Bucks, Cavaliers Collide In Battle Of Contenders
The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (29-19) are coming off a 95-93 win over the New York Knicks on Monday. Darius Garland was the best player for the Cavaliers and delivered another solid performance with 13 points and 12 assists, while Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards, though he also had five assists. Dean Wade had 13 points and five boards, and Isaac Okoro registered 14 points, six boards and two dimes. Kevin Love was the leading scorer for Cleveland and had 20 points while grabbing 11 boards and dishing out three dimes off the bench.
The Bucks (30-19) are coming off a 133-127 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Donte DiVincenzo added 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 21-of-42 from deep.
The Cavaliers (29-19) are coming off a 95-93 win over the New York Knicks on Monday. Darius Garland was the best player for the Cavaliers and delivered another solid performance with 13 points and 12 assists, while Evan Mobley posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards, though he also had five assists. Dean Wade had 13 points and five boards, and Isaac Okoro registered 14 points, six boards and two dimes. Kevin Love was the leading scorer for Cleveland and had 20 points while grabbing 11 boards and dishing out three dimes off the bench.
The Bucks (30-19) are coming off a 133-127 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Donte DiVincenzo added 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 21-of-42 from deep.
Pacers Host Hornets on Wednesday
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday.
The Hornets (26-22) looked unbeatable this time last week, but they've gotten blown out in their last two games. It's not like they were scary teams either, losing by at least 12 points to the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks. Those are teams that Charlotte needs to beat if they want to take the next step in their development, and it's clear what the issue is. It's their defense, with the Hornets ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. That won't get it done no matter how potent this offense is, and it'll take more effort from these guys to figure it out on that end of the floor. In any case, this young core looks great, and they could be a threat in the coming years!
The Pacers (17-31) had some high hopes coming into the season, but injuries have completely derailed them. T.J. Warren has missed the whole season because of a foot issue, and the hits just keep coming. Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. McConnell, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner have all gone down in recent weeks, and it's left this roster in shambles. All of those absences have forced Indiana to lose 12 of their last 15 games in totsl. It's a sad development, too, because that injury list of players is good enough to compete with anyone. What it has done is force youngsters into bigger roles, with Chris Duarte and Goga Bitadze looking great recently and trying to steady the ship.
These teams have played three tight games this season, with Charlotte winning all three. That gives the Hornets five straight wins in this series, which followed up a four-game winning streak by Indiana.
The Hornets (26-22) looked unbeatable this time last week, but they've gotten blown out in their last two games. It's not like they were scary teams either, losing by at least 12 points to the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks. Those are teams that Charlotte needs to beat if they want to take the next step in their development, and it's clear what the issue is. It's their defense, with the Hornets ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. That won't get it done no matter how potent this offense is, and it'll take more effort from these guys to figure it out on that end of the floor. In any case, this young core looks great, and they could be a threat in the coming years!
The Pacers (17-31) had some high hopes coming into the season, but injuries have completely derailed them. T.J. Warren has missed the whole season because of a foot issue, and the hits just keep coming. Malcolm Brogdon, T.J. McConnell, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner have all gone down in recent weeks, and it's left this roster in shambles. All of those absences have forced Indiana to lose 12 of their last 15 games in totsl. It's a sad development, too, because that injury list of players is good enough to compete with anyone. What it has done is force youngsters into bigger roles, with Chris Duarte and Goga Bitadze looking great recently and trying to steady the ship.
These teams have played three tight games this season, with Charlotte winning all three. That gives the Hornets five straight wins in this series, which followed up a four-game winning streak by Indiana.
Magic Look To Stay On The Right Track
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the third game of a five-game home stand for the Magic (9-39), where they have gone, 1-1, so far, with a loss to the Lakers, followed by a win over the Bulls in their most recent contest. The Magic will look to build off the win and add to their, 3-17, home record. Cole Anthony has been quiet lately, averaging 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists, over the last five games. On the other hand, Jalen Suggs has had a couple of good games recently and is averaging, 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last five games. Franz Wagner continues provide good offense, averaging 13.5 points on 46 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 102.1 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Clippers (24-25), after they are coming off a wild comeback win on the road in Washington on Tuesday night. The Clippers trailed by 30 points at halftime, in the contest, but they turned things around in the second half and outscored the hosts, 80-49, to sneak away with a one-point win. The game came down to a wild finish, as Luke Kennard came up clutch with a four-point play to put the Clippers up by one, with 1.9 seconds left on the clock. Kennard finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes off the bench. Amir Coffey was the high-point man with 29 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, while Terance Mann and Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 points each. The Clippers will look to stay on the right track, as they face the fifth game of an eight road trip, where they have gone, 2-2, so far.
