Nets and Pistons Meet in Motor City
The Brooklyn Nets take on the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Nets (5-3) started off the season dealing with plenty of adversity due to Kyrie Irving's vaccination controversy and losses in three of their first five games. However, they've bounced back to rattle off three consecutive wins, with the most recent a 117-108 victory over the Hawks on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant led the way for Brooklyn with 32 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Joe Harris provided 18 points, six boards, two steals and one block. James Harden supplied 16 points, 11 assists. four rebounds, one steal and one block. Patty Mills totaled 14 points, six assists and three rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge and Bruce Brown posted 10 points apiece.
The Nets will continue without Irving (personal) and Nicolas Claxton (illness) for Friday's game.
The Pistons (1-7) appear to be on their way to another difficult season, as they've already lost five of seven games by double digits. Detroit's most recent stumble came Thursday night in the form of a 109-98 loss to the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers. Jerami Grant paced the Pistons with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Cade Cunningham generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Kelly Olynyk managed 11 points and five rebounds. Killian Hayes delivered 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Pistons will come into Friday's contest without any notable short-term injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-91 win over the Pistons on Sunday.
The Nets (5-3) started off the season dealing with plenty of adversity due to Kyrie Irving's vaccination controversy and losses in three of their first five games. However, they've bounced back to rattle off three consecutive wins, with the most recent a 117-108 victory over the Hawks on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant led the way for Brooklyn with 32 points, adding seven rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Joe Harris provided 18 points, six boards, two steals and one block. James Harden supplied 16 points, 11 assists. four rebounds, one steal and one block. Patty Mills totaled 14 points, six assists and three rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge and Bruce Brown posted 10 points apiece.
The Nets will continue without Irving (personal) and Nicolas Claxton (illness) for Friday's game.
The Pistons (1-7) appear to be on their way to another difficult season, as they've already lost five of seven games by double digits. Detroit's most recent stumble came Thursday night in the form of a 109-98 loss to the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers. Jerami Grant paced the Pistons with 27 points, supplementing them with six boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Cade Cunningham generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Kelly Olynyk managed 11 points and five rebounds. Killian Hayes delivered 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Pistons will come into Friday's contest without any notable short-term injuries to report.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Nets own a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-91 win over the Pistons on Sunday.
Magic Host Spurs In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Orlando Magic will host the San Antonio Spurs at Amway Center on Friday evening.
The Magic (2-7) are in the midst of a painful rebuilding process, and they enter this game fresh off a 92-79 loss against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. In a game where the entire Orlando offense sputtered, Wendell Carter and Cole Anthony managed matching 13-point, four-assist, two-steal tallies, with Carter also pulling down 13 rebounds. R.J. Hampton supplied 12 points and three boards, while Jalen Suggs registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Orlando has also struggled at home since they're winless at Amway Center to date (0-3).
The Spurs (2-6) have not done much better, though, and they're coming off a 109-108 loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. Devin Vassell followed up with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Derrick White added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 16 points and six rebounds. That loss against Dallas was their fourth in their last five contests, and they've also posted a poor 1-3 record on the road thus far.
The Magic (2-7) are in the midst of a painful rebuilding process, and they enter this game fresh off a 92-79 loss against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. In a game where the entire Orlando offense sputtered, Wendell Carter and Cole Anthony managed matching 13-point, four-assist, two-steal tallies, with Carter also pulling down 13 rebounds. R.J. Hampton supplied 12 points and three boards, while Jalen Suggs registered 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal. Orlando has also struggled at home since they're winless at Amway Center to date (0-3).
The Spurs (2-6) have not done much better, though, and they're coming off a 109-108 loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. Devin Vassell followed up with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Derrick White added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 16 points and six rebounds. That loss against Dallas was their fourth in their last five contests, and they've also posted a poor 1-3 record on the road thus far.
Wizards Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Wizards (5-3), where they will look to get back on track and add to their, 3-1, home record. They are coming off a loss to the visiting Raptors on Wednesday, which marked their second straight loss overall. Bradley Beal is leading the Wizards, averaging 24.4 points per game, but he has been struggling with 39 percent shooting from the field. Montrezl Harrell has been playing well, averaging 18.0 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. The Wizards are averaging 110.9 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.8 points against.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (5-3) have won three of their last four games, including their last two in a row. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their 2-2 road record. Ja Morant continues to lead the way for the Grizzlies, with a great start to his season, averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Desmond Bane is averaging 17.5 points, while shooting 47 percent from the field, including 41 percent from long range. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The Grizzlies are averaging 110.9 points per game, while making an average of 14.5 three-pointers per game. On the other end, the Grizzlies are giving up an average of 113.1 points against, which is third most in the league, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is second highest in the league.
