Nuggets host Cavaliers in Sunday matinee
The Cleveland Cavaliers begin a five-game Western Conference road trip Sunday when they take on the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Once in firm hold of the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers (45-29) are 9-11 since the All-Star break and sit just half a game ahead of the New York Knicks for third place in the East. A large reason for the Cavaliers’ mediocre performance over the last 20 games has been due to the absence of Donovan Mitchell, who missed 15 of those games due to separate knee and nose injuries. The All-Star shooting guard returned Friday and scored 12 points in Cleveland’s 117-114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers have a tough stretch of games ahead of them, with four of their next five opponents holding a winning percentage of .550 or greater.
Caris LeVert (wrist) is probable for Sunday’s game, while Isaac Okoro (toe) is questionable and Craig Porter (illness) is doubtful.
Meanwhile the Nuggets (51-23) are looking to break out a two-game skid Sunday, with each of those losses coming against NBA Championship contenders. Denver’s latest loss came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the Nuggets struggled on offense without Jamal Murray, who has missed the last four games due to right knee inflammation. Reggie Jackson has started for Murray and the former has averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals over the last four games. The Nuggets have a good chance of returning to the NBA Finals so long as MVP front runner Nikola Jokic is healthy, but the skill set Murray brings helps push Denver to favorites to win back-to-back titles.
Murray (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s contest while Jokic (wrist) is probable.
Sunday’s matinee is the second and final time the Cavaliers and Nuggets will face each other this season. Cleveland won the first matchup on Nov. 19, 121-109, in a game that saw Darius Garland score a game-high 26 points to go along with three rebounds and six assists.
Once in firm hold of the second seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers (45-29) are 9-11 since the All-Star break and sit just half a game ahead of the New York Knicks for third place in the East. A large reason for the Cavaliers’ mediocre performance over the last 20 games has been due to the absence of Donovan Mitchell, who missed 15 of those games due to separate knee and nose injuries. The All-Star shooting guard returned Friday and scored 12 points in Cleveland’s 117-114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Cavaliers have a tough stretch of games ahead of them, with four of their next five opponents holding a winning percentage of .550 or greater.
Caris LeVert (wrist) is probable for Sunday’s game, while Isaac Okoro (toe) is questionable and Craig Porter (illness) is doubtful.
Meanwhile the Nuggets (51-23) are looking to break out a two-game skid Sunday, with each of those losses coming against NBA Championship contenders. Denver’s latest loss came at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the Nuggets struggled on offense without Jamal Murray, who has missed the last four games due to right knee inflammation. Reggie Jackson has started for Murray and the former has averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists and 1.5 steals over the last four games. The Nuggets have a good chance of returning to the NBA Finals so long as MVP front runner Nikola Jokic is healthy, but the skill set Murray brings helps push Denver to favorites to win back-to-back titles.
Murray (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s contest while Jokic (wrist) is probable.
Sunday’s matinee is the second and final time the Cavaliers and Nuggets will face each other this season. Cleveland won the first matchup on Nov. 19, 121-109, in a game that saw Darius Garland score a game-high 26 points to go along with three rebounds and six assists.
Lakers, Nets Collide In Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center on Sunday.
The Nets (29-45) enter Sunday’s action with their backs against the wall, as they are in a tough spot regarding the playoff chances. They sit six games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament, and with only nine games left, the Nets need to win out and hope Atlanta goes on a cold streak to even have a shot at making the postseason. The Nets are doing everything in their power to remain alive, however. They enter this matchup on a three-game winning run following their 125-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday. However, a 4-6 record over their last previous 10 games suggests the Nets have tons of work to do if they want to remain alive in the postseason race in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Nets have gone 17-19 at home this season.
The Nets are listing Dennis Smith (hip) and Cameron Johnson (toe) as game-time calls for Sunday. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg), Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out.
The Lakers (41-33) sit eight games above the .500 mark, and while that mark would be an outstanding record in the Eastern Conference, it has them in the Play-In Tournament territory in the West. The Lakers were on a roll in recent days, but their 109-90 loss against the Indiana Pacers complicates their postseason chances. The Lakers hold a 2.5-game lead over the 11th-placed team, the Houston Rockets, so they still have some breathing room in the playoff race. However, they can’t leave anything for granted. The Lakers have gone 7-3 in their last 10 contests. However, a 14-21 mark away from home doesn’t bode well for their chances here.
LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (knee) and Gabe Vincent (knee) are questionable to play Sunday. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Christian Wood (knee) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) are out.
The Nets (29-45) enter Sunday’s action with their backs against the wall, as they are in a tough spot regarding the playoff chances. They sit six games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament, and with only nine games left, the Nets need to win out and hope Atlanta goes on a cold streak to even have a shot at making the postseason. The Nets are doing everything in their power to remain alive, however. They enter this matchup on a three-game winning run following their 125-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday. However, a 4-6 record over their last previous 10 games suggests the Nets have tons of work to do if they want to remain alive in the postseason race in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Nets have gone 17-19 at home this season.
The Nets are listing Dennis Smith (hip) and Cameron Johnson (toe) as game-time calls for Sunday. Dariq Whitehead (lower leg), Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg) and Ben Simmons (back) are out.
The Lakers (41-33) sit eight games above the .500 mark, and while that mark would be an outstanding record in the Eastern Conference, it has them in the Play-In Tournament territory in the West. The Lakers were on a roll in recent days, but their 109-90 loss against the Indiana Pacers complicates their postseason chances. The Lakers hold a 2.5-game lead over the 11th-placed team, the Houston Rockets, so they still have some breathing room in the playoff race. However, they can’t leave anything for granted. The Lakers have gone 7-3 in their last 10 contests. However, a 14-21 mark away from home doesn’t bode well for their chances here.
LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (knee) and Gabe Vincent (knee) are questionable to play Sunday. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Christian Wood (knee) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) are out.
Heat Aim To Keep Playoff Chances Alive Against Wizards
The Washington Wizards will host the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena on Sunday.
The Wizards (14-60) have nothing to play for in the final two weeks of the regular season, as they’re already eliminated from playoff contention. However, Washington has been trying to stay competitive, as evidenced by its 3-2 record over the last five games. That said, the team is quickly trending in the wrong direction following back-to-back losses, the most recent being a 96-87 defeat to another struggling team, the Detroit Pistons. The Wizards simply want the season to end and look to secure a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft as the organization seeks to put this season in the rearview. Washington fell short of its expectations, as the team figured to be far more competitive with Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole and Daniel Gafford (now with the Dallas Mavericks) leading the way.
Richaun Holmes (toe) and Kyle Kuzma (heel) are questionable to play Sunday. Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Tyus Jones (back), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out.
The Heat (40-33) enter Sunday’s action in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Right now, the team would have the home-field advantage for the two games of the Play-In Tournament, but the organization wants more. Miami sits one game behind the Indiana Pacers (42-33) for the final direct spot in the postseason, and the recent results aren’t encouraging. The 142-82 win over the Portland Trail Blazers could be used as a statement, but the Heat has gone 3-2 in their last five games and 5-5 across their last 10. This team will only go as far as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo can carry them, but the Heat know they must win this game to keep their playoff chances alive. This is especially true given the opponent they will be facing.
The Heat are listing Duncan Robinson (back) and Nikola Jovic (knee) as game-time calls. Tyler Herro (foot), Caleb Martin (ankle) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are out.
The Wizards (14-60) have nothing to play for in the final two weeks of the regular season, as they’re already eliminated from playoff contention. However, Washington has been trying to stay competitive, as evidenced by its 3-2 record over the last five games. That said, the team is quickly trending in the wrong direction following back-to-back losses, the most recent being a 96-87 defeat to another struggling team, the Detroit Pistons. The Wizards simply want the season to end and look to secure a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft as the organization seeks to put this season in the rearview. Washington fell short of its expectations, as the team figured to be far more competitive with Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole and Daniel Gafford (now with the Dallas Mavericks) leading the way.
Richaun Holmes (toe) and Kyle Kuzma (heel) are questionable to play Sunday. Landry Shamet (calf), Eugene Omoruyi (ankle), Tyus Jones (back), Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) and Isaiah Livers (hip) are out.
