Pacers, Thunder Collide In Pivotal Contest
The Indiana Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday.
The Pacers (43-34) sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference entering Friday’s action. The team is battling to secure a direct spot in the first round of the playoffs. Indiana is fighting with the Miami Heat for that elusive sixth spot, but the Heat have played fewer games, so they seem to have an edge in this battle. Plus, they hold a slim lead over the Philadelphia 76ers (8th) and are within reach of the New York Knicks (5th), so their playoff seeding is far to be determined. The Pacers need to bounce back, though, as they’re coming off a 115-111 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, a game Indiana probably shouldn’t have lost in their race for a playoff berth. Indiana has gone 23-15 at home and has won three of its last five contests.
The Pacers are listing Myles Turner (finger) as a game-time call for Friday, while Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
Like the Pacers, the Thunder (52-24) aim to use the final days of the 2023-24 regular season to determine their playoff seeding. Even though Oklahoma City has already secured a playoff berth in the Western Conference, the team is still within reach of the first seed. However, the Thunder are expected to engage in a tight battle with the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for that top seed. The Thunder also have to prioritize their health over winning a few games, as they’ve been missing key pieces such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in recent outings. The Thunder are also in dire need of a bounce-back performance. They’re coming off a 135-100 loss to the Boston Celtics and have dropped two in a row, as well as three of their last five contests.
The Thunder are listing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jalen Williams (ankle) as game-time decisions for Friday. The rest of the team is available.
The Pacers (43-34) sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference entering Friday’s action. The team is battling to secure a direct spot in the first round of the playoffs. Indiana is fighting with the Miami Heat for that elusive sixth spot, but the Heat have played fewer games, so they seem to have an edge in this battle. Plus, they hold a slim lead over the Philadelphia 76ers (8th) and are within reach of the New York Knicks (5th), so their playoff seeding is far to be determined. The Pacers need to bounce back, though, as they’re coming off a 115-111 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, a game Indiana probably shouldn’t have lost in their race for a playoff berth. Indiana has gone 23-15 at home and has won three of its last five contests.
The Pacers are listing Myles Turner (finger) as a game-time call for Friday, while Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) is out for the rest of the season.
Like the Pacers, the Thunder (52-24) aim to use the final days of the 2023-24 regular season to determine their playoff seeding. Even though Oklahoma City has already secured a playoff berth in the Western Conference, the team is still within reach of the first seed. However, the Thunder are expected to engage in a tight battle with the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for that top seed. The Thunder also have to prioritize their health over winning a few games, as they’ve been missing key pieces such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in recent outings. The Thunder are also in dire need of a bounce-back performance. They’re coming off a 135-100 loss to the Boston Celtics and have dropped two in a row, as well as three of their last five contests.
The Thunder are listing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and Jalen Williams (ankle) as game-time decisions for Friday. The rest of the team is available.
Wizards, Blazers Collide In DC
The Washington Wizards will host the Portland Trail Blazers at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Wizards (15-62) have nothing to play for in the final days of the 2023-24 regular season. Washington has one goal in mind, and that is not to end the regular season in last place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards have been playing poorly in recent weeks as well, and while they secured a 117-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 2, the Wizards have lost four of their last five contests. The Wizards have also gone a meager 7-32 at home, so playing in front of their fans is not a decisive factor. The Wizards have the edge in the season series, defeating Portland by a 118-117 score on December 22.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Landry Shamet (calf), Deni Avdija (head) and Johnny Davis (ankle) as game-time calls for Friday. Marvin Bagley (knee) is out. Isaiah Livers (hip) and Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) are out for the season.
Like the Wizards, the Blazers (20-56) also sit near the bottom of the standings in their respective Conference. Portland ended its losing streak with an 89-86 win over the Charlotte Hornets the last time out. However, the Blazers have lost 29 of their 38 games away from home. This game marks the middle of a seven-game road trip for the Blazers, and they’ve gone 1-4 in that stretch so far. The Blazers are looking toward their long-term picture, and the team will give extra minutes to their young players in hopes of assessing the future of the franchise -- even if that means racking up losses left and right in the final weeks of the campaign.
