Bucks face Wizards in Eastern Conference clash Tuesday
The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.
With eight games left in the regular season, the Bucks (47-27) sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks grew that gap thanks to a 122-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, in a game that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the way with 36 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Milwaukee was without Damian Lillard, who missed his second game in a row due to a groin injury, but Patrick Beverley stepped into a starting role and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. If the Bucks want to make a deep postseason run, however, they'll need a healthy Lillard to do so.
Antetokounmpo (hamstring), Khris Middleton (ankle) and Beverley (wrist) and MarJon Beauchamp (back) are all probable for Tuesday's game, while Lillard (groin) and Jaylin Galloway (ankle) have both been ruled out.
Meanwhile the Wizards (14-61) are playing for pride at this point, as their playoff aspirations were non-existent heading into the second half of the season. There have been some positives for Washington this season, as the team has seen players like Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija develop into solid rotational players this season, and trade deadline acquisition Marvin Bagley has provided good minutes at center for the Wizards. They'll have plenty of questions around their roster this season -- including what to do with the contracts of Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma -- but the young players will look to solidify their spot on the team next season with good play as the regular season winds down.
Jared Butler (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (toe) are listed as questionable for Tuesday's game, while Landry Shamet (calf), Tyus Jones (back) and Kyle Kuzma (heel) are all out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final time the Bucks and Wizards face each other this season, with Milwaukee holding a 2-0 series lead.
With eight games left in the regular season, the Bucks (47-27) sit in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks grew that gap thanks to a 122-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, in a game that saw Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the way with 36 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Milwaukee was without Damian Lillard, who missed his second game in a row due to a groin injury, but Patrick Beverley stepped into a starting role and finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. If the Bucks want to make a deep postseason run, however, they'll need a healthy Lillard to do so.
Antetokounmpo (hamstring), Khris Middleton (ankle) and Beverley (wrist) and MarJon Beauchamp (back) are all probable for Tuesday's game, while Lillard (groin) and Jaylin Galloway (ankle) have both been ruled out.
Meanwhile the Wizards (14-61) are playing for pride at this point, as their playoff aspirations were non-existent heading into the second half of the season. There have been some positives for Washington this season, as the team has seen players like Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija develop into solid rotational players this season, and trade deadline acquisition Marvin Bagley has provided good minutes at center for the Wizards. They'll have plenty of questions around their roster this season -- including what to do with the contracts of Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma -- but the young players will look to solidify their spot on the team next season with good play as the regular season winds down.
Jared Butler (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (toe) are listed as questionable for Tuesday's game, while Landry Shamet (calf), Tyus Jones (back) and Kyle Kuzma (heel) are all out.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final time the Bucks and Wizards face each other this season, with Milwaukee holding a 2-0 series lead.
Lakers Travel North To Face Raptors
The Toronto Raptors will host the Los Angeles Lakers at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
The Raptors (23-51) are waiting for the end of the 2023-24 season to see how high they might pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. That’s the only motivation the team has left, as it’s already out of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference by a wide margin. The Raptors have not been playing well this season, but the constant personnel changes have not helped the organization, either. The current roster is almost unrecognizable compared to the one that opened the campaign, with most players already traded or injured. Toronto can’t even rely on two new acquisitions, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, as both have missed considerable time recently. To make things even more complicated, the Raptors are on a dreadful run of form. Their 135-120 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday extended their losing skid to 13 games.
The Raptors are listing RJ Barrett (personal) and Immanuel Quickley (personal) as game-time calls for Sunday. Chris Boucher (knee), D.J. Carton (ankle), Ochai Agbaji (hip), Gary Trent (rest), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Jontay Porter (personal) are out.
The Lakers (42-33) are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. On that note, their 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday was a step in the right direction. Not only did the Lakers get back to winning ways following an ugly 109-90 loss to the Indiana Pacers last week, but they did it by virtue of LeBron James, who stepped up when the team needed him the most to score 40 points in just 17 shots (13-17 FG). The Lakers have also won four of their last five, and the team has gone 3-1 in their current road trip, including a win over a championship-caliber squad such as the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers are trending in the right direction and could take another step toward the postseason if they get past a struggling Toronto team.