The Heat (40-33) enter Sunday’s action in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Right now, the team would have the home-field advantage for the two games of the Play-In Tournament, but the organization wants more. Miami sits one game behind the Indiana Pacers (42-33) for the final direct spot in the postseason, and the recent results aren’t encouraging. The 142-82 win over the Portland Trail Blazers could be used as a statement, but the Heat has gone 3-2 in their last five games and 5-5 across their last 10. This team will only go as far as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo can carry them, but the Heat know they must win this game to keep their playoff chances alive. This is especially true given the opponent they will be facing.
The Heat are listing Duncan Robinson (back) and Nikola Jovic (knee) as game-time calls. Tyler Herro (foot), Caleb Martin (ankle) and Josh Richardson (shoulder) are out.
Sixers Aim To Snap Skid, Visit Raptors
The Toronto Raptors will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.
The Raptors (23-50) decided to tear their roster down midway through the season and are already eliminated from the playoffs. Toronto doesn’t look like the same team that started the season, with Pascal Siakam, Dennis Schroder and OG Anunoby gone, while names such as Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are leading the way. However, Barnes and Quickley are out for this game, while Barrett is unlikely to play. The recent games have not been kind to the Raptors, either, as they enter this game on a 12-game losing streak. Three of their last five losses have been blowouts, and they are coming off a 145-101 defeat to the New York Knicks. Toronto is certainly playing for a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and all signs point to a rebuild happening sooner rather than later in the north of the border.
The Raptors are listing RJ Barrett (personal) and Mouhamadou Gueye (illness) as game-time calls for Sunday. Chris Boucher (knee), Immanuel Quickley (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Ochai Agbaji (hip), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Jontay Porter (personal) are out.
The 76ers (39-35) looked like a true contender in the Eastern Conference in the first months of the season. However, losing Joel Embiid to a knee injury spelled doomed for them, and certainly no one in Philadelphia imagined the team would be only four games above the .500 mark entering the final weeks of the regular season. The 76ers also enter this game on a losing skid, as their 117-114 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers pushed their losing skid to three games and their five-game record to 1-4. The last two losses, against the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland, have come by three points or fewer, so perhaps the Sixers are just a few lucky bounces away from turning things around.
The 76ers are listing Robert Covington (knee), Joel Embiid (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) as out.
The Raptors (23-50) decided to tear their roster down midway through the season and are already eliminated from the playoffs. Toronto doesn’t look like the same team that started the season, with Pascal Siakam, Dennis Schroder and OG Anunoby gone, while names such as Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are leading the way. However, Barnes and Quickley are out for this game, while Barrett is unlikely to play. The recent games have not been kind to the Raptors, either, as they enter this game on a 12-game losing streak. Three of their last five losses have been blowouts, and they are coming off a 145-101 defeat to the New York Knicks. Toronto is certainly playing for a high pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and all signs point to a rebuild happening sooner rather than later in the north of the border.
The Raptors are listing RJ Barrett (personal) and Mouhamadou Gueye (illness) as game-time calls for Sunday. Chris Boucher (knee), Immanuel Quickley (personal), D.J. Carton (ankle), Ochai Agbaji (hip), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Jontay Porter (personal) are out.
The 76ers (39-35) looked like a true contender in the Eastern Conference in the first months of the season. However, losing Joel Embiid to a knee injury spelled doomed for them, and certainly no one in Philadelphia imagined the team would be only four games above the .500 mark entering the final weeks of the regular season. The 76ers also enter this game on a losing skid, as their 117-114 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers pushed their losing skid to three games and their five-game record to 1-4. The last two losses, against the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland, have come by three points or fewer, so perhaps the Sixers are just a few lucky bounces away from turning things around.
The 76ers are listing Robert Covington (knee), Joel Embiid (knee) and De’Anthony Melton (back) as out.
Clippers and Hornets Do Battle in Charlotte
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Clippers (46-27) continue to jockey for the best possible position in the Western Conference and check into Sunday's holiday interconference clash with back-to-back-wins. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Orlando Magic by a 100-97 score. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists, four steals and two blocks. Ivica Zubac supplied 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Paul George totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. James Harden collected 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Norman Powell netted 10 points.
