The Indiana Pacers fall to the Detroit Pistons, 108-101

Saturday, December 7, 2019

 

The Indiana Pacers saw a five-game win streak come to an end on November 30 as they fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-116.  With a win tonight over the Detroit Pistons, they will extend a two-game win streak to three, hoping to exceed the previous win streak.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the fourth battle of a five-game road trip.

The Pistons, on the other hand, are hoping to avoid a second straight loss as they are coming fresh off a 127-103 fall to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.  Tonight will mark the fourth and final time that these two ball clubs will play each other this season.

November 8 was the last time that saw each other as the Pacers defeated the Pistons, 112-106.  Domantas Sabonis finished the game with 17 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and one block while both T.J. Warren and T.J. McConnell also had 17 points each.  Luke Kennard settled for 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Pistons and the Pacers have battled each other a grand total of 212 times in the past as the Pistons had 107 wins while the Pacers defeated them 105 times.

INACTIVES:

Indiana Pacers:

-Victor Oladipo (quad)
-JaKarr Sampson (5.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.4 APG, 56.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Alize Johnson (coach’s decision; 1.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 45.5 FG%)
-T.J. Leaf (coach’s decision; 4.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.4 APG, 44.8 FG%, 45.5 3P%)
-Edmond Sumner (coach’s decision; 7.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 50.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Brian Bowen (G-League; 0.7 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 25.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Naz Mitrou-Long (G-League; 4.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 37.5 FG%, 18.2 3P%)

Detroit Pistons:

-Reggie Jackson (back; 5.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 36.4 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Khyri Thomas (foot; 0.5 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Tim Frazier (coach’s decision; 2.5 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 2.9 APG, 21.4 FG%, 21.4 3P%)
-Markieff Morris (illness; 10.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, 47.5 FG%, 41.0 3P%)
-Louis King (G-League)
-Jordan Bone (G-League; 1.3 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 40.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Sekou Doumbouya (G-League; 1.5 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 50.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Detroit Pistons would have control of the game in the first half as they shot forty-three percent from the field, keeping the Indiana Pacers at thirty-three percent shooting.  Blake Griffin scored 16 points while burying a three-pointer in the first quarter.  He also had three rebounds, four assists, 2 steals, and a block while Andre Drummond recorded 12 points.

Drummond was able to grab 12 rebounds, commit two steals, and block a shot while Luke Kennard earned himself 11 points.  Kennard was able to hit two shots from beyond the arc while Tony Snell contributed with five points.  The 2014-2015 All-Rookie Team selection Langston Galloway played the most minutes off the bench but only had a trey.

On the other end of the floor, Malcolm Brogdon chalked up 11 points while drilling a three-pointer in the second quarter.  Domantas Sabonis helped out with nine points but shot only thirty-three percent from the field.  T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb combined for eight points while Myles Turner had just one point.  Justin Holiday played 14 minutes off the bench but had just two points as the home team went into halftime with a 55-44 lead.

The Indianapolis ball club would attempt a comeback in the second half as they shot fifty-eight percent from the field while the Pistons shot forty-six percent.  Warren got hot for twenty points while missing only four of thirteen shots attempted.  Both Lamb and Brogdon scored ten points each while Sabonis had nine.  Justin Holiday played the most minutes off the bench but was kept scoreless.

As for the Michigan team, Drummond chalked up 13 points while grabbing ten boards and committing two steals.  Griffin helped out with two three-pointers and three free-throws.  Galloway played 16 minutes off the bench, only to score two points, but the Pistons were still able to pull out a 108-101 victory.  Andre Drummond finished with 25 points, 22 rebounds, one assist, 3 steals, and two blocks while TJ. Warren settled for 26 points, one rebound, and one assist.

So…what’s next?

The Indiana Pacers will head to New York to take on Marcus Morris (18.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 41.8 FG%, 50.0 3P%) and the New York Knicks (4-18) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will mark the first of three meetings between these two teams this season.

The Detroit Pistons will travel to Louisiana to battle Brandon Ingram (25.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 49.2 FG%, 42.3 3P%) and the New Orleans Pelicans (6-16) on Monday at 8:00 p.m.  This meeting will mark the first of two matchups between these two ball clubs this season.