The Lakers are listing LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (calf) as questionable to play Tuesday. Cam Reddish (personal), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Christian Wood (knee) as out. Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) is out for the season.
The Raptors (23-51) are waiting for the end of the 2023-24 season to see how high they might pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. That’s the only motivation the team has left, as it’s already out of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference by a wide margin. The Raptors have not been playing well this season, but the constant personnel changes have not helped the organization, either. The current roster is almost unrecognizable compared to the one that opened the campaign, with most players already traded or injured. Toronto can’t even rely on two new acquisitions, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, as both have missed considerable time recently. To make things even more complicated, the Raptors are on a dreadful run of form. Their 135-120 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday extended their losing skid to 13 games.
The Raptors are listing RJ Barrett (personal) and Immanuel Quickley (personal) as game-time calls for Sunday. Chris Boucher (knee), D.J. Carton (ankle), Ochai Agbaji (hip), Gary Trent (rest), Scottie Barnes (hand), Jakob Poeltl (finger) and Jontay Porter (personal) are out.
The Lakers (42-33) are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. On that note, their 116-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday was a step in the right direction. Not only did the Lakers get back to winning ways following an ugly 109-90 loss to the Indiana Pacers last week, but they did it by virtue of LeBron James, who stepped up when the team needed him the most to score 40 points in just 17 shots (13-17 FG). The Lakers have also won four of their last five, and the team has gone 3-1 in their current road trip, including a win over a championship-caliber squad such as the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers are trending in the right direction and could take another step toward the postseason if they get past a struggling Toronto team.
The Lakers are listing LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (knee) and Jaxson Hayes (calf) as questionable to play Tuesday. Cam Reddish (personal), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Christian Wood (knee) as out. Jalen Hood-Schifino (back) is out for the season.
Knicks, Heat Tangle In South Beach
The Miami Heat will host the New York Knicks at Kaseya Center on Tuesday.
The Heat (41-33) are looking to take another step toward reaching the playoffs directly and without the Play-In Tournament. However, the final seeding remains to be seen, as the Heat are in a tight race with the Indiana Pacers for sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat are doing everything they can to remain alive in that race, though. They’re coming off a 119-107 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, which means the team has won two in a row and three of its last four. The Heat will also aim to respect their home court, as they’ve gone 19-17 at Kaseya Center on the season. The Heat will also try to avoid the sweep, as the Knicks have won the previous two head-to-head meetings this season. The most recent one was a 125-109 game on January 27.
The Heat are listing Terry Rozier (knee), Duncan Robinson (back), Caleb Martin (ankle) and Nikola Jovic (knee) are listed as GTD. Tyler Herro (foot) is out. Josh Richardson (shoulder) is out for the season.
The Knicks (44-30) have already secure a Top-6 seed in the Eastern, but the team has yet to automatically clinch a spot in the playoffs. The seeding remains to be determined, but unless something drastic happens, the Knicks should have home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Knicks are in dire need of a bounce-back performance, however. The team is coming off back-to-back losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, so New York must try to end the losing streak as soon as possible. Playing on the road might be less than ideal for most teams, but not the Knicks, as they have gone 20-16 on the road in the current campaign.
The Knicks are listing Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Charlie Brown (concussion) and Duane Washington (knee) as game-time decisions. OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) are out.
The Heat (41-33) are looking to take another step toward reaching the playoffs directly and without the Play-In Tournament. However, the final seeding remains to be seen, as the Heat are in a tight race with the Indiana Pacers for sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Heat are doing everything they can to remain alive in that race, though. They’re coming off a 119-107 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday, which means the team has won two in a row and three of its last four. The Heat will also aim to respect their home court, as they’ve gone 19-17 at Kaseya Center on the season. The Heat will also try to avoid the sweep, as the Knicks have won the previous two head-to-head meetings this season. The most recent one was a 125-109 game on January 27.
The Heat are listing Terry Rozier (knee), Duncan Robinson (back), Caleb Martin (ankle) and Nikola Jovic (knee) are listed as GTD. Tyler Herro (foot) is out. Josh Richardson (shoulder) is out for the season.
