Magic and Knicks Face Off in Big Apple
The Orlando Magic takes on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Magic (22-29) checks into Thursday's contest in the midst of one of their poorer stretches of play this season, as they've dropped six of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 116-100 decision to the Boston Celtics. Evan Fournier led the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds and one assist. Aaron Gordon totaled 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Terrence Ross posted 18 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Nikola Vucevic and Michael Carter-Williams generated matching 12-point tallies, with Vucevic pulling in 10 rebounds and Carter-Williams dishing out six assists.
The Magic will continue without D.J. Augustin (knee), Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) for Thursday's contest.
The Knicks (15-36) still sport a record that leaves much to be desired, but they check into Thursday's contest with a solid 3-2 mark over their last five games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they toppled by a 139-134 margin in overtime on Monday night. Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 26 points. Julius Randle delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Elfrid Payton checked in with a 17-point, 15-assist, 11-rebound triple-double. Dennis Smith, Jr. compiled 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals. Bobby Portis and Kevin Knox posted 12 points apiece.
The Knicks will list RJ Barrett (ankle) and Damyean Dotson (illness) as questionable for Thursday's game. Mitchell Robinson and Reggie Bullock will both be listed as questionable due to illness, but Allonzo Trier will carry a doubtful tag for the same reason.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 95-83 win Oct. 30.
The Magic (22-29) checks into Thursday's contest in the midst of one of their poorer stretches of play this season, as they've dropped six of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 116-100 decision to the Boston Celtics. Evan Fournier led the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with four rebounds and one assist. Aaron Gordon totaled 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Terrence Ross posted 18 points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Nikola Vucevic and Michael Carter-Williams generated matching 12-point tallies, with Vucevic pulling in 10 rebounds and Carter-Williams dishing out six assists.
The Magic will continue without D.J. Augustin (knee), Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) for Thursday's contest.
The Knicks (15-36) still sport a record that leaves much to be desired, but they check into Thursday's contest with a solid 3-2 mark over their last five games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Cleveland Cavaliers, which they toppled by a 139-134 margin in overtime on Monday night. Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 26 points. Julius Randle delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Elfrid Payton checked in with a 17-point, 15-assist, 11-rebound triple-double. Dennis Smith, Jr. compiled 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and four steals. Bobby Portis and Kevin Knox posted 12 points apiece.
The Knicks will list RJ Barrett (ankle) and Damyean Dotson (illness) as questionable for Thursday's game. Mitchell Robinson and Reggie Bullock will both be listed as questionable due to illness, but Allonzo Trier will carry a doubtful tag for the same reason.
Thursday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 95-83 win Oct. 30.
Bulls Look To End Three-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at United Center on Thursday evening.
The Bulls (19-33) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They are coming off a win in their last home contest and look to keep building on their 11-15 home record. The Bulls average 105.9 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 108.7 points per game. They do a good job on defense, as they average a league-best 9.9 steals per game. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Coby White is averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds, in 23 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. With Lauri Markkanen sidelined, Thaddeus Young has been seeing more minutes and is averaging 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals, in 28 minutes per game, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (20-31) are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have dropped their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to add to their 10-15 road record. The Pelicans average 114.9 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.2 points per game, which is third most in the league. The Pelicans do a good job sharing the ball, averaging 25.7 assists per game, but they are giving up an average of 15.4 turnovers per game, which is third most in the league. Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 25.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Lonzo Ball continues to play well, averaging 10.7 points, 8.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, over the last 10 games. Zion Williamson (toe) has looked great in seven games, but he is listed as questionable for action on Thursday.
