Hornets Face Challenge As Celtics Enter Town
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Boston Celtics, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Hornets (32-39), where they have gone 1-1, with a loss to the 76ers, followed by a win over the Timberwolves in their most recent contest. The Hornets need everything they can possibly get down the stretch of the season, as they sit 10th place in the East, 2.5 games behind the eighth seed. The Hornets have dropped six of their last 10 games overall, and are 22-15 at home this season. Kemba Walker has been Charlotte's best and most consistent player this season, averaging 25.0 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Jeremy Lamb has been solid as well, averaging 15.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Rookie, Miles Bridges has been getting more opportunities as the season goes on, and has started the last 14 games. Bridges is averaging 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds, in 20 minutes per game, over his last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (43-29) have won six of their last 10 games, but have dropped their last two in a row. The Celtics have dropped two in a row on the road, and are 17-18 on the road this season. They sit fifth place in the East, just 0.5 games behind fourth and 4.0 games out of third. Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics, averaging 23.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Al Horford has been solid, averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, while Jayson Tatum is averaging 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Celtics hold opponents to an average of 107.7 points per game, which is seventh best in the league.
This marks the third and final game of a home stand for the Hornets (32-39), where they have gone 1-1, with a loss to the 76ers, followed by a win over the Timberwolves in their most recent contest. The Hornets need everything they can possibly get down the stretch of the season, as they sit 10th place in the East, 2.5 games behind the eighth seed. The Hornets have dropped six of their last 10 games overall, and are 22-15 at home this season. Kemba Walker has been Charlotte's best and most consistent player this season, averaging 25.0 points, 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Jeremy Lamb has been solid as well, averaging 15.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Rookie, Miles Bridges has been getting more opportunities as the season goes on, and has started the last 14 games. Bridges is averaging 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds, in 20 minutes per game, over his last 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (43-29) have won six of their last 10 games, but have dropped their last two in a row. The Celtics have dropped two in a row on the road, and are 17-18 on the road this season. They sit fifth place in the East, just 0.5 games behind fourth and 4.0 games out of third. Kyrie Irving leads the Celtics, averaging 23.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Al Horford has been solid, averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, while Jayson Tatum is averaging 16.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The Celtics hold opponents to an average of 107.7 points per game, which is seventh best in the league.
Wizards Looking For Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Miami Heat, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The Wizards (30-43) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row, as they are dangerously close to becoming eliminated from playoff contention. The Wizards sit 11th place in the East 5.5 games out of eighth place, with nine games left to play. They have lost two in a row at home, where they are 22-15 this season. Bradley Beal continues to give it his all, as he is averaging 27.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals over his last 10 games. Bobby Portis has taken over the starting center role for the Wizards, and is averaging 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists over his last 10 games. Trevor Ariza (groin) has been good since joining the team mid way through the season, but is listed as doubtful for action on Saturday.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (35-37), who are coming off a loss in Milwaukee on Friday night. The Heat had six players score in double digits in the loss, but the highest-scoring player way Hassan Whiteside with just 14 points. Goran Dragic has been up and down since returning to action after missing most of the season with injuries, however, he went scoreless, on 0-of-9 shooting, in 21 minutes off the bench on Friday night. Justise Winslow (thigh) missed Friday's contest and remains questionable for action on Saturday. This marks the fourth and final game of road trip for the Heat, where they have gone 2-1 so far, with wins in OKC and San Antonio, before their most recent contest, where they lost in Milwaukee on Friday. The Heat are 7-3 in their last 10 games overall, and hang on to a 0.5-game lead over the ninth seed, for eighth place in the East. The Heat hold opponents to an average of 105.7 points per game, which is third best in the NBA.
The Wizards (30-43) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including their last three in a row, as they are dangerously close to becoming eliminated from playoff contention. The Wizards sit 11th place in the East 5.5 games out of eighth place, with nine games left to play. They have lost two in a row at home, where they are 22-15 this season. Bradley Beal continues to give it his all, as he is averaging 27.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals over his last 10 games. Bobby Portis has taken over the starting center role for the Wizards, and is averaging 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists over his last 10 games. Trevor Ariza (groin) has been good since joining the team mid way through the season, but is listed as doubtful for action on Saturday.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (35-37), who are coming off a loss in Milwaukee on Friday night. The Heat had six players score in double digits in the loss, but the highest-scoring player way Hassan Whiteside with just 14 points. Goran Dragic has been up and down since returning to action after missing most of the season with injuries, however, he went scoreless, on 0-of-9 shooting, in 21 minutes off the bench on Friday night. Justise Winslow (thigh) missed Friday's contest and remains questionable for action on Saturday. This marks the fourth and final game of road trip for the Heat, where they have gone 2-1 so far, with wins in OKC and San Antonio, before their most recent contest, where they lost in Milwaukee on Friday. The Heat are 7-3 in their last 10 games overall, and hang on to a 0.5-game lead over the ninth seed, for eighth place in the East. The Heat hold opponents to an average of 105.7 points per game, which is third best in the NBA.
