Pistons Host Suns on Wednesday
The Phoenix Suns travel to The Motor City to face the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesar's Arena on Wednesday.
The Suns (20-30) come into this matchup in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Stretches like that have become way too common for this team throughout the year though and it looks to be another uphill battle to reach the postseason. The one bit of good news is that they appear to have a core for the future. Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr form one of the best threesomes in the NBA and all three guys are young enough to keep growing. If they can just maintain this core and continue to grow over the next few years, this franchise and fans might finally see their team have some success after a decade of struggles.
The Pistons (18-34) have just one win in their last seven games and it's becoming clear that the postseason is a long-shot for them too. What's going to make that even more difficult is the fact that this team can't stay healthy, with Blake Griffin, Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose all currently injured. That's arguably their three-best offensive players and they simply can't compete without all of them. The good news is that Reggie Jackson just returned from injury and has been stellar outside of a 1-of-16 performance in his last game. The recent struggles have Detroit as one of the focal points of trade discussions with the trade deadline just a few days away and this makes them a team to watch until then.
Detroit swept the two-game season series over Phoenix last year. In fact, it gives them five-straight wins over them, including eight if their last nine matchups in total.
The Suns (20-30) come into this matchup in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Stretches like that have become way too common for this team throughout the year though and it looks to be another uphill battle to reach the postseason. The one bit of good news is that they appear to have a core for the future. Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and Kelly Oubre Jr form one of the best threesomes in the NBA and all three guys are young enough to keep growing. If they can just maintain this core and continue to grow over the next few years, this franchise and fans might finally see their team have some success after a decade of struggles.
The Pistons (18-34) have just one win in their last seven games and it's becoming clear that the postseason is a long-shot for them too. What's going to make that even more difficult is the fact that this team can't stay healthy, with Blake Griffin, Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose all currently injured. That's arguably their three-best offensive players and they simply can't compete without all of them. The good news is that Reggie Jackson just returned from injury and has been stellar outside of a 1-of-16 performance in his last game. The recent struggles have Detroit as one of the focal points of trade discussions with the trade deadline just a few days away and this makes them a team to watch until then.
Detroit swept the two-game season series over Phoenix last year. In fact, it gives them five-straight wins over them, including eight if their last nine matchups in total.
Celtics Host Magic on Wednesday
The Orlando Magic travel to Beantown to face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday.
The Magic (22-28) finally picked up a win on Monday, beating the Charlotte Hornets, 112-100. That snapped a five-game losing streak for Orlando and a career-best 14 assists from Markelle Fultz was obviously a huge boost in that victory. Getting a top-pick like that for almost nothing has been a huge boost for this organization and if he can return to the player that we saw in college, it could truly be a franchise-changing trade. Before that losing streak, the Magic were creeping close to .500 and putting themselves in a great position to reach the postseason. They currently sit in eighth, four games up on the Chicago Bulls in ninth. They're also just one game back of the Brooklyn Nets in seventh and many believe that this is the better team of the two with Kyrie Irving sidelined.
The Celtics (34-15) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games. What makes that all the more impressive is the fact that they're currently without Kemba Walker. The All-Star point guard continues to deal with an ankle issue and it says a lot about the depth of this team. Players like Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum have been great all year and they've been even better with Kemba off the floor. Where they're really dangerous is on the defensive end though, allowing the second-fewest points in the NBA. Playing stifling defense like that will allow them to succeed no matter how shorthanded they are and it's scary to think how good they'll be when at full boar.
Boston won their first game over Orlando, 109-98, on January 24. That snapped a three-game winning streak for the Magic in this series, sweeping the season series last year.
The Magic (22-28) finally picked up a win on Monday, beating the Charlotte Hornets, 112-100. That snapped a five-game losing streak for Orlando and a career-best 14 assists from Markelle Fultz was obviously a huge boost in that victory. Getting a top-pick like that for almost nothing has been a huge boost for this organization and if he can return to the player that we saw in college, it could truly be a franchise-changing trade. Before that losing streak, the Magic were creeping close to .500 and putting themselves in a great position to reach the postseason. They currently sit in eighth, four games up on the Chicago Bulls in ninth. They're also just one game back of the Brooklyn Nets in seventh and many believe that this is the better team of the two with Kyrie Irving sidelined.
