Bucks Pay Visit To Cavaliers
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Bucks (53-18) have let little stand in their way this season, even when their top star is forced to sit. That was the case Tuesday evening, when Milwaukee defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a 115-101 score without Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) for their fifth win in seven games. As is usually the case when Antetokoumpo sits, Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with 30 points, adding 10 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Brook Lopez tallied 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and three steals. Nikola Mirotic registered 23 points, six rebounds and one assist. Eric Bledsoe managed 14 points, eight boards, seven assists and four steals. Patrick Connaughton finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists off the bench.
The Bucks will likely list Antetokounmpo as questionable at best for Wednesday's game. Ersan Ilyasova (illness) and Pau Gasol (undisclosed) figure to carry the same designation. Malcolm Brogdon (foot), Donte DiVincenzo (heel) and Sterling Brown (wrist) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (18-53) have made notable strides in the latter portion of the season, although they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped five of their last seven. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came in their last contest, when they notched a 126-119 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Collin Sexton paced Cleveland with 27 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Cedi Osman supplied 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Nik Stauskas poured in 17 points off the bench. Brandon Knight registered 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jordan Clarkson turned in 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. David Nwaba pitched in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will likely list Matthew Dellavedova (concussion), Tristan Thompson (foot), Larry Nance, Jr. (ribs) and Kevin Love (back) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 108-92 and 114-102 victories on Dec. 10 and Dec. 14, respectively.
The Bucks (53-18) have let little stand in their way this season, even when their top star is forced to sit. That was the case Tuesday evening, when Milwaukee defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a 115-101 score without Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) for their fifth win in seven games. As is usually the case when Antetokoumpo sits, Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with 30 points, adding 10 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Brook Lopez tallied 28 points, nine rebounds, three assists, four blocks and three steals. Nikola Mirotic registered 23 points, six rebounds and one assist. Eric Bledsoe managed 14 points, eight boards, seven assists and four steals. Patrick Connaughton finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists off the bench.
The Bucks will likely list Antetokounmpo as questionable at best for Wednesday's game. Ersan Ilyasova (illness) and Pau Gasol (undisclosed) figure to carry the same designation. Malcolm Brogdon (foot), Donte DiVincenzo (heel) and Sterling Brown (wrist) will remain out.
The Cavaliers (18-53) have made notable strides in the latter portion of the season, although they'll come into Wednesday's game having dropped five of their last seven. However, one of their two wins during that stretch came in their last contest, when they notched a 126-119 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Collin Sexton paced Cleveland with 27 points, adding two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Cedi Osman supplied 21 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal. Nik Stauskas poured in 17 points off the bench. Brandon Knight registered 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jordan Clarkson turned in 14 points, two rebounds and one assist. David Nwaba pitched in 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The Cavaliers will likely list Matthew Dellavedova (concussion), Tristan Thompson (foot), Larry Nance, Jr. (ribs) and Kevin Love (back) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 108-92 and 114-102 victories on Dec. 10 and Dec. 14, respectively.
Pelicans and Magic Face Off at Amway Center
The New Orleans Pelicans (31-42) appear firmly in position to end their 2018-19 season as a Draft Lottery team, but on Monday night managed to snap a six-game losing streak in topping the Dallas Mavericks on the road in overtime, 129-125. Julius Randle led the team in scoring behind a 30-point, nine-rebound performance, shooting 14-of-24 from field goal range and 2-of-4 from deep. In his first year with the Pelicans, Randle is averaging a career-high 21.3 points and 8.8 rebounds through 42 starts. Anthony Davis posted 20 points, six rebounds and five assists, going 8-of-11 from the paint, while Elfrid Payton came away with a triple-double with 19 points, 10 boards and 11 assists, shooting 5-of-12 from the field. Frank Jackson played off the pine en route to 19 points, four dimes and a pair of three pointers. The abysmal second half of New Orleans' campaign now sees them boast a 20.3 percent chance of obtaining a top-four pick coming out of the lottery in May.
Sunday saw the Orlando Magic (33-38) win their second straight game, defeating the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 101-91. Nikola Vucevic, in the midst of a career season, delivered another monster performance on both ends of the floor with a 27-point, 20-rebound double-double, making 10-of-20 from the field and nailing all seven of his attempts from the foul line. Aaron Gordon added 22 points of his own, with eight rebounds, three assists and three triples, while Wesley Iwundu had 14 points and seven boards in a reserve capacity. D.J Augustin and Evan Fournier delivered 11 points apiece, with the former adding 11 assists, as the Magic are looking to get hot down the stretch with one-and-a-half games separating them from the eighth place Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, a team they face next Tuesday to begin a daunting four-game road trip.
