Jazz Visit Lakers In Battle Of Contenders
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Lakers (34-22) remain safe near the top of the Western Conference standings but it's not a secret that they've been struggling of late, and they're coming off a 121-113 loss against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Talen Horton-Tucker led the Lakers with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, in 27 minutes. Marc Gasol totaled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Ben McLemore chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from deep. The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have failed to show any kind of consistency, as they've traded wins and losses in each of their last nine games (4-5), though the injuries can also be a factor that has conspired against them. The Lakers are without Anthony Davis (calf) and LeBron James (ankle), while Andre Drummond (toe) and Markieff Morris (rest) also missed Thursday's contest -- Morris is expected back for this one while Drummond will be a game-time call.
The Jazz (42-14) remain one of the best teams in the league and are coming off a huge comeback win against the Indiana Pacers, as they trailed by 13 points at halftime but still managed to come away with a 119-111 victory. The Jazz lost Donovan Mitchell due to an ankle injury during the win over Indiana, however, and the star guard should be considered questionable for this game until further tests are taken -- he ended with 22 points and four rebounds before leaving the game injured. Bojan Bogdanovic ended being the Jazz's main scoring threat, though, with a 24-point performance that also included three boards. Rudy Gobert only had 13 points, but he made his presence felt with 23 rebounds and four blocks. Mike Conley had 10 points and 10 assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 18 points and five boards off the bench. The Jazz are 16-11 away from home this season, but not having Mitchell could complicate their chances of coming away with the win against another Western Conference contender.
The Lakers (34-22) remain safe near the top of the Western Conference standings but it's not a secret that they've been struggling of late, and they're coming off a 121-113 loss against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Talen Horton-Tucker led the Lakers with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, in 27 minutes. Marc Gasol totaled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Ben McLemore chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from deep. The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have failed to show any kind of consistency, as they've traded wins and losses in each of their last nine games (4-5), though the injuries can also be a factor that has conspired against them. The Lakers are without Anthony Davis (calf) and LeBron James (ankle), while Andre Drummond (toe) and Markieff Morris (rest) also missed Thursday's contest -- Morris is expected back for this one while Drummond will be a game-time call.
The Jazz (42-14) remain one of the best teams in the league and are coming off a huge comeback win against the Indiana Pacers, as they trailed by 13 points at halftime but still managed to come away with a 119-111 victory. The Jazz lost Donovan Mitchell due to an ankle injury during the win over Indiana, however, and the star guard should be considered questionable for this game until further tests are taken -- he ended with 22 points and four rebounds before leaving the game injured. Bojan Bogdanovic ended being the Jazz's main scoring threat, though, with a 24-point performance that also included three boards. Rudy Gobert only had 13 points, but he made his presence felt with 23 rebounds and four blocks. Mike Conley had 10 points and 10 assists, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 18 points and five boards off the bench. The Jazz are 16-11 away from home this season, but not having Mitchell could complicate their chances of coming away with the win against another Western Conference contender.
Cavaliers and Bulls Tangle in Divisional Battle
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday night.
The Cavaliers (20-35) continue to struggle to put any type of extended stretch of wins together, and they'll check into Saturday's divisional clash with eight losses in their last 11 contests. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 119-101 decision to the Golden State Warriors.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 30 points, four rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland delivered 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two steals. Taurean Prince managed 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Dylan Windler (knee) and Damyean Dotson (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Bulls (22-33) are arguably in even worse recent shape than their opponent, as they'll enter Saturday's game having dropped five straight contests and 11 of their last 14 overall. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Friday night, when they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies by a 126-115 score. Coby White paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Thaddeus Young mustered 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Denzel Valentine registered 11 points apiece.
The Bulls will likely list Tomas Satoransky (back) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game, while Zach LaVine (COVID-19 protocols) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 103-94 win on March 24.
The Cavaliers (20-35) continue to struggle to put any type of extended stretch of wins together, and they'll check into Saturday's divisional clash with eight losses in their last 11 contests. Their most recent stumble came Thursday night, when they dropped a 119-101 decision to the Golden State Warriors.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 30 points, four rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland delivered 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Jarrett Allen generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two steals. Taurean Prince managed 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
The Cavaliers will remain without Dylan Windler (knee) and Damyean Dotson (knee) for Saturday's game.
The Bulls (22-33) are arguably in even worse recent shape than their opponent, as they'll enter Saturday's game having dropped five straight contests and 11 of their last 14 overall. Their most recent stumble just unfolded Friday night, when they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies by a 126-115 score. Coby White paced the Bulls with 27 points, supplementing them with seven assists and five rebounds. Nikola Vucevic generated a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Thaddeus Young mustered 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Troy Brown, Jr. and Denzel Valentine registered 11 points apiece.
The Bulls will likely list Tomas Satoransky (back) as no better than questionable for Saturday's game, while Zach LaVine (COVID-19 protocols) will remain out.
