Pistons, Grizzlies Meet In Battle Of Eliminated Teams
The Detroit Pistons will host the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.
The Pistons (13-61) simply wait for the season to end. With eight games left, the team is looking to avoid finishing last in the Eastern Conference standings. Achieving that goal would be huge for a Detroit team that lost almost 30 consecutive games between October and December. Entering Monday’s contest, the Pistons sit just 0.5 games behind the Washington Wizards, and a win here would tie both teams in 14th place in the standings. Every win -- and every loss -- matters for a Detroit team that is looking to pick as high as possible in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, Detroit is also looking to end the campaign with a decent run of results. After all, the team is looking to establish some kind of momentum in what might be a long rebuilding process. The Pistons have gone 7-31 at home.
Cade Cunningham (knee), Taj Gibson (hamstring) and Marcus Sasser (illness) are questionable to play Monday. Simone Fontecchio (toe) is out. Stanley Umude (ankle), Ausar Thompson (illness), Quentin Grimes (knee) and Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) are out for the season.
The Grizzlies (24-50) have fallen short of expectations this season. Sure, injuries are one of the reasons why the team has struggled so badly, with names such as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke missing considerable time. However, the Grizzlies have been playing poorly on both ends of the court. Memphis has a team worthy of being a contender if healthy, but they will have the luxury of picking high in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. The recent results have not been very good, either. The Grizzlies enter this game on a three-game losing run while dropping four of their last five contests. To make things even more complicated, the Grizzlies have gone 16-22 on the road this season.
John Konchar (heel) and Santi Aldama (illness) are game-time calls for Monday. Vince Williams (knee), Desmond Bane (back), Yuta Watanabe (personal) and Marcus Smart (finger) are out. Derrick Rose (groin), Ja Morant (shoulder) and Ziaire Williams (hip) are out for the season.
The Pistons (13-61) simply wait for the season to end. With eight games left, the team is looking to avoid finishing last in the Eastern Conference standings. Achieving that goal would be huge for a Detroit team that lost almost 30 consecutive games between October and December. Entering Monday’s contest, the Pistons sit just 0.5 games behind the Washington Wizards, and a win here would tie both teams in 14th place in the standings. Every win -- and every loss -- matters for a Detroit team that is looking to pick as high as possible in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, Detroit is also looking to end the campaign with a decent run of results. After all, the team is looking to establish some kind of momentum in what might be a long rebuilding process. The Pistons have gone 7-31 at home.
Cade Cunningham (knee), Taj Gibson (hamstring) and Marcus Sasser (illness) are questionable to play Monday. Simone Fontecchio (toe) is out. Stanley Umude (ankle), Ausar Thompson (illness), Quentin Grimes (knee) and Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) are out for the season.
The Grizzlies (24-50) have fallen short of expectations this season. Sure, injuries are one of the reasons why the team has struggled so badly, with names such as Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke missing considerable time. However, the Grizzlies have been playing poorly on both ends of the court. Memphis has a team worthy of being a contender if healthy, but they will have the luxury of picking high in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. The recent results have not been very good, either. The Grizzlies enter this game on a three-game losing run while dropping four of their last five contests. To make things even more complicated, the Grizzlies have gone 16-22 on the road this season.
John Konchar (heel) and Santi Aldama (illness) are game-time calls for Monday. Vince Williams (knee), Desmond Bane (back), Yuta Watanabe (personal) and Marcus Smart (finger) are out. Derrick Rose (groin), Ja Morant (shoulder) and Ziaire Williams (hip) are out for the season.
Nets, Pacers Meet In Pivotal Contest
The Indiana Pacers will host the Brooklyn Nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday.
The Pacers (42-33) remain alive in the playoff race and control their destiny in the Eastern Conference. Sitting in sixth place of the standings entering Monday’s slate, Indiana knows a win here will continue to create separation with a Miami Heat that’s breathing on their necks. The Pacers have been struggling with consistency in recent weeks, however, and they own a 3-2 mark across their last five contests. At least the Pacers can feel confident of their chances thanks to their strong play at home, where they’ve gone 22-15 on the season. Ultimately, though, this team will go as far as their trio of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner can carry it. If these three players are trending up, then the Pacers are a tough team to beat, mainly due to the pace they feature on offense when running the court.
Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is the only absence for the Pacers in this one. The second-year forward will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season.
The Nets (29-45) are in a more complicated scenario here. Even though Brooklyn remains alive in the playoff race, their 116-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday didn’t help their plans of reaching the Play-In Tournament. Brooklyn now sits 16 games below the .500 mark, but more importantly, the Nets are 5.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks in the race for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. Given the Nets only have eight games remaining in the schedule, the team needs to win out and wait for a few losses from Atlanta to have a shot at reaching the postseason. Playing on the road shouldn’t be something they’re looking for, however, as the Nets have gone 12-26 away from home this season.
