Sixers Host Knicks on Wednesday
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
The Knicks (4-10) got off to a horrendous start this season by losing seven of their first eight games but have been much better since. In fact, New York is now 3-3 across their last six games which is really all you can ask for from an organization like this. What's disturbing about this team is the nature of their most recent losses. In fact, New York has lost by 19 points or more in four of their last five defeats. That says a lot about the motivation of this team and one has to wonder how much longer David Fizdale will last as the head coach. The real problem is the roster though. This team is full of forwards while lacking play-makers. That's not a recipe for success in today's NBA with so many talented guards littered throughout the league and it's just difficult to understand where this franchise s headed after another decade of losing.
The Sixers (8-5) had high hopes coming into the year and this season has been slightly disappointing by their standards. While eight wins in 13 games are pretty good, this team expected to vie for the top-seed in the Eastern Conference. What's really killed them is their recent form, with Philly losing five of their last eight games in total. The one thing that each of those losses had in common is that they were all played on the road. That's why Philly has a 4-0 record at Wells Fargo Center this season and why they have a ton of home games right around the corner. This team actually finished with the third-best home record in the NBA last season and it says a lot about how well they play with this rowdy fanbase behind them.
Philly has swept the last two season series against New York, winning eight-straight games over them in total.
The Knicks (4-10) got off to a horrendous start this season by losing seven of their first eight games but have been much better since. In fact, New York is now 3-3 across their last six games which is really all you can ask for from an organization like this. What's disturbing about this team is the nature of their most recent losses. In fact, New York has lost by 19 points or more in four of their last five defeats. That says a lot about the motivation of this team and one has to wonder how much longer David Fizdale will last as the head coach. The real problem is the roster though. This team is full of forwards while lacking play-makers. That's not a recipe for success in today's NBA with so many talented guards littered throughout the league and it's just difficult to understand where this franchise s headed after another decade of losing.
The Sixers (8-5) had high hopes coming into the year and this season has been slightly disappointing by their standards. While eight wins in 13 games are pretty good, this team expected to vie for the top-seed in the Eastern Conference. What's really killed them is their recent form, with Philly losing five of their last eight games in total. The one thing that each of those losses had in common is that they were all played on the road. That's why Philly has a 4-0 record at Wells Fargo Center this season and why they have a ton of home games right around the corner. This team actually finished with the third-best home record in the NBA last season and it says a lot about how well they play with this rowdy fanbase behind them.
Philly has swept the last two season series against New York, winning eight-straight games over them in total.
Wizards Host Struggling Spurs on Wednesday
The Washington Wizards play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Verizon Center on Wednesday.
The Spurs (5-9) come into this matchup losing six-straight games. That's something that hasn't happened much in the Greg Popovich era and one has to wonder if this is the team that will snap their playoff streak. This club has actually made the postseason in 20-straight seasons and this is easily going to be their toughest test so far. The thing they need to improve on is their 23rd-ranked defense. That's just a strange stat to see from a club who usually sits in the Top-5 in that statistic and it's bizarre to see them play that poorly on that end of the floor. Allowing Luke Doncic to collect 42 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in the most recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks exemplifies that point and that's a line you would have never seen against this team in past years.
The Wizards (3-8) looked to be facing an uphill battle without John Wall and that's definitely been the case so far this season. Where they've really been struggling is on the defensive end of the floor, allowing over 120 points per game. That's easily the worst mark in the NBA and it's scary to allow that many points to anyone. The simple fact is, this team has no wings. While players like Bradley Beal and Thomas Bryant have plenty of talent to compete, players like Davis Bertans, C.J. Miles and Troy Brown aren't good enough to match up with the other wings in the NBA. It's no disrespect to those guys, it's just a matter of personnel hurting this team. It's hard to imagine things getting better anytime soon either and one has to wonder just where this franchise is headed with guys like Wall and Beal.
San Antonio swept the two-game season series over Washington last season and has dominated them for the past decade. In fact, the Spurs have won 24 of their last 27 games over the Wizards in total.
The Spurs (5-9) come into this matchup losing six-straight games. That's something that hasn't happened much in the Greg Popovich era and one has to wonder if this is the team that will snap their playoff streak. This club has actually made the postseason in 20-straight seasons and this is easily going to be their toughest test so far. The thing they need to improve on is their 23rd-ranked defense. That's just a strange stat to see from a club who usually sits in the Top-5 in that statistic and it's bizarre to see them play that poorly on that end of the floor. Allowing Luke Doncic to collect 42 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists in the most recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks exemplifies that point and that's a line you would have never seen against this team in past years.