Hawks Host Sixers on Saturday
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Philadelphia 76ers at State Farm Arena on Saturday.
The Sixers (47-25) come into this matchup winning six-straight games, as that directly correlates with Joel Embiid returning to the lineup. His presence simply can't be overlooked, as he's a walking double-double. In fact, he leads this team with 27.5 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. Those are MVP-type numbers and he'd get more consideration if it weren't for absurd seasons from James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. What's really fascinating about this six-game spurt is the teams they've beaten, with Philly picking up victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers in that stretch. That has gotten the Sixers all the way up to third in the east, as they're now 3.5 games up on the Pacers in fourth and look well on their way to homecourt advantage in the first round.
The Hawks (25-48) own a 3-3 record across their last six games, as it's been a surprisingly good season for the Atlanta faithful. What's really impressive is the growth of the youngsters, with Trae Young and John Collins taking some major leaps this season. That's a heck of a core going forward and adding another stud rookie to that group will make them a serious threat next season. The thing they need to work on is defense though, with the Hawks sitting dead-last in points allowed. That obviously won't get it done and it's on these young guys to make that a priority going forward.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the road team winning the first two outings. Philly actually swept the three-game season series over Atlanta last year.
The Sixers (47-25) come into this matchup winning six-straight games, as that directly correlates with Joel Embiid returning to the lineup. His presence simply can't be overlooked, as he's a walking double-double. In fact, he leads this team with 27.5 points and 13.8 rebounds per game. Those are MVP-type numbers and he'd get more consideration if it weren't for absurd seasons from James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. What's really fascinating about this six-game spurt is the teams they've beaten, with Philly picking up victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers in that stretch. That has gotten the Sixers all the way up to third in the east, as they're now 3.5 games up on the Pacers in fourth and look well on their way to homecourt advantage in the first round.
The Hawks (25-48) own a 3-3 record across their last six games, as it's been a surprisingly good season for the Atlanta faithful. What's really impressive is the growth of the youngsters, with Trae Young and John Collins taking some major leaps this season. That's a heck of a core going forward and adding another stud rookie to that group will make them a serious threat next season. The thing they need to work on is defense though, with the Hawks sitting dead-last in points allowed. That obviously won't get it done and it's on these young guys to make that a priority going forward.
This is the third of four meetings between these teams, with the road team winning the first two outings. Philly actually swept the three-game season series over Atlanta last year.
Bulls Play Host to Jazz on Saturday
The Utah Jazz travel to Illinois to play the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday.
The Jazz (42-30) are playing some of their best ball of the season right now, as they come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. Those victories have been absolutely dominant too, with the Jazz winning by at least 16 points in all five wins. That shows just how scary this team can be on both ends of the floor but they remain in jeopardy of landing the eight-seed in the west. In fact, Utah is just half a game up on the San Antonio Spurs in eighth but sit just half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in fifth. That means anything can happen these final few weeks, as homecourt advantage is a priority for all of these clubs.
The Bulls (21-52) come into this matchup losing seven of their last 10 games. It's easy to see why when looking at their season-long form but it's hard to figure out why when looking at the roster. This team is full of young and talented players and that makes it tough to understand why the season has been so bad. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been spectacular and that alone is enough to carry an offense. What's bizarre about that is the fact that the Bulls rank 27th in scoring. That's unacceptable from such a talented core and they need to find some rhythm on that end of the floor in order to see some wins. Adding Otto Porter to the mix should definitely help and this group appears to be in a good spot heading forward despite the rough record.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Utah winning the first game at home, 110-102. Coming into the year, the Bulls won four of their previous five games over the Jazz.
The Jazz (42-30) are playing some of their best ball of the season right now, as they come into this matchup winning five of their last six games. Those victories have been absolutely dominant too, with the Jazz winning by at least 16 points in all five wins. That shows just how scary this team can be on both ends of the floor but they remain in jeopardy of landing the eight-seed in the west. In fact, Utah is just half a game up on the San Antonio Spurs in eighth but sit just half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in fifth. That means anything can happen these final few weeks, as homecourt advantage is a priority for all of these clubs.
The Bulls (21-52) come into this matchup losing seven of their last 10 games. It's easy to see why when looking at their season-long form but it's hard to figure out why when looking at the roster. This team is full of young and talented players and that makes it tough to understand why the season has been so bad. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen have been spectacular and that alone is enough to carry an offense. What's bizarre about that is the fact that the Bulls rank 27th in scoring. That's unacceptable from such a talented core and they need to find some rhythm on that end of the floor in order to see some wins. Adding Otto Porter to the mix should definitely help and this group appears to be in a good spot heading forward despite the rough record.