This marks the third game of a five-game home stand for the Magic (9-39), where they have gone, 1-1, so far, with a loss to the Lakers, followed by a win over the Bulls in their most recent contest. The Magic will look to build off the win and add to their, 3-17, home record. Cole Anthony has been quiet lately, averaging 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists, over the last five games. On the other hand, Jalen Suggs has had a couple of good games recently and is averaging, 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals, over the last five games. Franz Wagner continues provide good offense, averaging 13.5 points on 46 percent shooting, over the last 10 games. The Magic are averaging 102.1 points per game, which is second fewest in the league, and they are giving up an average of 110.6 points against.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Clippers (24-25), after they are coming off a wild comeback win on the road in Washington on Tuesday night. The Clippers trailed by 30 points at halftime, in the contest, but they turned things around in the second half and outscored the hosts, 80-49, to sneak away with a one-point win. The game came down to a wild finish, as Luke Kennard came up clutch with a four-point play to put the Clippers up by one, with 1.9 seconds left on the clock. Kennard finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 30 minutes off the bench. Amir Coffey was the high-point man with 29 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, while Terance Mann and Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 points each. The Clippers will look to stay on the right track, as they face the fifth game of an eight road trip, where they have gone, 2-2, so far.
Hawks Look To Build On Four-Game Win Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks play host to the Sacramento Kings at State Farm Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Hawks (21-25), as they look to build on a four-game winning streak and add to their, 11-11, home record. Trae Young continues to put up monster numbers, averaging 29.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. John Collins has been relatively quiet, averaging 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last five games. Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) has missed the last five games but is listed as probable Wednesday's contest. De'Andre Hunter (back) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (illness) are both listed as questionable for action. The Hawks are averaging 111.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (18-31), after a brutal loss in Boston on Tuesday night. They fell behind early, as the visitors led, 38-13, after one quarter. The Kings had no answer in the second and fell behind by 33 points, heading into halftime. They could not find their footing in the second half, as they were outscored, 65-45, through the final two quarters on the way to their fourth straight loss. Buddy Hield was the only player to score in double digits for the Kings, with 11 points, on 4-of-14 shooting, in 24 minutes off the bench. De'Aaron Fox (ankle) did not play in the contest and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. The Kings are averaging 110.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is second most in the league.
This marks the first game of a five-game home stand for the Hawks (21-25), as they look to build on a four-game winning streak and add to their, 11-11, home record. Trae Young continues to put up monster numbers, averaging 29.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 1.0 steals, over the last 10 games. John Collins has been relatively quiet, averaging 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks, over the last five games. Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) has missed the last five games but is listed as probable Wednesday's contest. De'Andre Hunter (back) and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (illness) are both listed as questionable for action. The Hawks are averaging 111.2 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 111.7 points per game.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (18-31), after a brutal loss in Boston on Tuesday night. They fell behind early, as the visitors led, 38-13, after one quarter. The Kings had no answer in the second and fell behind by 33 points, heading into halftime. They could not find their footing in the second half, as they were outscored, 65-45, through the final two quarters on the way to their fourth straight loss. Buddy Hield was the only player to score in double digits for the Kings, with 11 points, on 4-of-14 shooting, in 24 minutes off the bench. De'Aaron Fox (ankle) did not play in the contest and remains questionable for action on Wednesday. The Kings are averaging 110.5 points per game, while they are giving up an average of 114.7 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Struggling Knicks To Visit Heat
The Miami Heat will host the New York Knicks at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Miami Heat (30-17) are coming off a 113-107 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with five boards, three assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler contributed a 20-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two steals and one block. Martin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo registered 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Knicks (23-25) are coming off a 95-93 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, five boards and four assists, but his efforts were not enough. Julius Randle was the only other starter who scored in double figures for the Knicks, and he ended with 18 points, seven boards and four assists. Kemba Walker had eight points and Evan Fournier ended with six. Obi Toppin had 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Quentin Grimes posted 12 points off the bench as well.