Sunday saw the Orlando Magic (33-38) win their second straight game, defeating the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 101-91. Nikola Vucevic, in the midst of a career season, delivered another monster performance on both ends of the floor with a 27-point, 20-rebound double-double, making 10-of-20 from the field and nailing all seven of his attempts from the foul line. Aaron Gordon added 22 points of his own, with eight rebounds, three assists and three triples, while Wesley Iwundu had 14 points and seven boards in a reserve capacity. D.J Augustin and Evan Fournier delivered 11 points apiece, with the former adding 11 assists, as the Magic are looking to get hot down the stretch with one-and-a-half games separating them from the eighth place Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, a team they face next Tuesday to begin a daunting four-game road trip.
Celtics and 76ers Meet in Divisional Showdown
The Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (43-28) have battled their fair share of inconsistency this season, but they'll come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of one of their better stretches. Boston has notched wins in five of their last seven games, although one of their two losses during that span came by a 114-105 score to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Kyrie Irving provided 30 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Al Horford delivered 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Marcus Smart supplied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Celtics will list Horford (knee) as probable for Wednesday's game. Robert Williams and Guerschon Yabusele both figure to be listed as questionable with their respective illnesses, while Gordon Hayward (concussion) has already been ruled out.
The 76ers (46-25) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of an impressive five-game winning streak. Their most recent win came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they edged by a 118-114 score on Tuesday night. Ben Simmons led the way in Embiid's absence with 28 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. J.J. Redick followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Jimmy Butler provided 23 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. James Ennis III led the second unit with 14 points.
The 76ers will continue to be without Furkan Korkmaz (knee) on Wednesday. Joel Embiid is projected to return to action after resting Tuesday.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 3-0 series lead, having notched 105-87, 121-114 (overtime) and 112-109 victories on Oct. 26, Dec. 25 and Feb. 12, respectively.
The Celtics (43-28) have battled their fair share of inconsistency this season, but they'll come into Wednesday's contest in the midst of one of their better stretches. Boston has notched wins in five of their last seven games, although one of their two losses during that span came by a 114-105 score to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Kyrie Irving provided 30 points, adding five rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. Al Horford delivered 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Marcus Morris delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Marcus Smart supplied 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Celtics will list Horford (knee) as probable for Wednesday's game. Robert Williams and Guerschon Yabusele both figure to be listed as questionable with their respective illnesses, while Gordon Hayward (concussion) has already been ruled out.
The 76ers (46-25) come into Wednesday's game in the midst of an impressive five-game winning streak. Their most recent win came at the expense of the Charlotte Hornets, which they edged by a 118-114 score on Tuesday night. Ben Simmons led the way in Embiid's absence with 28 points, adding eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. J.J. Redick followed with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included eight assists. Jimmy Butler provided 23 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Tobias Harris generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. James Ennis III led the second unit with 14 points.
The 76ers will continue to be without Furkan Korkmaz (knee) on Wednesday. Joel Embiid is projected to return to action after resting Tuesday.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics own a 3-0 series lead, having notched 105-87, 121-114 (overtime) and 112-109 victories on Oct. 26, Dec. 25 and Feb. 12, respectively.
Jazz Continues Eastern Conference Swing Against Knicks
The Utah Jazz takes on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz (41-29) comes into Wednesday's contest building up plenty of steam for the postseason, as they've notched wins in four straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they toppled by a 116-95 score on Monday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 19 points. Jae Crowder totaled 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Joe Ingles delivered 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio mustered eight points, dished out 10 assists, posted two rebounds and recorded four steals.
The Jazz will list Derrick Favors as probable for Wednesday's game with the hamstring injury that forced him from Monday's contest in the first half. Dante Exum (knee) will remain out.
The Knicks (14-57) are in the midst of playing out the string, as they'll come into Wednesday's interconference clash having dropped nine of the last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, which dropped them by a 128-92 score on Monday night. Allonzo Trier paced the Knicks with 22 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Kevin Knox managed 12 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dewayne Dotson poured in 11 points. Henry Ellenson tallied nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mario Hezonja finished with eight points, five boards, three assists and two steals.
The Knicks will likely list Dennis Smith, Jr. (back), Frank Ntilikina (groin) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Jazz holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-97 win on Dec. 29.