The Houston Rockets grab a 119-109 victory over the defending champions, Toronto Raptors

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Toronto Raptors recently saw their seven-game win streak come to an end as they fell to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, 121-110, in overtime.  They will look to start up another streak as they host the Houston Rockets at the Scotiabank Arena tonight.  The Rockets, on the other hand, are coming fresh off a 135-133 loss they took in the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in double overtime.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Raptors and the Rockets have met up a grand total of 47 times in the past as the Raptors won 20 games while the Rockets went on to win 27 of the matchups.

INACTIVES:

Houston Rockets:

-Eric Gordon (knee; 10.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 30.9 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
-Gerald Green (foot)
-NeNe (abductor)
-Tyson Chandler (coach’s decision; 1.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 76.5 FG%)
-Gary Clark (coach’s decision; 3.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 36.4 FG%, 27.8 3P%)
-Isaiah Hartenstein (coach’s decision; 4.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 73.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Michael Frazier (G-League)

Toronto Raptors:

-Stanley Johnson (groin; 1.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.0 APG, 33.3 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-Patrick McCaw (knee; 4.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 60.0 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Matt Thomas (finger; 4.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 54.1 FG%, 53.8 3P%)
-Oshae Brissett (coach’s decision; 0.8 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 33.3 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-Dewan Hernandez (coach’s decision; 1.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 20.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Malcolm Miller (coach’s decision; 2.3 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.5 APG, 54.5 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Shamorie Ponds (2.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 50.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Houston Rockets would have a slight advantage in the first half as they shot forty-six percent from the field, keeping the Toronto Raptors to forty-two percent.  Ben McLemore scored 14 points while knocking down four three-pointers in the process.  P.J. Tucker helped out with 11 points which included 3 three-pointers.  He also had seven rebounds and two assists.

Russell Westbrook had nine points on just thirty-three percent shooting.  He did, however, record four rebounds and six assists while James Harden was held to just six points.  Danuel House played the most minutes off the bench as he chalked up sixteen points.

On the other end of the court, Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 25 points per game this season, got hot for eighteen points.  He had two three-pointers in the first period while Fred VanVleet contributed with nine points.  VanVleet also had two three-pointers while recording three rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block.

Kyle Lowry had eight points which also held two three-pointers.  OG Anunoby earned himself five points while Marc Gasol was kept scoreless.  Norman Powell played ten minutes off the bench as he had six points while the Rockets went into halftime with a 63-55 lead.

The defending champions attempted to make a comeback in the second half as they shot forty-three percent from the field, keeping the Texas ball club to thirty-four percent shooting.  Kyle Lowry had eleven points as he shot a perfect one-hundred percent from the field.  He was able to bury a trey in the third quarter while grabbing three rebounds and dishing off four assists.

VanVleet also had eleven points, knocking down a shot from beyond the arc, as well.  Siakam helped out with six points while Gasol scored five points.  Powell played the most minutes off the bench as he earned himself eight points.

As for the Rockets, Harden and Westbrook combined for 27 points while Harden had three-pointers.  He also recorded five rebounds, two steals, and a block while Westbrook had nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal.  McLemore chalked up 14 points, earning twelve of them from beyond the arc and the other two from the free-throw line.

Former Los Angeles Clippers’ guard Austin Rivers played 18 minutes off the bench but only had six points but the Rockets were still able to pull away with a 119 to 109 victory.  Ben McLemore finished the game with a season-high 28 points, along with 2 rebounds, a season-high-tying 3 assists, and a steal while Pascal Siakam had 24 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, a season-high-tying 2 steals, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Houston Rockets will host Devin Booker (24.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 50.4 FG%, 40.7 3P%) and the Phoenix Suns (9-11) on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of four matchups between these two ball clubs this season.

