Lakers look to finish road trip strong Wednesday vs. Wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers wrap up their six-game road trip Wednesday when they take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. It is the second and final time these two teams will face each other this season, with Los Angeles winning the first contest, 134-131, in overtime Feb. 29.
The Lakers (43-33) are 4-1 on their road trip and have won seven of their last eight games. Their latest win came in a 128-111 blowout over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, in a game that saw 20-point performances from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. Los Angeles sits in ninth place in the Western Conference standings and are just one game back of the Sacramento Kings for the eighth seed. A three-game homestand awaits the Lakers following Wednesday, and they’ll look to take advantage of that to secure a better placement heading into the postseason.
Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Cam Reddish (personal) are all listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Meanwhile the Wizards (15-61) have little to play for other than pride at this point in the season. That was showcased in their 117-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, when the Wizards were able to overcome a dominant triple-double performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Two players who have been playing well as of late for the Wizards are Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert. Since March 1, Avdija is averaging 17.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 35.4 minutes per game, while Kispert is averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 31.9 minutes per game while shooting 40.2 percent from three on 6.6 attempts per contest.
Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Kyle Kuzma (heel) and LAndry Shamet (calf) are all questionable for Wednesday’s game. Marvin Bagley left Tuesday’s game with a knee injury and was unable to return. His status for Wednesday’s game is not known.
The Lakers (43-33) are 4-1 on their road trip and have won seven of their last eight games. Their latest win came in a 128-111 blowout over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, in a game that saw 20-point performances from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell. Los Angeles sits in ninth place in the Western Conference standings and are just one game back of the Sacramento Kings for the eighth seed. A three-game homestand awaits the Lakers following Wednesday, and they’ll look to take advantage of that to secure a better placement heading into the postseason.
Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Gabe Vincent (knee) and Cam Reddish (personal) are all listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game.
Meanwhile the Wizards (15-61) have little to play for other than pride at this point in the season. That was showcased in their 117-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, when the Wizards were able to overcome a dominant triple-double performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Two players who have been playing well as of late for the Wizards are Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert. Since March 1, Avdija is averaging 17.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 35.4 minutes per game, while Kispert is averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 31.9 minutes per game while shooting 40.2 percent from three on 6.6 attempts per contest.
Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Kyle Kuzma (heel) and LAndry Shamet (calf) are all questionable for Wednesday’s game. Marvin Bagley left Tuesday’s game with a knee injury and was unable to return. His status for Wednesday’s game is not known.
Hornets, Blazers Set To Clash Wednesday
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Portland Trail Blazers at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (18-57) are thinking about next season already. The team has nothing to play for in 2023-24, and with several key players sidelined, the team is facing the final games of the schedule with an eye on the franchise’s long-term future. On that note, it’s not surprising to see the Hornets on a three-game losing streak while dropping four of their last five contests, especially since their past three opponents have been the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. Charlotte faces another team that’s already eliminated here, and it would be a perfect chance to end the streak and add another row to the win column. That has been hard to come by at home, where the Hornets own a disappointing 10-27 mark.
Vasilije Micic (shoulder), Miles Bridges (wrist), Grant Williams (ankle) and Brandon Miller (ankle) are all game-time calls for Wednesday. Seth Curry (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back) and Cody Martin (ankle) are out for the season.
The Trail Blazers (19-56) are in an even more complicated scenario than the Hornets despite having a better overall record. The Blazers are coming off a 104-103 loss to the Orlando Magic on the road, and the game has gone 0-4 in the current road trip through the Eastern Conference. That span includes a whopping 60-point defeat to the hands of the Miami Heat. Portland’s woes on the defensive end have been noticeable all season long, and outside of being winless on the road trip, the Blazers are also riding a negative 10-game losing streak while dropping 14 of their last 16 contests. The lone bright spot in recent weeks has been the play of Dalano Banton, who’s averaging 18.8 points per game across his last 11 outings.
The Trail Blazers will list Jerami Grant (hamstring) as doubtful for Wednesday’s game, same as Justin Minaya (back) who’s also going to be a game-time call. Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) will remain out. Toumani Camara (ribs) and Robert Williams (knee) are out for the season.