The Trail Blazers are listing Jerami Grant (hamstring), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Anfernee Simons (knee), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Justin Minaya (back). Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) is out. Toumani Camara (ribs) and Robert Williams (knee) are out for the season.
The Wizards (15-62) have nothing to play for in the final days of the 2023-24 regular season. Washington has one goal in mind, and that is not to end the regular season in last place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards have been playing poorly in recent weeks as well, and while they secured a 117-113 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 2, the Wizards have lost four of their last five contests. The Wizards have also gone a meager 7-32 at home, so playing in front of their fans is not a decisive factor. The Wizards have the edge in the season series, defeating Portland by a 118-117 score on December 22.
The Wizards are listing Tyus Jones (back), Richaun Holmes (toe), Landry Shamet (calf), Deni Avdija (head) and Johnny Davis (ankle) as game-time calls for Friday. Marvin Bagley (knee) is out. Isaiah Livers (hip) and Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) are out for the season.
Like the Wizards, the Blazers (20-56) also sit near the bottom of the standings in their respective Conference. Portland ended its losing streak with an 89-86 win over the Charlotte Hornets the last time out. However, the Blazers have lost 29 of their 38 games away from home. This game marks the middle of a seven-game road trip for the Blazers, and they’ve gone 1-4 in that stretch so far. The Blazers are looking toward their long-term picture, and the team will give extra minutes to their young players in hopes of assessing the future of the franchise -- even if that means racking up losses left and right in the final weeks of the campaign.
The Trail Blazers are listing Jerami Grant (hamstring), Malcolm Brogdon (elbow), Anfernee Simons (knee), Matisse Thybulle (ankle) and Justin Minaya (back). Shaedon Sharpe (abdomen) is out. Toumani Camara (ribs) and Robert Williams (knee) are out for the season.
Magic Aim To Extend Run, Visit Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets will host the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Hornets (18-58) have nothing to play for in the final days of the 2023-24 regular season. The team’s goal is to play with an eye on the future, and that will be even more important now that the Hornets announced the departure of Steve Clifford as head coach for the 2024-25 campaign. Everyone will be starting from scratch, so the Hornets will aim to take the next step in their rebuilding process in the coming months. Charlotte is looking to avoid the last place in the standings, a battle the team is fighting on a daily basis with the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. Charlotte has been struggling in recent weeks, though. The team enters this game on a four-game losing skid while posting a 10-28 mark at home. Their most recent game finished with an 89-86 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The Hornets are listing Vasilije Micic (shoulder), Miles Bridges (wrist), Nick Richards (foot) and Amari Bailey (illness) are game-time calls for Friday. Mark Williams (back) is out. Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) are out for the season.
The Magic (45-31) have already clinched a playoff berth, and given they sit 14 games over the .500 mark, it would take a massive disaster for them to lose their Top 6 seeding. The Magic depend only on themselves to secure a spot in the first round of the playoffs and avoid the Play-In Tournament, and based on their recent results, they’re trending in the right direction. The Magic enters this game on a three-game winning run following their 117-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Plus, Orlando has proven to be a serviceable team on the road thanks to its 18-19 record away from home. The Magic will also aim to complete the season sweep of the Hornets after winning the previous three head-to-head meetings.
The Magic are listing Caleb Houstan (ankle) as a game-time decision for Friday. The rest of the team is available.
The Hornets (18-58) have nothing to play for in the final days of the 2023-24 regular season. The team’s goal is to play with an eye on the future, and that will be even more important now that the Hornets announced the departure of Steve Clifford as head coach for the 2024-25 campaign. Everyone will be starting from scratch, so the Hornets will aim to take the next step in their rebuilding process in the coming months. Charlotte is looking to avoid the last place in the standings, a battle the team is fighting on a daily basis with the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. Charlotte has been struggling in recent weeks, though. The team enters this game on a four-game losing skid while posting a 10-28 mark at home. Their most recent game finished with an 89-86 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The Hornets are listing Vasilije Micic (shoulder), Miles Bridges (wrist), Nick Richards (foot) and Amari Bailey (illness) are game-time calls for Friday. Mark Williams (back) is out. Seth Curry (ankle), Cody Martin (ankle) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) are out for the season.
