Pistons Look To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Pistons (17-30) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a home stand, where they are 1-2, as they look to close it out on a high note. The Pistons average 109.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.2 points against. They are shooting 37.2 percent from long range, which is fifth best in the league, but they are shooting 74.2 percent from the foul line, which is sixth worst in the league. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons with 18.8 points and 6.0 assists per game. Andre Drummond is averaging 17.3 points and team highs with 15.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.8 assists per game. Svi mykhailiuk is averaging 14.2 points, while shooting 42.6 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (12-34) have dropped seven straight games, including their last four road games, as they come into Mondays contest looking to build on their 6-17 road record. The Cavs average 105.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.2 points against. They average 21.7 assists per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they average 15.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with 19.3 points per game. Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Darius Garland is averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Cedi Osman is averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebound and 2.6 assists, over the last 10 games.
The Pistons (17-30) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a home stand, where they are 1-2, as they look to close it out on a high note. The Pistons average 109.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.2 points against. They are shooting 37.2 percent from long range, which is fifth best in the league, but they are shooting 74.2 percent from the foul line, which is sixth worst in the league. Derrick Rose leads the Pistons with 18.8 points and 6.0 assists per game. Andre Drummond is averaging 17.3 points and team highs with 15.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.8 assists per game. Svi mykhailiuk is averaging 14.2 points, while shooting 42.6 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (12-34) have dropped seven straight games, including their last four road games, as they come into Mondays contest looking to build on their 6-17 road record. The Cavs average 105.0 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 114.2 points against. They average 21.7 assists per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they average 15.6 turnovers per game, which is second most in the league. Collin Sexton leads the Cavs with 19.3 points per game. Kevin Love is averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Darius Garland is averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. Cedi Osman is averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebound and 2.6 assists, over the last 10 games.
Heat Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat play host to the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena on Monday evening.
The Heat (31-14) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest, which marked only their second home loss of the season. This marks their fourth game of a five-game home stand, as they look get back on track and to build on their 20-2 home record. The Heat are shooting 37.7 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. They average 112.2 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 108.7 points per game. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with 20.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.9 points and team highs of 10.4 rebounds and 1.2 bocks per game. Dion Waiters made his season debut in the Heat's most recent contest and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, two blocks and an assist, in 18 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, the Magic (21-26) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their second game of a aback-to-back, as they are coming off a home loss against the Clippers on Sunday. This is the Magic's first road game since a six-game road trip, where they went 3-3, while they look to improve on their 8-15 road record. The Magic average 103.8 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they are holding their opponents to a league-low 104.4 points per game. They average 8.5 steals per game and limit themselves to 12.3 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league. Evan Fournier leads the Magic with 19.2 points per game. Nikola Vucevic is averaging 19.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Terrence Ross is averaging 13.7 points on 30.6 percent shooting, over the last 10 games.
The Heat (31-14) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent contest, which marked only their second home loss of the season. This marks their fourth game of a five-game home stand, as they look get back on track and to build on their 20-2 home record. The Heat are shooting 37.7 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. They average 112.2 points per game and are holding their opponents to an average of 108.7 points per game. Jimmy Butler leads the Heat with 20.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.9 points and team highs of 10.4 rebounds and 1.2 bocks per game. Dion Waiters made his season debut in the Heat's most recent contest and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, two blocks and an assist, in 18 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, the Magic (21-26) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their second game of a aback-to-back, as they are coming off a home loss against the Clippers on Sunday. This is the Magic's first road game since a six-game road trip, where they went 3-3, while they look to improve on their 8-15 road record. The Magic average 103.8 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they are holding their opponents to a league-low 104.4 points per game. They average 8.5 steals per game and limit themselves to 12.3 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league. Evan Fournier leads the Magic with 19.2 points per game. Nikola Vucevic is averaging 19.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Terrence Ross is averaging 13.7 points on 30.6 percent shooting, over the last 10 games.
Spurs and Bulls Tangle in Interconference Battle
The San Antonio Spurs take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Monday night.