The Hornets (18-57) are thinking about next season already. The team has nothing to play for in 2023-24, and with several key players sidelined, the team is facing the final games of the schedule with an eye on the franchise’s long-term future. On that note, it’s not surprising to see the Hornets on a three-game losing streak while dropping four of their last five contests, especially since their past three opponents have been the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. Charlotte faces another team that’s already eliminated here, and it would be a perfect chance to end the streak and add another row to the win column. That has been hard to come by at home, where the Hornets own a disappointing 10-27 mark.
Vasilije Micic (shoulder), Miles Bridges (wrist), Grant Williams (ankle) and Brandon Miller (ankle) are all game-time calls for Wednesday. Seth Curry (ankle), LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (back) and Cody Martin (ankle) are out for the season.
The Trail Blazers (19-56) are in an even more complicated scenario than the Hornets despite having a better overall record. The Blazers are coming off a 104-103 loss to the Orlando Magic on the road, and the game has gone 0-4 in the current road trip through the Eastern Conference. That span includes a whopping 60-point defeat to the hands of the Miami Heat. Portland’s woes on the defensive end have been noticeable all season long, and outside of being winless on the road trip, the Blazers are also riding a negative 10-game losing streak while dropping 14 of their last 16 contests. The lone bright spot in recent weeks has been the play of Dalano Banton, who’s averaging 18.8 points per game across his last 11 outings.
The Trail Blazers will list Jerami Grant (hamstring) as doubtful for Wednesday’s game, same as Justin Minaya (back) who’s also going to be a game-time call. Anfernee Simons (knee), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) will remain out. Toumani Camara (ribs) and Robert Williams (knee) are out for the season.
Hawks Aim To Secure Playoff Berth, Host Pistons
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Detroit Pistons at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hawks (35-40) might sit five games below the .500 mark, but the team is on the verge of reaching the postseason as a Play-In team. The equation is simple, as either a win from the Hawks or a Nets loss would be enough for Atlanta to clinch the postseason berth. This has been even more surprising since Trae Young has missed several due to a nagging finger injury in the last few weeks. Thankfully for the Hawks, names such as Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela have stepped their game up. The Hawks have been on a roll of late as well, as their 113-101 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday means the team has won four of its last five contests.
The Hawks are listing Mouhamed Gueye (elbow), Trae Young (finger), AJ Griffin (ankle) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) as out. Saddiq Bey (knee) is out for the season.
The Pistons (13-62) got back to losing ways Monday following a disappointing 110-108 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Detroit is already thinking about next season, and the team is simply planning for the future amid what has been another lost season for them. Detroit has struggled to get things going all season long, but the struggles of the Washington Wizards have the Pistons still alive in the race to avoid ending in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have gone 6-30 on the road, and the team is looking to avoid the season sweep by Atlanta after losing the previous two contests against the Hawks.
The Pistons are listing Taj Gibson (hamstring), Cade Cunningham (knee) and Marcus Sasser (illness) as questionable. Simone Fontecchio (toe) has been ruled out. Stanley Umude (ankle), Ausar Thompson (illness), Quentin Grimes (knee) and Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) are out for the season.
The Hawks (35-40) might sit five games below the .500 mark, but the team is on the verge of reaching the postseason as a Play-In team. The equation is simple, as either a win from the Hawks or a Nets loss would be enough for Atlanta to clinch the postseason berth. This has been even more surprising since Trae Young has missed several due to a nagging finger injury in the last few weeks. Thankfully for the Hawks, names such as Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter and Clint Capela have stepped their game up. The Hawks have been on a roll of late as well, as their 113-101 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday means the team has won four of its last five contests.
The Hawks are listing Mouhamed Gueye (elbow), Trae Young (finger), AJ Griffin (ankle) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) as out. Saddiq Bey (knee) is out for the season.
The Pistons (13-62) got back to losing ways Monday following a disappointing 110-108 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies. Detroit is already thinking about next season, and the team is simply planning for the future amid what has been another lost season for them. Detroit has struggled to get things going all season long, but the struggles of the Washington Wizards have the Pistons still alive in the race to avoid ending in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have gone 6-30 on the road, and the team is looking to avoid the season sweep by Atlanta after losing the previous two contests against the Hawks.