The Magic (45-31) have already clinched a playoff berth, and given they sit 14 games over the .500 mark, it would take a massive disaster for them to lose their Top 6 seeding. The Magic depend only on themselves to secure a spot in the first round of the playoffs and avoid the Play-In Tournament, and based on their recent results, they’re trending in the right direction. The Magic enters this game on a three-game winning run following their 117-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Plus, Orlando has proven to be a serviceable team on the road thanks to its 18-19 record away from home. The Magic will also aim to complete the season sweep of the Hornets after winning the previous three head-to-head meetings.
The Magic are listing Caleb Houstan (ankle) as a game-time decision for Friday. The rest of the team is available.
Kings and Celtics Set for Interconference Showdown
The Sacramento Kings take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Kings (44-32) continue to jockey for postseason position in the Western Conference, making their 120-109 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, one where they held a 15-point lead after one, particularly ill-timed. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block. Keegan Murray furnished 18 points, two boards and one block. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Sasha Vezenkov and Davion Mitchell generated matching 11-point, two-rebound efforts while producing two and one assist, respectively. Keon Ellis matched his teammates' scoring and added four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Kings will remain without Malik Monk (knee) for Friday's game.
The Celtics (60-16) will be looking to manage the playing time of their stars moving forward, as Wednesday's 135-100 rout of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston's third straight victory, clinched home-court edge for Joe Mazzulla's club throughout the postseason. Against OKC, Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown managed 23 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Al Horford compiled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Payton Pritchard offered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points.
The Celtics will list Derrick White (back) and Brown (hand) as questionable for Friday's contest, while Jaden Springer (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Kings (44-32) continue to jockey for postseason position in the Western Conference, making their 120-109 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, one where they held a 15-point lead after one, particularly ill-timed. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block. Keegan Murray furnished 18 points, two boards and one block. Domantas Sabonis generated a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one block. Sasha Vezenkov and Davion Mitchell generated matching 11-point, two-rebound efforts while producing two and one assist, respectively. Keon Ellis matched his teammates' scoring and added four assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Kings will remain without Malik Monk (knee) for Friday's game.
The Celtics (60-16) will be looking to manage the playing time of their stars moving forward, as Wednesday's 135-100 rout of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston's third straight victory, clinched home-court edge for Joe Mazzulla's club throughout the postseason. Against OKC, Kristaps Porzingis paced the Celtics with a 27-point, 12-rebound double-double that included four assists, five blocks and one steal. Jayson Tatum recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jaylen Brown managed 23 points, seven boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Al Horford compiled 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Payton Pritchard offered 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals. Sam Hauser netted 10 points.
The Celtics will list Derrick White (back) and Brown (hand) as questionable for Friday's contest, while Jaden Springer (knee) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics hold a 1-0 series lead.
Spurs and Pelicans Meet in Big Easy
The San Antonio Spurs take on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Spurs (18-58) recently put together a season-high three-game winning streak, but they've subsequently lost back-to-back games despite playing competitively in both contests. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they were edged by the Denver Nuggets, 110-105. Malaki Branham paced the Spurs with 24 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Victor Wembanyama followed with a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double that included eight assists, nine blocks and one steal. Zach Collins furnished 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Justin Champagnie compiled 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Tre Jones generated a 10-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Cedi Osman produced matching 10-point, one-assist efforts while pulling down nine and three rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs will be without Osman (ankle) and Dominick Barlow (knee) for Friday's game. Keldon Johnson (foot) will be listed as questionable.
The Pelicans (45-31) are stumbling at a particularly inopportune time of year, as they've dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 117-108 score. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with a 36-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Dyson Daniels delivered 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Zion Williamson registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Trey Murphy recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Pelicans will list Williamson (finger) as questionable for Friday's game. Brandon Ingram (knee) and Jose Alvarado (oblique) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 3-0 series lead.