Saturday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Cavaliers own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 103-94 win on March 24.
Pistons Look To Stay Strong On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (17-39), as they are coming off a home win over the Thunder on Friday night. Josh Jackson came up huge, with 29 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, to lead the way in the win, while Isaiah Stewart logged 15 points, 21 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Pistons will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 7-23, road record. Jerami Grant (rest) did not play in Friday's contest, but he should be ready for action on Saturday. Grant is the Pistons' leading scorer, averaging 22.6 points per game. Hamidou Diallo (knee) and Cory Joseph (ankle) both missed the most recent contest and remain questionable for action on Saturday. The Pistons average 107.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.9 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Wizards (22-33), as they are coming off a hard-fought overtime win at home, against the Pelicans on Friday. Russell Westbrook came up huge to help close out the win in overtime and lead the Wizards with 36 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. Bradley Beal added 30 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Daniel Gafford chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 4-of-27 from long range. They will look to build on their three-game winning streak and their, 11-16, home record, as they face the second game of a four-game home stand. The Wizards are averaging 113.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league. They are also allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.3 percent from the field, which is seventh highest in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Pistons (17-39), as they are coming off a home win over the Thunder on Friday night. Josh Jackson came up huge, with 29 points, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, to lead the way in the win, while Isaiah Stewart logged 15 points, 21 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Pistons will look to keep the momentum going and add to their, 7-23, road record. Jerami Grant (rest) did not play in Friday's contest, but he should be ready for action on Saturday. Grant is the Pistons' leading scorer, averaging 22.6 points per game. Hamidou Diallo (knee) and Cory Joseph (ankle) both missed the most recent contest and remain questionable for action on Saturday. The Pistons average 107.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.9 percent from the field, which is sixth worst in the league.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second night of a back-to-back for the Wizards (22-33), as they are coming off a hard-fought overtime win at home, against the Pelicans on Friday. Russell Westbrook came up huge to help close out the win in overtime and lead the Wizards with 36 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. Bradley Beal added 30 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Daniel Gafford chipped in 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 4-of-27 from long range. They will look to build on their three-game winning streak and their, 11-16, home record, as they face the second game of a four-game home stand. The Wizards are averaging 113.8 points per game, but they are giving up an average of 118.6 points per game, which is second most in the league. They are also allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.3 percent from the field, which is seventh highest in the league.
Celtics Host Warriors In Battle Of Streaky Teams
The Boston Celtics will host the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Celtics (30-26) are coming off a massive 121-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, and that means Boston has extended its winning streak to five games while going 7-3 over their last 10 contests. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes, while becoming the first player in franchise history to record 40 points while shooting at least 85 percent from the field. Marcus Smart added 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Tristan Thompson totaled 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range. Boston struggled massively between February and March, but they are trending in the right direction with only a few weeks left in the regular season, based on the fact that they've also gone 7-1 in their last eight games. The Celtics also own a 17-10 mark at home.
The Warriors (28-28) are coming off a 119-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that means they're now riding a four-game winning streak while trying to sneak into the conversation for a spot in the Western Conference's play-in tournament. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 33 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 23 points, six rebounds and six assists. Juan Toscano-Anderson furnished 20 points, seven boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Poole registered 14 points, four assists and three steals. Damion Lee supplied 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kevon Looney finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. The Warriors have struggled with consistency all season long, but they seem to be finding a groove of late. They need to do a better job of playing on the road, though, as the've gone just 11-18 away from Chase Center.
The Celtics (30-26) are coming off a massive 121-113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, and that means Boston has extended its winning streak to five games while going 7-3 over their last 10 contests. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes, while becoming the first player in franchise history to record 40 points while shooting at least 85 percent from the field. Marcus Smart added 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Tristan Thompson totaled 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range. Boston struggled massively between February and March, but they are trending in the right direction with only a few weeks left in the regular season, based on the fact that they've also gone 7-1 in their last eight games. The Celtics also own a 17-10 mark at home.
The Warriors (28-28) are coming off a 119-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that means they're now riding a four-game winning streak while trying to sneak into the conversation for a spot in the Western Conference's play-in tournament. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 33 points, adding five assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 23 points, six rebounds and six assists. Juan Toscano-Anderson furnished 20 points, seven boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Poole registered 14 points, four assists and three steals. Damion Lee supplied 11 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kevon Looney finished with eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. The Warriors have struggled with consistency all season long, but they seem to be finding a groove of late. They need to do a better job of playing on the road, though, as the've gone just 11-18 away from Chase Center.
Grizzlies and Bucks Set for Midwest Battle
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies (28-26) have been trending in the right direction at the right time of year, working themselves into the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference for the time being courtesy of a solid 6-3 mark over their last nine games. Memphis' most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Chicago Bulls by a 126-115 score. Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 16 points, seven boards and five assists. Ja Morant furnished 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Xavier Tillman supplied 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Jones also dishing out seven assists and recording two steals.
