Magic Look To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic play host to the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center on Saturday evening.
The Magic (22-30) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, as they look to turn things around, albeit against the team with best record in the NBA. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Magic, which should be a help, as they look to contribute to their 13-12 home record. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Evan Fournier is averaging 18.7 points, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Aaron Gordon has been playing well lately, averaging 14.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Magic average 103.3 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to a league-low 104.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (44-7) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last six road games, as they look to keep adding to their 20-4 road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks with monster numbers, as he recorded his first career 30-20 game in his last contest, where he finished with 36 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and a steal, and he is averaging 31.9 points, 15.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Khris Middleton has also been playing great, as he is averaging 23.8 points, while shooting 55.4 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Brook Lopez has been solid, averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. The Bucks average a league-high 119.9 points per game and are shooting 48.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
The Magic (22-30) have dropped eight of their last 10 games, including their last two in a row, as they look to turn things around, albeit against the team with best record in the NBA. This marks the first game of a four-game home stand for the Magic, which should be a help, as they look to contribute to their 13-12 home record. Nikola Vucevic leads the Magic with 18.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Evan Fournier is averaging 18.7 points, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Aaron Gordon has been playing well lately, averaging 14.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Magic average 103.3 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, but they are holding opponents to a league-low 104.8 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Bucks (44-7) have won nine of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row. They have won their last six road games, as they look to keep adding to their 20-4 road record. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks with monster numbers, as he recorded his first career 30-20 game in his last contest, where he finished with 36 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and a steal, and he is averaging 31.9 points, 15.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.0 blocks, over the last 10 games. Khris Middleton has also been playing great, as he is averaging 23.8 points, while shooting 55.4 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Brook Lopez has been solid, averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 2.2 assists, over the last 10 games. The Bucks average a league-high 119.9 points per game and are shooting 48.3 percent from the field, which is second best in the league.
Pistons Look To Bounce Back On Second Game In Two Nights
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons play host to the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (19-35), as they are coming off a loss in OKC on Friday night. The Pistons have dropped seven of their last 10 games. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on a two-game winning streak at home and add to their 11-17 home record. Derrick Rose (hip) remains sidelined for the Pistons, but Reggie Jackson has been playing well since returning to action, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game. Christian Wood came up huge, with 27 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, in the Pistons most recent contest, and with Andre Drummond no longer in the mix, Wood should see an increase in his role. The Pistons are shooting 37.2 percent from long range, which is tied for fourth best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (16-36) are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have won their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build two consecutive road wins and contribute towards their 8-18 road record. Julius Randle leads the Knicks with 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Elfrid Payton has been playing great lately, averaging 11.8 points, 9.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals, over the last 10 games. R.J. Barrett returned to action from a multi-week absence in the Knicks most recent contest and finished with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 18 minutes of action. The Knicks lead the league with 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, but they are shooting 44.0 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league. They average 21.5 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (19-35), as they are coming off a loss in OKC on Friday night. The Pistons have dropped seven of their last 10 games. This marks their first game of a two-game home stand, as they look to build on a two-game winning streak at home and add to their 11-17 home record. Derrick Rose (hip) remains sidelined for the Pistons, but Reggie Jackson has been playing well since returning to action, averaging 16.4 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds, in 27 minutes per game. Christian Wood came up huge, with 27 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, in the Pistons most recent contest, and with Andre Drummond no longer in the mix, Wood should see an increase in his role. The Pistons are shooting 37.2 percent from long range, which is tied for fourth best in the league.
Meanwhile, the Knicks (16-36) are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have won their last three in a row. This marks their first game of a two-game road trip, as they look to build two consecutive road wins and contribute towards their 8-18 road record. Julius Randle leads the Knicks with 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Elfrid Payton has been playing great lately, averaging 11.8 points, 9.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals, over the last 10 games. R.J. Barrett returned to action from a multi-week absence in the Knicks most recent contest and finished with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists, in 18 minutes of action. The Knicks lead the league with 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, but they are shooting 44.0 percent from the field, which is fifth worst in the league. They average 21.5 assists per game, which is second fewest in the league.