The Celtics (34-15) come into this matchup winning seven of their last eight games. What makes that all the more impressive is the fact that they're currently without Kemba Walker. The All-Star point guard continues to deal with an ankle issue and it says a lot about the depth of this team. Players like Jaylen Brown, Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum have been great all year and they've been even better with Kemba off the floor. Where they're really dangerous is on the defensive end though, allowing the second-fewest points in the NBA. Playing stifling defense like that will allow them to succeed no matter how shorthanded they are and it's scary to think how good they'll be when at full boar.
Boston won their first game over Orlando, 109-98, on January 24. That snapped a three-game winning streak for the Magic in this series, sweeping the season series last year.
Warriors Continue East Coast Swing Against Nets
The Golden State Warriors take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Warriors (12-39) come into Wednesday's contest with some modest momentum, as they've responded to a recent five-game losing streak with back-to-back wins. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they outscored by a 125-117 score Monday night. Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 30 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 22 points, seven assists, six boards and one steal. Damion Lee delivered 19 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Eric Paschall generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also includes one assist. Marquese Chriss managed 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Draymond Green posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block.
The Warriors will list D'Angelo Russell (quadriceps) as probable for Wednesday's game. Stephen Curry (hand) and Klay Thompson (knee) will remain out.
The Nets (22-27) still have plenty of room for improvement, but they'll check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a solid stretch of play. Brooklyn owns a 4-2 record over the last six games, with its most recent success a 119-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 29 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Joe Harris supplied 16 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Taurean Prince compiled 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot led the bench with 13 points.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors swept the two-game 2018-19 season series from the Nets.
The Warriors (12-39) come into Wednesday's contest with some modest momentum, as they've responded to a recent five-game losing streak with back-to-back wins. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they outscored by a 125-117 score Monday night. Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 30 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Glenn Robinson III furnished 22 points, seven assists, six boards and one steal. Damion Lee delivered 19 points, six assists, one rebound and one steal. Eric Paschall generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also includes one assist. Marquese Chriss managed 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Draymond Green posted 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block.
The Warriors will list D'Angelo Russell (quadriceps) as probable for Wednesday's game. Stephen Curry (hand) and Klay Thompson (knee) will remain out.
The Nets (22-27) still have plenty of room for improvement, but they'll check into Wednesday's game in the midst of a solid stretch of play. Brooklyn owns a 4-2 record over the last six games, with its most recent success a 119-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. Caris LeVert paced the Nets with 29 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Joe Harris supplied 16 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Taurean Prince compiled 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. Spencer Dinwiddie tallied 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot led the bench with 13 points.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Warriors swept the two-game 2018-19 season series from the Nets.
Raptors Host Pacers on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers travel north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors at Scotia Bank Arena on Wednesday.
The Pacers (31-19) have struggled away from home all season, posting a 13-12 record on the road. That makes traveling to Canada especially tough, particularly against a potent team like this. What makes it even tougher is the fact that they enter this matchup losing three of their last four fixtures. The direct correlation with that poor run is the inclusion of Victor Oladipo into the lineup. The former All-Star has struggled mightily in his first three games back, connecting on just 8-of-39 from the field and 3-of-21 from three-point range. Those atrocious shooting numbers are simply him getting his legs back underneath him after a serious injury and it's just a matter of time before he returns to the player that Indiana fans fell in love with.
The Raptors (36-14) enter this matchup in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and it's truly amazing just how good this team is. Many people expected to see major regression when Kawhi Leonard left in the offseason but some would argue that they're even better now. What makes this recent stretch even more impressive is the fact that they've done it despite losing Marc Gasol and Norman Powell to injuries. That doesn't even take into consideration lengthy absences from Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam earlier in the year and it says a lot about how much this team has grown. That's a testament to how well this organization is run and how good the coaching staff is, making this club a true threat to repeat after their unbelievable 2019 NBA Championship run last year.
Indiana won the first meeting between these teams in overtime, 120-115, on December 20. Prior to that, the Raptors won five of their previous six games over the Pacers.
