Raptors Hoping To Build Off Win, Host Magic
The Toronto Raptors will host the Orlando Magic at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors (2-3) are just 1-3 at home but enter this game in high spirits, as they recorded a 118-100 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, five steals, three assists and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes chipped in 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 47 percent from deep. That win over Indiana snapped a two-game losing streak at home, and this game will mark the end of a four-game homestand for Toronto. They've gone 1-2 so far in that span while conceding at least 100 points in every game.
The Magic (1-4) are just 1-2 on the road this season, and they've already reached their second two-game losing streak following a 120-111 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Cole Anthony was Orlando's best player and finished with 24 points and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 10 boards, and Franz Wagner had 15 points. Terrence Ross added 18 points off the bench. This marks the beginning of a three-game road trip for the Magic, as they'll face the Pistons and Timberwolves afterward before returning to Amway Center.
The Raptors (2-3) are just 1-3 at home but enter this game in high spirits, as they recorded a 118-100 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 25 points, five steals, three assists and three rebounds, while Scottie Barnes chipped in 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 47 percent from deep. That win over Indiana snapped a two-game losing streak at home, and this game will mark the end of a four-game homestand for Toronto. They've gone 1-2 so far in that span while conceding at least 100 points in every game.
The Magic (1-4) are just 1-2 on the road this season, and they've already reached their second two-game losing streak following a 120-111 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. Cole Anthony was Orlando's best player and finished with 24 points and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mo Bamba also had a double-double since he contributed 14 points and 10 boards, and Franz Wagner had 15 points. Terrence Ross added 18 points off the bench. This marks the beginning of a three-game road trip for the Magic, as they'll face the Pistons and Timberwolves afterward before returning to Amway Center.
Hornets, Heat Meet In Battle Of Potential Contenders
The Miami Heat will host the Charlotte Hornets at FTX Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat (3-1) are undefeated at home and own a 2-0 record in the recently-renamed FTX Arena, so they should be confident for this game. They're coming off a big 106-93 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, a game in which Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, adding nine rebounds. Jimmy Butler generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, four steals and one block. P.J. Tucker furnished 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Dewayne Dedmon and Tyler Herro posted 14 points apiece while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively. The Heat have won two games in a row.
The Hornets (4-1) are 3-0 on the road this season and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season thus far, as they've won four of their five contests while playing dominant basketball on some stretches. They're coming off a 120-111 win over the Orlando Magic the last time out. Miles Bridges carried the Hornets offensively in this one since he ended with 31 points and six rebounds, while Gordon Hayward had an impressive performance of 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Mason Plumlee had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while neither LaMelo Ball (seven points, 3-14 FG) nor Kelly Oubre Jr. (four points, 1-7 FG) managed to deliver good performances. Jalen McDaniels had 16 points off the bench, and Caleb Martin mustered 12 points. In fact, Charlotte's lone defeat came on overtime against the Celtics and it was at home.
The Heat (3-1) are undefeated at home and own a 2-0 record in the recently-renamed FTX Arena, so they should be confident for this game. They're coming off a big 106-93 road win over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, a game in which Bam Adebayo led the way for the Heat with 24 points, adding nine rebounds. Jimmy Butler generated a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, four steals and one block. P.J. Tucker furnished 15 points, seven boards and two assists. Dewayne Dedmon and Tyler Herro posted 14 points apiece while pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively. The Heat have won two games in a row.
The Hornets (4-1) are 3-0 on the road this season and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season thus far, as they've won four of their five contests while playing dominant basketball on some stretches. They're coming off a 120-111 win over the Orlando Magic the last time out. Miles Bridges carried the Hornets offensively in this one since he ended with 31 points and six rebounds, while Gordon Hayward had an impressive performance of 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. Mason Plumlee had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while neither LaMelo Ball (seven points, 3-14 FG) nor Kelly Oubre Jr. (four points, 1-7 FG) managed to deliver good performances. Jalen McDaniels had 16 points off the bench, and Caleb Martin mustered 12 points. In fact, Charlotte's lone defeat came on overtime against the Celtics and it was at home.