The Spurs (20-25) check into Monday's game once again starting to demonstrate some of the inconsistency that's plagued them for much of the season, as they've followed up a recent three-game winning streak with consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they dropped a 110-106 decision to the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan and Derrick White co-led the Spurs with 14 points apiece while also posting six and four rebounds, respectively. Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes contributed 13 points apiece. Marco Belinelli furnished 12 points, five assists and one rebound. Jakob Poeltl went for 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while LaMarcus Aldridge generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Spurs will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bulls (18-30) continue to struggle to put even a two-game winning streak together, as they'll check into Monday's contest with a 5-4 mark over their last nine games, but having evenly alternated wins and losses over that span. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those wins, as they toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 118-106 score Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 44 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Tomas Satoransky delivered 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Thaddeus Young finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Kris Dunn registered 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Bulls will continue without Wendell Carter, Jr. (ankle), Daniel Gafford (thumb) and Lauri Markkanen (pelvis for Monday's game. Chandler Hutchison (shoulder), Satoransky (ankle) and Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) will all be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
The Spurs (20-25) check into Monday's game once again starting to demonstrate some of the inconsistency that's plagued them for much of the season, as they've followed up a recent three-game winning streak with consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Sunday afternoon, when they dropped a 110-106 decision to the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan and Derrick White co-led the Spurs with 14 points apiece while also posting six and four rebounds, respectively. Dejounte Murray and Bryn Forbes contributed 13 points apiece. Marco Belinelli furnished 12 points, five assists and one rebound. Jakob Poeltl went for 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while LaMarcus Aldridge generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.
The Spurs will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bulls (18-30) continue to struggle to put even a two-game winning streak together, as they'll check into Monday's contest with a 5-4 mark over their last nine games, but having evenly alternated wins and losses over that span. Their most recent time on the floor did result in one of those wins, as they toppled the Cleveland Cavaliers by a 118-106 score Saturday night. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with 44 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Tomas Satoransky delivered 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. Thaddeus Young finished with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Kris Dunn registered 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The Bulls will continue without Wendell Carter, Jr. (ankle), Daniel Gafford (thumb) and Lauri Markkanen (pelvis for Monday's game. Chandler Hutchison (shoulder), Satoransky (ankle) and Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) will all be listed as probable.
Monday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The two teams split the two-game 2018-19 season series.
Timberwolves Host Lakers on Monday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Sacramento Kings at Target Center on Monday.
The Kings (16-29) finally picked up a win in their most recent game, snapping a six-game losing streak. That ugly run is this season in a microcosm, as this has been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. After surprising people by contending for a playoff berth last season, it appears that's going to be an uphill battle this year. That's really frustrating considering this young team didn't change much in terms of personnel and it's strange that they've fallen so far. The biggest drop-off has been on the offensive end, with the Kings sitting Top-5 in points scored last season while currently ranked 24th in that statistic this year. That's unacceptable and it's led to Buddy Hield being moved to the bench. It's unclear if that will help but Luke Walton is grabbing at straws at this point.
The Timberwolves (15-31) enter this matchup in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. This is actually their second such streak in as many months, showing just how poorly this club has been playing. That has to absolutely drive fans crazy too, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing at an MVP level and Andrew Wiggins having a bounceback season. The problem is that there's nothing around them and trading off Jeff Teague certainly didn't help the depth issues. The defense has been atrocious as well, with Minnesota sitting 26th in points allowed. That has fans wondering what is next and moving Towns is not out of the realm of possibility at this point either.
Minnesota won the first meeting between these teams in 2OT, 105-104, on December 26. That marked the Timberwolves third-straight victory over the Kings in total.
The Kings (16-29) finally picked up a win in their most recent game, snapping a six-game losing streak. That ugly run is this season in a microcosm, as this has been one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. After surprising people by contending for a playoff berth last season, it appears that's going to be an uphill battle this year. That's really frustrating considering this young team didn't change much in terms of personnel and it's strange that they've fallen so far. The biggest drop-off has been on the offensive end, with the Kings sitting Top-5 in points scored last season while currently ranked 24th in that statistic this year. That's unacceptable and it's led to Buddy Hield being moved to the bench. It's unclear if that will help but Luke Walton is grabbing at straws at this point.
The Timberwolves (15-31) enter this matchup in the midst of a nine-game losing streak. This is actually their second such streak in as many months, showing just how poorly this club has been playing. That has to absolutely drive fans crazy too, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing at an MVP level and Andrew Wiggins having a bounceback season. The problem is that there's nothing around them and trading off Jeff Teague certainly didn't help the depth issues. The defense has been atrocious as well, with Minnesota sitting 26th in points allowed. That has fans wondering what is next and moving Towns is not out of the realm of possibility at this point either.
Minnesota won the first meeting between these teams in 2OT, 105-104, on December 26. That marked the Timberwolves third-straight victory over the Kings in total.
Mavericks and Thunder Face Off in OKC
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday night.
The Mavericks (28-17) come into Monday's contest in the midst of another solid stretch of play, as they've forged a 5-2 record over their last seven games. However, one of their two losses during that stretch came in their most recent game, when they dropped a 112-107 decision to the Utah Jazz on Saturday afternoon. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry furnished 19 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Delon Wright generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down five and eight rebounds, respectively. Dorian Finney-Smith mustered nine points and 10 boards.
