Magic host Warriors in interconference matchup Wednesday
The Orlando Magic continue their eight-game homestand as they welcome in the Golden State Warriors at the Kia Center on Wednesday.
The Warriors (37-34) improved to 1-1 on their five-game road trip when they took down the Miami Heat on Tuesday behind Klay Thompson’s 28 point-performance. The Warriors sit in 10th place in the Western Conference standings, one game ahead of the streaking Houston Rockets for the last spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. It’s been an up-and-down season for Golden State as the team has dealt with injuries and suspensions to their top players. The Warriors have 11 games left to solidify their spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
While Orlando (42-29) saw its five-game winning streak halted Saturday by the Sacramento Kings, the Magic are 11-2 over their last 13 games and are a stone’s throw away from home-court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are no doubt the top two guys on the team, but the Magic's success this season has come from role players stepping up when needed most. Jalen Suggs has been one of those players as of late, and he is averaging 13.4 points on 51.2 percent shooting (including 42.9 percent from three), 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals over 27.9 minutes per game in March.
Gary Harris (foot) and Caleb Houston (ankle) are both listed as questionable for Wednesday’s contest.
Wednesday’s game is the second and final time the Warriors and Magic will face each other this season, with Golden State taking the first encounter, 121-115, on Jan. 2.
The Warriors (37-34) improved to 1-1 on their five-game road trip when they took down the Miami Heat on Tuesday behind Klay Thompson’s 28 point-performance. The Warriors sit in 10th place in the Western Conference standings, one game ahead of the streaking Houston Rockets for the last spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. It’s been an up-and-down season for Golden State as the team has dealt with injuries and suspensions to their top players. The Warriors have 11 games left to solidify their spot in the Western Conference playoffs.
While Orlando (42-29) saw its five-game winning streak halted Saturday by the Sacramento Kings, the Magic are 11-2 over their last 13 games and are a stone’s throw away from home-court advantage in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. All-Star Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are no doubt the top two guys on the team, but the Magic's success this season has come from role players stepping up when needed most. Jalen Suggs has been one of those players as of late, and he is averaging 13.4 points on 51.2 percent shooting (including 42.9 percent from three), 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals over 27.9 minutes per game in March.
Gary Harris (foot) and Caleb Houston (ankle) are both listed as questionable for Wednesday’s contest.
Wednesday’s game is the second and final time the Warriors and Magic will face each other this season, with Golden State taking the first encounter, 121-115, on Jan. 2.
Red-Hot Wizards Will Host Struggling Nets
The Washington Wizards will host the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Wizards (14-58) have no shot of reaching the postseason in the Eastern Conference and already thinking about the 2024-25 campaign. However, the team is aiming to end the season on a strong note, which has been the case over the last few days. The Wizards seem determined to avoid ending in last place of the Eastern Conference standings and have won three games in a row following their 107-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. However, the wins have come by close margins, with the last two happening by three points or fewer. Also, the Wizards have gone 5-5 in their last 10 contests. It’s not much, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction for one of the most disappointing teams in the East this season.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) as out for Wednesday.
The Nets (27-45) could make a strong case for being a disappointment as well, as they had Play-In Tournament implications, but unless they have a dramatic turnaround, they will end the season out of the playoffs. Their recent form hasn’t been good, either, as the Nets enter this game on a 1-4 mark across their last five games. However, the 96-88 win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday should be a step in the right direction for them. Brooklyn’s biggest problem seems to be on the offensive end of the court, as they’ve failed to reach the 100-point plateau in three of their last four contests. Playing on the road has also been less than ideal for them, as Brooklyn enters this game on an 11-26 mark away from home.
Cam Thomas (back) is a game-time call for Wednesday. Dennis Smith (hip), Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg), Cameron Johnson (toe), Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are all out.
The Wizards (14-58) have no shot of reaching the postseason in the Eastern Conference and already thinking about the 2024-25 campaign. However, the team is aiming to end the season on a strong note, which has been the case over the last few days. The Wizards seem determined to avoid ending in last place of the Eastern Conference standings and have won three games in a row following their 107-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. However, the wins have come by close margins, with the last two happening by three points or fewer. Also, the Wizards have gone 5-5 in their last 10 contests. It’s not much, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction for one of the most disappointing teams in the East this season.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) as out for Wednesday.