The Toronto Raptors will head to Pennsylvania to take on Joel Embiid (22.4 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 45.4 FG%, 31.3 3P%) and the Philadephia 76ers (15-6) on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.  This will be the second of four times that they battle each other this season.  November 25 was the last time they met up as the Raptors won that game, 101-96.  Pascal Siakam finished that game with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal, and two blocks while Josh Richardson had 25 points, 6 rebounds, one assist, and a block.

The Lakers get by the Nuggets with a 105 to 96 victory

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

 

The Los Angeles Lakers ten-game win streak came to an end on Sunday as they fell to Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks, 114-100.  That game marked the first of many difficult games for the Lakers this December as they will play only four times at the Staples Center this month.  The Lakers will hope to grab a win tonight, though, as they battle the Denver Nuggets in Colorado.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, just recently came off a streak of their own.  On Saturday, they lost to the Sacramento Kings in a 100-97 overtime loss, ending their six-game win streak.  Tonight’s matchup between the Nuggets and Lakers will mark the first of four times that these two teams will play each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Lakers and the Nuggets have battled each other a grand total of 203 times in the past as the Nuggets won 77 games while the Lakers went on to grab 126 victories.

INACTIVES:

Los Angeles Lakers:

-Avery Bradley (leg; 9.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 48.8 FG%, 28.6 3P%)
-DeMarcus Cousins (knee)
-Quinn Cook (coach’s decision; 5.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 43.8 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
-Jared Dudley (coach’s decision; 1.2 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 40.0 FG%, 57.1 3P%)
-Talen Horton-Tucker (G-League)
-Zach Norvell (G-League)
-Kostas Antetokounmpo (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG)

Denver Nuggets:

-Bol Bol (foot)
-Torrey Craig (coach’s decision; 2.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 34.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Michael Porter (coach’s decision; 3.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 44.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Jarred Vanderbilt (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.3 APG)
-Vlatko Cancar (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-PJ Dozier (G-League)

GAMETIME:

The Los Angeles Lakers would have a slight advantage in the first half as they shot forty-nine percent from the field while the Denver team shot forty-four percent.  LeBron James scored 13 points which included a three-pointer in the first period.  He also had three rebounds and three assists while Anthony Davis earned himself 10 points and seven rebounds.

Former Wizards’ center JaVale McGee contributed with four points while collecting four rebounds and blocking one shot.  Danny Green and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combined for just four points.  Rajon Rondo played the most minutes off the bench as he scored nine points, hitting two three-pointers in the process.

On the other end of the court, Jamal Murray chalked up 11 points on fifty-percent shooting.  He also had four rebounds, two assists, and a steal while Paul Millsap had nine points.  Gary Harris chalked up four points while Nikola Jokic had three points, one rebound, five assists, and two steals.  Jerami Grant played nine minutes off the bench but only had five points as the Lakers went into the locker room with a 60-49 lead.

The Lakers would continue to impress in the second half as they shot forty-two percent from the field, keeping the Nuggets at thirty-seven percent shooting.  Davis had 15 more points to go along with three rebounds and a block.  He also had a three-pointer while James earned 12 points, three rebounds, and six assists.

As for the home team, Millsap scored 12 more points while Murray and Jokic combined for 21 points.  Gary Harris had five points but it was not enough as the Lakers came away with a 105-96 victory.  LeBron James finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists while Jamal Murray had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Los Angeles Lakers will head to Utah to take on Donovan Mitchell (24.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 43.5 FG%, 36.9 3P%) and the Utah Jazz (12-9) on Wednesday.  This will mark the second of four meetings between these two teams this season.  The last time they played each other was on October 25 when the Lakers beat the Jazz, 95-86.  LeBron James finished that game with 32 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal while Donovan Mitchell had 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and one block.

The Denver Nuggets will travel to the Big Apple to battle Marcus Morris (18.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 42.4 FG%, 52.4 3P%) and the New York Knicks (4-17) on Thursday.  This will mark the first of two times that they will see each other this season.

The Atlanta Hawks blow by the Golden State Warriors, 104-79

The Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks are two of the worst teams in the league right now and they are meeting up tonight to battle for bragging rights.  This matchup will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.  The Hawks are trying to avoid an eleventh straight loss as the Warriors are hoping to avoid a third.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks have played each other a grand total of 310 times in the past as the Warriors won 161 games while the Hawks were kept to 149 victories.

