Pacers Host Bulls on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Chicago Bulls at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Bulls (19-30) have three wins in their last four games and own a 6-4 record over their last 10 fixtures in total. That's the club that we expected to see at the beginning of the season and it has them right in the thick of things for the playoffs. In fact, Chicago now finds themselves ninth in the conference, just two games back on the Brooklyn Nets in eighth. Some would argue that the Bulls are the more talented team too but it's a wonder if they can hold up with guys like Wendell Carter Jr and Lauri Markkanen sidelined. If they can just maintain this gap and get both of those guys around the All-Star break, Chicago is a sneaky threat to reach the postseason behind Zach LaVine's 25.2 points per game.
The Pacers (30-17) enter this matchup with a 17-5 record at home. That's simply one of the best marks in the NBA and it has Indiana fighting for one of the Top-3 seeds in the east. What fans will be talking about here is the return of Victor Oladipo. The superstar shooting guard is slated to return for this game after missing about a year of action because of a severe leg injury. That would make one believe that he'll be on a minute's limit, getting him acclimated to playing basketball yet again. While they're obviously happy to have him back, it does bring up some interesting chemistry issues. Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis have been spectacular in their expanded roles and it remains to be seen how they react with a ball-dominant guy like Oladipo back in the fold. That's something to keep an eye on for the final months of the season but they're obviously better off with Oladipo back on the floor.
These teams have played twice this season, with Indiana winning both outings by double-digit margins. In fact, that gives the Pacers seven-straight wins over the Bulls in total.
The Bulls (19-30) have three wins in their last four games and own a 6-4 record over their last 10 fixtures in total. That's the club that we expected to see at the beginning of the season and it has them right in the thick of things for the playoffs. In fact, Chicago now finds themselves ninth in the conference, just two games back on the Brooklyn Nets in eighth. Some would argue that the Bulls are the more talented team too but it's a wonder if they can hold up with guys like Wendell Carter Jr and Lauri Markkanen sidelined. If they can just maintain this gap and get both of those guys around the All-Star break, Chicago is a sneaky threat to reach the postseason behind Zach LaVine's 25.2 points per game.
The Pacers (30-17) enter this matchup with a 17-5 record at home. That's simply one of the best marks in the NBA and it has Indiana fighting for one of the Top-3 seeds in the east. What fans will be talking about here is the return of Victor Oladipo. The superstar shooting guard is slated to return for this game after missing about a year of action because of a severe leg injury. That would make one believe that he'll be on a minute's limit, getting him acclimated to playing basketball yet again. While they're obviously happy to have him back, it does bring up some interesting chemistry issues. Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis have been spectacular in their expanded roles and it remains to be seen how they react with a ball-dominant guy like Oladipo back in the fold. That's something to keep an eye on for the final months of the season but they're obviously better off with Oladipo back on the floor.
These teams have played twice this season, with Indiana winning both outings by double-digit margins. In fact, that gives the Pacers seven-straight wins over the Bulls in total.
Nets Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
The Nets (19-26) have dropped seven of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in New York, in their most recent contest. The Nets have dropped their last four home games and need to work on their 11-12 home record. The Nets average 109.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.9 points against. They average 15.2 turnovers per game, which is third most in the league. Kyrie Irving (personal) missed the Nets' last contest and remains questionable, while DeAndre Jordan (finger) is expected to return to action on Wednesday. Spencer Dinwiddie continues to lead the Nets, averaging 21.2 points and 6.5 assists per game. Jarrett Allen is averaging 11.4 points and team highs with 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Caris LeVert is averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (17-31) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first road game after a 1-3 home stand, as they look to get back on track and contribute to their 8-15 road record. The Pistons average 109.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.3 points against. They are shooting 46.6 percent from the field, including 37.1 percent from long range, which is sixth best in the league. Derrick Rose continues to impress, averaging 23.4 points, 6.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Andre Drummond is averaging 17.3 points and team highs with 15.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Reggie Jackson has looked good, averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds, while shooting 46.7 percent from long range, over his three games since returning to action last week.
The Nets (19-26) have dropped seven of their last 10 games and are coming off a loss in New York, in their most recent contest. The Nets have dropped their last four home games and need to work on their 11-12 home record. The Nets average 109.4 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.9 points against. They average 15.2 turnovers per game, which is third most in the league. Kyrie Irving (personal) missed the Nets' last contest and remains questionable, while DeAndre Jordan (finger) is expected to return to action on Wednesday. Spencer Dinwiddie continues to lead the Nets, averaging 21.2 points and 6.5 assists per game. Jarrett Allen is averaging 11.4 points and team highs with 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Caris LeVert is averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (17-31) have dropped seven of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first road game after a 1-3 home stand, as they look to get back on track and contribute to their 8-15 road record. The Pistons average 109.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.3 points against. They are shooting 46.6 percent from the field, including 37.1 percent from long range, which is sixth best in the league. Derrick Rose continues to impress, averaging 23.4 points, 6.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds, over the last 10 games. Andre Drummond is averaging 17.3 points and team highs with 15.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Reggie Jackson has looked good, averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds, while shooting 46.7 percent from long range, over his three games since returning to action last week.