The Pistons are listing Taj Gibson (hamstring), Cade Cunningham (knee) and Marcus Sasser (illness) as questionable. Simone Fontecchio (toe) has been ruled out. Stanley Umude (ankle), Ausar Thompson (illness), Quentin Grimes (knee) and Isaiah Stewart (hamstring) are out for the season.
Thunder and Celtics Tangle at TD
The Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (52-23) are fighting to keep the top spot in the Western Conference, and they'd done a good job in that regard with three wins in four games before falling to the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-105, on Tuesday night. Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins produced matching 15-point contributions while posting four and eight rebounds, respectively. Isaiah Joe furnished 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Josh Giddey finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Thunder will likely list Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jalen Williams (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game after sitting out Tuesday's contest.
The Celtics (59-16) have an unbreakable grasp on the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and although they recently endured a rare two-game losing streak, they bounced back from it with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they made quick work of the Charlotte Hornets by a 118-104 score. Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser co-led the Celtics with 25 points while pulling down 10 and five rebounds, respectively. Kristaps Porzingis managed 20 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Derrick White tallied 19 points, nine boards, five assists and one block. Al Horford registered 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Celtics will list Jaylen Brown (hand) and Jaden Springer (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead.
The Thunder (52-23) are fighting to keep the top spot in the Western Conference, and they'd done a good job in that regard with three wins in four games before falling to the Philadelphia 76ers, 109-105, on Tuesday night. Chet Holmgren led the Thunder with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins produced matching 15-point contributions while posting four and eight rebounds, respectively. Isaiah Joe furnished 14 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Josh Giddey finished with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block.
The Thunder will likely list Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jalen Williams (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game after sitting out Tuesday's contest.
The Celtics (59-16) have an unbreakable grasp on the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and although they recently endured a rare two-game losing streak, they bounced back from it with consecutive victories. Their most recent success came Monday night, when they made quick work of the Charlotte Hornets by a 118-104 score. Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser co-led the Celtics with 25 points while pulling down 10 and five rebounds, respectively. Kristaps Porzingis managed 20 points, seven boards, five assists and one block. Derrick White tallied 19 points, nine boards, five assists and one block. Al Horford registered 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Celtics will list Jaylen Brown (hand) and Jaden Springer (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Thunder holds a 1-0 series lead.
Nets, Pacers Clash Again
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second of back-to-back meetings between the Nets and Pacers, after the Pacers walked away with a, 133-111, home win in their previous encounter on Monday. The Pacers were out to a great start with a 16-point lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second and pushed their lead up to 28 points at halftime. The Nets had no answers in the third and put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points, four rebounds, 13 assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Smith followed up with 17 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 22 points on 7-for-16 shooting, and Trendon Watford followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Nets (29-47) will look to get back on track as they face the first game of a four-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 17-20, home record. Cameron Johnson (toe) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action, while Dennis Smith (hip) also missed the last game and is listed as questionable.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (43-33) hope to build on their two-game win streak as they head out for a one-game trip with a chance to build on their, 20-18, road record. Myles Turner (finger) is listed as questionable for action.
This marks the second of back-to-back meetings between the Nets and Pacers, after the Pacers walked away with a, 133-111, home win in their previous encounter on Monday. The Pacers were out to a great start with a 16-point lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second and pushed their lead up to 28 points at halftime. The Nets had no answers in the third and put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points, four rebounds, 13 assists, a steal and a block, while Jalen Smith followed up with 17 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 22 points on 7-for-16 shooting, and Trendon Watford followed up with 21 points, two rebounds, a steal and a block.
The Nets (29-47) will look to get back on track as they face the first game of a four-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 17-20, home record. Cameron Johnson (toe) missed the last game but is listed as probable for action, while Dennis Smith (hip) also missed the last game and is listed as questionable.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (43-33) hope to build on their two-game win streak as they head out for a one-game trip with a chance to build on their, 20-18, road record. Myles Turner (finger) is listed as questionable for action.