The Nets (27-45) could make a strong case for being a disappointment as well, as they had Play-In Tournament implications, but unless they have a dramatic turnaround, they will end the season out of the playoffs. Their recent form hasn’t been good, either, as the Nets enter this game on a 1-4 mark across their last five games. However, the 96-88 win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday should be a step in the right direction for them. Brooklyn’s biggest problem seems to be on the offensive end of the court, as they’ve failed to reach the 100-point plateau in three of their last four contests. Playing on the road has also been less than ideal for them, as Brooklyn enters this game on an 11-26 mark away from home.
Cam Thomas (back) is a game-time call for Wednesday. Dennis Smith (hip), Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg), Cameron Johnson (toe), Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are all out.
Cavaliers, Hornets Collide In Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
These two teams are moving through opposite directions ahead of this contest, which also represents the second head-to-head meeting in a three-game stretch. The Hornets (17-54) already got eliminated from postseason contention, so Charlotte is already thinking about the next season. They enter this game having lost five in a row and 12 of their last 14 contests. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (44-28) have already secured finishing the season over the .500 mark. Barring a disaster, they should end the campaign with a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have gone 2-3 over their last five games, but they’re clearly missing their star player Donovan Mitchell, who’s out due to injury.
The previous meeting between these two teams ended in a 115-92 win for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers saw excellent contributions from Evan Mobley (17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists), Jarrett Allen (17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists) and Darius Garland (5 points, four rebounds and 10 assists). Meanwhile, the Hornets saw another top-notch performance from their star rookie, Brandon Miller, who led the Hornets with 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Tre Mann added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
When it comes to injuries, the Hornets are listing LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) as out. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are listing Max Strus (knee) as a game-time call, while Ty Jerome (ankle), Dean Wade (knee) and Donovan Mitchell (nose) are out.
These two teams are moving through opposite directions ahead of this contest, which also represents the second head-to-head meeting in a three-game stretch. The Hornets (17-54) already got eliminated from postseason contention, so Charlotte is already thinking about the next season. They enter this game having lost five in a row and 12 of their last 14 contests. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (44-28) have already secured finishing the season over the .500 mark. Barring a disaster, they should end the campaign with a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers have gone 2-3 over their last five games, but they’re clearly missing their star player Donovan Mitchell, who’s out due to injury.
The previous meeting between these two teams ended in a 115-92 win for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers saw excellent contributions from Evan Mobley (17 points, seven rebounds and eight assists), Jarrett Allen (17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists) and Darius Garland (5 points, four rebounds and 10 assists). Meanwhile, the Hornets saw another top-notch performance from their star rookie, Brandon Miller, who led the Hornets with 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Tre Mann added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
When it comes to injuries, the Hornets are listing LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) as out. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are listing Max Strus (knee) as a game-time call, while Ty Jerome (ankle), Dean Wade (knee) and Donovan Mitchell (nose) are out.
Trail Blazers and Hawks Set for Interconference Clash
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers (19-53) are trying to play out the string on another lost season while managing a slew of injuries, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest with seven consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they were toppled by the Houston Rockets, 110-92. Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson supplied 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Toumani Camara recorded 12 points, five boards, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) for Wednesday's game. Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle) will carry questionable tags, while Jerami Grant (hamstring) will be listed as doubtful.
The Hawks (32-39) have likely lost out on any chance at the postseason, but they'll enter Wednesday's game having prevailed in two of their previous three contests. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they overcame a 30-point deficit to edge the Boston Celtics, 120-118. De'Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 24 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 22 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Dejounte Murray generated a 19-point, 15-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Vit Krejci supplied 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Clint Capela contributed a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks.
The Hawks will remain without Trae Young (finger), Jalen Johnson (ankle), Onyeka Okongwu (toe), AJ Griffin (ankle) and Kobe Bufkin (toe) for Wednesday's contest. Murray (back) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Trail Blazers (19-53) are trying to play out the string on another lost season while managing a slew of injuries, and they'll check into Wednesday's contest with seven consecutive losses. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they were toppled by the Houston Rockets, 110-92. Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 28 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Scoot Henderson supplied 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Toumani Camara recorded 12 points, five boards, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers will remain without Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) for Wednesday's game. Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle) will carry questionable tags, while Jerami Grant (hamstring) will be listed as doubtful.
The Hawks (32-39) have likely lost out on any chance at the postseason, but they'll enter Wednesday's game having prevailed in two of their previous three contests. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they overcame a 30-point deficit to edge the Boston Celtics, 120-118. De'Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 24 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 22 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Dejounte Murray generated a 19-point, 15-assist double-double that included five rebounds and three steals. Vit Krejci supplied 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Clint Capela contributed a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists and two blocks.