The Spurs (18-58) recently put together a season-high three-game winning streak, but they've subsequently lost back-to-back games despite playing competitively in both contests. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they were edged by the Denver Nuggets, 110-105. Malaki Branham paced the Spurs with 24 points, supplementing them with three rebounds and one assist. Victor Wembanyama followed with a 23-point, 15-rebound double-double that included eight assists, nine blocks and one steal. Zach Collins furnished 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Justin Champagnie compiled 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Tre Jones generated a 10-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Cedi Osman produced matching 10-point, one-assist efforts while pulling down nine and three rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs will be without Osman (ankle) and Dominick Barlow (knee) for Friday's game. Keldon Johnson (foot) will be listed as questionable.
The Pelicans (45-31) are stumbling at a particularly inopportune time of year, as they've dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of the Orlando Magic, which toppled them by a 117-108 score. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with a 36-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Dyson Daniels delivered 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Zion Williamson registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Trey Murphy recorded 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Pelicans will list Williamson (finger) as questionable for Friday's game. Brandon Ingram (knee) and Jose Alvarado (oblique) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season. The Pelicans hold a 3-0 series lead.
Knicks and Bulls Face Off in Windy City
The New York Knicks take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Friday night.
The Knicks (45-31) went into Thursday's tough interconference matchup against the Sacramento Kings with an untimely three-game losing streak, but they managed to snap that skid with a 120-109 victory. Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with a 35-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and three steals. Josh Hart supplied 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo furnished 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block. Miles McBride and Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 12 points apiece, with McBride adding four rebounds and three assists.
The Knicks will remain without Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) for Friday's game.
The Bulls (36-40) have already clinched a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, but they're not exactly doing a good job building momentum considering they've dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those stumbles, as they dropped a 113-101 decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Coby White supplied 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 18-rebound double-double.
The Bulls will list Torrey Craig (knee) as probable for Friday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead.
The Knicks (45-31) went into Thursday's tough interconference matchup against the Sacramento Kings with an untimely three-game losing streak, but they managed to snap that skid with a 120-109 victory. Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with a 35-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and three steals. Josh Hart supplied 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo furnished 21 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block. Miles McBride and Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 12 points apiece, with McBride adding four rebounds and three assists.
The Knicks will remain without Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow) for Friday's game.
The Bulls (36-40) have already clinched a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, but they're not exactly doing a good job building momentum considering they've dropped five of their last seven games. Their most recent time on the court resulted in one of those stumbles, as they dropped a 113-101 decision to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists, two rebounds and two steals. Coby White supplied 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu totaled 15 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 18-rebound double-double.
The Bulls will list Torrey Craig (knee) as probable for Friday's game. Julian Phillips (foot) will remain out.
Friday's game marks the second of four meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead.
Slumping Rockets Host Heat
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets play host to the Miami Heat at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (38-38), after a 23-point home loss against the Warriors on Thursday. They got out to a slow start and trailed, 33-24, after one quarter. They could not find any answers and trailed by a 16-point deficit heading into the final frame. They put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell short for a third straight loss. Jabari Smith led the way for the Rockets with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, in the loss. Cam Whitmore followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a block, while Jalen Green totaled 13 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Rockets will look to end the slide as they face the second game of a two-game home stand with the chance to improve on their, 26-13, home record.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (42-34), after a four-point home loss to the 76ers on Thursday, They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 10, after one quarter. They brought a better effort in the second and third quarters, but they came apart in the fourth, resulting in their three-game win streak coming to a halt. Terry Rozier led the Heat with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal in the loss. Jimmy Butler followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Bam Adebayo logged 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block. The Heat hope to get back on the winning track as they kick off a three-game road trip with an opportunity to add to their, 22-16, road record.
This marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Rockets (38-38), after a 23-point home loss against the Warriors on Thursday. They got out to a slow start and trailed, 33-24, after one quarter. They could not find any answers and trailed by a 16-point deficit heading into the final frame. They put up a fight in the fourth but it was not enough, as they fell short for a third straight loss. Jabari Smith led the way for the Rockets with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, in the loss. Cam Whitmore followed up with 17 points, four rebounds and a block, while Jalen Green totaled 13 points, four rebounds, seven assists and a steal. The Rockets will look to end the slide as they face the second game of a two-game home stand with the chance to improve on their, 26-13, home record.