Hornets Look To Halt Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Hornets (16-35) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They have dropped three of their last four home games and look to get back on track and add to their 8-16 home record. The Hornets are averaging a league-low 103.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.8 points against. Amidst the teams struggles, Devonte' Graham has slowed down after his hot start to the season and is averaging 15.2 points on 37.9 percent shooting, 7.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Terry Rozier has also seen his numbers dip, averaging 16.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (31-21), as they are coming off a one-point loss in Washington on Friday night. The Mavs have been without Luka Doncic (ankle) for their last five games and have gone 2-3 during that stretch. Kristaps Porzingis has played in all but one of those games and has topped 30 points in three of those four games. However, he was quiet on Friday, with just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. is playing well, averaging 14.9 points, while shooting 43.9 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson is averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Mavs average 116.1 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game. They average 15.1 made three-pointers per game, which is second most in the league, while they shoot 36.8 percent from long range.
The Hornets (16-35) have dropped nine of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They have dropped three of their last four home games and look to get back on track and add to their 8-16 home record. The Hornets are averaging a league-low 103.0 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 110.8 points against. Amidst the teams struggles, Devonte' Graham has slowed down after his hot start to the season and is averaging 15.2 points on 37.9 percent shooting, 7.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals, over the last 10 games. Terry Rozier has also seen his numbers dip, averaging 16.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists, over the last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavericks (31-21), as they are coming off a one-point loss in Washington on Friday night. The Mavs have been without Luka Doncic (ankle) for their last five games and have gone 2-3 during that stretch. Kristaps Porzingis has played in all but one of those games and has topped 30 points in three of those four games. However, he was quiet on Friday, with just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. is playing well, averaging 14.9 points, while shooting 43.9 percent from long range, over the last 10 games. Jalen Brunson is averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds, over the last 10 games. The Mavs average 116.1 points per game, which is third most in the league, and they are holding opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game. They average 15.1 made three-pointers per game, which is second most in the league, while they shoot 36.8 percent from long range.
Pelicans and Pacers Square Off in Interconference Battle
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Pelicans (21-31) come into Saturday's game having put together a solid stretch of play over the last two weeks, as they own a 4-2 mark over their last six contests. Their most recent success came in the wake of that pair of defeats, as they toppled the Chicago Bulls by a 125-119 score Thursday night. Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. JJ Redick followed with 18 points, five assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram delivered 15 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Nicolo Melli and Josh Hart each contributed 12 points, with Hart adding seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Derrick Favors mustered eight points, 15 rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pelicans will list Ingram (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game, while Kenrich Williams (back) will remain out.
The Pacers (31-21) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of one of their poorer stretches of play of the season, as they've dropped four straight games, and five of their last six overall. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they suffered a 115-106 loss at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one block. Victor Oladipo went for 15 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Justin Holiday and T.J. McConnell poured in 12 points apiece, with McConnell also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeremy Lamb registered 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Pacers will likely list T.J. Warren (concussion) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-98 win Dec. 28.
The Pelicans (21-31) come into Saturday's game having put together a solid stretch of play over the last two weeks, as they own a 4-2 mark over their last six contests. Their most recent success came in the wake of that pair of defeats, as they toppled the Chicago Bulls by a 125-119 score Thursday night. Zion Williamson led the way for the Pelicans with 21 points, complementing them with four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. JJ Redick followed with 18 points, five assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram delivered 15 points, five assists, three boards and two steals. Nicolo Melli and Josh Hart each contributed 12 points, with Hart adding seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Derrick Favors mustered eight points, 15 rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Pelicans will list Ingram (ankle) as questionable for Saturday's game, while Kenrich Williams (back) will remain out.
The Pacers (31-21) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of one of their poorer stretches of play of the season, as they've dropped four straight games, and five of their last six overall. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they suffered a 115-106 loss at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with a 19-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Malcolm Brogdon compiled 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one block. Victor Oladipo went for 15 points, four assists, one rebound and two steals. Justin Holiday and T.J. McConnell poured in 12 points apiece, with McConnell also contributing seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeremy Lamb registered 11 points, three rebounds and one assist.
The Pacers will likely list T.J. Warren (concussion) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 120-98 win Dec. 28.