The Miami Heat (30-17) are coming off a 113-107 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with five boards, three assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler contributed a 20-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two steals and one block. Martin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo registered 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Knicks (23-25) are coming off a 95-93 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. R.J. Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 24 points, five boards and four assists, but his efforts were not enough. Julius Randle was the only other starter who scored in double figures for the Knicks, and he ended with 18 points, seven boards and four assists. Kemba Walker had eight points and Evan Fournier ended with six. Obi Toppin had 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, and Quentin Grimes posted 12 points off the bench as well.
Bulls Host Raptors on Wednesday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Toronto Raptors at United Center on Wednesday.
The Raptors (23-22) come into this matchup losing five of their last eight games but grabbed a win over the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent outing on Tuesday. Pascal Siakam had another 12 assists in that gem, and he's quietly been one of the best players in the NBA for a month now. They also got that win with Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet sitting, with both guys dealing with minor ailments. It is possible that those two were rested in the front end of a back-to-back to have them ready for this critical matchup with the Bulls. In any case, Toronto is battling, but they can't seem to get out of this .500 lull they've been stuck in all season.
The Bulls (29-17) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, and the win on Monday was far from pretty. Chicago played a terrible Oklahoma City team and got out to a 28-point third-quarter lead but ended up winning by just one point. Reeling efforts like that show where this team is at right now, suffering numerous injuries in this poor stretch. Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are the ones that remain out, with Zach LaVine returning in that most recent victory. That means that Chicago is in the market for another guard, but it's hard to overlook how good Coby White and Ayo Doosunmu have been filling in. Those youngsters are great ancillary pieces to LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, giving them the third-best record in the east.
These teams played back on October 25, with Chicago prevailing, 111-108. With that said, the Bulls swept the three-game season series last year. That actually followed up an 11-game winning streak by Toronto prior to that.
The Raptors (23-22) come into this matchup losing five of their last eight games but grabbed a win over the Charlotte Hornets in their most recent outing on Tuesday. Pascal Siakam had another 12 assists in that gem, and he's quietly been one of the best players in the NBA for a month now. They also got that win with Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet sitting, with both guys dealing with minor ailments. It is possible that those two were rested in the front end of a back-to-back to have them ready for this critical matchup with the Bulls. In any case, Toronto is battling, but they can't seem to get out of this .500 lull they've been stuck in all season.
The Bulls (29-17) come into this matchup losing six of their last eight games, and the win on Monday was far from pretty. Chicago played a terrible Oklahoma City team and got out to a 28-point third-quarter lead but ended up winning by just one point. Reeling efforts like that show where this team is at right now, suffering numerous injuries in this poor stretch. Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso are the ones that remain out, with Zach LaVine returning in that most recent victory. That means that Chicago is in the market for another guard, but it's hard to overlook how good Coby White and Ayo Doosunmu have been filling in. Those youngsters are great ancillary pieces to LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, giving them the third-best record in the east.
These teams played back on October 25, with Chicago prevailing, 111-108. With that said, the Bulls swept the three-game season series last year. That actually followed up an 11-game winning streak by Toronto prior to that.
Nuggets and Nets Clash in Brooklyn
The Denver Nuggets take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (25-21) have been on an upswing of late after a difficult first two months-plus of the regular season, as they'll enter Wednesday's interconference clash having won seven of their last 10 games, including two straight over the Detroit Pistons. The more recent of those victories came Tuesday night by a 110-105 score. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 28-point, 21-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal. Jeff Green provided 20 points, four boards and one assist. Aaron Gordon totaled 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Monte Morris delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Austin Rivers registered 10 points, two assists and one steal.
The Nuggets will likely list Will Barton (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Nets (29-18) have been on some uneven footing of late, as they head into Wednesday's game with a 3-4 mark over their last seven games. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Tuesday night, when they dropped a 106-96 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers. James Harden led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block. Patty Mills poured in 15 points. DeAndre' Bembry provided 12 points, four boards and one assist.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (personal), Kevin Durant (knee), Joe Harris (ankle) and Paul Millsap (personal) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Nuggets.