Meanwhile, this also marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Heat (42-34), after a four-point home loss to the 76ers on Thursday, They fell behind early in the game and trailed by 10, after one quarter. They brought a better effort in the second and third quarters, but they came apart in the fourth, resulting in their three-game win streak coming to a halt. Terry Rozier led the Heat with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal in the loss. Jimmy Butler followed up with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Bam Adebayo logged 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a block. The Heat hope to get back on the winning track as they kick off a three-game road trip with an opportunity to add to their, 22-16, road record.
Bucks Host Struggling Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks (47-29) have dropped four of their last five games but look to get back on track as they face the second game of a five-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 29-9, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the team, averaging 30.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Bobby Portis averages 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while Book Lopez is averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.4 blocks per game. Damian Lillard (groin) missed the last three games and is listed as questionable for action. Patrick Beverley (ankle) and Khris Middleton (ankle) are also listed as questionable. The Bucks average 120.0 points per game, which is third most in the league, but they give up an average of 116.8 points per game, which is ninth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (23-53) enter on a gruesome 15-game slide and hope to turn things around on the second and final game of a road trip with the chance to improve on their, 10-27, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a load of injury trouble, as Ochai Agbaji (hip), RJ Barrett (knee), Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (rest) and Gary Trent (back) are listed as questionable for action, while Chris Boucher (knee), Scottie Barnes (hand), and Jakob Poeltl (finger) remain out. Gradey Dick will continue to see plenty of playing time and is averaging 13.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists over the last 10 games. Immanuel Quickley has looked solid in two games back from an 11-day absence and must look to step up for his shorthanded squad.
Jordan Nwora continues to deliver a solid effort, averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. The Raptors average 112.3 points per game, and they give up an average of 118.7 points per game, which is seventh-most in the league.
The Bucks (47-29) have dropped four of their last five games but look to get back on track as they face the second game of a five-game home stand with the opportunity to add to their, 29-9, home record. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the team, averaging 30.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Bobby Portis averages 13.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists, while Book Lopez is averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.4 blocks per game. Damian Lillard (groin) missed the last three games and is listed as questionable for action. Patrick Beverley (ankle) and Khris Middleton (ankle) are also listed as questionable. The Bucks average 120.0 points per game, which is third most in the league, but they give up an average of 116.8 points per game, which is ninth most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Raptors (23-53) enter on a gruesome 15-game slide and hope to turn things around on the second and final game of a road trip with the chance to improve on their, 10-27, road record. Unfortunately, they continue to deal with a load of injury trouble, as Ochai Agbaji (hip), RJ Barrett (knee), Bruce Brown (knee), Kelly Olynyk (rest) and Gary Trent (back) are listed as questionable for action, while Chris Boucher (knee), Scottie Barnes (hand), and Jakob Poeltl (finger) remain out. Gradey Dick will continue to see plenty of playing time and is averaging 13.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists over the last 10 games. Immanuel Quickley has looked solid in two games back from an 11-day absence and must look to step up for his shorthanded squad.
Jordan Nwora continues to deliver a solid effort, averaging 10.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals over the last five games. The Raptors average 112.3 points per game, and they give up an average of 118.7 points per game, which is seventh-most in the league.
Grizzlies Look To Keep Rolling
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies play host to the Detroit Pistons at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies (26-50) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep rolling as they kick off a three-game home stand with the chance to build on their, 8-28, home record. They continue to manage injury trouble, as Santi Aldama (foot), Desmond Bane (back), John Konchar (heel) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as questionable for action, while Marcus Smart (finger) remains out. On the other hand, GG Jackson continues to play well, averaging 12.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the last five games. Jaren Jackson averages 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Luke Kennard averages 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists, while Scotty Pippen is averaging 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (13-63) have dropped two in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-31, road record. Cade Cunningham (knee) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action. Simone Fontecchio has been out since March 18, and is also listed as questionable for Friday. Jaden Ivey averages 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Jalen Duren averages 13.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Marcus Sasser is averaging 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Malachi Flynn is coming off an astounding 50-point display in the last game, and as a result should continue to see more opportunity off the bench.