The Wizards (3-8) looked to be facing an uphill battle without John Wall and that's definitely been the case so far this season. Where they've really been struggling is on the defensive end of the floor, allowing over 120 points per game. That's easily the worst mark in the NBA and it's scary to allow that many points to anyone. The simple fact is, this team has no wings. While players like Bradley Beal and Thomas Bryant have plenty of talent to compete, players like Davis Bertans, C.J. Miles and Troy Brown aren't good enough to match up with the other wings in the NBA. It's no disrespect to those guys, it's just a matter of personnel hurting this team. It's hard to imagine things getting better anytime soon either and one has to wonder just where this franchise is headed with guys like Wall and Beal.
San Antonio swept the two-game season series over Washington last season and has dominated them for the past decade. In fact, the Spurs have won 24 of their last 27 games over the Wizards in total.
Hawks Host Bludgeoning Bucks on Wednesday
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Philip's Arena on Wednesday.
The Bucks (10-3) got off to a bit of a disappointing start by beginning their season with a 2-2 record but they've been pretty much unstoppable since then. In fact, Milwaukee has won eight of their nine games since, leading the NBA in scoring in that span. That high-octane offense has become commonplace for this team, as they look well on their way to leading the league in scoring for the second-straight season. While Khris Middleton is out for the next two weeks because of a thigh injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo is backing up his 2018-19 MVP award with another stellar campaign. In fact, Giannis is averaging 30.1 points, 14.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Not many players can stuff the stat sheet like that and it would be hard to argue that he's not the favorite to land that award yet again.
The Hawks (4-9) come into this matchup losing six of their last seven games and it's hard to imagine this team competing for a playoff berth as they had hoped at the beginning of the year. The loss of John Collins is a major reason why, as it's hard to lose a 20-10 guy on a thin roster like this. It's certainly no fault of Trae Young though, with the Oklahoma product having an All-Star type season. In fact, Young is leading the Hawks with 27 points, 8.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Getting development like that out of your top pick is really all you can ask for and it appears that Atlanta is in for yet another rebuilding season. They have the pieces to have a successful rebuild though, with Young, Collins, De'Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish all under the age of 25.
Not only did Milwaukee win the season series over Atlanta last year, they've also won seven of their last eight games over them in total.
The Bucks (10-3) got off to a bit of a disappointing start by beginning their season with a 2-2 record but they've been pretty much unstoppable since then. In fact, Milwaukee has won eight of their nine games since, leading the NBA in scoring in that span. That high-octane offense has become commonplace for this team, as they look well on their way to leading the league in scoring for the second-straight season. While Khris Middleton is out for the next two weeks because of a thigh injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo is backing up his 2018-19 MVP award with another stellar campaign. In fact, Giannis is averaging 30.1 points, 14.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Not many players can stuff the stat sheet like that and it would be hard to argue that he's not the favorite to land that award yet again.
The Hawks (4-9) come into this matchup losing six of their last seven games and it's hard to imagine this team competing for a playoff berth as they had hoped at the beginning of the year. The loss of John Collins is a major reason why, as it's hard to lose a 20-10 guy on a thin roster like this. It's certainly no fault of Trae Young though, with the Oklahoma product having an All-Star type season. In fact, Young is leading the Hawks with 27 points, 8.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Getting development like that out of your top pick is really all you can ask for and it appears that Atlanta is in for yet another rebuilding season. They have the pieces to have a successful rebuild though, with Young, Collins, De'Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish all under the age of 25.
Not only did Milwaukee win the season series over Atlanta last year, they've also won seven of their last eight games over them in total.
Warriors Continue Road Trip Against Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors take on the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Wednesday night.