The Mavericks will list Ryan Broekhoff (lower leg) as probable for Monday's game, while Willie Cauley-Stein (trade acquisition) will likely be listed as questionable.
The Thunder (28-19) check into Monday's game with an impressive winning streak in tow, as they've prevailed in five straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they bested by a 113-104 score Saturday night. Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Chris Paul supplied 25 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Darius Bazley registered 15 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Mike Muscala generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Luguentz Dort and Hamidou Diallo turned in 11 points each, with Diallo also posting 10 rebounds.
The Thunder will continue without Terrance Ferguson (personal), Andre Roberson (knee) and Abdel Nader (ankle) for Monday's game. Nerlens Noel (face) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 106-101 win Dec. 31.
The Mavericks (28-17) come into Monday's contest in the midst of another solid stretch of play, as they've forged a 5-2 record over their last seven games. However, one of their two losses during that stretch came in their most recent game, when they dropped a 112-107 decision to the Utah Jazz on Saturday afternoon. Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry furnished 19 points, four boards, four assists and one steal. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 15 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway, Jr. and Delon Wright generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down five and eight rebounds, respectively. Dorian Finney-Smith mustered nine points and 10 boards.
The Mavericks will list Ryan Broekhoff (lower leg) as probable for Monday's game, while Willie Cauley-Stein (trade acquisition) will likely be listed as questionable.
The Thunder (28-19) check into Monday's game with an impressive winning streak in tow, as they've prevailed in five straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they bested by a 113-104 score Saturday night. Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Chris Paul supplied 25 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Darius Bazley registered 15 points, six boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Mike Muscala generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. Luguentz Dort and Hamidou Diallo turned in 11 points each, with Diallo also posting 10 rebounds.
The Thunder will continue without Terrance Ferguson (personal), Andre Roberson (knee) and Abdel Nader (ankle) for Monday's game. Nerlens Noel (face) will carry a questionable tag.
Monday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 106-101 win Dec. 31.
Jazz Host Rockets on Monday
The Houston Rockets travel to Salet Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday.
The Rockets (28-17) are having their first big slump of the season, entering this matchup losing six of their last nine games. That's a shocking number to see from a club like this and the hits just keep coming. James Harden suffered a thigh contusion over the weekend and that forced him to miss Sunday's defeat against the Denver Nuggets. What's even more annoying is the fact that Russell Westbrook played in that game, forcing him to sit here in the second half of a back-to-back set. It's been hard for this team to compete with Harden and Westbrook recently and it's hard to imagine what they'll do here with both of them potentially missing this game.
The Jazz (32-13) have catapulted themselves up to the two-seed in the Western Conference, winning 19 of their last 21 games. What's really frightening about this club is the fact that they're blowing teams out on a nightly basis, winning about half of those by double-digit margins. It's no surprise when you look at the statistics, with this club ranked Top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency in that stretch. They've actually moved from 28th in scoring all the way up to 16th in that stretch which is scary with how good their defense can be at times. The next step is to get Mike Conley to return to his Memphis form. The stud point guard has been slow to adjust to his new role off the bench and if they can get him to play at the level we've seen in past years, this may be the favorite in the Western Conference.
While these teams split their four-game season series last year, Houston has won six of their last eight games over Utah in total.
The Rockets (28-17) are having their first big slump of the season, entering this matchup losing six of their last nine games. That's a shocking number to see from a club like this and the hits just keep coming. James Harden suffered a thigh contusion over the weekend and that forced him to miss Sunday's defeat against the Denver Nuggets. What's even more annoying is the fact that Russell Westbrook played in that game, forcing him to sit here in the second half of a back-to-back set. It's been hard for this team to compete with Harden and Westbrook recently and it's hard to imagine what they'll do here with both of them potentially missing this game.
The Jazz (32-13) have catapulted themselves up to the two-seed in the Western Conference, winning 19 of their last 21 games. What's really frightening about this club is the fact that they're blowing teams out on a nightly basis, winning about half of those by double-digit margins. It's no surprise when you look at the statistics, with this club ranked Top-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency in that stretch. They've actually moved from 28th in scoring all the way up to 16th in that stretch which is scary with how good their defense can be at times. The next step is to get Mike Conley to return to his Memphis form. The stud point guard has been slow to adjust to his new role off the bench and if they can get him to play at the level we've seen in past years, this may be the favorite in the Western Conference.
While these teams split their four-game season series last year, Houston has won six of their last eight games over Utah in total.