The Jazz (41-29) comes into Wednesday's contest building up plenty of steam for the postseason, as they've notched wins in four straight games. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Washington Wizards, which they toppled by a 116-95 score on Monday night. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 19 points. Jae Crowder totaled 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Joe Ingles delivered 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rudy Gobert generated a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio mustered eight points, dished out 10 assists, posted two rebounds and recorded four steals.
The Jazz will list Derrick Favors as probable for Wednesday's game with the hamstring injury that forced him from Monday's contest in the first half. Dante Exum (knee) will remain out.
The Knicks (14-57) are in the midst of playing out the string, as they'll come into Wednesday's interconference clash having dropped nine of the last 10 games. Their most recent stumble came at the hands of the Toronto Raptors, which dropped them by a 128-92 score on Monday night. Allonzo Trier paced the Knicks with 22 points, adding four rebounds and three assists. Kevin Knox managed 12 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dewayne Dotson poured in 11 points. Henry Ellenson tallied nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mario Hezonja finished with eight points, five boards, three assists and two steals.
The Knicks will likely list Dennis Smith, Jr. (back), Frank Ntilikina (groin) and Noah Vonleh (ankle) as questionable at best for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Jazz holds a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-97 win on Dec. 29.
Bulls Play Host to Wizards on Wednesday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Washington Wizards at United Center on Wednesday.
The Wizards (30-41) own a 6-5 record across their last 11 games, as they're holding on to playoff hopes by a thread. In fact, Washington finds themselves 4.5 games back from the Miami Heat in eighth. That's probably too large of a margin to make up in just 11 games, especially when you consider the fact that the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are ahead of them too. Staying alive this long is impressive in itself with John Wall (heel) out for the year but this record is nothing to be proud of. There's simply too much talent on this team to be sitting this far below .500 and it's clear that their 29th-ranked defense is a major reason why. Missing Dwight Howard for most of the year didn't help either and it looks like they'll just have to build for next year, even with Wall expected to miss most of that season too.
The Bulls (20-52) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games but have been playing much better in the second half. In fact, Chicago owned a 6-3 record before this six-game slide, as they've seen some serious improvement from their young players. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been especially good and it's clear that's going to be the core for the future. They also appear to have found something with Otto Porter Jr. The Washington send-off has come into this rotation with ease and filled the wing role fluidly that they were expecting from Jabari Parker. That's a formidable threesome heading forward and it could be even better if they got more consistent play from Kris Dunn.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the road team winning each of the first two outings. Coming into the year, Washington won five of their previous six games over Chicago.
The Wizards (30-41) own a 6-5 record across their last 11 games, as they're holding on to playoff hopes by a thread. In fact, Washington finds themselves 4.5 games back from the Miami Heat in eighth. That's probably too large of a margin to make up in just 11 games, especially when you consider the fact that the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic are ahead of them too. Staying alive this long is impressive in itself with John Wall (heel) out for the year but this record is nothing to be proud of. There's simply too much talent on this team to be sitting this far below .500 and it's clear that their 29th-ranked defense is a major reason why. Missing Dwight Howard for most of the year didn't help either and it looks like they'll just have to build for next year, even with Wall expected to miss most of that season too.
The Bulls (20-52) come into this matchup losing five of their last six games but have been playing much better in the second half. In fact, Chicago owned a 6-3 record before this six-game slide, as they've seen some serious improvement from their young players. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been especially good and it's clear that's going to be the core for the future. They also appear to have found something with Otto Porter Jr. The Washington send-off has come into this rotation with ease and filled the wing role fluidly that they were expecting from Jabari Parker. That's a formidable threesome heading forward and it could be even better if they got more consistent play from Kris Dunn.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the road team winning each of the first two outings. Coming into the year, Washington won five of their previous six games over Chicago.
Grizzlies Play Host to Rockets on Wednesday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Houston Rockets at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
The Rockets (45-26) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, as they come into this matchup winning 12 of their last 13 games. That run has climbed Houston all the way up to third in the west, which is a borderline miracle after a terrible start to the season. What's fascinating about this fixture is the fact that it comes in the second half of a back-to-back set, as Houston very well may rest some players here. Players like Chris Paul and James Harden could use a much-needed rest day and a game against a 28-win team may be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Resting players is not in Mike D'Antoni's philosophy though and it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Harden suit up yet again in pursuit of another MVP award.