This marks the second game of a three-game home stand for the Wizards (5-3), where they will look to get back on track and add to their, 3-1, home record. They are coming off a loss to the visiting Raptors on Wednesday, which marked their second straight loss overall. Bradley Beal is leading the Wizards, averaging 24.4 points per game, but he has been struggling with 39 percent shooting from the field. Montrezl Harrell has been playing well, averaging 18.0 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while Spencer Dinwiddie is averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. The Wizards are averaging 110.9 points per game, and they are giving up an average of 109.8 points against.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (5-3) have won three of their last four games, including their last two in a row. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their 2-2 road record. Ja Morant continues to lead the way for the Grizzlies, with a great start to his season, averaging 27.0 points, 7.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. Desmond Bane is averaging 17.5 points, while shooting 47 percent from the field, including 41 percent from long range. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 13.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The Grizzlies are averaging 110.9 points per game, while making an average of 14.5 three-pointers per game. On the other end, the Grizzlies are giving up an average of 113.1 points against, which is third most in the league, while allowing opponents to shoot an average of 47.6 percent from the field, which is second highest in the league.
Knicks and Bucks Set for Midwest Battle
The New York Knicks face the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
The Knicks (5-3) have fallen on some rare hard times of late, as they'll enter Friday with a brief two-game losing streak after jumping out to a 5-1 start this season. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 111-98 decision to the Indiana Pacers. R.J. Barrett led the way with 23 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Evan Fournier provided 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks posted 13 and 10 points, respectively, off the bench.
The Knicks enter Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bucks (4-4) have encountered even more struggle than their opponent, although a large part of their difficulties have stemmed from multiple key absences. Milwaukee was able to snap a three-game losing streak its last time on the floor, however, as they toppled the Detroit Pistons by a 117-89 score on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds and four blocks. Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora had matching 16-point tallies while recording three and five rebounds, respectively. Bobby Portis delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Justin Robinson contributed 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Bucks will continue without Khris Middleton (COVID-19 protocols) and Brook Lopez (back) for Friday's game. Jrue Holiday (ankle) carries a probable tag.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks won the three-game 2020-21 season series with the Bucks by a 2-1 margin.
The Knicks (5-3) have fallen on some rare hard times of late, as they'll enter Friday with a brief two-game losing streak after jumping out to a 5-1 start this season. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they dropped a 111-98 decision to the Indiana Pacers. R.J. Barrett led the way with 23 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Julius Randle generated an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Evan Fournier provided 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks posted 13 and 10 points, respectively, off the bench.
The Knicks enter Friday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bucks (4-4) have encountered even more struggle than their opponent, although a large part of their difficulties have stemmed from multiple key absences. Milwaukee was able to snap a three-game losing streak its last time on the floor, however, as they toppled the Detroit Pistons by a 117-89 score on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, adding nine assists, eight rebounds and four blocks. Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora had matching 16-point tallies while recording three and five rebounds, respectively. Bobby Portis delivered 12 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Justin Robinson contributed 11 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Bucks will continue without Khris Middleton (COVID-19 protocols) and Brook Lopez (back) for Friday's game. Jrue Holiday (ankle) carries a probable tag.
Friday's game marks the first of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks won the three-game 2020-21 season series with the Bucks by a 2-1 margin.
Raptors Aim To Stay Hot, Host Cavaliers
The Toronto Raptors will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening.
The Raptors (6-3) got off to a slow start to the season but have been scorching hot of late and enter this contest fresh off a 109-100 road win over the Wizards on Wednesday. Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 33 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Gary Trent Jr. and Svi Mykhailiuk chipped in 15 points each. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-25 from long range. That win was Toronto's fifth in a row, though the Raptors still need to find consistency when playing at home since they've won just two of their five contests at Scotiabank Arena so far.
The Cavaliers (5-4) are 3-3 on the road, but they should be with their morale quite high since they're coming off a 107-104 win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Jarrett Allen was the best player for the Cavaliers in this game, as he ended with 24 points and 17 rebounds, while Collin Sexton also surpassed the 20-point mark thanks to a 21-point performance that also included three rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland chipped in with 19 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley contributed an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Cedi Osman had 12 points and Dylan Windler added 13, both off the bench. Cleveland has now won two games in a row and three of their last five.
The Raptors (6-3) got off to a slow start to the season but have been scorching hot of late and enter this contest fresh off a 109-100 road win over the Wizards on Wednesday. Fred VanVleet led the way for the Raptors with 33 points, six assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 43 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 21 points, five rebounds, three steals and a block, while Gary Trent Jr. and Svi Mykhailiuk chipped in 15 points each. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-25 from long range. That win was Toronto's fifth in a row, though the Raptors still need to find consistency when playing at home since they've won just two of their five contests at Scotiabank Arena so far.