The Nuggets (25-21) have been on an upswing of late after a difficult first two months-plus of the regular season, as they'll enter Wednesday's interconference clash having won seven of their last 10 games, including two straight over the Detroit Pistons. The more recent of those victories came Tuesday night by a 110-105 score. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 28-point, 21-rebound double-double that included nine assists and one steal. Jeff Green provided 20 points, four boards and one assist. Aaron Gordon totaled 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Monte Morris delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal. Austin Rivers registered 10 points, two assists and one steal.
The Nuggets will likely list Will Barton (hamstring) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Nets (29-18) have been on some uneven footing of late, as they head into Wednesday's game with a 3-4 mark over their last seven games. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Tuesday night, when they dropped a 106-96 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers. James Harden led the Nets with 33 points, complementing them with 12 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block. Patty Mills poured in 15 points. DeAndre' Bembry provided 12 points, four boards and one assist.
The Nets will be without Kyrie Irving (personal), Kevin Durant (knee), Joe Harris (ankle) and Paul Millsap (personal) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Nuggets.
Spurs Host Grizzlies on Wednesday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies (32-17) come into this matchup losing three of their last five games. That poor stretch is a blip on an otherwise spotless radar, though, with Memphis winning 11 straight before this mini slide. It's clear that the 11-game sample size is more trustworthy because Memphis has been missing many key players in this stretch. The good news is that Kyle Anderson and Desmond Bane are expected to get cleared here, which puts them at nearly full health. Ja Morant is the reason why they've been so good, though, and it's scary just how much this youngster has grown. Not only is he the clear frontrunner for Most Improved Player, but he's also climbing up the MVP balloting as well!
The Spurs (18-30) just had a dominating win on Tuesday night, handing the Houston Rockets a 134-104 beatdown. San Antonio recorded 38 assists in that masterpiece, shooting 57 percent from the field. What's equally as important is that they got to rest their starters in the second half. That's huge in the front end of a back-to-back set, and it should have all of these guys ready to go in this tough matchup. It also ended an abysmal stretch for San Antonio as well, losing 12 of their previous 15 games before that. Having a stretch that bad is hard to understand because players like Dejounte Murray, Jakob Poeltl and Derrick White have been way too good to be that poor from a record perspective.
These teams played on December 31, with Memphis prevailing, 118-105. That's their third straight blowout win over San Antonio, winning all three by 13 points or more.
The Grizzlies (32-17) come into this matchup losing three of their last five games. That poor stretch is a blip on an otherwise spotless radar, though, with Memphis winning 11 straight before this mini slide. It's clear that the 11-game sample size is more trustworthy because Memphis has been missing many key players in this stretch. The good news is that Kyle Anderson and Desmond Bane are expected to get cleared here, which puts them at nearly full health. Ja Morant is the reason why they've been so good, though, and it's scary just how much this youngster has grown. Not only is he the clear frontrunner for Most Improved Player, but he's also climbing up the MVP balloting as well!
The Spurs (18-30) just had a dominating win on Tuesday night, handing the Houston Rockets a 134-104 beatdown. San Antonio recorded 38 assists in that masterpiece, shooting 57 percent from the field. What's equally as important is that they got to rest their starters in the second half. That's huge in the front end of a back-to-back set, and it should have all of these guys ready to go in this tough matchup. It also ended an abysmal stretch for San Antonio as well, losing 12 of their previous 15 games before that. Having a stretch that bad is hard to understand because players like Dejounte Murray, Jakob Poeltl and Derrick White have been way too good to be that poor from a record perspective.
These teams played on December 31, with Memphis prevailing, 118-105. That's their third straight blowout win over San Antonio, winning all three by 13 points or more.
Mavericks and Trail Blazers Set for conference clash
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on Wednesday night.
The Mavericks (27-20) have mostly found themselves in the win column of late with 11 victories in the last 14 games, but one of those three losses in that span was an ugly 130-92 throttling at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson followed with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 10 points over 10 minutes before suffering a fractured foot. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to nine points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Mavericks will be without Hardaway and likely Sterling Brown (foot) for Wednesday's contest.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) have shown some positive signs lately after a difficult first two months-plus of the season, as they've won six of their last nine games. However, one of the three losses during that span occurred their most recent time on the floor Tuesday night, a narrow 109-107 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 20 points apiece while pulling down 14 and eight rebounds, respectively. Anfernee Simons totaled 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Trail Blazers are expected to remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 132-117 win Dec. 27.