This is the second and final meeting between these teams, with Utah winning the first game at home, 110-102. Coming into the year, the Bulls won four of their previous five games over the Jazz.
Grizzlies Play Host to Timberwolves on Saturday
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
The Timberwolves (32-40) come into this matchup losing five-straight, as that has essentially put an end to their season. Where they've really been beaten up is at the point guard position, with Jeff Teague and Derrick Rose dealing with differing injuries throughout the season. It's hard to play in today's NBA without a legit point guard and it's a wonder what that position will look like next season. The sad thing about this is the fact that Karl-Anthony Towns continues to ball out. The star center is averaging 24.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game and has been even better recently. As long as that development continues, this will be a club to feat next season.
The Grizzlies (29-43) suffered a devastating loss on Friday, as they lost a game where they never trailed in regulation. In fact, the Orlando Magic overcame a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to defeat Memphis in overtime, 123-119. It was still a good showing for Memphis though, as they had some random role players step up. With Mike Conley resting, Delon Wright and Tyler Dorsey entered the starting lineup and had brilliant games. Dorsey actually provided career-highs with 27 points and nine assists. Jonas Valanciunas wasn't shabby either, as he tallied 24 points, 23 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. That's why this team will remain competitive and this club will definitely play spoiler down the final few weeks.
Memphis has dominated this series over recent years, winning six of their last eight games over Minnesota. If the Timberwolves win here, they'll end the season series, 2-2.
The Timberwolves (32-40) come into this matchup losing five-straight, as that has essentially put an end to their season. Where they've really been beaten up is at the point guard position, with Jeff Teague and Derrick Rose dealing with differing injuries throughout the season. It's hard to play in today's NBA without a legit point guard and it's a wonder what that position will look like next season. The sad thing about this is the fact that Karl-Anthony Towns continues to ball out. The star center is averaging 24.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game and has been even better recently. As long as that development continues, this will be a club to feat next season.
The Grizzlies (29-43) suffered a devastating loss on Friday, as they lost a game where they never trailed in regulation. In fact, the Orlando Magic overcame a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to defeat Memphis in overtime, 123-119. It was still a good showing for Memphis though, as they had some random role players step up. With Mike Conley resting, Delon Wright and Tyler Dorsey entered the starting lineup and had brilliant games. Dorsey actually provided career-highs with 27 points and nine assists. Jonas Valanciunas wasn't shabby either, as he tallied 24 points, 23 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. That's why this team will remain competitive and this club will definitely play spoiler down the final few weeks.
Memphis has dominated this series over recent years, winning six of their last eight games over Minnesota. If the Timberwolves win here, they'll end the season series, 2-2.
Mavericks Head West To Face Warriors
The Dallas Mavericks face the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on Saturday night.
The Mavericks (28-44) come into Saturday's game once again hampered by their season-long ineptitude on the road. Dallas has dropped 10 of its last 11 contests overall, six of which have come outside of their home floor. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 116-100 decision to the Sacramento Kings. Justin Jackson led the Mavericks against his old team, posting 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dwight Powell supplied 14 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luka Doncic generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Ryan Broekhoff matched Doncic's scoring total off the bench. Jalen Brunson supplied 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks come into Saturday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The Warriors (49-22) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've notched wins in four of the last five games. Golden State's most recent victory was at the expense of the Indiana Pacers, which they dominated by a 112-89 margin on Thursday night. DeMarcus Cousins generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two blocks. Klay Thompson followed with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant contributed matching 15-point tallies and dished out seven and six assists, respectively. Draymond Green filled out the stat sheet with 10 points, seven boards and five assists.
The Warriors will rest Curry, Shaun Livingston and Andrew Bogut on Saturday.
Saturday's contest marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 120-116 and 119-114 victories on Dec. 22 and Jan. 13, respectively. Dallas' one win came Nov. 17, when they logged a 112-109 victory.
The Mavericks (28-44) come into Saturday's game once again hampered by their season-long ineptitude on the road. Dallas has dropped 10 of its last 11 contests overall, six of which have come outside of their home floor. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 116-100 decision to the Sacramento Kings. Justin Jackson led the Mavericks against his old team, posting 19 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dwight Powell supplied 14 points, five assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Luka Doncic generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Ryan Broekhoff matched Doncic's scoring total off the bench. Jalen Brunson supplied 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Mavericks come into Saturday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The Warriors (49-22) check into Saturday's contest in the midst of a strong stretch of play, as they've notched wins in four of the last five games. Golden State's most recent victory was at the expense of the Indiana Pacers, which they dominated by a 112-89 margin on Thursday night. DeMarcus Cousins generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two blocks. Klay Thompson followed with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant contributed matching 15-point tallies and dished out seven and six assists, respectively. Draymond Green filled out the stat sheet with 10 points, seven boards and five assists.