Primarily due to an injury list a mile long, the Warriors (3-12) and coach Steve Kerr are experiencing a degree of losing that's wholly unfamiliar to them over the last several seasons. The Warriors did notch a rare win their most recent time on the court, however, toppling the Memphis Grizzlies by a convincing 114-95 score Tuesday night. Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Glen Robinson III turned in 20 points, two assists and one rebound. Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss generated matching 17-point tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively. Draymond Green stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Warriors will continue to be without D'Angelo Russell (thumb), Jacob Evans (hip), Damion Lee (hand), Stephen Curry (hand), Klay Thompson (knee), Kevon Looney (hamstring) and Alen Smailagic (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Mavericks (8-5) are off to a very solid start, and they'll come into Wednesday's game on an upswing after notching two consecutive wins. Their most recent success came against the San Antonio Spurs, which they bested by a 117-110 score on Monday night. Luka Doncic became the second-youngest player with a 40-point triple-double by posting 42 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith provided 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 18 points, 10 boards and one assist. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 11 points.
The Mavericks will list Seth Curry (illness) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The two teams split the 2018-19 four-games season series. Wednesday's game is the first of four meetings for Golden State and Dallas in the 2019-20 season.
Primarily due to an injury list a mile long, the Warriors (3-12) and coach Steve Kerr are experiencing a degree of losing that's wholly unfamiliar to them over the last several seasons. The Warriors did notch a rare win their most recent time on the court, however, toppling the Memphis Grizzlies by a convincing 114-95 score Tuesday night. Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Glen Robinson III turned in 20 points, two assists and one rebound. Eric Paschall and Marquese Chriss generated matching 17-point tallies while pulling down five and six rebounds, respectively. Draymond Green stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
The Warriors will continue to be without D'Angelo Russell (thumb), Jacob Evans (hip), Damion Lee (hand), Stephen Curry (hand), Klay Thompson (knee), Kevon Looney (hamstring) and Alen Smailagic (ankle) for Wednesday's game.
The Mavericks (8-5) are off to a very solid start, and they'll come into Wednesday's game on an upswing after notching two consecutive wins. Their most recent success came against the San Antonio Spurs, which they bested by a 117-110 score on Monday night. Luka Doncic became the second-youngest player with a 40-point triple-double by posting 42 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith provided 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Kristaps Porzingis totaled 18 points, 10 boards and one assist. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 11 points.
The Mavericks will list Seth Curry (illness) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The two teams split the 2018-19 four-games season series. Wednesday's game is the first of four meetings for Golden State and Dallas in the 2019-20 season.
Cavaliers and Heat Face Off in Eastern Conference Battle
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (4-9) come into Wednesday's game in a spiral that has seen them lose four consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the New York Knicks, which disposed of them by a 123-105 score on Monday night. Kevin Porter, Jr. led the way with 18 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Alfonzo McKinnie and Collin Sexton generated matching 14-point tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Jordan Clarkson offered 14 points and six rebounds. Brandon Knight poured in nine points.
The Cavaliers will list Kevin Love (back) as probable for Wednesday's game, while Larry Nance, Jr. (thumb) will be considered questionable. Tristan Thompson (rest) and John Henson (hamstring) will be out.
The Heat (9-3) continue to serve as one of the biggest surprises of the early portion of the season, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest with three straight victories despite dealing with some multi-game injuries to key players. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New Orleans Pelicans, which they toppled by a 109-94 score on Saturday night. Kendrick Nunn led the way with 22 points. Bam Adebayo contributed an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, three blocks and two steals. Jimmy Butler provided 16 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Duncan Robinson poured in 15 points, while Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Herro supplied 13 and 12 points, respectively, while also pulling down five boards apiece.
The Heat will continue to be without Dion Waiters (suspension), Justise Winslow (concussion), Derrick Jones, Jr. (hip) and KZ Okpala (Achilles) on Wednesday.
The Heat has an early 1-0 lead in the four-game 2019-20 season series between the teams, having notched a 108-97 win last Thursday night.
The Cavaliers (4-9) come into Wednesday's game in a spiral that has seen them lose four consecutive games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the New York Knicks, which disposed of them by a 123-105 score on Monday night. Kevin Porter, Jr. led the way with 18 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Alfonzo McKinnie and Collin Sexton generated matching 14-point tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Jordan Clarkson offered 14 points and six rebounds. Brandon Knight poured in nine points.
The Cavaliers will list Kevin Love (back) as probable for Wednesday's game, while Larry Nance, Jr. (thumb) will be considered questionable. Tristan Thompson (rest) and John Henson (hamstring) will be out.
