Heat Visit Hawks Looking To Extend Run
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on Friday evening.
The Hawks (32-27) are coming off a 137-127 loss against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, but it was an unfortunate game for Atlanta since two of their best players, Trae Young and Clint Capela, were banged up and that undoubtedly affected the team's chances of turning things around late in the game. Capela led the Hawks with a 25-point, 22-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 20 points apiece, with Young also dishing out 14 assists and Bogdanovic pulling down six rebounds. John Collins furnished 18 points and three rebounds. Kevin Huerter managed 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Lou Williams led the bench with 11 points. The Hawks have gone 16-11 when playing at home and own a 7-3 mark over their last 10 games, however, so the numbers would seem to indicate they have a good shot at turning things around.
The Heat (31-28) are coming off a 107-87 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, and that means they're now on a three-game winning streak. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and a steal. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range. The Heat have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games and seem to be trending in the right direction with only a few weeks left in the regular season. However, their road play has been subpar at best and own a 14-15 mark when playing on enemy territory.
The Hawks (32-27) are coming off a 137-127 loss against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, but it was an unfortunate game for Atlanta since two of their best players, Trae Young and Clint Capela, were banged up and that undoubtedly affected the team's chances of turning things around late in the game. Capela led the Hawks with a 25-point, 22-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two steals and one block. Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 20 points apiece, with Young also dishing out 14 assists and Bogdanovic pulling down six rebounds. John Collins furnished 18 points and three rebounds. Kevin Huerter managed 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Lou Williams led the bench with 11 points. The Hawks have gone 16-11 when playing at home and own a 7-3 mark over their last 10 games, however, so the numbers would seem to indicate they have a good shot at turning things around.
The Heat (31-28) are coming off a 107-87 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, and that means they're now on a three-game winning streak. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block, in 31 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds and a steal. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-31 from long range. The Heat have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games and seem to be trending in the right direction with only a few weeks left in the regular season. However, their road play has been subpar at best and own a 14-15 mark when playing on enemy territory.
Celtics Visit Nets In Battle Of Eastern Conference Powerhouses
The Brooklyn Nets will host the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Nets (39-20) are coming off a 114-103 road loss against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, a result that they've now gone 2-3 over their last five games. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bruce Brown followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Joe Harris chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Nets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range. The fact that James Harden (hamstring) and Kevin Durant (thigh) remain out with injuries have hurt the Nets considerably, as they've been forced to rely almost exclusively on Irving's scoring exploits. Brooklyn has a shot at turning things around if they're playing at home, however, as they own a 23-7 mark at Barclays Center.
The Celtics (32-27) will play the second half of a back-to-back set but should be quite happy considering their recent performances, as they've gone 5-1 over their last six games following their impressive 99-86 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Kemba Walker led the Celtics in scoring and registered 32 points with four rebounds and four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding six assists and a steal. Marcus Smart had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring nine points. Payton Pritchard had 10 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 42.9 percent from the field. One area where the Celtics have to improve is their play away from home, though, as they own a 13-16 record when playing outside the confines of TD Garden.
The Nets (39-20) are coming off a 114-103 road loss against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, a result that they've now gone 2-3 over their last five games. Kyrie Irving led the Nets with 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bruce Brown followed up with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, while Joe Harris chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Nets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range. The fact that James Harden (hamstring) and Kevin Durant (thigh) remain out with injuries have hurt the Nets considerably, as they've been forced to rely almost exclusively on Irving's scoring exploits. Brooklyn has a shot at turning things around if they're playing at home, however, as they own a 23-7 mark at Barclays Center.
The Celtics (32-27) will play the second half of a back-to-back set but should be quite happy considering their recent performances, as they've gone 5-1 over their last six games following their impressive 99-86 win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Kemba Walker led the Celtics in scoring and registered 32 points with four rebounds and four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding six assists and a steal. Marcus Smart had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring nine points. Payton Pritchard had 10 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 42.9 percent from the field. One area where the Celtics have to improve is their play away from home, though, as they own a 13-16 record when playing outside the confines of TD Garden.