Knicks Host Grizzlies on Wednesday
The Memphis Grizzlies travel to The Big Apple to face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies (23-24) just picked up a wire-to-wire win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday and a great win like that shows just how well this team has been playing. That actually gives them 10 wins in their last 12 games, sky-rocketing them to the eight-seed in the west. This is a team that many people expected to improve this season but no one could have seen this coming. What's really encouraging is the fact that they're so young, with Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks all having breakout seasons. Adding one solid veteran to the equation is the thing that could put this team over the top, so, don't forget about this club at the trade deadline by any means.
The Knicks (13-35) just continue to lose ballgames, getting beaten by the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Any knowledgeable fan would tell you that the Knicks have the more talented team of those two but it really doesn't matter at this point. The Knicks are just a losing franchise and it's hard to pick them against anyone with the way they're playing. That marked their 11th loss over their last 14 games and there's some talk that the Knicks will trade off some guys at the trade deadline. That just emphasizes how long of a rebuild its been, with this team trying to figure things out for over a decade now. Ranking Bottom-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency tells a lot about this club and they'll surely be an underdog here against one of the hottest teams in the league.
These teams have yet to play this season but have split three-straight season series' against one another. Prior to that, Memphis won six-straight over New York dating back to 2015.
The Grizzlies (23-24) just picked up a wire-to-wire win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday and a great win like that shows just how well this team has been playing. That actually gives them 10 wins in their last 12 games, sky-rocketing them to the eight-seed in the west. This is a team that many people expected to improve this season but no one could have seen this coming. What's really encouraging is the fact that they're so young, with Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks all having breakout seasons. Adding one solid veteran to the equation is the thing that could put this team over the top, so, don't forget about this club at the trade deadline by any means.
The Knicks (13-35) just continue to lose ballgames, getting beaten by the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Any knowledgeable fan would tell you that the Knicks have the more talented team of those two but it really doesn't matter at this point. The Knicks are just a losing franchise and it's hard to pick them against anyone with the way they're playing. That marked their 11th loss over their last 14 games and there's some talk that the Knicks will trade off some guys at the trade deadline. That just emphasizes how long of a rebuild its been, with this team trying to figure things out for over a decade now. Ranking Bottom-10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency tells a lot about this club and they'll surely be an underdog here against one of the hottest teams in the league.
These teams have yet to play this season but have split three-straight season series' against one another. Prior to that, Memphis won six-straight over New York dating back to 2015.
Spurs Looking To Halt Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Utah Jazz at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs (20-26) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to snap a two-game home losing streak and build on their 12-12 home record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the Spurs, averaging 25.4 points on 54.5 percent shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, over the last 10 games. LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb) missed the Spurs' most recent contest and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Patty Mills poured in 25 points in the Spurs' last contest and is averaging 11.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists, in 24 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. The Spurs average 113.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 114.3 points against.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (32-14) have won eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a home loss against the Rockets in their most recent contest. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Jazz, who have won three of their last four road games and have a 14-10 road record. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz with 24.9 points and 1.2 steals per game. Joe Ingles is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 5.0 assists per game. Rudy Gobert has been playing great lately, as he is averaging 19.5 points on 75.8 percent shooting, 15.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. The Jazz average 111.2 points per game, but they are holding opponents to 106.2 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league. They are shooting 47.5 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league, including shooting a league-best 38.5 percent from long range.
The Spurs (20-26) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to snap a two-game home losing streak and build on their 12-12 home record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the Spurs, averaging 25.4 points on 54.5 percent shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, over the last 10 games. LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb) missed the Spurs' most recent contest and will remain out through Wednesday's action. Patty Mills poured in 25 points in the Spurs' last contest and is averaging 11.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists, in 24 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. The Spurs average 113.3 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 114.3 points against.
Meanwhile, the Jazz (32-14) have won eight of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a home loss against the Rockets in their most recent contest. This marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Jazz, who have won three of their last four road games and have a 14-10 road record. Donovan Mitchell leads the Jazz with 24.9 points and 1.2 steals per game. Joe Ingles is averaging 10.7 points and a team-high 5.0 assists per game. Rudy Gobert has been playing great lately, as he is averaging 19.5 points on 75.8 percent shooting, 15.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. The Jazz average 111.2 points per game, but they are holding opponents to 106.2 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league. They are shooting 47.5 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league, including shooting a league-best 38.5 percent from long range.