The Warriors will rest Curry, Shaun Livingston and Andrew Bogut on Saturday.
Saturday's contest marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Warriors hold a 2-1 series lead, having notched 120-116 and 119-114 victories on Dec. 22 and Jan. 13, respectively. Dallas' one win came Nov. 17, when they logged a 112-109 victory.
Pistons Tangle With Trail Blazers In Interconference Showdown
The Detroit Pistons take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Saturday night.
The Pistons (37-34) are right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and have helped themselves recently by winning three of their past four contests. Their most recent success was a convincing 118-98 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Wayne Ellington led the way with 23 points. Blake Griffin furnished 17 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 16-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and one block. Luke Kennard matched Drummond's scoring total off the bench. Reggie Jackson delivered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Ish Smith and Thon Maker managed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Pistons come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Trail Blazers (44-27) head into Saturday's game in the midst of their own hot streak, as they've notched wins in five of the last six contests, the last two without C.J. McCollum (knee). Their most recent victory came against the Dallas Mavericks, which they toppled by a 126-118 score on Wednesday night. Damian Lillard led the way with 33 points, adding 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry supplied 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Enes Kanter generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Jusuf Nurkic and Jacob Layman contributed matching 13-point tallies, with Nurkic also bringing down 10 boards.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without McCollum on Saturday.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Pistons (37-34) are right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and have helped themselves recently by winning three of their past four contests. Their most recent success was a convincing 118-98 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Wayne Ellington led the way with 23 points. Blake Griffin furnished 17 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 16-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and one block. Luke Kennard matched Drummond's scoring total off the bench. Reggie Jackson delivered 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Ish Smith and Thon Maker managed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Pistons come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Trail Blazers (44-27) head into Saturday's game in the midst of their own hot streak, as they've notched wins in five of the last six contests, the last two without C.J. McCollum (knee). Their most recent victory came against the Dallas Mavericks, which they toppled by a 126-118 score on Wednesday night. Damian Lillard led the way with 33 points, adding 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals. Seth Curry supplied 20 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Enes Kanter generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Jusuf Nurkic and Jacob Layman contributed matching 13-point tallies, with Nurkic also bringing down 10 boards.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without McCollum on Saturday.
Saturday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They split the two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Suns and Kings Tangle In Fast-Paced Showdown
The Phoenix Suns take on the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on Saturday night.
The Suns (17-56) have made some tangible improvements since the All-Star break, but they're in the midst of another one of their spirals. Phoenix has dropped four of its last five games, with its most recent stumble coming against the Detroit Pistons by a 118-98 score on Thursday night. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 26 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Malik Bridges totaled 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Richaun Holmes led the bench with 10 points.
The Suns will list Josh Jackson (ankle) and Tyler Johnson (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. T.J. Warren (ankle) remains out.
The Kings (35-36) have endangered their Western Conference playoff positioning with recent poor play, as they've dropped 10 of their last 15 games. Sacramento did bounce back from a heartbreaking Tuesday loss to the Brooklyn Nets by notching a 116-100 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Buddy Hield posted 29 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley III generated a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four blocks. Harrison Barnes had 16 points and six rebounds. De'Aaron Fox contributed 15 points, nine assists, three rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Willie Cauley-Stein posted a 10-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals.
The Kings will list Harry Giles (thigh) as questionable for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings own a 2-1 series lead, having notched 122-105 and 117-104 victories on Dec. 4 and Feb. 10, respectively. The Suns' one victory came by a 115-111 margin on Jan. 8.
The Suns (17-56) have made some tangible improvements since the All-Star break, but they're in the midst of another one of their spirals. Phoenix has dropped four of its last five games, with its most recent stumble coming against the Detroit Pistons by a 118-98 score on Thursday night. Devin Booker paced the Suns with 26 points, adding five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton delivered 20 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Malik Bridges totaled 13 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Richaun Holmes led the bench with 10 points.
The Suns will list Josh Jackson (ankle) and Tyler Johnson (knee) as questionable for Saturday's game. T.J. Warren (ankle) remains out.
The Kings (35-36) have endangered their Western Conference playoff positioning with recent poor play, as they've dropped 10 of their last 15 games. Sacramento did bounce back from a heartbreaking Tuesday loss to the Brooklyn Nets by notching a 116-100 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Buddy Hield posted 29 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Marvin Bagley III generated a 22-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four blocks. Harrison Barnes had 16 points and six rebounds. De'Aaron Fox contributed 15 points, nine assists, three rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Willie Cauley-Stein posted a 10-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals.
The Kings will list Harry Giles (thigh) as questionable for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Kings own a 2-1 series lead, having notched 122-105 and 117-104 victories on Dec. 4 and Feb. 10, respectively. The Suns' one victory came by a 115-111 margin on Jan. 8.