washington has been great from long range, shooting 52 percent from behind the arc, which is the 15th best mark in the league at this early stage. The Hornets are averaging 108.0 points per game and are giving up an average of 117.6 points against. They are averaging 25.4 assists per game, which seventh most in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (1-4), who are coming off a tough home loss against the Spurs on Friday. They fell short by 17 points despite impressive performances from D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Poole. Russell finished with 30 points and eight assists, while Poole added 20 points. Alec Burks was the only other player to score in double digits, with 14 points, in 16 minutes off the bench. With the loss the Warriors moved to 0-3 at home on the season, while it marked their second loss in a row. Saturday's contest marks the third game of a four-game home stand for the Warriors, and another shot at grabbing their first win at the Chase Center. The Warriors' season took a turn on Wednesday, when Stephen Curry left their contest with the Suns with a broken left hand. Draymond Green remains as the only starter from the 2018-19 season, while new comers like D'Angelo Russell and Willie Cauley-Stein are left with major shoes to fill if the team has any hope of a competitive season.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth and final game of a road trip for the Hornets (2-3), where they have gone 1-2 so far, with losses in L.A. to the Lakers and Clippers, and a win in Sacramento in their most recent contest. Devonte' Graham is leading the Hornets' in points (16.4) and assists (7.6) per game. Cody Zeller has been solid, averaging 15.0 points and a team-high 13.5 rebounds per game, while P.J. Washington is averaging 15.8 points on 54.7 percent shooting. Rookie, Washington has been great from long range, shooting 52 percent from behind the arc, which is the 15th best mark in the league at this early stage. The Hornets are averaging 108.0 points per game and are giving up an average of 117.6 points against. They are averaging 25.4 assists per game, which seventh most in the league.
Trail Blazers Host Shorthanded Sixers on Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Moda Center on Saturday.
The Sixers (4-0) looked poised for a big season when they added Josh Richardson and Al Horford in an impressive offseason and early results are obviously encouraging. Attaining four wins in four games is a great sign of things to come and they look to be the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference. The last win against the Minnesota Timberwolves came with some animosity though, with Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns getting into quite the scuffle. That has earned Embiid a two-game suspension and he'll likely begin serving it here. That's about 25 points and 12 rebounds out of the lineup but the depth of this starting-five obviously won't hurt in a situation like this. Look for Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Richardson and Horford to pick up the slack in his absence.
The Trail Blazers (3-2) are always an underrated team and they seem to find their way near the top of the standing in the Western Conference year after year. After finishing third last season, they've gotten off to a solid start this year. While a home loss in the opener to the Denver Nuggets didn't sit well, three wins in their last four since obviously does. The only other loss was a road game in San Antonio and that's no surprise when you consider that's the best home team in basketball since Gregg Popovich became their coach. What's amazing about this four-game stretch is the fact that all four games came on the road, as a return home will surely be a welcomed sight for a team that thrives in Moda Center.
Portland swept their two-game season series over Philadelphia last season, scoring at least 129 points in both games, winning by an average of 24.5 points per game.
The Sixers (4-0) looked poised for a big season when they added Josh Richardson and Al Horford in an impressive offseason and early results are obviously encouraging. Attaining four wins in four games is a great sign of things to come and they look to be the cream of the crop in the Eastern Conference. The last win against the Minnesota Timberwolves came with some animosity though, with Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns getting into quite the scuffle. That has earned Embiid a two-game suspension and he'll likely begin serving it here. That's about 25 points and 12 rebounds out of the lineup but the depth of this starting-five obviously won't hurt in a situation like this. Look for Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Richardson and Horford to pick up the slack in his absence.
The Trail Blazers (3-2) are always an underrated team and they seem to find their way near the top of the standing in the Western Conference year after year. After finishing third last season, they've gotten off to a solid start this year. While a home loss in the opener to the Denver Nuggets didn't sit well, three wins in their last four since obviously does. The only other loss was a road game in San Antonio and that's no surprise when you consider that's the best home team in basketball since Gregg Popovich became their coach. What's amazing about this four-game stretch is the fact that all four games came on the road, as a return home will surely be a welcomed sight for a team that thrives in Moda Center.
Portland swept their two-game season series over Philadelphia last season, scoring at least 129 points in both games, winning by an average of 24.5 points per game.