The Knicks (44-30) have already secure a Top-6 seed in the Eastern, but the team has yet to automatically clinch a spot in the playoffs. The seeding remains to be determined, but unless something drastic happens, the Knicks should have home-field advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Knicks are in dire need of a bounce-back performance, however. The team is coming off back-to-back losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, so New York must try to end the losing streak as soon as possible. Playing on the road might be less than ideal for most teams, but not the Knicks, as they have gone 20-16 on the road in the current campaign.
The Knicks are listing Mitchell Robinson (ankle), Charlie Brown (concussion) and Duane Washington (knee) as game-time decisions. OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder) are out.
Thunder and 76ers Meet in Philly
The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
The Thunder (52-22) are in an enviable position in the Western Conference, as they entered Monday's action with a half-game lead for the No. 1 seed and with three wins in their last four games. Their most recent success came Sunday, when they notched a thrilling 113-112 win over the New York Knicks that officially clinched OKC's postseason spot. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander furnished 19 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Josh Giddey recorded a 16-point, 13-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that included two blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will list Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Williams (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's game.
The 76ers (40-35) are in nowhere near as good a position as their opponent, but they do currently have possession of the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference and are coming off a high-scoring 135-120 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 32 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Payne furnished 24 points, three assists and one rebound. Tobias Harris delivered 21 points, nine boards, three assists and three blocks. Nicolas Batum registered 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kyle Lowry generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included one rebound, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers will list Tyrese Maxey (hip) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Thunder (52-22) are in an enviable position in the Western Conference, as they entered Monday's action with a half-game lead for the No. 1 seed and with three wins in their last four games. Their most recent success came Sunday, when they notched a thrilling 113-112 win over the New York Knicks that officially clinched OKC's postseason spot. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander furnished 19 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Josh Giddey recorded a 16-point, 13-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that included two blocks and one steal.
The Thunder will list Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Williams (ankle) as questionable for Tuesday's game.
The 76ers (40-35) are in nowhere near as good a position as their opponent, but they do currently have possession of the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference and are coming off a high-scoring 135-120 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 32 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Cameron Payne furnished 24 points, three assists and one rebound. Tobias Harris delivered 21 points, nine boards, three assists and three blocks. Nicolas Batum registered 19 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kyle Lowry generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that included one rebound, two blocks and one steal.
The 76ers will list Tyrese Maxey (hip) as questionable for Tuesday's contest. Joel Embiid (knee), Robert Covington (knee) and De'Anthony Melton (back) will remain out.
Tuesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The 76ers hold a 1-0 series lead.
Rockets and Timberwolves Tangle at Target
The Houston Rockets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Tuesday night.
The Rockets (38-36) were the hottest team in the league for the latter portion of March, rattling off 11 straight wins before seeing that streak snapped by a 125-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night. Jabari Smith Jr. paced the Rockets with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Aaron Holiday supplied 16 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Jalen Green finished with 12 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Jock Landale managed 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Fred VanVleet recorded 10 points, seven assists and two boards.
The Rockets will remain without Alperen Sengun (ankle) for Tuesday's game.
The Timberwolves (51-23) have been in impressive form most of the season despite some key injuries, and they check into Monday's contest having won seven of their last 10 games to place them in the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference for the moment. However, Minnesota's most recent time on the floor did result in a loss, as they dropped a 109-101 decision to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down 10 rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Conley also added four steals. Naz Reid totaled 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves will remain without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 series lead.
The Rockets (38-36) were the hottest team in the league for the latter portion of March, rattling off 11 straight wins before seeing that streak snapped by a 125-107 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night. Jabari Smith Jr. paced the Rockets with 28 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Aaron Holiday supplied 16 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Cam Whitmore furnished 13 points, five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Jalen Green finished with 12 points, six boards, five assists and one steal. Jock Landale managed 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Fred VanVleet recorded 10 points, seven assists and two boards.
The Rockets will remain without Alperen Sengun (ankle) for Tuesday's game.
The Timberwolves (51-23) have been in impressive form most of the season despite some key injuries, and they check into Monday's contest having won seven of their last 10 games to place them in the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference for the moment. However, Minnesota's most recent time on the floor did result in a loss, as they dropped a 109-101 decision to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night. Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley generated matching 19-point efforts while pulling down 10 rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Conley also added four steals. Naz Reid totaled 14 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
The Timberwolves will remain without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) for Tuesday's contest.
Tuesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 series lead.
Nuggets Look To Stay Strong At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Nuggets (52-23) put an end to a two-game slide with a win in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the fifth and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to improve on their, 30-8, home record. Nikola Jokic (hip) continues to lead the team, averaging 27.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.0 steals over four games since his last absence, and he is listed as probable for action. Micheal Porter averages 16.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while Reggie Jackson is averaging 10.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.6 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.8 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. Aaron Gordon (foot) is listed as probable for action, while Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as questionable to play.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (18-57) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last game but they hope to get back on track as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 8-29, road record. Victor Wembanyama continues to lead the squad, averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jeremy Sochan is averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.2 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.2 points per game, which is sixth-most in the league. Keldon Johnson (foot) and Dominick Barlow (knee) will be sidelined.
The Nuggets (52-23) put an end to a two-game slide with a win in their last outing. They will look to stay on track as they face the fifth and final game of a home stand with an opportunity to improve on their, 30-8, home record. Nikola Jokic (hip) continues to lead the team, averaging 27.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.0 steals over four games since his last absence, and he is listed as probable for action. Micheal Porter averages 16.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while Reggie Jackson is averaging 10.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. The Nuggets average 114.6 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 109.8 points per game, which is seventh fewest in the league. Aaron Gordon (foot) is listed as probable for action, while Jamal Murray (knee) is listed as questionable to play.
Meanwhile, the Spurs (18-57) saw a three-game win streak come to an end in their last game but they hope to get back on track as they kick off a two-game road trip with a chance to add to their, 8-29, road record. Victor Wembanyama continues to lead the squad, averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. Devin Vassell averages 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals, while Jeremy Sochan is averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. The Spurs average 112.2 points per game, but they give up an average of 119.2 points per game, which is sixth-most in the league. Keldon Johnson (foot) and Dominick Barlow (knee) will be sidelined.
Shorthanded Jazz Host Cavs
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Delta Center on Tuesday evening.
The Jazz (29-46) have dropped nine in a row and look to end the slide as they return home with a chance to add to their, 20-18, home record. Unfortunately, they remain shorthanded, as Jordan Clarkson (back), John Collins (back) and Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Collin Sexton continues to play well, averaging 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Keyonte George averages 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while Walker Kessler averages 8.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. The Jazz average 116.2 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Cavs (45-30) have dropped two of their last three games and hope to get back on track as they face the second game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 21-16, road record. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 12.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.5 steals over two games since returning from a six-game absence. Mitchell is averaging 26.8 points per game on the season and will have to continue to work his way back into top form. Darius Garland averages 18.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals, while Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The Cavs average 112.6 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 109.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league. Isaac Okoro (toe) and Dean Wade (knee) will be sidelined.
The Jazz (29-46) have dropped nine in a row and look to end the slide as they return home with a chance to add to their, 20-18, home record. Unfortunately, they remain shorthanded, as Jordan Clarkson (back), John Collins (back) and Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) will be sidelined. On the bright side, Collin Sexton continues to play well, averaging 18.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 0.8 steals per game. Keyonte George averages 12.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists, while Walker Kessler averages 8.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. The Jazz average 116.2 points per game, but they give up an average of 120.6 points per game, which is second most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Cavs (45-30) have dropped two of their last three games and hope to get back on track as they face the second game of a five-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 21-16, road record. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 12.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.5 steals over two games since returning from a six-game absence. Mitchell is averaging 26.8 points per game on the season and will have to continue to work his way back into top form. Darius Garland averages 18.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals, while Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. The Cavs average 112.6 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 109.7 points per game, which is sixth fewest in the league. Isaac Okoro (toe) and Dean Wade (knee) will be sidelined.
Warriors Host Mavs on Tuesday
The Golden State Warriors play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center on Tuesday.