The Hawks will remain without Trae Young (finger), Jalen Johnson (ankle), Onyeka Okongwu (toe), AJ Griffin (ankle) and Kobe Bufkin (toe) for Wednesday's contest. Murray (back) will be listed as questionable.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Clippers and 76ers Teed Up for Interconference Battle
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The Clippers (44-27) come into Wednesday's game far from playing their best basketball at a critical time of year, as they've dropped six of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers by a 133-116 score. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George co-led the Clippers with 26 points while also adding three assists apiece. Leonard added four rebounds. Norman Powell registered 22 points and three boards. Russell Westbrook supplied 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds. James Harden turned in 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Clippers will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The 76ers (39-33) have their own share of problems, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest having dropped three of the past four games. Their most recent defeat came Monday night, when they fell to the Sacramento Kings by a 108-96 score. Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 29 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris posted 12 points and eight rebounds. Ricky Council and D.J. Wilson produced matching 10-point, two-rebound efforts, with Wilson adding two assists and two blocks.
The 76ers will list Oubre (shoulder) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Clippers (44-27) come into Wednesday's game far from playing their best basketball at a critical time of year, as they've dropped six of their last nine games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they fell to the Indiana Pacers by a 133-116 score. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George co-led the Clippers with 26 points while also adding three assists apiece. Leonard added four rebounds. Norman Powell registered 22 points and three boards. Russell Westbrook supplied 14 points, seven assists and four rebounds. James Harden turned in 11 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal.
The Clippers will come into Wednesday's game without any short-term injuries to report.
The 76ers (39-33) have their own share of problems, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest having dropped three of the past four games. Their most recent defeat came Monday night, when they fell to the Sacramento Kings by a 108-96 score. Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 29 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris posted 12 points and eight rebounds. Ricky Council and D.J. Wilson produced matching 10-point, two-rebound efforts, with Wilson adding two assists and two blocks.
The 76ers will list Oubre (shoulder) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Knicks Cross Border To Visit Raptors
The Toronto Raptors will host the New York Knicks at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday.
The Raptors (23-49) have been slumping badly in recent weeks, but to be fair, the team has been extremely shorthanded of late. This is a completely different team to the one that started the season and featured OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder as regular contributors. All of them were traded, and other key pieces, such as Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, are dealing with injuries. That explains why the Raptors sit 26 games below the .500 mark and why they’re set to end the season with a losing record and probably out of the playoffs. Their recent form has not been ideal, either. They’re coming off an abysmal offensive performance Monday, losing to the Brooklyn Nets by a 96-88 score, and now they’ve failed to hit the 100-point mark in three of their last five games. Plus, Toronto has also lost 11 games in a row.
The Raptors are listing several absences for Wednesday’s game. The list includes RJ Barrett (personal), Immanuel Quickley (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Chris Boucher (knee), Jakob Poeltl (finger), Scottie Barnes (hand) and Jontay Porter (personal).
The Knicks (43-28) are on the opposite path of the Raptors, and it seems the Knicks only need time before clinching a playoff spot. Right now, it seems the Knicks’ biggest worry lies on whether they’ll be able to claim a Top 4 seed or not, as that would translate to having home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Knicks are also looking to get healthy, with at least three key pieces being sidelined due to injuries. New York has been playing well despite the shortcomings and the lack of depth, though. They enter this game after winning 124-99 against the Pistons, and that means they’ve won four of their last five. Plus, the Knicks have posted a solid 19-15 mark away from home.
The Knicks are listing Alec Burks (shoulder) as a game-time call for Wednesday. Mitchell Robinson (ankle), OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) remain out.
The Raptors (23-49) have been slumping badly in recent weeks, but to be fair, the team has been extremely shorthanded of late. This is a completely different team to the one that started the season and featured OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder as regular contributors. All of them were traded, and other key pieces, such as Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, are dealing with injuries. That explains why the Raptors sit 26 games below the .500 mark and why they’re set to end the season with a losing record and probably out of the playoffs. Their recent form has not been ideal, either. They’re coming off an abysmal offensive performance Monday, losing to the Brooklyn Nets by a 96-88 score, and now they’ve failed to hit the 100-point mark in three of their last five games. Plus, Toronto has also lost 11 games in a row.
The Raptors are listing several absences for Wednesday’s game. The list includes RJ Barrett (personal), Immanuel Quickley (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Chris Boucher (knee), Jakob Poeltl (finger), Scottie Barnes (hand) and Jontay Porter (personal).