INACTIVES:

Golden State Warriors:

-Stephen Curry (hand; 20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.5 APG, 40.9 FG%, 24.3 3P%)
-Jacob Evans (abductor; 6.0 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 41.7 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Kevon Looney (neuropathy; 3.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 25.0 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-D’Angelo Russell (thumb; 24.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, 45.5 FG%, 35.4 3P%)
-Klay Thompson (ACL)
-Draymond Green (heel; 8.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 40.6 FG%, 29.4 3P%)
-Damion Lee (G-League; 10.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 38.5 FG%, 34.3 3P%)
-Alen Smailagic (G-League)

Atlanta Hawks:

-De’Andre Bembry (hip; 7.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 51.6 FG%, 28.6 3P%)
-Kevin Huerter (shoulder; 9.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 42.7 FG%, 38.6 3P%)
-Cam Reddish (wrist; 7.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 28.7 FG%, 21.3 3P%)
-Chandler Parsons (coach’s decision; 3.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 33.3 FG%, 30.0 3P%)
-Charlie Brown (G-League; 1.8 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.0 APG, 33.3 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-John Collins (suspension; 17.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 52.5 FG%, 47.4 3P%)
-Allen Crabbe (flu; 5.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 37.0 FG%, 24.2 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The game would be competitive in the first half as the Warriors shot forty percent from the field while the Hawks shot forty-nine percent.  De’Andre Hunter scored 13 points which included a three-pointer right before halftime.  He also had three rebounds while Trae Young helped out with 12 points.  Young had two three-pointers while but shot only thirty-six percent from the field.

The second pick in the 2014 draft Jabari Parker had eight points to along with three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block.  Damian Jones chalked up four points while grabbing five rebounds and dishing off one assist.  De’Andre Bembry was kept scoreless in the 11 minutes that he played.  Cam Reddish played the most minutes off the bench but only had one point.

On the other end of the court, Eric Paschall put up 14 points while missing just two of his seven shots attempted.  He also had six rebounds and four assists while Alec Burks earned himself ten points.  Both Kevon Looney and Glenn Robinson were kept scoreless while Willie Cauley-Stein had two points.  Ky Bowman played 16 minutes off the bench but only had four points but it was the home team who went into halftime with a 49-40 lead.

The Georgia team would come out of the locker room with fire under them as they went on a 55-39 run, shooting fifty-two percent from the field.  Both Trae Young and Damian Jones combined for 24 points while Jabari Parker was kept scoreless.  Bembry and Hunter had five points each while Reddish scored seven points in the 11 minutes he played off the bench.

As for the Golden State Warriors, Paschall added 10 more points to his scoring total.  Bowman threw up six points as he played the most minutes off the bench but it wouldn’t be enough as the Hawks blew the Warriors out, 104-79.  Trae Young finished the game with 24 points, one rebound, and seven assists while Eric Paschall had 24 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high six assists.

So…what’s next?

The Golden State Warriors will head to North Carolina to battle Devonte’ Graham (18.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.4 APG, 41.7 FG%, 41.3 3P%) and the Charlotte Hornets (8-13) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This will mark the second and final time that these two teams will see each other this season.  November 2 was the last time they met up as the Hornets escaped with a 93-87 win.  Dwayne Bacon finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals while Eric Paschall had 25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block.

The Atlanta Hawks will host Spencer Dinwiddie (20.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 42.2 FG%, 32.5 3P%) and the Brooklyn Nets (10-10) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.  This will be the first of four times that these ball clubs will play each other this season.

The Miami Heat sneak by the Brooklyn Nets with a 109-106 win

Monday, December 2, 2019

 

The Miami Heat have been playing like they have a chip on their shoulder this season as they are sitting with a 13-5 record, good for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.  They are coming fresh off of a 122-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday.  The South Beach team will look to grab a second win as they battle the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center tonight.