Slumping Pelicans Host Magic
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Orlando Magic at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pelicans (45-30) have dropped two in a row and hope to keep rolling as they face the fifth game of a six-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 21-16, home record. Zion Williamson continues to lead the team, averaging 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. Brandon Ingram (knee) is the next-leading scorer but has missed the last six games and is expected to remain out through Wednesday's action. CJ McCollum averages 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.9 steals, while Trey Murphy is averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Pelicans average 115.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.5 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league. Jose Alvarado (oblique) also remains out.
Meanwhile, the Magic (44-31) have won two in a row and look to keep it up as they kick off a two-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 17-19, road record. Paolo Banchero continues to lead the way, averaging 22.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Franz Wagner averages 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Suggs is averaging 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The Magic average 110.4 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 108.2 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
The Pelicans (45-30) have dropped two in a row and hope to keep rolling as they face the fifth game of a six-game home stand with the chance to add to their, 21-16, home record. Zion Williamson continues to lead the team, averaging 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals over the last 10 games. Brandon Ingram (knee) is the next-leading scorer but has missed the last six games and is expected to remain out through Wednesday's action. CJ McCollum averages 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 0.9 steals, while Trey Murphy is averaging 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The Pelicans average 115.2 points per game, and they hold opponents to an average of 110.5 points per game, which is eighth fewest in the league. Jose Alvarado (oblique) also remains out.
Meanwhile, the Magic (44-31) have won two in a row and look to keep it up as they kick off a two-game road trip with the chance to improve on their, 17-19, road record. Paolo Banchero continues to lead the way, averaging 22.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game. Franz Wagner averages 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Suggs is averaging 12.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The Magic average 110.4 points per game, but they hold opponents to an average of 108.2 points per game, which is third fewest in the league.
Grizzlies and Bucks Meet at Fiserv
The Memphis Grizzlies take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Grizzlies (25-50) are naturally playing out the string on a non-contending season, but they're still playing competitively on occasion and are coming off having snapped a three-game losing streak with a 110-108 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 40 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Luke Kennard tallied 19 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Brandon Clarke furnished 15 points, seven boards, two blocks and one steal. Jake LaRavia supplied 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. GG Jackson recorded 11 points, four boards, four assists and one block.
The Grizzlies will list John Konchar (heel) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Desmond Bane (back), Marcus Smart (finger), Yuta Watanabe (personal) and Vince Williams (knee) will remain out.
The Bucks (47-28) are fighting to hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, but they haven't helped themselves in that regard by losing three of their last four contests. Their most recent stumble was particularly surprising, as it came against an injury-hampered and non-contending Wizards squad by a 117-113 margin Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 35-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Khris Middleton delivered 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Pat Connaughton turned in 15 points, eight boards, five assists and one block. Bobby Portis generated a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that included three assists and one block.
The Bucks will likely list Damian Lillard (personal/groin) and Patrick Beverley (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Grizzlies hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Grizzlies (25-50) are naturally playing out the string on a non-contending season, but they're still playing competitively on occasion and are coming off having snapped a three-game losing streak with a 110-108 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 40 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Luke Kennard tallied 19 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Brandon Clarke furnished 15 points, seven boards, two blocks and one steal. Jake LaRavia supplied 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. GG Jackson recorded 11 points, four boards, four assists and one block.
The Grizzlies will list John Konchar (heel) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Desmond Bane (back), Marcus Smart (finger), Yuta Watanabe (personal) and Vince Williams (knee) will remain out.
The Bucks (47-28) are fighting to hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, but they haven't helped themselves in that regard by losing three of their last four contests. Their most recent stumble was particularly surprising, as it came against an injury-hampered and non-contending Wizards squad by a 117-113 margin Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 35-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Khris Middleton delivered 24 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Pat Connaughton turned in 15 points, eight boards, five assists and one block. Bobby Portis generated a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that included three assists and one block.
The Bucks will likely list Damian Lillard (personal/groin) and Patrick Beverley (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Grizzlies hold a 1-0 series lead.
T'Wolves Host Raptors on Wednesday
The Toronto Raptors travel to Minneapolis to play the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on Wednesday.
The Raptors (23-52) come into this matchup losing 14 straight games. It's hard to believe this team was battling for a playoff spot before that nightmarish run, but the writing was on the wall when they made some big trades earlier in the season. This team parted ways with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby while losing Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes to injuries. That's too many absences to make up, despite RJ Barrett, Immanuel Qyickley and Kelly Olynyk all playing well for their new team. Losing 14 games in a row is more about effort than anything else, though, because this club has the talent to beat at least one of those teams.