The Knicks (43-28) are on the opposite path of the Raptors, and it seems the Knicks only need time before clinching a playoff spot. Right now, it seems the Knicks’ biggest worry lies on whether they’ll be able to claim a Top 4 seed or not, as that would translate to having home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Knicks are also looking to get healthy, with at least three key pieces being sidelined due to injuries. New York has been playing well despite the shortcomings and the lack of depth, though. They enter this game after winning 124-99 against the Pistons, and that means they’ve won four of their last five. Plus, the Knicks have posted a solid 19-15 mark away from home.
The Knicks are listing Alec Burks (shoulder) as a game-time call for Wednesday. Mitchell Robinson (ankle), OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) remain out.
Pacers and Bulls Tangle in Windy City
The Indiana Pacers take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (41-32) have been trending in the right direction of late as they look to hold on to a spot in the top six in the Eastern Conference, as they've won three of the past four games. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they toppled the Los Angeles Clippers by a 133-116 score. Pascal Siakam led the way with 31 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner registered 24 points, seven rebounds and one block. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 21 points, nine assists, one rebound and two steals. T.J. McConnell furnished 15 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Pacers will list Aaron Nesmith (knee) and McConnell (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (34-38) are going through a slump at a particularly inopportune time of year, as they've dropped three consecutive games coming into Wednesday. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they were edged by the Washington Wizards, 107-105. DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds, five steals and one block. Coby White supplied 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed matching 12-point tallies, with Caruso also posting six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond offered a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks.
The Bulls list Alex Caruso (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bulls lead the series, 2-1.
The Pacers (41-32) have been trending in the right direction of late as they look to hold on to a spot in the top six in the Eastern Conference, as they've won three of the past four games. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they toppled the Los Angeles Clippers by a 133-116 score. Pascal Siakam led the way with 31 points, adding four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner registered 24 points, seven rebounds and one block. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 21 points, nine assists, one rebound and two steals. T.J. McConnell furnished 15 points, six assists and two rebounds.
The Pacers will list Aaron Nesmith (knee) and McConnell (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game.
The Bulls (34-38) are going through a slump at a particularly inopportune time of year, as they've dropped three consecutive games coming into Wednesday. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when they were edged by the Washington Wizards, 107-105. DeMar DeRozan paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds, five steals and one block. Coby White supplied 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block. Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu contributed matching 12-point tallies, with Caruso also posting six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Andre Drummond offered a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and two blocks.
The Bulls list Alex Caruso (ankle) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bulls lead the series, 2-1.
Timberwolves Host Hobbled Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Detroit Pistons at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves (49-22) have won two in a row and look to keep rolling on the fourth and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 25-9, home record. Anthony Edwards (finger) leads the team, averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action. Rudy Gobert (ribs) is also listed as questionable, while Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) remains out. Naz Reid does a good job of stepping up in the frontcourt when needed, and he is averaging 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Mike Conley averages 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (12-60) have dropped seven in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the second game of a three-game road trio with the chance to improve on their, 5-29, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jalen Duren (back) missed the last three games but is listed as probable for action. Cade Cunningham (knee) has missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action, while Simone Fontecchio (toe) and Quentin Grimes (knee) will remain sidelined. On the bright side, Jaden Ivey has been playing well, averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. Marcus Sasser is coming off a big-time performance, with 24 points in the last game, and he is averaging 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists over the last 10 outings.
The Timberwolves (49-22) have won two in a row and look to keep rolling on the fourth and final game of a home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 25-9, home record. Anthony Edwards (finger) leads the team, averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, but he is listed as questionable for action. Rudy Gobert (ribs) is also listed as questionable, while Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) remains out. Naz Reid does a good job of stepping up in the frontcourt when needed, and he is averaging 13.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Mike Conley averages 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (12-60) have dropped seven in a row and hope to end the slide as they face the second game of a three-game road trio with the chance to improve on their, 5-29, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with injury trouble, as Jalen Duren (back) missed the last three games but is listed as probable for action. Cade Cunningham (knee) has missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action, while Simone Fontecchio (toe) and Quentin Grimes (knee) will remain sidelined. On the bright side, Jaden Ivey has been playing well, averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. Marcus Sasser is coming off a big-time performance, with 24 points in the last game, and he is averaging 8.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists over the last 10 outings.