The Grizzlies are likely to list De'Anthony Melton (leg), Justise Winslow (quadriceps) and Brandon Clarke (hip) as no better than questionable for Saturday after all three missed Friday's game. Jaren Jackson (knee) will remain out.
The Bucks (35-20) also boast a 6-3 mark over their last nine games, and perhaps the most impressive aspect of that stretch is that three of those wins came during superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent six-game absence. The MVP candidate was back in action during Milwaukee's most recent game, a 120-109 win Thursday night. Jrue Holiday led the way with 23 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Brook Lopez generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one block. Antetokounmpo posted 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Pat Connaughton delivered 14 points and eight rebounds, while Bobby Portis and Jeff Teague had matching 11-point tallies.
The Bucks will be without Donte DiVincenzo (toe) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season.. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 112-111 win March 4.
The Grizzlies (28-26) have been trending in the right direction at the right time of year, working themselves into the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference for the time being courtesy of a solid 6-3 mark over their last nine games. Memphis' most recent success came Friday night, when they toppled the Chicago Bulls by a 126-115 score. Dillon Brooks led the Grizzlies with 32 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 16 points, seven boards and five assists. Ja Morant furnished 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Xavier Tillman supplied 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones posted 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Jones also dishing out seven assists and recording two steals.
The Grizzlies are likely to list De'Anthony Melton (leg), Justise Winslow (quadriceps) and Brandon Clarke (hip) as no better than questionable for Saturday after all three missed Friday's game. Jaren Jackson (knee) will remain out.
The Bucks (35-20) also boast a 6-3 mark over their last nine games, and perhaps the most impressive aspect of that stretch is that three of those wins came during superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent six-game absence. The MVP candidate was back in action during Milwaukee's most recent game, a 120-109 win Thursday night. Jrue Holiday led the way with 23 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Brook Lopez generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one block. Antetokounmpo posted 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Pat Connaughton delivered 14 points and eight rebounds, while Bobby Portis and Jeff Teague had matching 11-point tallies.
The Bucks will be without Donte DiVincenzo (toe) for Saturday's contest.
Saturday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season.. The Bucks hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 112-111 win March 4.
Suns Host Spurs on Saturday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns Arena on Saturday.
The Spurs (26-28) have been struggling recently, entering this matchup, losing 12 of their last 16 games. That horrible stretch has dropped them to the 10-seed in the west, which happens to be the final spot for the new play-in tournament. The one team that has a chance behind them is the New Orleans Pelicans, and there aren't many people that would say the Spurs have the better roster of those two teams. It is a testament to this organization, though, putting out competitive ball clubs for over two decades. The good news is that this young backcourt appears to be developing by the game, with Dejounte Murray and Derrick White having career years and carrying this team at times.
The Suns (40-15) continue to put it to their opponents, beating the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, 122-114. Amazingly, that marks their 32nd win in their last 39 games. That is obviously the best mark in the NBA in that span, and it has them clawing at the heels of the Utah Jazz. In fact, Phoenix is now just one game back of the Jazz, which is truly a miracle since Utah just lost their first home game earlier this week. That says a lot about this club's growth, and it's scary how good Deandre Ayton is getting. In that win on Thursday, he dropped 26 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 10 of his 11 shots. He's been doing that regularly for a few weeks now, and it's horrifying for the rest of the league with the Chris Paul-Devin Booker backcourt doing work too.
These teams have yet to play this season, but San Antonio has been dominating in this series. In fact, the Spurs have won 18 of their last 21 games over the Suns dating back to 2015.
The Spurs (26-28) have been struggling recently, entering this matchup, losing 12 of their last 16 games. That horrible stretch has dropped them to the 10-seed in the west, which happens to be the final spot for the new play-in tournament. The one team that has a chance behind them is the New Orleans Pelicans, and there aren't many people that would say the Spurs have the better roster of those two teams. It is a testament to this organization, though, putting out competitive ball clubs for over two decades. The good news is that this young backcourt appears to be developing by the game, with Dejounte Murray and Derrick White having career years and carrying this team at times.
The Suns (40-15) continue to put it to their opponents, beating the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, 122-114. Amazingly, that marks their 32nd win in their last 39 games. That is obviously the best mark in the NBA in that span, and it has them clawing at the heels of the Utah Jazz. In fact, Phoenix is now just one game back of the Jazz, which is truly a miracle since Utah just lost their first home game earlier this week. That says a lot about this club's growth, and it's scary how good Deandre Ayton is getting. In that win on Thursday, he dropped 26 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 10 of his 11 shots. He's been doing that regularly for a few weeks now, and it's horrifying for the rest of the league with the Chris Paul-Devin Booker backcourt doing work too.
These teams have yet to play this season, but San Antonio has been dominating in this series. In fact, the Spurs have won 18 of their last 21 games over the Suns dating back to 2015.