Clippers Take On Rockets in Lone Star State Battle
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Clippers (42-19) check into Friday's game as one of the hottest teams in the league despite multiple recent absences on the part of Kawhi Leonard, as they've prevailed in 10 of 11 games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Memphis Grizzlies by a 117-105 score. Luke Kennard paced the Clippers with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Marcus Morris furnished 25 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Terance Mann collected 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Ivica Zubac supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Clippers will continue without Leonard (foot), Patrick Beverley (knee) and Serge Ibaka (back) for Friday's game.
The Rockets (15-44) sport a record that sums up their season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped 12 of their last 14 games. Houston's most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Utah Jazz by a 112-89 score. John Wall paced the Rockets with 21 points, adding six assists and three rebounds. Christian Wood totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and one block. Kelly Olynyk managed 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Rockets will continue without Kevin Porter (COVID-19 protocols), Dante Exum (calf) and David Nwaba (wrist) for Friday's game. D.J. Augustin (ankle) and Sterling Brown (knee/face) will likely carry no better than a questionable tag, while Danuel House (ankle) will be listed as probable.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 126-109 win April 9.
The Clippers (42-19) check into Friday's game as one of the hottest teams in the league despite multiple recent absences on the part of Kawhi Leonard, as they've prevailed in 10 of 11 games. Their most recent success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Memphis Grizzlies by a 117-105 score. Luke Kennard paced the Clippers with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Marcus Morris furnished 25 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Terance Mann collected 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Ivica Zubac supplied 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
The Clippers will continue without Leonard (foot), Patrick Beverley (knee) and Serge Ibaka (back) for Friday's game.
The Rockets (15-44) sport a record that sums up their season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped 12 of their last 14 games. Houston's most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Utah Jazz by a 112-89 score. John Wall paced the Rockets with 21 points, adding six assists and three rebounds. Christian Wood totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and one block. Kelly Olynyk managed 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Rockets will continue without Kevin Porter (COVID-19 protocols), Dante Exum (calf) and David Nwaba (wrist) for Friday's game. D.J. Augustin (ankle) and Sterling Brown (knee/face) will likely carry no better than a questionable tag, while Danuel House (ankle) will be listed as probable.
Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 126-109 win April 9.
Wizards Looking For Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Washington Wizards at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards (25-33) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. They will look to keep rolling and improve on their, 11-17, road record, with a chance to add to their two-game road winning streak. Bradley Beal continues to lead the team, averaging 31.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals, in 35 minutes per game, while Russell Westbrook is playing great, averaging 21.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Rui Hachimura averages 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Deni Avdija is averaging 6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. The Wizards have struggled on the defensive end, giving up an average of 118.0 points per game, which is third most in the league, while they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.9 percent from the field. They are lacking in interior defense, as they average a league-low 3.8 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (20-39) have dropped their last 12 games in a row, as they are in the midst of a brutal slide. They will look to get back on track and improve on their, 9-20, home record, as they seek their first home win since late March. The Thunder remain without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), as he will be sidelined through Sunday's action. Luguentz Dort has been playing well and is averaging 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals, while Darius Bazley is averaging 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. Theo Maledon continues to play well, as he is averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists, over the last 10 games. The Thunder are averaging 105.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.5 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 114.4 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
The Wizards (25-33) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last six in a row. They will look to keep rolling and improve on their, 11-17, road record, with a chance to add to their two-game road winning streak. Bradley Beal continues to lead the team, averaging 31.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals, in 35 minutes per game, while Russell Westbrook is playing great, averaging 21.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Rui Hachimura averages 13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Deni Avdija is averaging 6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. The Wizards have struggled on the defensive end, giving up an average of 118.0 points per game, which is third most in the league, while they are allowing opponents to shoot an average of 46.9 percent from the field. They are lacking in interior defense, as they average a league-low 3.8 blocks per game.