Nets and Raptors Clash North of the Border
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
The Nets (23-27) are progressively clawing their way to .500, as they'll check into Saturday's contest having forged a 5-2 mark over their last seven games. Their most recent success was spectacular, as they lambasted the Golden State Warriors by a 129-88 score Wednesday night. Caris LeVert led the way for the Nets with 23 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Joe Harris delivered 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Garrett Temple supplied 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Taurean Prince and Rodions Kurucs generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down six and five rebounds, respectively. DeAndre Jordan managed 10 points and seven boards.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Raptors (38-14) come in an even hotter team than their opponents, as they're now riding a 13-game winning streak after notching an impressive 115-106 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. OG Anunoby totaled 16 points, three rebounds and five steals. Kyle Lowry matched Anunoby's scoring and also dished out 11 assists. Pascal Siakam registered 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
The Raptors will remain without Norman Powell (finger) and Dewan Hernandez (ankle) on Saturday. Lowry (neck) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) will carry doubtful tags.
Saturday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 110-102 and 121-102 victories Dec. 14 and Jan. 4, respectively.
The Nets (23-27) are progressively clawing their way to .500, as they'll check into Saturday's contest having forged a 5-2 mark over their last seven games. Their most recent success was spectacular, as they lambasted the Golden State Warriors by a 129-88 score Wednesday night. Caris LeVert led the way for the Nets with 23 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Joe Harris delivered 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Garrett Temple supplied 16 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Taurean Prince and Rodions Kurucs generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down six and five rebounds, respectively. DeAndre Jordan managed 10 points and seven boards.
The Nets will remain without Kyrie Irving (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Raptors (38-14) come in an even hotter team than their opponents, as they're now riding a 13-game winning streak after notching an impressive 115-106 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 20 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Terence Davis supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. OG Anunoby totaled 16 points, three rebounds and five steals. Kyle Lowry matched Anunoby's scoring and also dished out 11 assists. Pascal Siakam registered 15 points, four rebounds and one block.
The Raptors will remain without Norman Powell (finger) and Dewan Hernandez (ankle) on Saturday. Lowry (neck) and Marc Gasol (hamstring) will carry doubtful tags.
Saturday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Raptors hold a 2-0 series lead, having notched 110-102 and 121-102 victories Dec. 14 and Jan. 4, respectively.
Clippers and New-Look Timberwolves Do Battle
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Saturday night.
The Clippers (36-15) are enjoying an excellent season overall, and they'll check into Saturday's contest having won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 128-111 score Wednesday night. Paul George and Landry Shamet co-led the Clippers with 23 points while dishing out 10 assists and pulling down six rebounds, respectively. Kawhi Leonard turned in 14 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams generated matching 14-point tallies while posting seven and four rebounds, respectively. JaMychal Green supplied 12 points, five boards and one assist.
The Clippers will be without Patrick Beverley (groin) for Saturday's game. Marcus Morris (trade acquisition) will be listed as questionable.
The Timberwolves (15-35) are in the midst of a lost season, but they still were one of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. Minnesota's biggest acquisition was naturally D'Angelo Russell, who could make his debut Saturday. The T-Wolves come into Saturday's game having dropped 13 consecutive games. Their latest stumble came against the Atlanta Hawks, which toppled them by a 127-120 score Wednesday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Josh Okogie poured in 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Jordan McLaughlin furnished 15 points, seven assists, one rebound and three steals. Naz Reid poured in 10 points.
The Timberwolves will list Russell (thigh), Malik Beasley (trade acquisition), Jacob Evans (trade acquisition), James Johnson (trade acquisition), Omari Spellman (trade acquisition), Evan Turner (trade acquisition), Juancho Hernangomez (trade acquisition) and Jarred Vanderbilt (trade acquisition) as questionable for Saturday's game. Jake Layman (toe) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 124-117 and 118-106 wins on Dec. 13 and Feb. 1, respectively.
The Clippers (36-15) are enjoying an excellent season overall, and they'll check into Saturday's contest having won five of their last six games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Miami Heat, which they toppled by a 128-111 score Wednesday night. Paul George and Landry Shamet co-led the Clippers with 23 points while dishing out 10 assists and pulling down six rebounds, respectively. Kawhi Leonard turned in 14 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams generated matching 14-point tallies while posting seven and four rebounds, respectively. JaMychal Green supplied 12 points, five boards and one assist.
The Clippers will be without Patrick Beverley (groin) for Saturday's game. Marcus Morris (trade acquisition) will be listed as questionable.