The Heat (9-3) continue to serve as one of the biggest surprises of the early portion of the season, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest with three straight victories despite dealing with some multi-game injuries to key players. Their most recent success came at the expense of the New Orleans Pelicans, which they toppled by a 109-94 score on Saturday night. Kendrick Nunn led the way with 22 points. Bam Adebayo contributed an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, three blocks and two steals. Jimmy Butler provided 16 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and three steals. Duncan Robinson poured in 15 points, while Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Herro supplied 13 and 12 points, respectively, while also pulling down five boards apiece.
The Heat will continue to be without Dion Waiters (suspension), Justise Winslow (concussion), Derrick Jones, Jr. (hip) and KZ Okpala (Achilles) on Wednesday.
The Heat has an early 1-0 lead in the four-game 2019-20 season series between the teams, having notched a 108-97 win last Thursday night.
Hornets Head to Big Apple to Battle Nets
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (6-8) have been plagued by some inconsistency in the early going, as their record implies. They suffered their biggest downswing of the season in their most recent game, dropping a 132-96 decision to the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Marvin Williams led the Hornets with 14 points, adding four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Miles Bridges and Bismack Biyombo generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively. Devonte' Graham provided 11 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Nets (5-8) come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of a rough stretch of their own, as they've dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent loss came courtesy of the Indiana Pacers, which manhandled them by a 115-86 score on Monday night in a game that Brooklyn placed without Kyrie Irving (shoulder). Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 28 points, adding eight assists and five rebounds. Jarrett Allen furnished a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Garrett Temple delivered 10 points, six boards, three assists and two blocks.
The Nets will be without Irving again Wednesday, while Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) will also sit.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series. Wednesday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Charlotte and Brooklyn.
The Hornets (6-8) have been plagued by some inconsistency in the early going, as their record implies. They suffered their biggest downswing of the season in their most recent game, dropping a 132-96 decision to the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Marvin Williams led the Hornets with 14 points, adding four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Miles Bridges and Bismack Biyombo generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down five and two rebounds, respectively. Devonte' Graham provided 11 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier delivered 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Hornets will come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Nets (5-8) come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of a rough stretch of their own, as they've dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent loss came courtesy of the Indiana Pacers, which manhandled them by a 115-86 score on Monday night in a game that Brooklyn placed without Kyrie Irving (shoulder). Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 28 points, adding eight assists and five rebounds. Jarrett Allen furnished a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Garrett Temple delivered 10 points, six boards, three assists and two blocks.
The Nets will be without Irving again Wednesday, while Caris LeVert (thumb) and Wilson Chandler (suspension) will also sit.
The two teams split the four-game 2018-19 season series. Wednesday's game marks the first of four 2019-20 meetings for Charlotte and Brooklyn.
Raptors Host Magic on Wednesday
The Orlando Magic travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors at Scotia Bank Arena on Wednesday.
The Magic (6-7) have some major splits this season, posting a 6-3 record at home and an ugly 0-4 record on the road. That's really scary going into a place like Toronto, as that's been one of the best teams in the NBA over the past decade. The good news is that Orlando is still hovering around .500 despite not winning a game on the road yet. The simple fact is, this team needs some road success if they are to reach the postseason. That's the major goal of this club and it remains to be seen if this core will stay together if they don't achieve that goal. The player they need to see more from is Aaron Gordon, with the power forward seemingly sitting in neutral for the past three years. He and Markelle Fultz are expected to be the future of this team and there's a lot of question marks surrounding those two youngsters as well.
The Raptors (9-4) have been one of the most impressive teams in the league. Many expected some major regression after losing Kawhi Leonard in the offseason but they look like the same old Raptors. What makes it even more encouraging is the fact that they've been doing damage with both Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka injured. Those guys were expected to take on bigger roles this season with Leonard gone and the team's success without those two is a testament to how good of a group this is. In their absences, its been OG Anunogy, Chris Boucher and Fred VanVleet stepping up. Pascal Siakam has been a revelation too, as his 26.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game have him in MVP discussions after winning Most Improve Players last season.
Toronto won the first game between these teams, 104-95, on October 28 earlier this year. That marked the Raptor's seventh win in their last nine meetings with the Magic.
The Magic (6-7) have some major splits this season, posting a 6-3 record at home and an ugly 0-4 record on the road. That's really scary going into a place like Toronto, as that's been one of the best teams in the NBA over the past decade. The good news is that Orlando is still hovering around .500 despite not winning a game on the road yet. The simple fact is, this team needs some road success if they are to reach the postseason. That's the major goal of this club and it remains to be seen if this core will stay together if they don't achieve that goal. The player they need to see more from is Aaron Gordon, with the power forward seemingly sitting in neutral for the past three years. He and Markelle Fultz are expected to be the future of this team and there's a lot of question marks surrounding those two youngsters as well.