Rockets and Trail Blazers Tangle in Conference Battle
The Houston Rockets take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (29-17) come into Wednesday's game having mostly righted the ship after a rare skid, as they've won three of their past four games. Their most recent success was an impressive 126-117 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, a game they played without Russell Westbrook (rest), James Harden (thigh) and Clint Capela (heel). Eric Gordon led the way with a career-high 50 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Danuel House, Jr. and Austin Rivers posted 21 points apiece, with House adding 11 rebounds and five steals among his other contributions. P.J. Tucker mustered nine points but also pulled in 10 rebounds and recorded five assists.
The Rockets will list Harden (thigh) and Capela (heel) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Gerald Green (foot) and Nene Hilario (hip) remain out.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) have continued to struggle with consistency as the season has unfolded, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest with a solid 4-3 record over their last seven games. Their most recent success came in a memorable victory over the Indiana Pacers, which they toppled by a 139-129 score Sunday night. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a 50-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. C.J. McCollum furnished 28 points, five assists and one rebound. Hassan Whiteside posted a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and six blocks. Carmelo Anthony delivered 14 points, eight boards and two assists.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Jusuf Nurkic (leg), Skal Labissiere (knee) and Zach Collins (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Rockets notching a 132-108 victory Nov. 18 and the Trail Blazers prevailing by a 117-107 win Jan. 15.
The Rockets (29-17) come into Wednesday's game having mostly righted the ship after a rare skid, as they've won three of their past four games. Their most recent success was an impressive 126-117 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night, a game they played without Russell Westbrook (rest), James Harden (thigh) and Clint Capela (heel). Eric Gordon led the way with a career-high 50 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Danuel House, Jr. and Austin Rivers posted 21 points apiece, with House adding 11 rebounds and five steals among his other contributions. P.J. Tucker mustered nine points but also pulled in 10 rebounds and recorded five assists.
The Rockets will list Harden (thigh) and Capela (heel) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Gerald Green (foot) and Nene Hilario (hip) remain out.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) have continued to struggle with consistency as the season has unfolded, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest with a solid 4-3 record over their last seven games. Their most recent success came in a memorable victory over the Indiana Pacers, which they toppled by a 139-129 score Sunday night. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a 50-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. C.J. McCollum furnished 28 points, five assists and one rebound. Hassan Whiteside posted a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and six blocks. Carmelo Anthony delivered 14 points, eight boards and two assists.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Jusuf Nurkic (leg), Skal Labissiere (knee) and Zach Collins (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the third of four games between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1, with the Rockets notching a 132-108 victory Nov. 18 and the Trail Blazers prevailing by a 117-107 win Jan. 15.
Thunder and Kings Battle Out West
The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (28-20) have largely been playing quality basketball since the calendar flipped to 2020, as they just saw a five-game winning streak snapped their most recent time on the court Monday night. Oklahoma City was upended by the Dallas Mavericks by a 107-97 score. Dennis Schroder paced the Thunder with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one block. Danilo Gallinari finished with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Deonte Burton poured in 11 points.
The Thunder will remain without Terrance Ferguson (personal) and Andre Roberson (knee) for Wednesday's game. Abdel Nader (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
The Kings (17-29) have been mostly heading in the opposite direction as their opponents, as they just snapped a six-game losing streak by recording back-to-back wins. Sacramento's most recent victory was a thrilling overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Buddy Hield led the way with a career-high 42 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. De'Aron Fox furnished 22 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Nemanja Bjelica supplied 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals. Kent Bazemore poured in 15 points, while Harrison Barnes registered 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Kings will remain without Marvin Bagley (foot) and Richaun Holmes (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 94-93 win Dec. 11.
The Thunder (28-20) have largely been playing quality basketball since the calendar flipped to 2020, as they just saw a five-game winning streak snapped their most recent time on the court Monday night. Oklahoma City was upended by the Dallas Mavericks by a 107-97 score. Dennis Schroder paced the Thunder with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one block. Danilo Gallinari finished with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Deonte Burton poured in 11 points.
The Thunder will remain without Terrance Ferguson (personal) and Andre Roberson (knee) for Wednesday's game. Abdel Nader (ankle) will be listed as questionable.
The Kings (17-29) have been mostly heading in the opposite direction as their opponents, as they just snapped a six-game losing streak by recording back-to-back wins. Sacramento's most recent victory was a thrilling overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Buddy Hield led the way with a career-high 42 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. De'Aron Fox furnished 22 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Nemanja Bjelica supplied 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and two steals. Kent Bazemore poured in 15 points, while Harrison Barnes registered 12 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Kings will remain without Marvin Bagley (foot) and Richaun Holmes (shoulder) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Kings hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 94-93 win Dec. 11.