The Grizzlies (28-42) have actually been much more competitive over recent weeks, as they own a 5-4 record across their last nine games. It's the same recipe as every other year for the Grizzlies, as they thrive on defense and struggle on offense. That's evident by the fact that they rank dead-last in scoring and second in points allowed. That's pretty much what you expect from this club these days but it's simply not enough to win in today's up-tempo NBA. What's funny about Memphis' recent form is the teams that they're beating. The Grizzles last three wins have come against the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. Those are all teams battling for playoff positioning and it's clear that the Grizzlies want to play spoiler for the final few weeks.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Houston looking for the season sweep. Their streak extends even longer than that, with the Rockets winning five-straight over the Grizzlies dating back to last season.
The Rockets (45-26) are quietly one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, as they come into this matchup winning 12 of their last 13 games. That run has climbed Houston all the way up to third in the west, which is a borderline miracle after a terrible start to the season. What's fascinating about this fixture is the fact that it comes in the second half of a back-to-back set, as Houston very well may rest some players here. Players like Chris Paul and James Harden could use a much-needed rest day and a game against a 28-win team may be the perfect opportunity to do just that. Resting players is not in Mike D'Antoni's philosophy though and it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see Harden suit up yet again in pursuit of another MVP award.
The Grizzlies (28-42) have actually been much more competitive over recent weeks, as they own a 5-4 record across their last nine games. It's the same recipe as every other year for the Grizzlies, as they thrive on defense and struggle on offense. That's evident by the fact that they rank dead-last in scoring and second in points allowed. That's pretty much what you expect from this club these days but it's simply not enough to win in today's up-tempo NBA. What's funny about Memphis' recent form is the teams that they're beating. The Grizzles last three wins have come against the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. Those are all teams battling for playoff positioning and it's clear that the Grizzlies want to play spoiler for the final few weeks.
This is the fourth and final meeting between these teams, with Houston looking for the season sweep. Their streak extends even longer than that, with the Rockets winning five-straight over the Grizzlies dating back to last season.
Spurs Look to Keep Rolling Against Heat
The Miami Heat travel to Texas to play the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
The Heat (34-36) come into this matchup winning seven of their last nine games, as they're putting the clamps on the eight-seed in the east. In fact, Miami is now 1.5 games up on the Orlando Magic in ninth, with less than 15 games remaining for every team. The Heat will have to hold off multiple teams though, with the Charlotte Hornets 2.5 games back and the Washington Wizards 4.5 games behind. Miami is easily the most poised of all these teams and it's clear that their veteran-presence is allowing them to succeed when it matters most. The return of Goran Dragic can't hurt either, as he provided 26 points, five rebounds and 11 assists en route to a road win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. That's the all-star that they've been waiing for all season and his presence makes this team one to fear come playoff time.
The Spurs (42-29) come into this matchup winning nine-straight games. That's no surprise from a Greg Popovich-run team and it's nearly secured a playoff berth for the second-straight decade. What's really impressive about this run is who they're beating, as they've collected wins against teams like the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. That says a lot about this team and it's clear they're finding their stride just at the right time. Being a dominant home team can't hurt either, with San Antonio owning a 29-7 record at AT&T Center this season.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Miami winning the first matchup at home, 95-88. Prior to that victory for the Heat, the Spurs swept four-straight season series over Miami, winning their last nine games over them in total.
The Heat (34-36) come into this matchup winning seven of their last nine games, as they're putting the clamps on the eight-seed in the east. In fact, Miami is now 1.5 games up on the Orlando Magic in ninth, with less than 15 games remaining for every team. The Heat will have to hold off multiple teams though, with the Charlotte Hornets 2.5 games back and the Washington Wizards 4.5 games behind. Miami is easily the most poised of all these teams and it's clear that their veteran-presence is allowing them to succeed when it matters most. The return of Goran Dragic can't hurt either, as he provided 26 points, five rebounds and 11 assists en route to a road win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. That's the all-star that they've been waiing for all season and his presence makes this team one to fear come playoff time.
The Spurs (42-29) come into this matchup winning nine-straight games. That's no surprise from a Greg Popovich-run team and it's nearly secured a playoff berth for the second-straight decade. What's really impressive about this run is who they're beating, as they've collected wins against teams like the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. That says a lot about this team and it's clear they're finding their stride just at the right time. Being a dominant home team can't hurt either, with San Antonio owning a 29-7 record at AT&T Center this season.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Miami winning the first matchup at home, 95-88. Prior to that victory for the Heat, the Spurs swept four-straight season series over Miami, winning their last nine games over them in total.