As for the Nets, they are coming off of a 112-107 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday.  After tonight’s game, the Brooklyn team will go on a two-game road trip before returning back on Sunday.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the first of three times that these two teams will see each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Heat and the Nets have battled each other a grand total of 137 times in the past as the New York team won 53 games while the Miami Heat went on to grab 84 victories.

INACTIVES:

Miami Heat:

-KZ Okpala (Achilles; 0.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Udonis Haslem (coach’s decision; 2.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 100.0 FG%)
-James Johnson (coach’s decision; 3.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 44.4 FG%, 22.2 3P%)
-Dion Waiters (suspension)
-Daryl Macon (G-League; 1.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 33.3 FG%, 50.0 3P%)

Brooklyn Nets:

-Nicolas Claxton (hamstring; 3.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 52.4 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Kevin Durant (Achilles)
-Kyrie Irving (shoulder; 28.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.2 APG, 44.4 FG%, 34.1 3P%)
-Caris LeVert (thumb; 16.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 42.1 FG%, 36.1 3P%)
-Rodions Kurucs (G-League; 2.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 39.1 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-Henry Ellenson (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Timothe Luwawu Cabarrot (G-League; 0.5 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Wilson Chandler (suspension)

GAMETIME:

The Brooklyn Nets would have a slight advantage in the first half as they shot fifty percent from the field, keeping the Miami Heat to forty-one percent.  Spencer Dinwiddie warmed up with 16 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers in the process.  He also had two rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Joe Harris helped out with 14 points.

Texas-native Taurean Prince earned himself nine points while hitting two three-pointers in the process.  He also had three blocks while Garrett Temple and Jarrett Allen combined for nine points.  DeAndre Jordan played the most minutes off the bench as he had seven points, seven rebounds, and an assist.

On the other end of the court, Jimmy Butler scored 12 points but shot only thirty-six percent from the field.  He did have five rebounds and one assist, however.  Bam Adebayo contributed with nine points and seven rebounds.  Kendrick Nunn gave five points while hitting a three-pointer in the second quarter.

Duncan Robinson had a three-pointer in the first period while collecting three rebounds. Former Trail Blazers’ Meyers Leonard was held scoreless but managed to get three defensive rebounds.  Goran Dragic played 15 minutes off the bench as he had nineteen points but it was the New York team who went into halftime with a 65-58 advantage.

The South Beach ball club would make a comeback in the second period as they went on a 51-41 scoring run.  During that run, Leonard made up for his scoring drought as he scored nine points on seventy-five percent shooting.  He earned all those points from beyond the arc while Butler had five free-throws and a three-pointer.  Justise Winslow played the most minutes off the bench but only had six points.

As for the Nets, Harris and Dinwiddie combined for 24 more points.  Jordan played 11 minutes off the bench as he had eight points but it wouldn’t matter as the Miami Heat came back to defeat the Brooklyn Nets, 109-106.  Goran Dragic finished the game with 24 points, two rebounds, and six assists while Spencer Dinwiddie had 29 points, a season-high six rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The Miami Heat will up north to fight Pascal Siakam (25.1 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 46.0 FG%, 37.7 3P%) and the Toronto Raptors (14-4) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.  This will mark the first of three matchups between these two teams this season.

The Brooklyn Nets will go to Georgia to take on Trae Young (28.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 8.4 APG, 45.4 FG%, 38.7 3P%) and the Atlanta Hawks (4-16) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.  This game will be the first of four times that they will see each other this season.

The Mavericks escape with a 120-113 win over the Suns

The Dallas Mavericks have been playing very well this season as they are sitting at the fifth spot in the Western Conference with an 11-6 record.  They had a five-game win streak that recently came to an end on Tuesday as they fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, 114-99.  They will look to start up another winning streak as they battle the Phoenix Suns tonight at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The Suns, on the other hand, will try to avoid a third straight loss.  The Arizona ball club just recently lost to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, 140 to 132.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the first of four times that these two teams will play each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns have seen each other a grand total of 170 in the past as the Mavericks won 79 games while the Suns ended up coming away with 91 victories.