Pacers and Nets Meet in Big Apple
The Indiana Pacers take on the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Pacers (1-4) have started off the season in rough fashion, as their record implies. Indiana followed up an encouraging 102-91 win over the Heat with back-to-back defeats, the most recent a 118-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 18 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Christian Duarte provided 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jeremy Lamb supplied 12 points, while Myles Turner managed 10 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Pacers will be without Brogdon (hamstring), T.J. Warren (foot) and Isaiah Jackson (knee) for Friday's game. Caris LeVert (back) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (2-3) continue to deal with plenty of adversity both on and off the court, as Kyrie Irving's absence due to his vaccination dispute with the team has helped lead to a lackluster start for a Brooklyn squad with high expectations. The Nets' most recent stumble came against the Miami Heat, which toppled them at home by a 106-93 score Wednesday night. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 15 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. James Harden registered 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Nets will list Nicolas Claxton (illness) as questionable for Friday's game, while Irving (personal) will remain out.
Friday's contest marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Pacers.
The Pacers (1-4) have started off the season in rough fashion, as their record implies. Indiana followed up an encouraging 102-91 win over the Heat with back-to-back defeats, the most recent a 118-100 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 18 points, complementing them with five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Christian Duarte provided 14 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Jeremy Lamb supplied 12 points, while Myles Turner managed 10 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Pacers will be without Brogdon (hamstring), T.J. Warren (foot) and Isaiah Jackson (knee) for Friday's game. Caris LeVert (back) will be listed as questionable.
The Nets (2-3) continue to deal with plenty of adversity both on and off the court, as Kyrie Irving's absence due to his vaccination dispute with the team has helped lead to a lackluster start for a Brooklyn squad with high expectations. The Nets' most recent stumble came against the Miami Heat, which toppled them at home by a 106-93 score Wednesday night. Kevin Durant paced the Nets with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Joe Harris supplied 15 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. James Harden registered 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Bruce Brown delivered 12 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
The Nets will list Nicolas Claxton (illness) as questionable for Friday's game, while Irving (personal) will remain out.
Friday's contest marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Nets swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Pacers.
Kings and Pelicans Tangle in Big Easy
The Sacramento Kings take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Kings (2-2) have had an interesting start to the season to say the least, as they've navigated a very tough schedule to sandwich victories over the Trail Blazers and Suns around losses to the Jazz and Warriors. The 110-107 win over Phoenix came during Sacramento's most recent time on the court Wednesday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 26 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes followed with 22 points, including a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, along with nine rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox delivered 18 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton and Richaun Holmes mustered 15 and 12 points, respectively, with Holmes also pulling down 12 rebounds.
The Kings will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Pelicans (1-4) have seen little go right early in what is considered to be a rebuilding season, as they'll check into Friday's game coming off a 102-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Devonte Graham paced the Pelicans with 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 20 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jones, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III all posted eight points.
The Pelicans will list Josh Hart (quadriceps) as questionable for Friday's game, while Garrett Temple (ankle) will be listed as doubtful. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pelicans won the 2020-21 season series with the Kings by a 2-1 margin.
The Kings (2-2) have had an interesting start to the season to say the least, as they've navigated a very tough schedule to sandwich victories over the Trail Blazers and Suns around losses to the Jazz and Warriors. The 110-107 win over Phoenix came during Sacramento's most recent time on the court Wednesday night. Buddy Hield led the way with 26 points, adding five rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes followed with 22 points, including a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, along with nine rebounds and four assists. De'Aaron Fox delivered 18 points, nine assists, two rebounds and one steal. Tyrese Haliburton and Richaun Holmes mustered 15 and 12 points, respectively, with Holmes also pulling down 12 rebounds.
The Kings will come into Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Pelicans (1-4) have seen little go right early in what is considered to be a rebuilding season, as they'll check into Friday's game coming off a 102-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Devonte Graham paced the Pelicans with 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 20 points, eight boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas contributed a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jones, Jaxson Hayes and Trey Murphy III all posted eight points.