The Cavaliers (5-4) are 3-3 on the road, but they should be with their morale quite high since they're coming off a 107-104 win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Jarrett Allen was the best player for the Cavaliers in this game, as he ended with 24 points and 17 rebounds, while Collin Sexton also surpassed the 20-point mark thanks to a 21-point performance that also included three rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland chipped in with 19 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley contributed an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Cedi Osman had 12 points and Dylan Windler added 13, both off the bench. Cleveland has now won two games in a row and three of their last five.
Clippers Look For Second Consecutive Win In Minnesota
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second consecutive meeting between the Clippers (3-4) and the Timberwolves (3-4) in Minnesota, after the Clippers came out on top, 126-115, on Wednesday night. The contest got out to a tight start, as the Clippers held a four-point lead at halftime. However, they blew the game open in the third, where they outscored the Timberwolves by 11 points, to take a 15-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but the Clippers were able to hang on for what marked their second straight win, while it marked the third straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight assists, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in the win. Reggie Jackson followed up with 29 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, while Nicolas Batum added 20 points, five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot a blistering 60 percent from the field, including 21-of-36 from long range in the contest. They will look to keep the momentum going on Friday and build on their 1-2 road record.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and a block. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists, while Patrick Beverley nearly logged a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field in the loss, while they struggled stopping the Clippers in transition, as they gave up 18 fast-break points.
This marks the second consecutive meeting between the Clippers (3-4) and the Timberwolves (3-4) in Minnesota, after the Clippers came out on top, 126-115, on Wednesday night. The contest got out to a tight start, as the Clippers held a four-point lead at halftime. However, they blew the game open in the third, where they outscored the Timberwolves by 11 points, to take a 15-point advantage into the final frame. The hosts put up a fight in the fourth, but the Clippers were able to hang on for what marked their second straight win, while it marked the third straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Paul George led the way for the Clippers with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight assists, six rebounds, a steal and a block, in the win. Reggie Jackson followed up with 29 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, while Nicolas Batum added 20 points, five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block. The Clippers shot a blistering 60 percent from the field, including 21-of-36 from long range in the contest. They will look to keep the momentum going on Friday and build on their 1-2 road record.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and a block. Karl-Anthony Towns followed up with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three assists, while Patrick Beverley nearly logged a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field in the loss, while they struggled stopping the Clippers in transition, as they gave up 18 fast-break points.
Warriors Host Pelicans on Friday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on Friday.
A few years back, the Pelicans (1-8) had some high hopes, but expectations have hit rock bottom since then. They're currently missing Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson due to injury, and the ladder isn't expected back anytime soon. Those injuries have led to many losses for the Pelicans, winning just one game through the first three weeks. The most recent defeat was alarming, with New Orleans scoring just 12 points in the fourth quarter of a 112-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings. That paints a pretty ugly picture of where the struggles are coming from, and it's hard to see it getting any better until those studs return to the lineup.
The Warriors (6-1) have gotten off to their best start in nearly a decade, with that most-recent incredible start leading to a record-breaking 73-9 season. While that's likely off the table, it's encouraging to see this team grow around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Those two stars are doing everything possible, but it's the role players that have really gotten them to this point. Jordan Poole has been a consistent second scorer, while Damion Lee, Nemanja Bjelica, and Gary Payton II have all made huge appearances off the bench. That doesn't even include Andrew Wiggins, who's become one of the most reliable 20-point scorers in the NBA. Oh yeah, Klay Thompson (knee/Achilles) is expected back around Christmas, and adding one of the best shooters of all time to their roster can't hurt, either.
While Golden State won the season series last year, these clubs have traded off wins and losses in their previous seven meetings.
A few years back, the Pelicans (1-8) had some high hopes, but expectations have hit rock bottom since then. They're currently missing Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson due to injury, and the ladder isn't expected back anytime soon. Those injuries have led to many losses for the Pelicans, winning just one game through the first three weeks. The most recent defeat was alarming, with New Orleans scoring just 12 points in the fourth quarter of a 112-99 loss to the Sacramento Kings. That paints a pretty ugly picture of where the struggles are coming from, and it's hard to see it getting any better until those studs return to the lineup.
The Warriors (6-1) have gotten off to their best start in nearly a decade, with that most-recent incredible start leading to a record-breaking 73-9 season. While that's likely off the table, it's encouraging to see this team grow around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Those two stars are doing everything possible, but it's the role players that have really gotten them to this point. Jordan Poole has been a consistent second scorer, while Damion Lee, Nemanja Bjelica, and Gary Payton II have all made huge appearances off the bench. That doesn't even include Andrew Wiggins, who's become one of the most reliable 20-point scorers in the NBA. Oh yeah, Klay Thompson (knee/Achilles) is expected back around Christmas, and adding one of the best shooters of all time to their roster can't hurt, either.