The Bulls (19-33) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They are coming off a win in their last home contest and look to keep building on their 11-15 home record. The Bulls average 105.9 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 108.7 points per game. They do a good job on defense, as they average a league-best 9.9 steals per game. Zach LaVine leads the Bulls with 24.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Coby White is averaging 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 rebounds, in 23 minutes per game, over the last 10 games. With Lauri Markkanen sidelined, Thaddeus Young has been seeing more minutes and is averaging 11.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals, in 28 minutes per game, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans (20-31) are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have dropped their last two in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to add to their 10-15 road record. The Pelicans average 114.9 points per game, which is sixth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 117.2 points per game, which is third most in the league. The Pelicans do a good job sharing the ball, averaging 25.7 assists per game, but they are giving up an average of 15.4 turnovers per game, which is third most in the league. Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans with 25.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Lonzo Ball continues to play well, averaging 10.7 points, 8.9 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, over the last 10 games. Zion Williamson (toe) has looked great in seven games, but he is listed as questionable for action on Thursday.
Bucks Look To Add To Stellar Home Record
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum on Thursday evening.
The Bucks (43-7) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Bucks are 1-1 in their last two home games, but their 23-3 home record is second best in the league. The Bucks average a league-best 120.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points per game. They are shooting 48.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league, including shooting 36.0 percent from long range. The Bucks also lead the league in rebounding, with 51.7 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, averaging 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Khris Middleton is also playing great, averaging 24.8 points on 60.3 percent shooting, including 61.5 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (31-20) have won six of their last 10 game, but have dropped their last three in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a road trip, where they are winless so far. The Sixers have dropped four straight games at home and are looking to turn their fortunes and add to their 9-18 road record. The Sixers are averaging 108.4 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.1 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are averaging 8.2 steals per game, and they are giving up an average of 13.9 turnovers per game. Josh Richardson (hamstring) will remain sidelined for Philly. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with 23.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, while Ben Simmons is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.
The Bucks (43-7) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row. The Bucks are 1-1 in their last two home games, but their 23-3 home record is second best in the league. The Bucks average a league-best 120.0 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 107.6 points per game. They are shooting 48.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league, including shooting 36.0 percent from long range. The Bucks also lead the league in rebounding, with 51.7 rebounds per game. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, averaging 30.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Khris Middleton is also playing great, averaging 24.8 points on 60.3 percent shooting, including 61.5 percent from long range, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the 76ers (31-20) have won six of their last 10 game, but have dropped their last three in a row. This marks their fourth and final game of a road trip, where they are winless so far. The Sixers have dropped four straight games at home and are looking to turn their fortunes and add to their 9-18 road record. The Sixers are averaging 108.4 points per game, and they are holding opponents to an average of 106.1 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league. They are averaging 8.2 steals per game, and they are giving up an average of 13.9 turnovers per game. Josh Richardson (hamstring) will remain sidelined for Philly. Joel Embiid leads the 76ers with 23.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. Tobias Harris is averaging 19.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, while Ben Simmons is averaging 16.7 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.
Trail Blazers Host Spurs on Thursday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center on Thursday.
The Spurs (22-28) find themselves in the midst of one of the toughest stretches that any team will see all season. It's the annual rodeo road trip for the Spurs and it's even tougher than usual. That's certainly been the case this week, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Lakers on Tuesday. That's why this team has a 10-9 record over their last 19 games, despite beating teams like the Celtics, Raptors, Bucks, Jazz and Heat. That emphasizes just how tough this schedule has been recently and it's scary to think that they'll remain on the road until the All-Star break passes. That's not a good recipe for any team that is battling to remain in playoff contention and it's certainly giving them an uphill battle.
The Trail Blazers (23-28) are fighting for a playoff berth themselves, sitting just 3.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. A recent four-game winning streak is the thing that got them back into contention but a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday ended that run. It also ended the absurd run for Damian Lillard, who averaged 48.5 points per game across his previous five fixtures. That's a truly absurd stretch and it's clear that he's going to carry this team as far as he can. They simply need more help though and it has many people discussing Portland as a potential buyer ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. By the time you read this, they might have made a huge move and that could alter the way that this game is played.
These teams have split their two meetings this season which followed up a four-game split last year. Each of their last three matchups has been decided by five points or fewer as well.