The Mavericks (45-29) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning seven straight and 11 of their last 12 games in total. They also blew out the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing on Sunday, snapping their 11-game winning streak. Luka Doncic went nuclear in that performance, finishing with 47 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. They also got 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists from Kyrie Irving, with these two carrying the load in this unbelievable stretch. The additions of PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford were also critical at the trade deadline because those two have done a wonderful job in the frontcourt as well.
The Warriors (40-34) come into this matchup winning four straight games, narrowly beating the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in their most recent outing. This win streak couldn't come at a better time either because Golden State is losing its grip on the final Play-In Tourney spot. Houston has won 11 of their last 12 games behind them, with the Warriors sitting just two games up on the surging Rockets. Everybody believes that this Golden State team will take care of business when it matters most, but it looks like the dynasty is coming to an end. They have some serious questions to answer in the upcoming offseason because all of these pieces from the championship runs are approaching the end of their careers.
Dallas has won their first two games over Golden State, winning both of those games by 10 points apiece.
The Mavericks (45-29) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning seven straight and 11 of their last 12 games in total. They also blew out the Houston Rockets in their most recent outing on Sunday, snapping their 11-game winning streak. Luka Doncic went nuclear in that performance, finishing with 47 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. They also got 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists from Kyrie Irving, with these two carrying the load in this unbelievable stretch. The additions of PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford were also critical at the trade deadline because those two have done a wonderful job in the frontcourt as well.
The Warriors (40-34) come into this matchup winning four straight games, narrowly beating the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in their most recent outing. This win streak couldn't come at a better time either because Golden State is losing its grip on the final Play-In Tourney spot. Houston has won 11 of their last 12 games behind them, with the Warriors sitting just two games up on the surging Rockets. Everybody believes that this Golden State team will take care of business when it matters most, but it looks like the dynasty is coming to an end. They have some serious questions to answer in the upcoming offseason because all of these pieces from the championship runs are approaching the end of their careers.
Dallas has won their first two games over Golden State, winning both of those games by 10 points apiece.
Kings Host Clippers on Tuesday
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden One Center on Tuesday.
The Clippers (47-27) were really struggling a week ago but they come into this matchup amid a three-game winning streak. That was a needed stretch, too, because this team is falling dangerously close to the Play-In Tournament. Dallas and Phoenix are just two games back in fifth and sixth in the West, while a group of teams sit between seventh and 10th. What has fans really excited is to see the way Paul George performed on Sunday. The All-Star had a season-high 41 points in a 130-118 win over the Charlotte Hornets. They also got 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks from Ivica Zubac, which is scary since we didn't even mention Kawhi Leonard or James Harden.
The Kings (43-31) come into this matchup winning nine of their last 14 games, beating the Utah Jazz in their most recent outing on Sunday. That nice stretch has Sacramento battling to avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting eighth in the Western Conference right now. They're only two games back of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans in fifth and sixth. They're also just three games back of the Clippers in fourth, so a win here could help to close that gap. It'll be up to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to carry the load because Malik Monk will miss the remainder of the regular season with a knee issue. He was the favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year, and this team will miss his playmaking off of the bench.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning two of three. All of those matchups have been decided by 14 points or more.
The Clippers (47-27) were really struggling a week ago but they come into this matchup amid a three-game winning streak. That was a needed stretch, too, because this team is falling dangerously close to the Play-In Tournament. Dallas and Phoenix are just two games back in fifth and sixth in the West, while a group of teams sit between seventh and 10th. What has fans really excited is to see the way Paul George performed on Sunday. The All-Star had a season-high 41 points in a 130-118 win over the Charlotte Hornets. They also got 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks from Ivica Zubac, which is scary since we didn't even mention Kawhi Leonard or James Harden.
The Kings (43-31) come into this matchup winning nine of their last 14 games, beating the Utah Jazz in their most recent outing on Sunday. That nice stretch has Sacramento battling to avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting eighth in the Western Conference right now. They're only two games back of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans in fifth and sixth. They're also just three games back of the Clippers in fourth, so a win here could help to close that gap. It'll be up to De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis to carry the load because Malik Monk will miss the remainder of the regular season with a knee issue. He was the favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year, and this team will miss his playmaking off of the bench.
This is the fourth matchup between these teams, with Sacramento winning two of three. All of those matchups have been decided by 14 points or more.