The Clippers will come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Hornets (18-55) have been mostly stuck on the wrong end of scores of late, as has been the case most of the season. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Golden State Warriors by a 115-97 score. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 22 points, adding nine rebounds and three assists. Davis Bertans tallied 14 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Grant Williams and Nick Richards produced matching 12-point, eight-rebound efforts, with Williams adding four assists. Brandon Miller matched his teammates' scoring and finished with three rebounds, three assists and one block as well. Vasilije Micic registered 10 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Hornets will list Aleksej Pokusevski (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Clippers (46-27) continue to jockey for the best possible position in the Western Conference and check into Sunday's holiday interconference clash with back-to-back-wins. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Orlando Magic by a 100-97 score. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with a 29-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists, four steals and two blocks. Ivica Zubac supplied 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block. Paul George totaled 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. James Harden collected 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Norman Powell netted 10 points.
The Clippers will come into Sunday's game without any injuries to report.
The Hornets (18-55) have been mostly stuck on the wrong end of scores of late, as has been the case most of the season. Their most recent stumble came Friday night, when they fell to the Golden State Warriors by a 115-97 score. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 22 points, adding nine rebounds and three assists. Davis Bertans tallied 14 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Grant Williams and Nick Richards produced matching 12-point, eight-rebound efforts, with Williams adding four assists. Brandon Miller matched his teammates' scoring and finished with three rebounds, three assists and one block as well. Vasilije Micic registered 10 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals.
The Hornets will list Aleksej Pokusevski (illness) as questionable for Sunday's game. Mark Williams (back) will remain out.
Sunday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Clippers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Mavericks and Rockets Set for Lone Star State Battle
The Dallas Mavericks take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Sunday night.
The Mavericks (44-29) are barreling toward the postseason in fine fashion, as they'll enter Sunday having won six straight games and holding a 1.5-game lead for the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Sacramento Kings by a 107-103 score. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 30 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic generated a 26-point, 12-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and two steals. Dereck Lively supplied 12 points, nine boards, two assists and one block.
The Mavericks will be without Josh Green (ankle) for Sunday's game. Doncic (knee) will carry a questionable tag.
The Rockets (38-35) are on an even more impressive run than their opponent, as they've rattled off 11 consecutive wins to position themselves just outside the play-in level. That streak narrowly survived in their most recent time on the floor, as they squeaked by the Utah Jazz by a 101-100 score Friday night. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet recorded 22 points, six assists, two rebounds, four steals and three blocks. Amen Thompson generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists, two steals and one block. Jabari Smith furnished 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block.
The Rockets will list Cam Whitmore (knee) as probable for Sunday's game. Alperen Sengun (lower leg) remains out.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
The Mavericks (44-29) are barreling toward the postseason in fine fashion, as they'll enter Sunday having won six straight games and holding a 1.5-game lead for the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference. Their most recent success came Friday night, when they edged the Sacramento Kings by a 107-103 score. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 30 points, adding three rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic generated a 26-point, 12-assist double-double that included nine rebounds and two steals. Dereck Lively supplied 12 points, nine boards, two assists and one block.
The Mavericks will be without Josh Green (ankle) for Sunday's game. Doncic (knee) will carry a questionable tag.
The Rockets (38-35) are on an even more impressive run than their opponent, as they've rattled off 11 consecutive wins to position themselves just outside the play-in level. That streak narrowly survived in their most recent time on the floor, as they squeaked by the Utah Jazz by a 101-100 score Friday night. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Fred VanVleet recorded 22 points, six assists, two rebounds, four steals and three blocks. Amen Thompson generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that included five assists, two steals and one block. Jabari Smith furnished 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block.
The Rockets will list Cam Whitmore (knee) as probable for Sunday's game. Alperen Sengun (lower leg) remains out.
Sunday's game marks the third of four meetings between the teams this season. The series is tied 1-1.
Timberwolves Host Floundering Bulls
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Chicago Bulls at Target Center on Sunday evening.