The Timberwolves (15-35) are in the midst of a lost season, but they still were one of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. Minnesota's biggest acquisition was naturally D'Angelo Russell, who could make his debut Saturday. The T-Wolves come into Saturday's game having dropped 13 consecutive games. Their latest stumble came against the Atlanta Hawks, which toppled them by a 127-120 score Wednesday night. Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Josh Okogie poured in 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Jordan McLaughlin furnished 15 points, seven assists, one rebound and three steals. Naz Reid poured in 10 points.
The Timberwolves will list Russell (thigh), Malik Beasley (trade acquisition), Jacob Evans (trade acquisition), James Johnson (trade acquisition), Omari Spellman (trade acquisition), Evan Turner (trade acquisition), Juancho Hernangomez (trade acquisition) and Jarred Vanderbilt (trade acquisition) as questionable for Saturday's game. Jake Layman (toe) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Clippers own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 124-117 and 118-106 wins on Dec. 13 and Feb. 1, respectively.
Warriors Host Lakers on Saturday
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors ar Chase Center on Saturday.
The Lakers (38-12) have established themselves as the best team in the Western Conference but are struggling a bit right now. In fact, Los Angeles is just 5-5 across their last 10 games which is easily their worst 10-game stretch of the year. The most baffling loss was the one on Thursday, getting beat by a Houston Rockets team that didn't play anyone who was over 6'6". While they're not necessarily an easy matchup, a team with big dudes like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee should feast in a circumstance like that. In any case, this appears to be a small slump in an otherwise stellar season and an All-Star break next week could be just what the doctor ordered with all of the emotions surrounding the Kobe Bryant passing and how much its affected this organization.
The Warriors (12-40) took a big risk when they added D'Angelo Russell in the offseason but that experiment ended rather quickly. In fact, they decided to ship him off at the trade deadline to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and some draft picks. Many would argue that Wiggins is the better fit with guys like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and it's not like Wiggins is washed up at the age of 25. That trade leaves him as the go-to offensive player for the remainder of the year, with the Warriors owning the worst record in the NBA. Having a core of Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Draymond Green for next season should put them right back into contention and this 2019-20 season will simply be a blip on the radar when looking down the line.
These teams have played once this season, with Los Angeles prevailing, 120-94, on November 13. Prior to that, the Warriors won 10 of their previous 11 games over the Lakers.
The Lakers (38-12) have established themselves as the best team in the Western Conference but are struggling a bit right now. In fact, Los Angeles is just 5-5 across their last 10 games which is easily their worst 10-game stretch of the year. The most baffling loss was the one on Thursday, getting beat by a Houston Rockets team that didn't play anyone who was over 6'6". While they're not necessarily an easy matchup, a team with big dudes like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee should feast in a circumstance like that. In any case, this appears to be a small slump in an otherwise stellar season and an All-Star break next week could be just what the doctor ordered with all of the emotions surrounding the Kobe Bryant passing and how much its affected this organization.
The Warriors (12-40) took a big risk when they added D'Angelo Russell in the offseason but that experiment ended rather quickly. In fact, they decided to ship him off at the trade deadline to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and some draft picks. Many would argue that Wiggins is the better fit with guys like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and it's not like Wiggins is washed up at the age of 25. That trade leaves him as the go-to offensive player for the remainder of the year, with the Warriors owning the worst record in the NBA. Having a core of Curry, Thompson, Wiggins and Draymond Green for next season should put them right back into contention and this 2019-20 season will simply be a blip on the radar when looking down the line.
These teams have played once this season, with Los Angeles prevailing, 120-94, on November 13. Prior to that, the Warriors won 10 of their previous 11 games over the Lakers.
Suns Host Nuggets on Saturday
The Denver Nuggets travel to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday.
The Nuggets (36-16) are coming off one of their best wins of the season, going into Salt Lake City and grabbing a comeback victory over the Utah Jazz. While that's obviously a tough environment to win in, it's the status of the Nuggets that made it so impressive. Not only did they ship off a few guys at the trade deadline, half of the roster was also seemingly injured. That left them with just seven players in the second half of a back-to-back set and winning like that in Utah is obviously impressive. Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez and Jared Vanderbilt were the players shipped off while Jordan McRae and Noah Vonleh were the guys brought in. Those are all bench players but it needed to be noted. These guys come into a great situation too, with Denver winning 10 of their last 14 games in total, vying for the two-seed in the west.