Meanwhile, the Thunder (20-39) have dropped their last 12 games in a row, as they are in the midst of a brutal slide. They will look to get back on track and improve on their, 9-20, home record, as they seek their first home win since late March. The Thunder remain without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (foot), as he will be sidelined through Sunday's action. Luguentz Dort has been playing well and is averaging 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 steals, while Darius Bazley is averaging 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds. Theo Maledon continues to play well, as he is averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists, over the last 10 games. The Thunder are averaging 105.5 points per game, which is third fewest in the league, and they are shooting an average of 44.5 percent from the field, which is fourth worst in the league. On the other end, they are giving up an average of 114.4 points per game, which is seventh most in the league.
Hornets Host Cavaliers on Friday
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Cavaliers (21-37) are among the biggest disappointments in the NBA, entering this matchup losing 10 of their last 14 games. That terrible run has become way too common, and it looks really bizarre when you see that this club has been getting healthier in that stretch. Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr, and Jarrett Allen have all returned in that period while Darius Garland and Collin Sexton continue to improve in the backcourt. That's an excellent core, and it makes it hard to believe they sit so deep down the standings. Where they really need to start clicking is on the offensive end, scoring the fewest points in the NBA. That's unacceptable when you look at all that talent, and one has to wonder if it's a coaching thing at this point.
The Hornets (28-30) are trying their best to steady the ship with LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward sidelined, but this boat is sinking quickly. They enter this matchup losing six of their last seven games after a loss to the Bulls on Thursday. That's really no surprise when your two best playmakers are out of the lineup, even with Terry Rozier having a career year. The good news is that Ball is expected to return in about a week. He's the current frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and truly looks like a star in the making. His presence should get this club right back on track, and that's needed when you see that they've dropped to eighth in the Eastern Conference. They are four games clear of the 11-seed, though, and sit 3.5 games back of the six-seed, so the play-in tournament definitely seems to be a strong possibility for this club.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Cleveland winning both outings. Before that, the Hornets won three of their previous four games over the Cavs in this series.
The Cavaliers (21-37) are among the biggest disappointments in the NBA, entering this matchup losing 10 of their last 14 games. That terrible run has become way too common, and it looks really bizarre when you see that this club has been getting healthier in that stretch. Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr, and Jarrett Allen have all returned in that period while Darius Garland and Collin Sexton continue to improve in the backcourt. That's an excellent core, and it makes it hard to believe they sit so deep down the standings. Where they really need to start clicking is on the offensive end, scoring the fewest points in the NBA. That's unacceptable when you look at all that talent, and one has to wonder if it's a coaching thing at this point.
The Hornets (28-30) are trying their best to steady the ship with LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward sidelined, but this boat is sinking quickly. They enter this matchup losing six of their last seven games after a loss to the Bulls on Thursday. That's really no surprise when your two best playmakers are out of the lineup, even with Terry Rozier having a career year. The good news is that Ball is expected to return in about a week. He's the current frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and truly looks like a star in the making. His presence should get this club right back on track, and that's needed when you see that they've dropped to eighth in the Eastern Conference. They are four games clear of the 11-seed, though, and sit 3.5 games back of the six-seed, so the play-in tournament definitely seems to be a strong possibility for this club.
These teams have already played twice this season, with Cleveland winning both outings. Before that, the Hornets won three of their previous four games over the Cavs in this series.
Nuggets Look To Build On Four-Game Streak
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The Nuggets (38-20) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They will look to build on the momentum and add to their, 18-10, road record, as they face the second and final game of a road trip. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets in almost every category, as he averages 26.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.4 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The Nuggets are averaging 115.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 48.8 percent from the field, which is third best in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game, which is ninth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (29-30) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent outing. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, as they look to get back on track and improve on their, 17-10, home record. Stephen Curry has been playing great lately, averaging 39.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, over the last 10 games. Curry has topped 30 points in 10 of his last 11 games, and topped 40 points in five of those outings. Andrew Wiggins is the next-highest scoring player for the Warriors, averaging 18.1 points, on 47 percent shooting, including 38 percent from long range, Draymond Green is averaging 6.7 points, 8.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. The Warriors do a great job of sharing the ball, as they are averaging 27.2 assists per game, which is tied for most in the league. However, they need to do a better job on the glass, as they are averaging 42.6 rebounds per game, which is seventh-fewest in the league.