The Timberwolves (51-22) have won four in a row and look to keep rolling as they return home to kick off a three-game stand with a chance to add to their, 26-9, home record. Anthony Edwards (finger) has not missed a game yet due to the current injury, but he is listed as questionable for action. Rudy Gobert (ribs) has played in the last four games but is also listed as questionable for action. Naz Reid continues to step up and is averaging 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists over his last five appearances. Mike Conley is coming off a strong performance, where he finished with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, and he is averaging 16.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games. Jaden McDaniels averages 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (35-39) have dropped four of their last five games and hope to get back on track as they face the second and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 16-20, road record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the team, averaging 23.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Coby White is averaging 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 18.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game. The Bulls average 112.1 points per game, and they give up an average of 113.7 points per game. Alex Caruso (ankle) and Ayo Dosunmu (illness) are listed as questionable for action.
The Timberwolves (51-22) have won four in a row and look to keep rolling as they return home to kick off a three-game stand with a chance to add to their, 26-9, home record. Anthony Edwards (finger) has not missed a game yet due to the current injury, but he is listed as questionable for action. Rudy Gobert (ribs) has played in the last four games but is also listed as questionable for action. Naz Reid continues to step up and is averaging 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists over his last five appearances. Mike Conley is coming off a strong performance, where he finished with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, and he is averaging 16.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games. Jaden McDaniels averages 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Bulls (35-39) have dropped four of their last five games and hope to get back on track as they face the second and final game of a road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 16-20, road record. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the team, averaging 23.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Coby White is averaging 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists per game, while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 18.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game. The Bulls average 112.1 points per game, and they give up an average of 113.7 points per game. Alex Caruso (ankle) and Ayo Dosunmu (illness) are listed as questionable for action.
Knicks Look To Bounce Back At Home
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (44-29) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last game, despite an incredible, 61-point performance by Jalen Brunson. Brunson has been on a tear lately, averaging 31.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 0.9 steals across the last 10 games, and he must continue to step up to carry his shorthanded squad. Josh Hart continues to provide a well-rounded contribution, averaging 7.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists over the last five outings. Miles McBride is also playing well, averaging 17.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the same span. The Knicks hope to bounce back from their recent loss as they return home with the opportunity to add to their, 24-13, home record. Alec Burks (shoulder) and Isaiah Hartenstein (wrist) are listed as probable for action. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is listed as questionable, while Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) remain out.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (51-22) have won two of their last three games and look to stay on track as. they kick off a five-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 22-14, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) has missed the last two games and remains doubtful for action on Sunday. Josh Giddey has done a good job of stepping up going over 20 points in the last three consecutive games, while averaging 26.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists over that span. Jalen Williams also continues to play well, averaging 20.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks over the last five outings. Chet Holmgren averages 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 blocks, while Luguentz Dort is averaging 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
The Knicks (44-29) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last game, despite an incredible, 61-point performance by Jalen Brunson. Brunson has been on a tear lately, averaging 31.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 0.9 steals across the last 10 games, and he must continue to step up to carry his shorthanded squad. Josh Hart continues to provide a well-rounded contribution, averaging 7.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists over the last five outings. Miles McBride is also playing well, averaging 17.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the same span. The Knicks hope to bounce back from their recent loss as they return home with the opportunity to add to their, 24-13, home record. Alec Burks (shoulder) and Isaiah Hartenstein (wrist) are listed as probable for action. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is listed as questionable, while Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) remain out.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (51-22) have won two of their last three games and look to stay on track as. they kick off a five-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 22-14, road record. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) has missed the last two games and remains doubtful for action on Sunday. Josh Giddey has done a good job of stepping up going over 20 points in the last three consecutive games, while averaging 26.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists over that span. Jalen Williams also continues to play well, averaging 20.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks over the last five outings. Chet Holmgren averages 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 blocks, while Luguentz Dort is averaging 10.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals per game.
Spurs Host Warriors on Sunday
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Golden State Warriors at Frost Bank Center on Sunday.
The Warriors (39-34) will have to close the year strong to hold off the Houston Rockets for the 10-seed in the West. Houston is the hottest team in the NBA, having won 11 straight games. That has them just one game back of the Warriors for the final Play-In spot in the Western Conference, and Golden State hasn't really looked confident at any point this season. With that said, they come into this matchup winning three straight, beating the Charlotte Hornets on Friday in their most recent outing. That's a team Golden State was expected to beat, and it'll be interesting to see if they can keep that streak going with only nine games remaining.