While Golden State won the season series last year, these clubs have traded off wins and losses in their previous seven meetings.
Trail Blazers Host Pacers on Friday
The Portland Trail Blazers play host to the Indiana Pacers at Moda Center on Friday.
The Pacers (3-6) got off to a horrific start with six losses in their first seven games, but two straight wins is an encouraging sign. They got both of those victories in impressive fashion, too, beating the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs by double-digit margins. That's the team we expected to see, but it remains to be seen if Indiana can dig themselves out of this hole. The good news is that they got Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) back in the most recent victory, and he's quietly been one of the best point guards in the NBA this season. He pairs beautifully with Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis, making this a club no one wants to face from here on out, despite what the record says.
The Trail Blazers (3-5) have had their fair share of struggles, too, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their most recent outing. That gives them this subpar record, and it has a lot of fans wondering where this team is headed. What's becoming clear is that Damian Lillard's shot is completely broken right now. The superstar point guard is shooting below 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range, speculating that there might be an offseason injury that has carried over into the first few weeks. In any case, this team is way too good to be struggling like this, and it'll be up to Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic to get them out of it.
These teams split their season series last year, with the road team winning in blowout fashion. Before that, the Trail Blazers won 10 of their previous 12 games over the Pacers in this series.
The Pacers (3-6) got off to a horrific start with six losses in their first seven games, but two straight wins is an encouraging sign. They got both of those victories in impressive fashion, too, beating the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs by double-digit margins. That's the team we expected to see, but it remains to be seen if Indiana can dig themselves out of this hole. The good news is that they got Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) back in the most recent victory, and he's quietly been one of the best point guards in the NBA this season. He pairs beautifully with Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis, making this a club no one wants to face from here on out, despite what the record says.
The Trail Blazers (3-5) have had their fair share of struggles, too, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their most recent outing. That gives them this subpar record, and it has a lot of fans wondering where this team is headed. What's becoming clear is that Damian Lillard's shot is completely broken right now. The superstar point guard is shooting below 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range, speculating that there might be an offseason injury that has carried over into the first few weeks. In any case, this team is way too good to be struggling like this, and it'll be up to Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic to get them out of it.
These teams split their season series last year, with the road team winning in blowout fashion. Before that, the Trail Blazers won 10 of their previous 12 games over the Pacers in this series.
Kings Host Hornets on Friday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
The Hornets (5-4) got off to an incredible start with a 3-0 record but have gone on to lose four of their six games since then. The most recent loss against Golden State was particularly distressing, with the Hornets scoring a season-low 92 points. This team regularly sits around 120, and it's weird to see them struggle so badly. Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and LaMelo Ball all played well in that game, but no other player had more than seven points or two assists. It's becoming clear that the role players might be an issue for this club all season, and it'll be interesting to see if they make any mid-season moves to give this bench the boost it needs.
The Kings (4-4) have been playing competitively all season, with all eight games being decided by 13 points or fewer. The most recent game was the most lopsided one, with Sacramento grabbing a 112-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. They captured that win with their defense, thanks to a 12-point fourth-quarter by the Pelicans. What was also lovely to see was the Tyrese Haliburton resurgence. The Rookie of the Year candidate from last year has struggled through the first three weeks, but 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in that win is a highly encouraging sign. They also got 12 points and eight assists from Davion Mitchell as well, with the rookie looking like one of the steals of the draft. He's one of the best defensive players in the NBA despite having just three weeks under his belt, and that sort of addition cant be overlooked by a team that couldn't do anything defensively last year.
Charlotte has won five straight games in this series, sweeping the last two season series.
The Hornets (5-4) got off to an incredible start with a 3-0 record but have gone on to lose four of their six games since then. The most recent loss against Golden State was particularly distressing, with the Hornets scoring a season-low 92 points. This team regularly sits around 120, and it's weird to see them struggle so badly. Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward, and LaMelo Ball all played well in that game, but no other player had more than seven points or two assists. It's becoming clear that the role players might be an issue for this club all season, and it'll be interesting to see if they make any mid-season moves to give this bench the boost it needs.
The Kings (4-4) have been playing competitively all season, with all eight games being decided by 13 points or fewer. The most recent game was the most lopsided one, with Sacramento grabbing a 112-99 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. They captured that win with their defense, thanks to a 12-point fourth-quarter by the Pelicans. What was also lovely to see was the Tyrese Haliburton resurgence. The Rookie of the Year candidate from last year has struggled through the first three weeks, but 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in that win is a highly encouraging sign. They also got 12 points and eight assists from Davion Mitchell as well, with the rookie looking like one of the steals of the draft. He's one of the best defensive players in the NBA despite having just three weeks under his belt, and that sort of addition cant be overlooked by a team that couldn't do anything defensively last year.
Charlotte has won five straight games in this series, sweeping the last two season series.