The Mavericks (27-20) have mostly found themselves in the win column of late with 11 victories in the last 14 games, but one of those three losses in that span was an ugly 130-92 throttling at the hands of the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson followed with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 10 points over 10 minutes before suffering a fractured foot. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to nine points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
The Mavericks will be without Hardaway and likely Sterling Brown (foot) for Wednesday's contest.
The Trail Blazers (20-27) have shown some positive signs lately after a difficult first two months-plus of the season, as they've won six of their last nine games. However, one of the three losses during that span occurred their most recent time on the floor Tuesday night, a narrow 109-107 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 20 points apiece while pulling down 14 and eight rebounds, respectively. Anfernee Simons totaled 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Trail Blazers are expected to remain without Damian Lillard (abdominal), Larry Nance (knee) and Cody Zeller (knee) for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's contest marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Mavericks own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 132-117 win Dec. 27.
Jazz Host Suns In Second Game Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home between the Jazz (30-18) and Suns (37-9), after the Suns topped the Jazz, 115-109, in Phoenix on Monday. The Jazz were without Mike Conley (rest), Joe Ingles (ankle), Royce O'Neale (knee), Rudy Gobert (calf), Bojan Bogdanovic (finger) and Donovan Mitchell (concussion), while the Suns were without Deandre Ayton (wrist), Jae Crowder (wrist) and Cameron Payne (wrist) in the contest. The Suns jumped out to a 10-point lead after one quarter. The Jazz responded in the second and outscored the hosts by eight, to make it a two-point game by halftime. The score tightened up in the third, but the Jazz hit back-to-back threes to take a two-point edge into the final frame. The Suns woke up again in the fourth and claimed a seven-point lead by the mid point of the quarter. The hosts stayed in control the rest of the way and closed out their seventh straight win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Chris Paul totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists and a steal. Cameron Johnson added 20 points, and Bismack Biyombo came up large with 16 points and 13 rebounds, off the bench. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trent Forrest added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Eric Paschall and Danuel House Jr. chipped in 14 points each.
Donovan Mitchell (concussion) has been out for the last four games and remains questionable for the Jazz on Wednesday. Ingles, O'Neale, Bogdanovic and Gobert are also listed as questionable. On the other side, Crowder and Ayton are listed as questionable for Wednesday, but Payne will remain sidelined.
The Jazz will be looking to put a halt on a two-game slide and add to their, 15-9, home record lost, while the Suns will look to build on a seven-game win streak and improve on their, 18-4, road record.
This marks the second game of a home-and-home between the Jazz (30-18) and Suns (37-9), after the Suns topped the Jazz, 115-109, in Phoenix on Monday. The Jazz were without Mike Conley (rest), Joe Ingles (ankle), Royce O'Neale (knee), Rudy Gobert (calf), Bojan Bogdanovic (finger) and Donovan Mitchell (concussion), while the Suns were without Deandre Ayton (wrist), Jae Crowder (wrist) and Cameron Payne (wrist) in the contest. The Suns jumped out to a 10-point lead after one quarter. The Jazz responded in the second and outscored the hosts by eight, to make it a two-point game by halftime. The score tightened up in the third, but the Jazz hit back-to-back threes to take a two-point edge into the final frame. The Suns woke up again in the fourth and claimed a seven-point lead by the mid point of the quarter. The hosts stayed in control the rest of the way and closed out their seventh straight win.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Chris Paul totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists and a steal. Cameron Johnson added 20 points, and Bismack Biyombo came up large with 16 points and 13 rebounds, off the bench. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Trent Forrest added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Eric Paschall and Danuel House Jr. chipped in 14 points each.
Donovan Mitchell (concussion) has been out for the last four games and remains questionable for the Jazz on Wednesday. Ingles, O'Neale, Bogdanovic and Gobert are also listed as questionable. On the other side, Crowder and Ayton are listed as questionable for Wednesday, but Payne will remain sidelined.
The Jazz will be looking to put a halt on a two-game slide and add to their, 15-9, home record lost, while the Suns will look to build on a seven-game win streak and improve on their, 18-4, road record.