The Spurs (18-56) have the worst record in the Western Conference, but this is a team no one wants to play. That was on full display when they grabbed a 130-126 overtime win over the New York Knicks on Friday. Victor Wembanyama showed why he's one of the most prized rookies of all time, finishing with a career-high 40 points. He also added 20 rebounds and seven assists, which doesn't even take into consideration that he leads the league with nearly 3.5 blocks per game as well. We've never seen a talent like this come into the league, and he could truly change things for this Spurs franchise. This might be the worst version we see of Wemby and he's still one of the best players in the NBA.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three. The Warriors have won six of their last seven games over the Spurs in total.
The Warriors (39-34) will have to close the year strong to hold off the Houston Rockets for the 10-seed in the West. Houston is the hottest team in the NBA, having won 11 straight games. That has them just one game back of the Warriors for the final Play-In spot in the Western Conference, and Golden State hasn't really looked confident at any point this season. With that said, they come into this matchup winning three straight, beating the Charlotte Hornets on Friday in their most recent outing. That's a team Golden State was expected to beat, and it'll be interesting to see if they can keep that streak going with only nine games remaining.
The Spurs (18-56) have the worst record in the Western Conference, but this is a team no one wants to play. That was on full display when they grabbed a 130-126 overtime win over the New York Knicks on Friday. Victor Wembanyama showed why he's one of the most prized rookies of all time, finishing with a career-high 40 points. He also added 20 rebounds and seven assists, which doesn't even take into consideration that he leads the league with nearly 3.5 blocks per game as well. We've never seen a talent like this come into the league, and he could truly change things for this Spurs franchise. This might be the worst version we see of Wemby and he's still one of the best players in the NBA.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Golden State winning two of three. The Warriors have won six of their last seven games over the Spurs in total.
Kings Host Jazz on Sunday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Utah Jazz at Golden One Center on Sunday.
The Jazz (29-45) come into this matchup losing eight straight and 18 of their last 21 games in total. That's the worst record in the Western Conference in that span, making it hard to believe they were flirting with a .500 record before that. What's really tough about the poor season is that they've gotten some stellar seasons from some new additions. Keyonte George has been one of the best rookie guards in the NBA, while John Collins and Collin Sexton have done a great job of filling veteran roles. What they're really missing is Rudy Gobert and his defensive presence. Utah ranks 29th in total defense, and it's unfortunate that Walker Kessler hasn't helped more on that end of the floor.
The Kings (42-31) suffered a tough loss on Friday night, getting beat by the Dallas Mavericks. A home defeat against one of your rivals is tough, but it's even more frustrating since those clubs were battling for the six-seed in the Western Conference. Dallas took that crown for now, and Sacramento also lost Malik Monk in that defeat. The Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner suffered a leg injury in the first quarter and was unable to return. This team can't afford to lose him because Kevin Huerter just had shoulder surgery as well. It'll be up to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to carry the load in their absences, but they'll also need more from guys like Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning three of their last four games over Utah in total.
The Jazz (29-45) come into this matchup losing eight straight and 18 of their last 21 games in total. That's the worst record in the Western Conference in that span, making it hard to believe they were flirting with a .500 record before that. What's really tough about the poor season is that they've gotten some stellar seasons from some new additions. Keyonte George has been one of the best rookie guards in the NBA, while John Collins and Collin Sexton have done a great job of filling veteran roles. What they're really missing is Rudy Gobert and his defensive presence. Utah ranks 29th in total defense, and it's unfortunate that Walker Kessler hasn't helped more on that end of the floor.
The Kings (42-31) suffered a tough loss on Friday night, getting beat by the Dallas Mavericks. A home defeat against one of your rivals is tough, but it's even more frustrating since those clubs were battling for the six-seed in the Western Conference. Dallas took that crown for now, and Sacramento also lost Malik Monk in that defeat. The Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner suffered a leg injury in the first quarter and was unable to return. This team can't afford to lose him because Kevin Huerter just had shoulder surgery as well. It'll be up to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to carry the load in their absences, but they'll also need more from guys like Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray.
This is the third matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning three of their last four games over Utah in total.