The Raptors (9-4) have been one of the most impressive teams in the league. Many expected some major regression after losing Kawhi Leonard in the offseason but they look like the same old Raptors. What makes it even more encouraging is the fact that they've been doing damage with both Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka injured. Those guys were expected to take on bigger roles this season with Leonard gone and the team's success without those two is a testament to how good of a group this is. In their absences, its been OG Anunogy, Chris Boucher and Fred VanVleet stepping up. Pascal Siakam has been a revelation too, as his 26.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game have him in MVP discussions after winning Most Improve Players last season.
Toronto won the first game between these teams, 104-95, on October 28 earlier this year. That marked the Raptor's seventh win in their last nine meetings with the Magic.
Pistons and Bulls Meet in Central Division Clash
The Detroit Pistons take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (4-9) will check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a losing streak, as they've dropped four consecutive contests. Their most recent defeat was a narrow one, with Detroit losing by a 109-106 score to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Langston Galloway led the way for the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one assist. Blake Griffin furnished a modest 19 points and added six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Derrick Rose matched Drummond's scoring total off the bench.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back), Tony Snell (hip) and Khyri Thomas (foot) on Wednesday.
The Bulls (4-10) check into Wednesday's contest with a skid of their own, as they've dropped three straight games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, which bested them by a 115-101 score Monday night. Daniel Gafford led the way with 21 points off the bench. Colby White delivered 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Ryan Arcidiacono delivered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal off the bench. Zach LaVine totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot), Cristiano Felicio (wrist) and Luke Kornet (nose) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls hold a 1-0 lead in the four-game 2019-20 season series between the teams, having notched a 112-106 victory back on Nov. 1.
The Pistons (4-9) will check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a losing streak, as they've dropped four consecutive contests. Their most recent defeat was a narrow one, with Detroit losing by a 109-106 score to the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Langston Galloway led the way for the Pistons with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds and one assist. Blake Griffin furnished a modest 19 points and added six assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 16-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Derrick Rose matched Drummond's scoring total off the bench.
The Pistons will be without Reggie Jackson (back), Tony Snell (hip) and Khyri Thomas (foot) on Wednesday.
The Bulls (4-10) check into Wednesday's contest with a skid of their own, as they've dropped three straight games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, which bested them by a 115-101 score Monday night. Daniel Gafford led the way with 21 points off the bench. Colby White delivered 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Ryan Arcidiacono delivered 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal off the bench. Zach LaVine totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The Bulls will continue to be without Otto Porter, Jr. (foot), Cristiano Felicio (wrist) and Luke Kornet (nose) for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls hold a 1-0 lead in the four-game 2019-20 season series between the teams, having notched a 112-106 victory back on Nov. 1.
Timberwolves, Jazz Clash In Second Game Of Home-And-Home
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Utah Jazz, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home between the Timberwolves (8-6) and the Jazz (8-5), with the Timberwolves taking the first win in Utah on Monday.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 29 points, while shooting 7-of-15 from deep, 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, in the win. Jeff Teague had a big night as well, with 21 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field and recorded 10 blocks, in the contest. Andrew Wiggins (illness) has missed the last three games for Minnesota, and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. The Timberwolves are averaging 115.9 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz had six players score in double digits in Monday's contest, led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who finished with 18 points. Rudy Gobert tallied a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. The Jazz struggled from the field on Monday, shooting 36 percent from the field. The Jazz maintain one of the better defenses so far, holding opponents to an average of 101.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league. They are averaging 9.5 three-pointers per game, which Is second fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home between the Timberwolves (8-6) and the Jazz (8-5), with the Timberwolves taking the first win in Utah on Monday.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 29 points, while shooting 7-of-15 from deep, 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, in the win. Jeff Teague had a big night as well, with 21 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 46 percent from the field and recorded 10 blocks, in the contest. Andrew Wiggins (illness) has missed the last three games for Minnesota, and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. The Timberwolves are averaging 115.9 points per game, which is fourth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Jazz had six players score in double digits in Monday's contest, led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who finished with 18 points. Rudy Gobert tallied a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. The Jazz struggled from the field on Monday, shooting 36 percent from the field. The Jazz maintain one of the better defenses so far, holding opponents to an average of 101.1 points per game, which is second lowest in the league. They are averaging 9.5 three-pointers per game, which Is second fewest in the league.