The Pacers (31-19) have struggled away from home all season, posting a 13-12 record on the road. That makes traveling to Canada especially tough, particularly against a potent team like this. What makes it even tougher is the fact that they enter this matchup losing three of their last four fixtures. The direct correlation with that poor run is the inclusion of Victor Oladipo into the lineup. The former All-Star has struggled mightily in his first three games back, connecting on just 8-of-39 from the field and 3-of-21 from three-point range. Those atrocious shooting numbers are simply him getting his legs back underneath him after a serious injury and it's just a matter of time before he returns to the player that Indiana fans fell in love with.
The Raptors (36-14) enter this matchup in the midst of an 11-game winning streak and it's truly amazing just how good this team is. Many people expected to see major regression when Kawhi Leonard left in the offseason but some would argue that they're even better now. What makes this recent stretch even more impressive is the fact that they've done it despite losing Marc Gasol and Norman Powell to injuries. That doesn't even take into consideration lengthy absences from Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam earlier in the year and it says a lot about how much this team has grown. That's a testament to how well this organization is run and how good the coaching staff is, making this club a true threat to repeat after their unbelievable 2019 NBA Championship run last year.
Indiana won the first meeting between these teams in overtime, 120-115, on December 20. Prior to that, the Raptors won five of their previous six games over the Pacers.
Hawks and Timberwolves Meet in Interconference Clash
The Atlanta Hawks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (13-38) check into Wednesday's contest in the midst of another underwhelming stretch, having dropped six of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came against the Boston Celtics, which dropped them by a 123-115 score Monday night. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 34 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kevin Huerter furnished 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. John Collins generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Jeff Teague delivered 18 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals.
The Hawks will likely list De'Andre Hunter (ankle), DeAndre' Bembry (hand), Cam Reddish (concussion/hand) and Bruno Fernando (calf) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game. Jabari Parker (shoulder), Alex Len (hip) and Chandler Parsons (concussion) will both remain out.
The Timberwolves (15-34) come into Wednesday's game in even worse shape than their opponent, as they've dropped 12 consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Sacramento Kings, which edged them by a 113-109 score Monday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the the Timberwolves with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two blocks and one steal. Shabazz Napier supplied 17 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Covington registered 15 points, eight boards, two assists, three steals and one block. Kelan Martin and Josh Okogie posted matching 12-point tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Wiggins mustered 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
The Timberwolves will likely list Allen Crabbe (knee) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Jake Layman (toe) is expected to remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 125-113 win Nov. 25.
The Hawks (13-38) check into Wednesday's contest in the midst of another underwhelming stretch, having dropped six of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came against the Boston Celtics, which dropped them by a 123-115 score Monday night. Trae Young paced the Hawks with 34 points, supplementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kevin Huerter furnished 23 points, three rebounds and two assists. John Collins generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Jeff Teague delivered 18 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals.
The Hawks will likely list De'Andre Hunter (ankle), DeAndre' Bembry (hand), Cam Reddish (concussion/hand) and Bruno Fernando (calf) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game. Jabari Parker (shoulder), Alex Len (hip) and Chandler Parsons (concussion) will both remain out.
The Timberwolves (15-34) come into Wednesday's game in even worse shape than their opponent, as they've dropped 12 consecutive contests. Their most recent stumble came against the Sacramento Kings, which edged them by a 113-109 score Monday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the the Timberwolves with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists, two blocks and one steal. Shabazz Napier supplied 17 points, seven assists and three rebounds. Covington registered 15 points, eight boards, two assists, three steals and one block. Kelan Martin and Josh Okogie posted matching 12-point tallies while pulling down five and four rebounds, respectively. Wiggins mustered 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.
The Timberwolves will likely list Allen Crabbe (knee) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Jake Layman (toe) is expected to remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 125-113 win Nov. 25.
Cavaliers and Thunder Tangle in OKC
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (13-38) check into Wednesday's game in the middle of an abysmal stretch of play, as they've dropped 11 of their last 12 games. Their most recent stumble was a tightly contested 139-134 overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. Kevin Love led the way with a 33-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one block. Collin Sexton provided 29 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Larry Nance, Jr. delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Cedi Osman mustered 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland and Kevin Porter, Jr. contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers will likely list Tristan Thompson (quadriceps) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Ante Zizic (illness) is expected to remain out.