The Pelicans will list Josh Hart (quadriceps) as questionable for Friday's game, while Garrett Temple (ankle) will be listed as doubtful. Zion Williamson (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Pelicans won the 2020-21 season series with the Kings by a 2-1 margin.
Mavs Look To Keep Rolling On Second Night Of Back-To-Back
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavs (3-1), as they are coming off a hard-fought win over the Spurs on Thursday. The Mavs trailed by 10 points early in the contest, but they rallied back to tie it up heading into the final frame. They started the fourth quarter with momentum and built a quick 11-point lead, which was enough of a cushion to help them keep the edge the rest of the way. Luka Doncic got out to a slow start but finished strong, as he led the way for the Mavericks with 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block, in what marked their third straight win. Jalen Brunson continued his strong play, as he followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith totaled 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Mavs will look to keep it rolling as they take on a tough opponent in the Nuggets. Kristaps Porzingis (back) did not play on Thursday and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Meanwhile, The Nuggets (2-2) have lost two in a row and are coming off a tough loss in Utah on Tuesday, where Nikola Jokic (knee) left the game after 15 minutes of action and did not return. Jokic remains questionable for action on Friday. The Nuggets will be looking to get back on track at home, where they are 1-1 so far this season. Without Jokic and Jamal Murray, who has yet to play this season, the Nuggets will have to look towards guys like Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. to step up and lead the way in terms of scoring. Barton has been off to a solid start this season, averaging 16.3 points on 52 percent shooting, while Porter Jr. has yet to come up with a huge game, as he is averaging 11.5 points on 35 percent shooting.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Mavs (3-1), as they are coming off a hard-fought win over the Spurs on Thursday. The Mavs trailed by 10 points early in the contest, but they rallied back to tie it up heading into the final frame. They started the fourth quarter with momentum and built a quick 11-point lead, which was enough of a cushion to help them keep the edge the rest of the way. Luka Doncic got out to a slow start but finished strong, as he led the way for the Mavericks with 25 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block, in what marked their third straight win. Jalen Brunson continued his strong play, as he followed up with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Dorian Finney-Smith totaled 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Mavs will look to keep it rolling as they take on a tough opponent in the Nuggets. Kristaps Porzingis (back) did not play on Thursday and remains questionable for action on Friday.
Meanwhile, The Nuggets (2-2) have lost two in a row and are coming off a tough loss in Utah on Tuesday, where Nikola Jokic (knee) left the game after 15 minutes of action and did not return. Jokic remains questionable for action on Friday. The Nuggets will be looking to get back on track at home, where they are 1-1 so far this season. Without Jokic and Jamal Murray, who has yet to play this season, the Nuggets will have to look towards guys like Will Barton and Michael Porter Jr. to step up and lead the way in terms of scoring. Barton has been off to a solid start this season, averaging 16.3 points on 52 percent shooting, while Porter Jr. has yet to come up with a huge game, as he is averaging 11.5 points on 35 percent shooting.
Trail Blazers Host Clippers on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Moda Center on Friday.
The Clippers (1-3) only win was a blowout victory over these Blazers, suffering losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies in the other three outings. That obviously won't get it done, and it's really discouraging since they've yet to play any elite competition. That's a good indicator of how much they're missing Kawhi Leonard, but they better figure things without him since he'll miss most of the season. Paul George has done all he can, but who's going to perform outside of him? It's up to guys like Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, and Ivica Zubac to take a significant step forward, but who knows where they'll be a month from now.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) look like the most volatile team in the NBA right now. Their closest game over the last week was a 116-96 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, suffering a 30-point loss in the game prior, which followed up a 29-point win before that. It makes it hard to understand where this team is at, especially with Damian Lillard struggling so badly with his shot. There was some talk about a back issue with him in the offseason, and it's hard to see it getting any better when you see his 33 percent field goal percentage and 17 percent three-point percentage. Some people might say that positive regression is headed his way, and others might say that he's too injured to perform. In any case, the Trail Blazers need him to play better if they are to contend this season.