The Suns (21-31) picked up a win over the Houston Rockets on Friday which actually snapped a five-game losing streak. That stretch tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this organization, mixing stellar performances with mostly poor play. That's unfortunately what this team has been doing for years now and it makes no sense why they're so far out of it despite having a core with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. That's way too much talent for a team 10 games below .500 and it's about time that the players on the court start matching what management is doing up top.
This concludes the four-game season series between these teams, with Denver looking for the sweep. In fact, the Nuggets have won 14 of their last 16 games over the Suns in total.
The Nuggets (36-16) are coming off one of their best wins of the season, going into Salt Lake City and grabbing a comeback victory over the Utah Jazz. While that's obviously a tough environment to win in, it's the status of the Nuggets that made it so impressive. Not only did they ship off a few guys at the trade deadline, half of the roster was also seemingly injured. That left them with just seven players in the second half of a back-to-back set and winning like that in Utah is obviously impressive. Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez and Jared Vanderbilt were the players shipped off while Jordan McRae and Noah Vonleh were the guys brought in. Those are all bench players but it needed to be noted. These guys come into a great situation too, with Denver winning 10 of their last 14 games in total, vying for the two-seed in the west.
The Suns (21-31) picked up a win over the Houston Rockets on Friday which actually snapped a five-game losing streak. That stretch tells you pretty much everything you need to know about this organization, mixing stellar performances with mostly poor play. That's unfortunately what this team has been doing for years now and it makes no sense why they're so far out of it despite having a core with Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Ricky Rubio and Kelly Oubre Jr. That's way too much talent for a team 10 games below .500 and it's about time that the players on the court start matching what management is doing up top.
This concludes the four-game season series between these teams, with Denver looking for the sweep. In fact, the Nuggets have won 14 of their last 16 games over the Suns in total.
Kings Host Spurs on Saturday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
The Spurs (22-29) enter this matchup losing six of their last eight games and that's put a major damper on any playoff hopes they had. Prior to that, San Antonio was just 1.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and they've lost three games of ground since then. That most recent stretch says a lot about the struggles of this team though and it's a wonder why it's been such a down season. The most recent slump is definitely due to scheduling, with the Spurs in the midst of their annual rodeo road trip. What makes that even more frustrating is the fact that they have wins over the Celtics, Raptors, Bucks, Heat and Jazz over the last month, emphasizing just how tough the rest of their schedule has been.
The Kings (20-31) are finally starting to play some good ball, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. What's really impressive is the fact that they have wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat over their last three victories. That's a real indicator of something changing and it's nice to finally see this team improve. Unfortunately, it may be too little, too late. This club is would have to rip off a 10-game winning streak to be back in playoff contention, with Memphis sitting at .500 in the eight-seed. A club this talented shouldn't be that far behind in the standings but that also makes them a spoiler team over the final two months of the season.
San Antonio won the first meeting between these teams in overtime, 105-104, on December 6. The Kings actually swept the three-game season series last year which ended a reign of the Spurs winning 35 of their previous 37 games over the Kings dating back to 2008.
The Spurs (22-29) enter this matchup losing six of their last eight games and that's put a major damper on any playoff hopes they had. Prior to that, San Antonio was just 1.5 games back of the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth and they've lost three games of ground since then. That most recent stretch says a lot about the struggles of this team though and it's a wonder why it's been such a down season. The most recent slump is definitely due to scheduling, with the Spurs in the midst of their annual rodeo road trip. What makes that even more frustrating is the fact that they have wins over the Celtics, Raptors, Bucks, Heat and Jazz over the last month, emphasizing just how tough the rest of their schedule has been.
The Kings (20-31) are finally starting to play some good ball, entering this matchup winning five of their last seven games. What's really impressive is the fact that they have wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat over their last three victories. That's a real indicator of something changing and it's nice to finally see this team improve. Unfortunately, it may be too little, too late. This club is would have to rip off a 10-game winning streak to be back in playoff contention, with Memphis sitting at .500 in the eight-seed. A club this talented shouldn't be that far behind in the standings but that also makes them a spoiler team over the final two months of the season.
San Antonio won the first meeting between these teams in overtime, 105-104, on December 6. The Kings actually swept the three-game season series last year which ended a reign of the Spurs winning 35 of their previous 37 games over the Kings dating back to 2008.