Nuggets Host Streaking Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Houston Rockets, at Pepsi Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets (9-3), who have won three of their last four home games and are 4-2 at home this season. The Nuggets are scoring an average of 106.9 points per game, which is ninth lowest in the league, but they are holding their opponents to an average of 102.9 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league. The Nuggets are doing a great job moving the ball, averaging 25.8 assists per game. Jamal Murray leads the Nuggets with a team-high 19.2 points per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Will Barton is averaging 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (11-3) have won eight in a row. This marks the beginning of a two-game road trip for the Rockets, while they have won four straight on the road are 5-2 on the road this season. The Rockets are averaging a league-high 119.5 points per game. They are scoring a league-best 15.8 three-pointers per game, but they are taking five more attempts than any other team in the league. James Harden is leading the Rockets with ridiculous numbers, averaging 39.2 points, 7.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. Clint Capela is averaging team highs with 13.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Nuggets (9-3), who have won three of their last four home games and are 4-2 at home this season. The Nuggets are scoring an average of 106.9 points per game, which is ninth lowest in the league, but they are holding their opponents to an average of 102.9 points per game, which is fourth lowest in the league. The Nuggets are doing a great job moving the ball, averaging 25.8 assists per game. Jamal Murray leads the Nuggets with a team-high 19.2 points per game. Nikola Jokic is averaging 16.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Will Barton is averaging 14.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (11-3) have won eight in a row. This marks the beginning of a two-game road trip for the Rockets, while they have won four straight on the road are 5-2 on the road this season. The Rockets are averaging a league-high 119.5 points per game. They are scoring a league-best 15.8 three-pointers per game, but they are taking five more attempts than any other team in the league. James Harden is leading the Rockets with ridiculous numbers, averaging 39.2 points, 7.6 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Russell Westbrook is averaging 21.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. Clint Capela is averaging team highs with 13.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
Clippers Look To Remain Undefeated On Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Boston Celtics, at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the third game of a five-game home stand for the Clippers (9-5), where they have gone 2-0 so far, with wins over the Hawks and the Thunder. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have yet to play together, as Leonard (knee) has missed the last three games. Leonard remains questionable for action on Wednesday. On the other hand, George has looked great in his first three games with the Clippers, averaging 29.3 points on 56 percent shooting, including 52 percent from long range. Lou Williams and Montreal Harrell continue to lift the Clippers by coming off the bench to pour in a combined average of 40 points per game. The Clippers are averaging 26.9 free-throw attempts per game, which is second most in the league. They are also averaging 48.2 rebound per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a five-game road trip for the Celtics (11-2), where they have gone 2-1 so far, with wins in Golden State and Phoenix, and a loss in Sacramento. The Celtics sit first place in the Eastern Conference and are 6-2 on the road. The Celtics are opponents to an average of 104.2 points per game, which is seventh lowest in the league, and are scoring an average of 112.6 points per game. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with 23.4 points and 5.0 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 20.2 points and team highs of 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
This marks the third game of a five-game home stand for the Clippers (9-5), where they have gone 2-0 so far, with wins over the Hawks and the Thunder. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard have yet to play together, as Leonard (knee) has missed the last three games. Leonard remains questionable for action on Wednesday. On the other hand, George has looked great in his first three games with the Clippers, averaging 29.3 points on 56 percent shooting, including 52 percent from long range. Lou Williams and Montreal Harrell continue to lift the Clippers by coming off the bench to pour in a combined average of 40 points per game. The Clippers are averaging 26.9 free-throw attempts per game, which is second most in the league. They are also averaging 48.2 rebound per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the fourth game of a five-game road trip for the Celtics (11-2), where they have gone 2-1 so far, with wins in Golden State and Phoenix, and a loss in Sacramento. The Celtics sit first place in the Eastern Conference and are 6-2 on the road. The Celtics are opponents to an average of 104.2 points per game, which is seventh lowest in the league, and are scoring an average of 112.6 points per game. Kemba Walker leads the Celtics with 23.4 points and 5.0 assists per game. Jayson Tatum is averaging 20.2 points and team highs of 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Jaylen Brown is averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.