INACTIVES:

Dallas Mavericks:

-J.J. Barea (coach’s decision; 11.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 52.0 FG%, 70.0 3P%)
-Courtney Lee (coach’s decision; 4.8 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 58.8 FG%, 57.1 3P%)
-Boban Marjanovic (coach’s decision; 7.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 50.0 FG%)
-Antonius Cleveland (G-League)
-Isaiah Roby (G-League)
-Josh Reaves (G-League)
-Ryan Broekhoff (3.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 50.0 FG%, 80.0 3P%)

Phoenix Suns:

-Ty Jerome (ankle)
-Jevon Carter (coach’s decision; 4.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 40.8 FG%, 40.0 3P%)
-Jalen Lecque (G-League)
-Jared Harper (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Deandre Ayton (suspension; 18.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 64.3 FG%)

GAMETIME:

The beginning of the game would be competitive as the Suns shot forty-one percent from the field while the Mavericks shot forty-two percent.  Kelly Oubre scored 13 points while burying 3 three-pointers in the second period.  He also had five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block while Aron Baynes helped out with eight points on sixty-percent shooting.

Former Minnesota Timberwolves’ forward Dario Saric had seven points, five rebounds, and 2 blocks while Ricky Rubio chalked up six points which included a three-pointer in the first quarter.  Devin Booker was held to just five points but was able to record a defensive rebound, five assists, and a steal.  Mikal Bridges played the most minutes off the bench as he had six points.

On the other end of the court, Luka Doncic got hot for 19 points while recording six rebounds and 7 assists.  Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed with nine points while hitting 3 three-pointers in the process.  Kristaps Porzingis was held scoreless in the 16 minutes that he played while both Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell combined for six points.  Delon Wright played 9 minutes off the bench but was kept to just two points while the Mavericks went into halftime with a slim 53-50 lead.

The competitiveness carried on into the second half as the Dallas team shot forty percent from the field while the Suns shot forty-six percent.  Doncic continued to impress as he scored 23 more points which included 3 treys.  Porzingis was finally able to get on the board but only scored two points.

As for the Phoenix Suns, Rubio and Booker combined for 28 points but it was the visiting team who came away with a 120-113 victory over the Arizona ball club.  Luka Doncic finished the game with a career-high-tying 42 points, along with 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal.  Kelly Oubre had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

So…what’s next?

The Dallas Mavericks will travel to California to take on Anthony Davis (26.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 47.7 FG%, 33.3 3P%) and the Los Angeles Lakers (16-2) on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.  This will mark the second of four times that these teams will play each other this season.  The last time that they saw each other was on November 1 when the Lakers defeated the Mavericks, 119-110.  LeBron James finished that game with 39 points, 12 rebounds, 16 assists, 4 steals, and one block while Luka Doncic had 31 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists, and one block.

The Phoenix Suns will visit North Carolina to fight Devonte’ Graham (18.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.5 APG, 40.7 FG%, 40.4 3P%) and the Charlotte Hornets (7-12) on Monday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be first of two meetings between these two teams this season.

The Nuggets slid by the Wizards, 117-104

The Denver Nuggets are currently on their longest winning streak of this season, looking to grab a sixth straight victory tonight as they host the Washington Wizards.  The Nuggets are coming fresh off of a 116-104 win against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

The Wizards, on the other hand, are coming off a 113-106 loss against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, looking to avoid a second straight loss.  Tonight’s battle will mark the first of two matchups between these two ball clubs this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Nuggets and the Wizards have played each other a grand total of 90 times in the past as the Nuggets won 52 games, limiting the D.C. team to 38 victories.

INACTIVES:

Washington Wizards:

-Ian Mahinmi (Achilles)
-John Wall (Achilles)
-Admiral Schofield (G-League; 3.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.2 APG, 70.0 FG%, 57.1 3P%)
-Justin Robinson (G-League; 1.3 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.5 APG, 40.0 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-Garrison Matthews (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

Denver Nuggets:

-Bol Bol (foot)
-Torrey Craig (coach’s decision; 2.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 34.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Michael Porter (coach’s decision; 3.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.4 APG, 44.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Jarred Vanderbilt (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.3 APG)
-Vlatko Cancar (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-PJ Dozier

GAMETIME:

The Denver Nuggets would have control of the game in the first half as they shot fifty-seven percent from the field, keeping the visitors to thirty-eight percent.  Will Barton scored 11 points while knocking down a three-pointer in the second quarter.  Jamal Murray helped out with ten points as he missed only three of his eight shots attempted.