The Grizzlies (26-50) are coming off back-to-back wins and look to keep rolling as they kick off a three-game home stand with the chance to build on their, 8-28, home record. They continue to manage injury trouble, as Santi Aldama (foot), Desmond Bane (back), John Konchar (heel) and Vince Williams (knee) are listed as questionable for action, while Marcus Smart (finger) remains out. On the other hand, GG Jackson continues to play well, averaging 12.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the last five games. Jaren Jackson averages 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Luke Kennard averages 11.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists, while Scotty Pippen is averaging 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Meanwhile, the Pistons (13-63) have dropped two in a row and hope to get back on track as they face the second game of a four-game road trip with the opportunity to improve on their, 6-31, road record. Cade Cunningham (knee) missed the last game and is listed as questionable for action. Simone Fontecchio has been out since March 18, and is also listed as questionable for Friday. Jaden Ivey averages 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Jalen Duren averages 13.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists, while Marcus Sasser is averaging 7.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Malachi Flynn is coming off an astounding 50-point display in the last game, and as a result should continue to see more opportunity off the bench.
Mavs Host Warriors on Friday
The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on Friday.
The Warriors (42-34) looked to be in trouble two weeks ago but they come into this matchup winning six straight games. That run has Golden State sitting 10th in the West, up four games on the Houston Rockets. Not making the Play-In Tournament would be embarrassing for this proud franchise, but it's a team no one wants to play because of their recent history. As long as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson walk through that door, this club feels like they can beat anyone. Green has actually been their most valuable player recently, collecting 32 points, 14 rebounds, 17 assists and 10 steals over the last two games.
The Mavericks (46-30) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 14 games. That has moved Dallas from the Play-In Tournament into the actual playoffs, sitting fifth in the Western Conference. There's also a chance they could catch the Los Angeles Clippers in fourth, sitting just 2.5 games back. It's easy to point to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the keys to this team, but the trade deadline acquisitions have been massive as well. Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington have been fantastic since being acquired, and it finally gives those two superstar guards some big men to lean on.
These teams just played a few nights ago, with Golden State prevailing, 104-100. With that said, Dallas won five of their previous seven games in this series.
The Warriors (42-34) looked to be in trouble two weeks ago but they come into this matchup winning six straight games. That run has Golden State sitting 10th in the West, up four games on the Houston Rockets. Not making the Play-In Tournament would be embarrassing for this proud franchise, but it's a team no one wants to play because of their recent history. As long as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson walk through that door, this club feels like they can beat anyone. Green has actually been their most valuable player recently, collecting 32 points, 14 rebounds, 17 assists and 10 steals over the last two games.
The Mavericks (46-30) are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, entering this matchup winning 12 of their last 14 games. That has moved Dallas from the Play-In Tournament into the actual playoffs, sitting fifth in the Western Conference. There's also a chance they could catch the Los Angeles Clippers in fourth, sitting just 2.5 games back. It's easy to point to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the keys to this team, but the trade deadline acquisitions have been massive as well. Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington have been fantastic since being acquired, and it finally gives those two superstar guards some big men to lean on.
These teams just played a few nights ago, with Golden State prevailing, 104-100. With that said, Dallas won five of their previous seven games in this series.
Suns Host T'Wolves on Friday
The Phoenix Suns play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center on Friday.
The Timberwolves (53-23) appeared to have lost their grip on the top seed in the Western Conference when Karl-Anthony Towns got injured, but this team had other ideas. Minnesota comes into this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games, sitting 0,.5 games above the Denver Nuggets for first place. For the Timberwolves to be in this position is already an astounding achievement, and it's scary how much Anthony Edwards is growing every time he steps on the floor. The All-Star is averaging 26 points per game and is just scratching the surface of what he could become. There's also some thought KAT will return early in the postseason and that would really make this club a true contender.