The Thunder (30-20) come into Wednesday's interconference matchup running hot, as they've prevailed in seven of the last eight contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they toppled by a 111-107 score Friday night. Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with four rebounds. Dennis Schroder followed with 24 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Chris Paul generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included six assists and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 12 points, nine boards, four assists and one block. Nerlens Noel supplied 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
The Thunder will continue without Andre Roberson (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 121-106 win Jan. 4.
The Cavaliers (13-38) check into Wednesday's game in the middle of an abysmal stretch of play, as they've dropped 11 of their last 12 games. Their most recent stumble was a tightly contested 139-134 overtime loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night. Kevin Love led the way with a 33-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one block. Collin Sexton provided 29 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one steal. Larry Nance, Jr. delivered 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one block. Cedi Osman mustered 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland and Kevin Porter, Jr. contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers will likely list Tristan Thompson (quadriceps) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Ante Zizic (illness) is expected to remain out.
The Thunder (30-20) come into Wednesday's interconference matchup running hot, as they've prevailed in seven of the last eight contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, which they toppled by a 111-107 score Friday night. Danilo Gallinari paced the Thunder with 27 points, complementing them with four rebounds. Dennis Schroder followed with 24 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Chris Paul generated a 20-point, 10-assist double-double that also included six assists and three steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 12 points, nine boards, four assists and one block. Nerlens Noel supplied 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
The Thunder will continue without Andre Roberson (knee) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 121-106 win Jan. 4.
Mavs Look To Build On Two-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The Mavericks (31-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They look to keep building at home, as they won their last home contest and look to add to their 14-12 home record. Luka Doncic (ankle) has missed the last three games and will remain sidelined through Wednesday's action, but the Mavs have managed to go 2-1 without him. Kristaps Porzingis came up huge, with 38 points and 12 rebounds, in the Mavs' most recent contest, and he is averaging 17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Jalen Brunson has done a good job stepping up at times for Dallas, and he is averaging 10.7 points on 48.8 percent shooting, including 50 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Dorian Finney-Smith continues to contribute, averaging 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists, over the last 10 games. The Mavericks average 116.3 points per game, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Grizzlies (25-25), who are 2-2 in their last four road games and look to build on their 10-12 road record. Ja Morant continues to impress, as he is averaging 15.9 points on 52.5 percent shooting, 7.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks is averaging 21.0 points on 47.2 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas (knee) is questionable for action on Monday. The Grizzlies average 113.1 points per game, and they lead the league with an average of 27. 6 assists per game. They are shooting 47.4 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league.
The Mavericks (31-19) have won six of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. They look to keep building at home, as they won their last home contest and look to add to their 14-12 home record. Luka Doncic (ankle) has missed the last three games and will remain sidelined through Wednesday's action, but the Mavs have managed to go 2-1 without him. Kristaps Porzingis came up huge, with 38 points and 12 rebounds, in the Mavs' most recent contest, and he is averaging 17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Jalen Brunson has done a good job stepping up at times for Dallas, and he is averaging 10.7 points on 48.8 percent shooting, including 50 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Dorian Finney-Smith continues to contribute, averaging 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists, over the last 10 games. The Mavericks average 116.3 points per game, which is third most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a three-game road trip for the Grizzlies (25-25), who are 2-2 in their last four road games and look to build on their 10-12 road record. Ja Morant continues to impress, as he is averaging 15.9 points on 52.5 percent shooting, 7.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals, over the last 10 games. Dillon Brooks is averaging 21.0 points on 47.2 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, over the last 10 games. Jonas Valanciunas (knee) is questionable for action on Monday. The Grizzlies average 113.1 points per game, and they lead the league with an average of 27. 6 assists per game. They are shooting 47.4 percent from the field, which is fourth best in the league.