Center Nikola Jokic recorded six points while grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out four assists.  Indiana-native Gary Harris contributed with four points while Paul Millsap had three points.  Former Philadelphia 76ers’ Jerami Grant played the most minutes off the bench as he got hot for sixteen points.

On the other end of the court, Thomas Bryant put up eight points while recording two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block.  Troy Brown chalked up six points on fifty-percent shooting.  Bradley Beal dropped four points while pulling down three rebounds and giving out three assists.  Moritz Wagner played the most minutes off the bench as he had eight points while the Colorado team went into halftime with a huge 64-47 lead.

The Washington Wizards would attempt a comeback in the second half as they went on a 57-53 run, shooting forty-five percent from the field.  During that run, Jordan McRae scored 17 points off the bench which included 3 three-pointers in the last quarter.  Davis Bertans helped out with 11 points while Beal earned 10 more points.

As for the Nuggets, Mason Plumlee scored 11 points off the bench while recording five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.  Harris was able to get seven points while Murray had six.  Jokic was held to just two points but it was still the Nuggets who were able to get by with a 117-104 victory.  Jerami Grant finished the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, one assist, and 2 steals while Jordan McRae had 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

So..what’s next?

The Washington Wizards will head to Arizona to battle Devin Booker (24.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG, 51.8 FG%, 42.9 3P%) and the Phoenix Suns (8-8) on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of two times that these teams will play each other this season.

The Denver Nuggets will go to California to play Buddy Hield (20.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 42.5 FG%, 39.6 3P%) and the Sacramento Kings (7-9) on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.  This will be the second of four meetings between these two teams this season.  The last time they played each other was on October 28 when the Kings fell to the Nuggets, 101-94.  Jamal Murray finished that game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal while Richaun Holmes had 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

The Jazz were able to get by the Pelicans with a 128 to 120 victory

The New Orleans Pelicans have been playing well lately as they are looking to grab a fourth straight victory tonight.  They are coming fresh off a 124-121 win against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.  Tonight’s matchup against the Utah Jazz will mark the second of three straight road games for the Pelicans before they return back home.

The Jazz, on the other hand, are seeking their third straight win as they are coming off a 113-109 victory against the Golden State Warriors.  This will be the last game at the Vivint Smart Home Arena before the Jazz go on a five-game road trip.  Tonight’s game will mark the first of four meetings between these two teams this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz have battled each other a grand total of 58 times in the past as the Jazz won 36 games, keeping the Pelicans at 22 victories.

INACTIVES:

New Orleans Pelicans:

-Derrick Favors (back; 8.3 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 62.1 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Josh Hart (ankle; 12.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 46.2 FG%, 38.6 3P%)
-Darius Miller (Achilles)
-Jahlil Okafor (ankle; 9.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 64.8 FG%)
-Zion Williamson (knee)
-Nickeil Alexander-Walker (coach’s decision; 6.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 32.7 FG%, 35.6 3P%)
-Josh Gray (G-League; 1.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 50.0 FG%)

Utah Jazz:

-Ed Davis (leg; 1.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.2 APG, 40.0 FG%)
-Rudy Gobert (ankle; 13.3 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 66.1 FG%)
-Juwan Morgan (coach’s decision)
-Miye Oni (coach’s decision; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Nigel Williams-Goss (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Justin Wright-Foreman (G-League)
-Jarrell Brantley (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 APG)

GAMETIME:

The Utah Jazz would take full control of the game in the first half as they shot fifty-five percent from the field while their defense kept the visiting team to thirty-five percent.  Donovan Mitchell got hot for 23 points which included four three-pointers.  He also had five rebounds and three assists while Bojan Bogdanovic earned himself 20 on eighty percent shooting.  Bogdanovic was able to drill 3 three-pointers in the process.