The Nets are listing Ben Simmons (back), Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg) as out. All three will miss the rest of the season.
The Pacers (42-33) remain alive in the playoff race and control their destiny in the Eastern Conference. Sitting in sixth place of the standings entering Monday’s slate, Indiana knows a win here will continue to create separation with a Miami Heat that’s breathing on their necks. The Pacers have been struggling with consistency in recent weeks, however, and they own a 3-2 mark across their last five contests. At least the Pacers can feel confident of their chances thanks to their strong play at home, where they’ve gone 22-15 on the season. Ultimately, though, this team will go as far as their trio of Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner can carry it. If these three players are trending up, then the Pacers are a tough team to beat, mainly due to the pace they feature on offense when running the court.
Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is the only absence for the Pacers in this one. The second-year forward will miss the rest of the 2023-24 season.
The Nets (29-45) are in a more complicated scenario here. Even though Brooklyn remains alive in the playoff race, their 116-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday didn’t help their plans of reaching the Play-In Tournament. Brooklyn now sits 16 games below the .500 mark, but more importantly, the Nets are 5.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks in the race for the final spot in the Play-In Tournament. Given the Nets only have eight games remaining in the schedule, the team needs to win out and wait for a few losses from Atlanta to have a shot at reaching the postseason. Playing on the road shouldn’t be something they’re looking for, however, as the Nets have gone 12-26 away from home this season.
The Nets are listing Ben Simmons (back), Dariq Whitehead (lower leg) and Keita Bates-Diop (lower leg) as out. All three will miss the rest of the season.
Trail Blazers and Magic Meet in Sunshine State
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (19-55) are likely looking at an offseason of major change after another disappointing campaign, and they'll come into Monday's game having dropped nine straight contests. Their most recent stumble was a massive one, as they took a jaw-dropping 142-82 walloping from the Miami Heat on Friday night. Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Deandre Ayton furnished 18 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Delano Banton tallied 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kris Murray delivered 11 points, five boards and four assists.
The Trail Blazers will list Jerami Grant (hamstring) as doubtful for Monday's game. Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) will remain out.
The Magic (43-31) are in exponentially better shape than their opponent, and they'll come into Monday fresh off having handed a team a sizable loss themselves -- Orlando's most recent time on the floor Saturday night resulted in a 118-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Wendell Carter Jr. paced the Magic with a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony matched Carter's scoring while adding four and three assists, respectively. Suggs added two steals and two blocks. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner posted 13 points each. Banchero also collected nine rebounds, seven assists and four blocks, while Wagner added four boards, four assists and one steal. Markelle Fultz supplied 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Magic will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead.
The Trail Blazers (19-55) are likely looking at an offseason of major change after another disappointing campaign, and they'll come into Monday's game having dropped nine straight contests. Their most recent stumble was a massive one, as they took a jaw-dropping 142-82 walloping from the Miami Heat on Friday night. Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 20 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Deandre Ayton furnished 18 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. Delano Banton tallied 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kris Murray delivered 11 points, five boards and four assists.
The Trail Blazers will list Jerami Grant (hamstring) as doubtful for Monday's game. Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) will remain out.
The Magic (43-31) are in exponentially better shape than their opponent, and they'll come into Monday fresh off having handed a team a sizable loss themselves -- Orlando's most recent time on the floor Saturday night resulted in a 118-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Wendell Carter Jr. paced the Magic with a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony matched Carter's scoring while adding four and three assists, respectively. Suggs added two steals and two blocks. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner posted 13 points each. Banchero also collected nine rebounds, seven assists and four blocks, while Wagner added four boards, four assists and one steal. Markelle Fultz supplied 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Magic will come into Monday's game without any injuries to report.
Monday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Magic holds a 1-0 series lead.
Hornets Host Top-Tier Celtics.
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets play host to the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center on Monday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hornets (18-55), after they fell short at home against the Clippers on Sunday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 12 points at halftime. They brought a better effort in the second but it was not enough as they fell short for a second straight loss. Miles Bridges led the way with 33 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the loss. Brandon Miller followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Grant Williams added 18 points, five rebounds and five assits. The Hornets will look to get back on track and improve on their, 10-26, home record as they face the fourth game of an eight-game hime stand.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (58-16) ended a two-game slide with a win in their last outing and they hope to stay on track as they face the sixth and final game of a road trip with the chance to add to their, 26-13, road record. Jayson Tatum continues to lead the squad, but he could be up for an even greater workload as the team's next two leading scorers, Jaylen Brown (hand) and Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) are listed as questionable for action. Tatum averages 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Derrick White continues to play well and is averaging 15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday averages 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The Celtics average 120.9 points per game, which is second-most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 109.5 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Hornets (18-55), after they fell short at home against the Clippers on Sunday. They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 12 points at halftime. They brought a better effort in the second but it was not enough as they fell short for a second straight loss. Miles Bridges led the way with 33 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the loss. Brandon Miller followed up with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Grant Williams added 18 points, five rebounds and five assits. The Hornets will look to get back on track and improve on their, 10-26, home record as they face the fourth game of an eight-game hime stand.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (58-16) ended a two-game slide with a win in their last outing and they hope to stay on track as they face the sixth and final game of a road trip with the chance to add to their, 26-13, road record. Jayson Tatum continues to lead the squad, but he could be up for an even greater workload as the team's next two leading scorers, Jaylen Brown (hand) and Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) are listed as questionable for action. Tatum averages 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Derrick White continues to play well and is averaging 15.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Jrue Holiday averages 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 0.9 steals per game. The Celtics average 120.9 points per game, which is second-most in the league, and they hold opponents to an average of 109.5 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league.