The Nuggets (38-20) have won eight of their last 10 games, including their last four in a row. They will look to build on the momentum and add to their, 18-10, road record, as they face the second and final game of a road trip. Nikola Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets in almost every category, as he averages 26.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.4 steals, in 35 minutes per game. Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game, while Aaron Gordon is averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The Nuggets are averaging 115.5 points per game, which is fourth most in the league, and they are shooting an average of 48.8 percent from the field, which is third best in the league. On the other end, they are holding opponents to an average of 110.2 points per game, which is ninth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (29-30) have won six of their last 10 games, but they are coming off a loss in their most recent outing. This marks their first game of a three-game home stand, as they look to get back on track and improve on their, 17-10, home record. Stephen Curry has been playing great lately, averaging 39.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, over the last 10 games. Curry has topped 30 points in 10 of his last 11 games, and topped 40 points in five of those outings. Andrew Wiggins is the next-highest scoring player for the Warriors, averaging 18.1 points, on 47 percent shooting, including 38 percent from long range, Draymond Green is averaging 6.7 points, 8.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. The Warriors do a great job of sharing the ball, as they are averaging 27.2 assists per game, which is tied for most in the league. However, they need to do a better job on the glass, as they are averaging 42.6 rebounds per game, which is seventh-fewest in the league.
Trail Blazers Host Grizzlies on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Moda Center on Friday.
The Grizzlies (29-28) suffered a terrible loss on Wednesday, getting beat by the Los Angeles Clippers, 117-105. While losing to Los Angeles doesn't look bad on the surface, it's a dreadful loss when you look at their roster. They were missing Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and Serge Ibaka in that game, playing with a roster full of backups. That's a game the Grizzlies have to win, but it marked their fifth loss in their last eight games in total. They did get one huge win in that loss, though, and it was the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. The talented youngster made his season debut in that defeat, providing 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in just 17 minutes of play. That's the stud we've been waiting to see, and he gives this young ball club a whole new dynamic for the final month of the season.
The Trail Blazers (32-26) just played one of the most exciting games of the season on Wednesday but were on the wrong side yet again. That was a 106-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets, taking 17 ties and 26 lead changes to determine a winner. Norman Powell had a chance to win that game at the buzzer with a floater but narrowly missed. That defeat marked the Trail Blazers seventh loss in their last nine games, freefalling them down the Western Conference standings. The goal now is to finish Top-6 to avoid the play-in game, which happens to be the spot that Portland sits in now. They're clearly headed in the wrong direction, though, and they need to find some form to avoid that dreaded play-in tourney.
These teams have yet to play this season, but they split their two-game season series last year. These clubs have actually traded off wins and losses in their last 13 meetings in total.
The Grizzlies (29-28) suffered a terrible loss on Wednesday, getting beat by the Los Angeles Clippers, 117-105. While losing to Los Angeles doesn't look bad on the surface, it's a dreadful loss when you look at their roster. They were missing Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and Serge Ibaka in that game, playing with a roster full of backups. That's a game the Grizzlies have to win, but it marked their fifth loss in their last eight games in total. They did get one huge win in that loss, though, and it was the return of Jaren Jackson Jr. The talented youngster made his season debut in that defeat, providing 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in just 17 minutes of play. That's the stud we've been waiting to see, and he gives this young ball club a whole new dynamic for the final month of the season.
The Trail Blazers (32-26) just played one of the most exciting games of the season on Wednesday but were on the wrong side yet again. That was a 106-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets, taking 17 ties and 26 lead changes to determine a winner. Norman Powell had a chance to win that game at the buzzer with a floater but narrowly missed. That defeat marked the Trail Blazers seventh loss in their last nine games, freefalling them down the Western Conference standings. The goal now is to finish Top-6 to avoid the play-in game, which happens to be the spot that Portland sits in now. They're clearly headed in the wrong direction, though, and they need to find some form to avoid that dreaded play-in tourney.
These teams have yet to play this season, but they split their two-game season series last year. These clubs have actually traded off wins and losses in their last 13 meetings in total.