Thunder Host Streaking Rockets
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Thunder (50-21), after a road win against the Pelicans on Tuesday evening. The game was out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 34-33, after one quarter, but they caught fire in the second to claim a 15-point lead by halftime. They fell back again in the third but maintained a six-point advantage heading into the fourth. They faced tough competition down the stretch, as they lost the lead mid way through the quarter, but they finished strong to secure the win. Jalen Williams led the way with 26 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Shai GIlgeous-Alexander logged 24 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Thunder will look to stay on track as they return home for a two-game stand with a chance to build on their, 28-7, home record.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (36-35) have won nine in a row and hope to keep the momentum going as they kick off a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 10-24, road record. Despite missing their leading scorer, Alperen Sengun, the squad has found success behind the stellar play of Jalen Green, who is averaging 27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games. Fred VanVleet averages 16.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals, while Jabari Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Thunder (50-21), after a road win against the Pelicans on Tuesday evening. The game was out to a high-scoring start as they trailed, 34-33, after one quarter, but they caught fire in the second to claim a 15-point lead by halftime. They fell back again in the third but maintained a six-point advantage heading into the fourth. They faced tough competition down the stretch, as they lost the lead mid way through the quarter, but they finished strong to secure the win. Jalen Williams led the way with 26 points, two rebounds, five assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while Shai GIlgeous-Alexander logged 24 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Thunder will look to stay on track as they return home for a two-game stand with a chance to build on their, 28-7, home record.
Meanwhile, the Rockets (36-35) have won nine in a row and hope to keep the momentum going as they kick off a two-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 10-24, road record. Despite missing their leading scorer, Alperen Sengun, the squad has found success behind the stellar play of Jalen Green, who is averaging 27.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games. Fred VanVleet averages 16.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals, while Jabari Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Injury-Riddled Grizzlies Host Lakers
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies (24-48) continue to deal with significant injury trouble, as John Konchar (heel) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as doubtful for action, while Luke Kennard (personal), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (hip) remain out. On a brighter note, GG Jackson continues to play well, averaging 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists over the last five games. Desmond Bane is averaging 16.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals over his last four appearances, as he continues to work his way back into rhythm. Jaren Jackson remains solid, leading the team with an average of 22.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. The Grizzlies will look to bounce back from a road loss in their last game as they return home with the chance to improve on their, 8-27, home record.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers (40-32), after a double-overtime win in Milwaukee on Tuesday. They got out to a poor start and trailed, 32-16, after one quarter and by 16 points at halftime. However, they chipped away in the second half to force overtime and came up clutch to secure a fourth straight win. In the absence of LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis led the way with 34 points, 23 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks, in 52 minutes of action. Austin Reaves logged a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while D'Angelo Russell tallied 29 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block. The Lakers also found a major advantage at the foul line, earning 15 more attempts than their opponent. The Lakers will look to keep rolling as they face the second game of a six-game road trip with the hopes of adding to their, 13-20, road record. James remains questionable for action, while Jared Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) will be sidelined.
The Grizzlies (24-48) continue to deal with significant injury trouble, as John Konchar (heel) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as doubtful for action, while Luke Kennard (personal), Marcus Smart (finger) and Ziaire Williams (hip) remain out. On a brighter note, GG Jackson continues to play well, averaging 21.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists over the last five games. Desmond Bane is averaging 16.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals over his last four appearances, as he continues to work his way back into rhythm. Jaren Jackson remains solid, leading the team with an average of 22.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. The Grizzlies will look to bounce back from a road loss in their last game as they return home with the chance to improve on their, 8-27, home record.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Lakers (40-32), after a double-overtime win in Milwaukee on Tuesday. They got out to a poor start and trailed, 32-16, after one quarter and by 16 points at halftime. However, they chipped away in the second half to force overtime and came up clutch to secure a fourth straight win. In the absence of LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis led the way with 34 points, 23 rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks, in 52 minutes of action. Austin Reaves logged a triple-double with 29 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists and two blocks, while D'Angelo Russell tallied 29 points, seven rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block. The Lakers also found a major advantage at the foul line, earning 15 more attempts than their opponent. The Lakers will look to keep rolling as they face the second game of a six-game road trip with the hopes of adding to their, 13-20, road record. James remains questionable for action, while Jared Vanderbilt (foot) and Christian Wood (knee) will be sidelined.