Pelicans Host Star-Studded Suns
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center on Monday evening.
The Pelicans (45-29) have dropped two of their last three games but hope to turn things around as they face the fourth game of a six-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 21-15, home record. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 22.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. CJ McCollum averages 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists, while Trey Murphy is averaging 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Jose Alvarado (oblique) missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action. Brandon Ingram (knee) has missed the last five games and will remain sidelined through Monday's action. The Pelicans average 115.2 points per game, but they limit opponents to an average of 110.3 points, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Suns (43-31) have dropped two of their last three games and look to get back on track as they face the fifth and final game of a road trip with the chance to improve on their, 20-17, road record. Kevin Durant continues to lead the squad, averaging 27.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Grayson Allen continues to provide a good boost, averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games. The Suns average 116.7 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 114.1 points per game.
The Pelicans (45-29) have dropped two of their last three games but hope to turn things around as they face the fourth game of a six-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 21-15, home record. Zion Williamson leads the team, averaging 22.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. CJ McCollum averages 20.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists, while Trey Murphy is averaging 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Jose Alvarado (oblique) missed the last two games and is listed as questionable for action. Brandon Ingram (knee) has missed the last five games and will remain sidelined through Monday's action. The Pelicans average 115.2 points per game, but they limit opponents to an average of 110.3 points, which is eighth fewest in the league.
Meanwhile, the Suns (43-31) have dropped two of their last three games and look to get back on track as they face the fifth and final game of a road trip with the chance to improve on their, 20-17, road record. Kevin Durant continues to lead the squad, averaging 27.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Devin Booker averages 27.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 0.9 steals, while Bradley Beal is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Grayson Allen continues to provide a good boost, averaging 16.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 10 games. The Suns average 116.7 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 114.1 points per game.
Bulls Host Hawks on Monday
The Chicago Bulls play host to the Atlanta Hawks at United Center on Monday.
The Hawks (34-40) have been playing better recently, entering this matchup winning four of their last five games. That hot stretch is huge because it's essentially locked the Hawks into the Play-In Tournament. They're likely going to face the Chicago Bulls in an elimination game in the Play-In Tourney, and there could be some reinforcements on the horizon. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are both expected to return before then, and that's quite the duo to add. It's even scarier since Dejounte Murray is playing some of the best basketball of his career right now, dropping 44 points in an overtime win against the Boston Celtics a few nights ago.
The Bulls (36-39) are struggling right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last six outings. This is one of the worst times to go on a losing streak, but it doesn't really matter since Chicago is stuck in the Play-In Tournament pool. They currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and are six games up on the team in 11th. They're also four games back of the Philadelphia 76ers in eighth, so it looks like they'll face this same team in an elimination game in about two weeks. What's really held this team back are the injuries in the backcourt. Lonzo Ball and Zach Lavine have missed most of the year, and it's tough to overcome losing your two backcourt studs.
This is the third meeting between these teams, with Chicago winning both. The Bulls have four wins in their last five matchups with the Hawks in total.
The Hawks (34-40) have been playing better recently, entering this matchup winning four of their last five games. That hot stretch is huge because it's essentially locked the Hawks into the Play-In Tournament. They're likely going to face the Chicago Bulls in an elimination game in the Play-In Tourney, and there could be some reinforcements on the horizon. Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are both expected to return before then, and that's quite the duo to add. It's even scarier since Dejounte Murray is playing some of the best basketball of his career right now, dropping 44 points in an overtime win against the Boston Celtics a few nights ago.
The Bulls (36-39) are struggling right now, entering this matchup losing four of their last six outings. This is one of the worst times to go on a losing streak, but it doesn't really matter since Chicago is stuck in the Play-In Tournament pool. They currently sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and are six games up on the team in 11th. They're also four games back of the Philadelphia 76ers in eighth, so it looks like they'll face this same team in an elimination game in about two weeks. What's really held this team back are the injuries in the backcourt. Lonzo Ball and Zach Lavine have missed most of the year, and it's tough to overcome losing your two backcourt studs.
This is the third meeting between these teams, with Chicago winning both. The Bulls have four wins in their last five matchups with the Hawks in total.