The Timberwolves (52-23) have been the biggest surprise in the NBA, battling for the top seed in the Western Conference. Nobody could have seen that coming at the beginning of the year, with Minnesota sitting 0,5 games behind the Denver Nuggets in first. We also saw the Timberwolves defeat the Nuggets a few nights ago, and this team feels like they match up well with the defending champs. What's made Minnesota such a scary team is their defense, posting the best defensive rating in the NBA. That can be attributed to the addition of Rudy Gobert because he changes everything with the way he protects the basket and the paint.
These teams played back on October 25, with Toronto prevailing, 97-94. The Raptors have won five of their last six games over the Timberwolves in this series.
The Raptors (23-52) come into this matchup losing 14 straight games. It's hard to believe this team was battling for a playoff spot before that nightmarish run, but the writing was on the wall when they made some big trades earlier in the season. This team parted ways with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby while losing Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes to injuries. That's too many absences to make up, despite RJ Barrett, Immanuel Qyickley and Kelly Olynyk all playing well for their new team. Losing 14 games in a row is more about effort than anything else, though, because this club has the talent to beat at least one of those teams.
The Timberwolves (52-23) have been the biggest surprise in the NBA, battling for the top seed in the Western Conference. Nobody could have seen that coming at the beginning of the year, with Minnesota sitting 0,5 games behind the Denver Nuggets in first. We also saw the Timberwolves defeat the Nuggets a few nights ago, and this team feels like they match up well with the defending champs. What's made Minnesota such a scary team is their defense, posting the best defensive rating in the NBA. That can be attributed to the addition of Rudy Gobert because he changes everything with the way he protects the basket and the paint.
These teams played back on October 25, with Toronto prevailing, 97-94. The Raptors have won five of their last six games over the Timberwolves in this series.
Cavs Host Suns on Wednesday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
The Suns (44-31) come into this matchup winning nine of their last 14 games. That's the type of run we've been waiting to see all season, with the Suns struggling throughout the year. This is the right time to get hot, though, because Phoenix is doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Suns sit eighth in the Western Conference but they are just one game back of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans in fourth and fifth. That means a ton can be decided over these final 10 days, and Phoenix is a club no one wants to face. That was clear when Devin Booker dropped 52 points on those Pelicans a few nights ago!
The Cavaliers (46-30) have traded off wins and losses across their last six games, posting a 5-8 record across their last 13 games in total. They actually haven't won more than two straight games in two months and it's hard to understand why this team can't find some consistency. Not having Donovan Mitchell has been a killer, but he was able to return over the weekend. He hasn't looked right since returning from that injury, and one has to wonder if he rushed back. This club needs him to be playing at an All-Star level soon, though, because Cleveland is trying to hold off numerous teams for the three-seed in the Eastern Conference.
These teams played on March 11, with Phoenix prevailing, 117-111. The Suns have won six of their last eight games over the Cavs in total.
The Suns (44-31) come into this matchup winning nine of their last 14 games. That's the type of run we've been waiting to see all season, with the Suns struggling throughout the year. This is the right time to get hot, though, because Phoenix is doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Suns sit eighth in the Western Conference but they are just one game back of the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans in fourth and fifth. That means a ton can be decided over these final 10 days, and Phoenix is a club no one wants to face. That was clear when Devin Booker dropped 52 points on those Pelicans a few nights ago!
The Cavaliers (46-30) have traded off wins and losses across their last six games, posting a 5-8 record across their last 13 games in total. They actually haven't won more than two straight games in two months and it's hard to understand why this team can't find some consistency. Not having Donovan Mitchell has been a killer, but he was able to return over the weekend. He hasn't looked right since returning from that injury, and one has to wonder if he rushed back. This club needs him to be playing at an All-Star level soon, though, because Cleveland is trying to hold off numerous teams for the three-seed in the Eastern Conference.
These teams played on March 11, with Phoenix prevailing, 117-111. The Suns have won six of their last eight games over the Cavs in total.