The Spurs (22-28) find themselves in the midst of one of the toughest stretches that any team will see all season. It's the annual rodeo road trip for the Spurs and it's even tougher than usual. That's certainly been the case this week, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and the Lakers on Tuesday. That's why this team has a 10-9 record over their last 19 games, despite beating teams like the Celtics, Raptors, Bucks, Jazz and Heat. That emphasizes just how tough this schedule has been recently and it's scary to think that they'll remain on the road until the All-Star break passes. That's not a good recipe for any team that is battling to remain in playoff contention and it's certainly giving them an uphill battle.
The Trail Blazers (23-28) are fighting for a playoff berth themselves, sitting just 3.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth. A recent four-game winning streak is the thing that got them back into contention but a loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday ended that run. It also ended the absurd run for Damian Lillard, who averaged 48.5 points per game across his previous five fixtures. That's a truly absurd stretch and it's clear that he's going to carry this team as far as he can. They simply need more help though and it has many people discussing Portland as a potential buyer ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. By the time you read this, they might have made a huge move and that could alter the way that this game is played.
These teams have split their two meetings this season which followed up a four-game split last year. Each of their last three matchups has been decided by five points or fewer as well.
Lakers Host Rockets on Thursday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on Thursday.
The Rockets (32-18) look to be one of the most active teams ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, throwing Clint Capela in the midst of all of these discussions. What makes that strange is the fact that he's in the midst of a career year and is currently out because of a heel issue. It remains to be seen if this injury is falsified by these trade rumors but it's bizarre nonetheless. That's why they sent him off to Atlanta and got Robert Covington from the T'Wolvrs in return. In addition, there are talks that they'll acquire another center before that deadline. The good news is that the Rockets appear to be playing well without him, entering this matchup in the midst of a three-game winning streak. That's the team we've been waiting for and it directly correlates with James Harden returning to his MVP ways. They do need to get Russell Westbrook back as soon as possible though, missing Tuesday's win over Charlotte because of a thumb issue.
The Lakers (38-11) picked up yet another win on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs and they've been brilliant all season long. They actually enter this matchup winning 14 of their last 18 games in total. What's truly amazing is the fact that LeBron James is leading the NBA in assists while providing his usual ridiculous scoring and rebounding. He's nearly 20 years into his career and it's hard to argue that he's still not one of the best players in the NBA. He also appears to be playing with serious vigor on the defensive end of the floor too and that's a beautiful pairing with a rim protector like Anthony Davis. Those two have the Lakers looking well on their way to a deep playoff run and fans want to see their team win a championship to honor the late and great Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles won the first meeting between these teams, 124-115, on January 18. Prior to that, the Rockets won six of their previous seven games over the Lakers.
The Rockets (32-18) look to be one of the most active teams ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, throwing Clint Capela in the midst of all of these discussions. What makes that strange is the fact that he's in the midst of a career year and is currently out because of a heel issue. It remains to be seen if this injury is falsified by these trade rumors but it's bizarre nonetheless. That's why they sent him off to Atlanta and got Robert Covington from the T'Wolvrs in return. In addition, there are talks that they'll acquire another center before that deadline. The good news is that the Rockets appear to be playing well without him, entering this matchup in the midst of a three-game winning streak. That's the team we've been waiting for and it directly correlates with James Harden returning to his MVP ways. They do need to get Russell Westbrook back as soon as possible though, missing Tuesday's win over Charlotte because of a thumb issue.
The Lakers (38-11) picked up yet another win on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs and they've been brilliant all season long. They actually enter this matchup winning 14 of their last 18 games in total. What's truly amazing is the fact that LeBron James is leading the NBA in assists while providing his usual ridiculous scoring and rebounding. He's nearly 20 years into his career and it's hard to argue that he's still not one of the best players in the NBA. He also appears to be playing with serious vigor on the defensive end of the floor too and that's a beautiful pairing with a rim protector like Anthony Davis. Those two have the Lakers looking well on their way to a deep playoff run and fans want to see their team win a championship to honor the late and great Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles won the first meeting between these teams, 124-115, on January 18. Prior to that, the Rockets won six of their previous seven games over the Lakers.