These teams played just last week, with Los Angeles winning in dominating fashion, 116-86. That gives the Clippers seven straight wins in this series dating back three years.
The Clippers (1-3) only win was a blowout victory over these Blazers, suffering losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies in the other three outings. That obviously won't get it done, and it's really discouraging since they've yet to play any elite competition. That's a good indicator of how much they're missing Kawhi Leonard, but they better figure things without him since he'll miss most of the season. Paul George has done all he can, but who's going to perform outside of him? It's up to guys like Terance Mann, Reggie Jackson, and Ivica Zubac to take a significant step forward, but who knows where they'll be a month from now.
The Trail Blazers (2-2) look like the most volatile team in the NBA right now. Their closest game over the last week was a 116-96 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, suffering a 30-point loss in the game prior, which followed up a 29-point win before that. It makes it hard to understand where this team is at, especially with Damian Lillard struggling so badly with his shot. There was some talk about a back issue with him in the offseason, and it's hard to see it getting any better when you see his 33 percent field goal percentage and 17 percent three-point percentage. Some people might say that positive regression is headed his way, and others might say that he's too injured to perform. In any case, the Trail Blazers need him to play better if they are to contend this season.
These teams played just last week, with Los Angeles winning in dominating fashion, 116-86. That gives the Clippers seven straight wins in this series dating back three years.
Lakers Host Cavaliers on Friday
The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on Friday.
The Cavaliers (3-2) started the season with two ugly losses against the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies but have been excellent since then. In fact, they've won all three games since that mini-skid, beating the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers. The ladder two came on the road, and Cleveland is making minced meat of this West Coast road trip. It looks even better when you see how Memphis and Charlotte are playing, with both clubs showing serious potential themselves. What's becoming clear is the fact that this club has profound depth. They have a solid starting unit that pairs beautifully with veterans like Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio coming off the bench. That's a testament to those guys to play behind these youngsters, and it has the Cavs looking as dangerous as ever.
The Lakers (2-3) look far from dangerous, struggling through the first five games of the season. The two wins were narrow victories over the Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs, making it somewhat lucky that they're up to 2-3. The most recent loss might have been the most embarrassing of the season. They had a 41-19 lead after the first quarter against a fragile Oklahoma City Thunder team and went on to blow it in epic fashion. They've also had to play the last two games without LeBron James (ankle), making this uphill battle even steeper. The good news is that he's due back any day now, but it remains to be seen if this can be the elite team everyone expected at the beginning of the season.
These teams played twice last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the season series. The Lakers have won five of their last six games over the Cavs dating back four years.
The Cavaliers (3-2) started the season with two ugly losses against the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies but have been excellent since then. In fact, they've won all three games since that mini-skid, beating the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers. The ladder two came on the road, and Cleveland is making minced meat of this West Coast road trip. It looks even better when you see how Memphis and Charlotte are playing, with both clubs showing serious potential themselves. What's becoming clear is the fact that this club has profound depth. They have a solid starting unit that pairs beautifully with veterans like Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio coming off the bench. That's a testament to those guys to play behind these youngsters, and it has the Cavs looking as dangerous as ever.
The Lakers (2-3) look far from dangerous, struggling through the first five games of the season. The two wins were narrow victories over the Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs, making it somewhat lucky that they're up to 2-3. The most recent loss might have been the most embarrassing of the season. They had a 41-19 lead after the first quarter against a fragile Oklahoma City Thunder team and went on to blow it in epic fashion. They've also had to play the last two games without LeBron James (ankle), making this uphill battle even steeper. The good news is that he's due back any day now, but it remains to be seen if this can be the elite team everyone expected at the beginning of the season.
These teams played twice last season, with Los Angeles sweeping the season series. The Lakers have won five of their last six games over the Cavs dating back four years.