Raptors Visit Struggling Thunder
By Oscar Heanue
The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Toronto Raptors at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
It has been a rough second half for OKC (42-29), as the team has gone just 5-9 since the All-Star break. The Thunder currently owns a three-game losing streak, with its most recent loss coming to the Miami Heat. OKC was without former MVP Russell Westbrook, who was serving a one-game suspension for exceeding the NBA's technical foul limit. With Westbrook gone, the Thunder seemed lost offensively, shooting just 43 percent from the floor and 27 percent from three-point range. Even with Westbrook, things have been trending downwards in OKC. The Thunder is averaging just 106.7 points per game in the month of March while giving up an average of over 110. With Westbrook back in the lineup on Wednesday, OKC will hope to turn its luck around.
The Raptors (50-21), on the other hand, have been enjoying smooth sailing recently. Toronto is 4-2 in its last six games and is fresh off a 128-92 demolition of the New York Knicks. The Raptors find themselves in rarified company, ranking in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating this season. Toronto's success has been a top-to-bottom team effort, as six Raptors' players are averaging double-digit scoring this season. Leading the way is star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is putting up a career-high 27.1 points per game. Leonard rested on Monday but is expected to be back to face off against Paul George and the Thunder on Wednesday.
It has been a rough second half for OKC (42-29), as the team has gone just 5-9 since the All-Star break. The Thunder currently owns a three-game losing streak, with its most recent loss coming to the Miami Heat. OKC was without former MVP Russell Westbrook, who was serving a one-game suspension for exceeding the NBA's technical foul limit. With Westbrook gone, the Thunder seemed lost offensively, shooting just 43 percent from the floor and 27 percent from three-point range. Even with Westbrook, things have been trending downwards in OKC. The Thunder is averaging just 106.7 points per game in the month of March while giving up an average of over 110. With Westbrook back in the lineup on Wednesday, OKC will hope to turn its luck around.
The Raptors (50-21), on the other hand, have been enjoying smooth sailing recently. Toronto is 4-2 in its last six games and is fresh off a 128-92 demolition of the New York Knicks. The Raptors find themselves in rarified company, ranking in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating this season. Toronto's success has been a top-to-bottom team effort, as six Raptors' players are averaging double-digit scoring this season. Leading the way is star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is putting up a career-high 27.1 points per game. Leonard rested on Monday but is expected to be back to face off against Paul George and the Thunder on Wednesday.
Mavericks Take on Trail Blazers in Late-Season Action
By Oscar Heanue
The Portland Trail Blazers will host the Dallas Mavericks at Moda Center on Wednesday evening.
Everything has been coming up Portland (43-27) recently, as the Trail Blazers have won four of their last five contests. The Blazers most recently took down the Indiana Pacers behind a 30-point, 15-assist night from Damian Lillard. Lillard's strong play has been vital to the team's success, as he is averaging a team-best 26.2 points and 6.6 assists per game. Big man Jusuf Nurkic has also continued to thrive as a Blazer, averaging over a block and a steal per game to go with 15.4 points and 10.4 rebounds. The Blazers' strong recent play has catapulted them to fourth in the Western Conference, where they sit 1.5 games behind the Houston Rockets.
Dallas (28-42), meanwhile, has fallen apart since the All-Star break. The Mavericks have gone just 2-11 since returning from the break, eliminating the once-promising team from playoff contention. The Mavericks are scoring a league-worst 104.6 points per game since the start of March. Dallas's stagnant offense can be partially attributed to general inefficiency. The Mavs rank 27th league-wide in field goal percentage and only 24th in scoring. Rookie star Luka Doncic has run into individual problems, shooting just 39.6 percent from the field and 22 percent from three in the month thus far.
Everything has been coming up Portland (43-27) recently, as the Trail Blazers have won four of their last five contests. The Blazers most recently took down the Indiana Pacers behind a 30-point, 15-assist night from Damian Lillard. Lillard's strong play has been vital to the team's success, as he is averaging a team-best 26.2 points and 6.6 assists per game. Big man Jusuf Nurkic has also continued to thrive as a Blazer, averaging over a block and a steal per game to go with 15.4 points and 10.4 rebounds. The Blazers' strong recent play has catapulted them to fourth in the Western Conference, where they sit 1.5 games behind the Houston Rockets.
Dallas (28-42), meanwhile, has fallen apart since the All-Star break. The Mavericks have gone just 2-11 since returning from the break, eliminating the once-promising team from playoff contention. The Mavericks are scoring a league-worst 104.6 points per game since the start of March. Dallas's stagnant offense can be partially attributed to general inefficiency. The Mavs rank 27th league-wide in field goal percentage and only 24th in scoring. Rookie star Luka Doncic has run into individual problems, shooting just 39.6 percent from the field and 22 percent from three in the month thus far.