Jazz Host Spurs on Wednesday
The San Antonio Spurs travel to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
The Spurs (16-56) have one of the worst records in the NBA, but Monday was a special night. They played the Phoenix Suns as massive underdogs and got a game-winning shot from Jeremy Sochan. The Frenchman finished that game with 26 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Vassell led the way with 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Those two had to carry the load because Victor Wembanyama was out of the lineup. The superstar center is dealing with an ankle issue, and there's some thought he might miss a few more games since San Antonio has nothing to play for. Wembanyama is going to lead the league in blocks, and it's scary to think how good this rookie will be in his sophomore season.
The Jazz (29-43) lost yet again on Monday, marking their sixth-straight defeat. The losing ways have been going on for much longer than that though, entering this matchup losing 17 of their last 20 games. Not many teams will have stretches like that all season, and it's hard to understand when evaluating the talent on this roster. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler are two of the most talented youngsters in the NBA, while Lauri Markkanen has developed into an All-Star caliber player. That's a solid core to build for the future, and it'll be interesting to see how this roster looks after parting ways with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to reset the franchise.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Utah winning the first two. They have won four of their last five games over San Antonio in total.
The Spurs (16-56) have one of the worst records in the NBA, but Monday was a special night. They played the Phoenix Suns as massive underdogs and got a game-winning shot from Jeremy Sochan. The Frenchman finished that game with 26 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Vassell led the way with 26 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Those two had to carry the load because Victor Wembanyama was out of the lineup. The superstar center is dealing with an ankle issue, and there's some thought he might miss a few more games since San Antonio has nothing to play for. Wembanyama is going to lead the league in blocks, and it's scary to think how good this rookie will be in his sophomore season.
The Jazz (29-43) lost yet again on Monday, marking their sixth-straight defeat. The losing ways have been going on for much longer than that though, entering this matchup losing 17 of their last 20 games. Not many teams will have stretches like that all season, and it's hard to understand when evaluating the talent on this roster. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler are two of the most talented youngsters in the NBA, while Lauri Markkanen has developed into an All-Star caliber player. That's a solid core to build for the future, and it'll be interesting to see how this roster looks after parting ways with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to reset the franchise.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Utah winning the first two. They have won four of their last five games over San Antonio in total.
Nuggets Host Suns on Wednesday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
The Suns (42-30) have been a slight disappointment all season, and that really showed on Monday. They played a San Antonio Spurs team missing Victor Wembanyama and were unable to prevail. Jeramy Sochan and Devin Vassell killed them in that game, snapping a three-game winning streak by the Suns. It's hard to believe that this team is at 30 losses already with the talent they possess, but they've been middling all year. In any case, Phoenix is in a position to avoid the Play-In Tournament, which is the most important thing for this club right now. They are tied in seventh with the Dallas Mavericks and are only 0.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings in sixth. It'll be up to those three teams to decide who gets the final spot because the five-seed and nine-seed look out of reach for all of them.
The Nuggets (51-21) picked up an important win on Monday, beating the Memphis Grizzlies. That might not sound like anything special on the surface but they got that victory without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. They also got Nikola Jokic some much-needed rest in the second half, beating Memphis by 25 points. That win has moved Denver up to the top spot in the Western Conference, sitting one game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets were the top seed when they went into the postseason last year when they took down the NBA Finals, and it's scary this team will get mostly home games in the playoffs. They are 29-6 at home this year and always use the altitude to their advantage.
These teams have split their two matchups this year, with the road team winning both matchups.
The Suns (42-30) have been a slight disappointment all season, and that really showed on Monday. They played a San Antonio Spurs team missing Victor Wembanyama and were unable to prevail. Jeramy Sochan and Devin Vassell killed them in that game, snapping a three-game winning streak by the Suns. It's hard to believe that this team is at 30 losses already with the talent they possess, but they've been middling all year. In any case, Phoenix is in a position to avoid the Play-In Tournament, which is the most important thing for this club right now. They are tied in seventh with the Dallas Mavericks and are only 0.5 games behind the Sacramento Kings in sixth. It'll be up to those three teams to decide who gets the final spot because the five-seed and nine-seed look out of reach for all of them.
The Nuggets (51-21) picked up an important win on Monday, beating the Memphis Grizzlies. That might not sound like anything special on the surface but they got that victory without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. They also got Nikola Jokic some much-needed rest in the second half, beating Memphis by 25 points. That win has moved Denver up to the top spot in the Western Conference, sitting one game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets were the top seed when they went into the postseason last year when they took down the NBA Finals, and it's scary this team will get mostly home games in the playoffs. They are 29-6 at home this year and always use the altitude to their advantage.
These teams have split their two matchups this year, with the road team winning both matchups.