Jazz Look To Snap Four-Game Losing Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (32-17) are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but have dropped their last four in a row, including a winless, three-game road trip. This marks their first game back home after the empty trip, as they look to get back on track and build on their 18-4 home record. The Jazz average 111.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.0 points per game. They are shooting 47.3 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league, including a league-best 38.7 percent from long range. Donovan Mitchell continues to lead the Jazz and is averaging 26.2 points on 45 percent shooting, 3.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, over the last 10 games. Rudy Gobert also continues to dominate at his position, averaging 18.7 points, 14.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (35-16), as they are coming off a blowout win at home, over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Nikola Jokic led the way with 29 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and two steals, while Jamal Murray added 20 points and six assists, in the win. It marked Murray's first game back in action after missing a couple weeks of action with an ankle injury. This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Nuggets, who have lost two of their last three road games and look to build on their 15-10 road record. The Nuggets average 109.8 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 26.3 assists per game, which is third most in the league, and they limit themselves to 12.6 turnovers per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
The Jazz (32-17) are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but have dropped their last four in a row, including a winless, three-game road trip. This marks their first game back home after the empty trip, as they look to get back on track and build on their 18-4 home record. The Jazz average 111.1 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.0 points per game. They are shooting 47.3 percent from the field, which is fifth best in the league, including a league-best 38.7 percent from long range. Donovan Mitchell continues to lead the Jazz and is averaging 26.2 points on 45 percent shooting, 3.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, over the last 10 games. Rudy Gobert also continues to dominate at his position, averaging 18.7 points, 14.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Nuggets (35-16), as they are coming off a blowout win at home, over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Nikola Jokic led the way with 29 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and two steals, while Jamal Murray added 20 points and six assists, in the win. It marked Murray's first game back in action after missing a couple weeks of action with an ankle injury. This marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Nuggets, who have lost two of their last three road games and look to build on their 15-10 road record. The Nuggets average 109.8 points per game, but they are holding opponents to an average of 106.5 points per game, which is fifth fewest in the league. They average 26.3 assists per game, which is third most in the league, and they limit themselves to 12.6 turnovers per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Clippers Look To Close Out Home Stand
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Miami Heat at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers (35-15) have won eight 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 have gone 2-1, so far. The Clippers average 115.3 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they are holding their opponents to an average of 109.4 points per game. They average 48.1 rebounds per game, which is second most in the league, including 11.3 offensive rebounds, which is also second most in the league. Kawhi Leonard has played in eight of the Clippers' last 10 games and is averaging 33.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, during that stretch. After missing a couple weeks of action, Paul George is averaging 16.0 points on 41.5 percent shooting, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists, over the last three games.
Meanwhile, the Heat (34-15) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a six-game road trip, which has the potential to drastically change the looks of their 12-12 road record. The Heat score an average of 112.3 points per game, and they are holding their opponents to an average of 107.9 points per game. They are shooting 47.2 percent from the field, which is sixth best in the league, including 38.0 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. Jimmy Butler is coming off an impressive, 38-point night in the Heat's last contest and leads the team with an average of 20.7 points, 6.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Duncan Robinson continues to play well, averaging 13.9 points, while shooting 45.6 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
The Clippers (35-15) have won eight 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 have gone 2-1, so far. The Clippers average 115.3 points per game, which is fifth most in the league, and they are holding their opponents to an average of 109.4 points per game. They average 48.1 rebounds per game, which is second most in the league, including 11.3 offensive rebounds, which is also second most in the league. Kawhi Leonard has played in eight of the Clippers' last 10 games and is averaging 33.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, during that stretch. After missing a couple weeks of action, Paul George is averaging 16.0 points on 41.5 percent shooting, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists, over the last three games.
Meanwhile, the Heat (34-15) have won seven of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a six-game road trip, which has the potential to drastically change the looks of their 12-12 road record. The Heat score an average of 112.3 points per game, and they are holding their opponents to an average of 107.9 points per game. They are shooting 47.2 percent from the field, which is sixth best in the league, including 38.0 percent from long range, which is second best in the league. Jimmy Butler is coming off an impressive, 38-point night in the Heat's last contest and leads the team with an average of 20.7 points, 6.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 15.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Duncan Robinson continues to play well, averaging 13.9 points, while shooting 45.6 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.