The Suns (45-31) come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games. This team is doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting sixth in the Western Conference. While that is the sweet spot, the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are all within 1.5 games behind them. That means anything can happen over the closing 10 days, making this matchup with Minnesota one of the most important of the season. It's also possible this is a first-round matchup, and Phoenix feels like they pair up well with the T'Wolves. Having a core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal will make them viable against anyone, and it's a team no one wants to face in the fast-approaching postseason.
These teams played back in November, with Phoenix prevailing, 133-115. They have won eight of their last nine games over Minnesota in total.
The Timberwolves (53-23) appeared to have lost their grip on the top seed in the Western Conference when Karl-Anthony Towns got injured, but this team had other ideas. Minnesota comes into this matchup winning nine of their last 11 games, sitting 0,.5 games above the Denver Nuggets for first place. For the Timberwolves to be in this position is already an astounding achievement, and it's scary how much Anthony Edwards is growing every time he steps on the floor. The All-Star is averaging 26 points per game and is just scratching the surface of what he could become. There's also some thought KAT will return early in the postseason and that would really make this club a true contender.
The Suns (45-31) come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games. This team is doing everything possible to avoid the Play-In Tournament, sitting sixth in the Western Conference. While that is the sweet spot, the New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are all within 1.5 games behind them. That means anything can happen over the closing 10 days, making this matchup with Minnesota one of the most important of the season. It's also possible this is a first-round matchup, and Phoenix feels like they pair up well with the T'Wolves. Having a core of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal will make them viable against anyone, and it's a team no one wants to face in the fast-approaching postseason.
These teams played back in November, with Phoenix prevailing, 133-115. They have won eight of their last nine games over Minnesota in total.
Clippers Host Jazz on Friday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Jazz (29-47) come into this matchup losing 10 straight and 16 of their last 18 games in total. That's a nightmarish stretch for any team, especially since they were flirting with a .500 record before it. What's really killed this club is their defense, ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. That's hard to believe because this was one of the best defenses in the league when they had Rudy Gobert. He's playing in Minnesota now, and it's up to this new guard to get this team out of this hole. What's also been brutal for this club are the injuries, with John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler all possibly missing the remainder of the season.
The Clippers (48-28) have some serious concerns heading into the postseason. The biggest problem is the status of Kawhi Leonard, who's missed the last two games with knee soreness. This is a superstar who has had knee issues throughout his career, and there's no telling when he'll be able to return. This club isn't the same without the superstar, which is really concerning with how they've played recently. They come into this matchup with a 13-11 record across their last 24 games. That's an unacceptable stretch from a contender but they're even worse if Leonard is going to continue to miss time. That slide has LA sitting fourth in the West, but the teams in the Play-In are only 2.5 games behind!
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with Utah winning three of their last four games over LA.
The Jazz (29-47) come into this matchup losing 10 straight and 16 of their last 18 games in total. That's a nightmarish stretch for any team, especially since they were flirting with a .500 record before it. What's really killed this club is their defense, ranked 29th in defensive efficiency ratings. That's hard to believe because this was one of the best defenses in the league when they had Rudy Gobert. He's playing in Minnesota now, and it's up to this new guard to get this team out of this hole. What's also been brutal for this club are the injuries, with John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson and Walker Kessler all possibly missing the remainder of the season.
The Clippers (48-28) have some serious concerns heading into the postseason. The biggest problem is the status of Kawhi Leonard, who's missed the last two games with knee soreness. This is a superstar who has had knee issues throughout his career, and there's no telling when he'll be able to return. This club isn't the same without the superstar, which is really concerning with how they've played recently. They come into this matchup with a 13-11 record across their last 24 games. That's an unacceptable stretch from a contender but they're even worse if Leonard is going to continue to miss time. That slide has LA sitting fourth in the West, but the teams in the Play-In are only 2.5 games behind!
These teams have split their two matchups this season, with Utah winning three of their last four games over LA.