The 28th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft Tony Bradley contributed with 10 points while grabbing seven rebounds.  Mike Conley had just four points but recorded two rebounds and two assists.  Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeff Green played the most minutes off the bench but was kept to just four points.

As for the Pelicans, Jaxson Hayes chalked up 13 points while recording three rebounds.  J.J. Redick gave 12 points, earning six of them from the beyond the arc and the other six from the charity stripe.  Jrue Holiday scored nine rebounds which included a trey in the second period.  Lonzo Ball played 11 minutes off the bench but only had two points while the home team went into halftime with a 74-54 lead.

The Louisiana ball club would attempt a comeback in the second half as they went on a 66-54 run, shooting forty-eight percent from the field.  During that run, Brandon Ingram, who scored just eight points in the first half, got hot for 25 points.  He only missed four of his 13 shots attempted as he drilled 3 three-pointers.

Jrue Holiday recorded 19 points while hitting two three-pointers in the process.  He also had three defensive rebounds, three steals, and two blocks while Redick helped out with two three-pointers and two free-throws.  Ball played the most minutes off the bench as he scored 11 points.

On the other end of the court, Mitchell gave 14 points while hitting two three-pointers in the process.  Bogdanovic and Conley combined for 15 points while Royce O’Neale was held scoreless.  Joe Ingles played 13 minutes off the bench but only had a trey while the Jazz were able to escape with a 128-120 victory.  Donovan Mitchell finished the game with 37 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists while Brandon Ingram settled for 33 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The New Orleans Pelicans will head to California to take on Paul George (26.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 48.1 FG%, 43.2 3P%) and the Los Angeles Clippers (11-5) on Sunday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the second of four times that these ball clubs will matchup this season.  The last time they played each other was on November 14 when the Clippers fell to the Pelicans, 132-127.  Jrue Holiday finished that game with 36 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 steals, and one block while Paul George had 33 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Utah Jazz will visit Wisconsin to fight Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.1 PPG, 14.1 RPG, 6.6 APG, 56.6 FG%, 29.0 3P%) and the Milwaukee Bucks (12-3) on Monday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they play each other this season.  November 8 was the last time they saw each other as the Jazz pulled away with a 103-100 win.  During that game, Bojan Bogdanovic scored 33 points and grabbed 5 rebounds while Antetokounmpo had 30 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

The Milwaukee Bucks hold off the Portland Trail Blazers, 137-129

Tuesday night marked Carmelo Anthony’s first game as a Portland Trail Blazer.  He was absent from the league for a little over a year after the Houston Rockets released him.  His debut wasn’t very impressive as he shot only twenty-eight percent from the field, scoring just 10 points against the New Orleans Pelicans.  The Blazers ended up losing that game, 115-104.

That loss was the second straight for the Portland team but they will look to grab a victory tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks in their fourth of six road games.  The Bucks, on the other hand, are seeking their sixth straight win.  This meeting will mark the first of two times that these teams will see each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks have battled each other a grand total of 125 times as the Trail Blazers won 52 games while the Bucks went on to grab 73 victories.

INACTIVES:

Portland Trail Blazers:

-Zach Collins (shoulder; 9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 47.4 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-Damian Lillard (back; 28.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.1 APG, 45.2 FG%, 35.7 3P%)
-Jusuf Nurkic (leg)
-Hassan Whiteside (hip; 14.9 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 58.7 FG%)
-Moses Brown (coach’s decision; 0.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%)
-Jaylen Hoard (coach’s decision; 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)

Milwaukee Bucks:

-Khris Middleton (thigh; 18.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 46.8 FG%, 39.3 3P%)
-D.J. Wilson (coach’s decision; 2.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.5 APG, 33.3 FG%, 18.2 3P%)
-Kyle Korver (coach’s decision; 6.6 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.1 APG, 40.0 FG%, 40.4 3P%)
-Thanasis Antetokounmpo (coach’s decision; 2.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 50.0 FG%)
-Cameron Reynolds (G-League)
-Frank Mason (G-League)
-Dragan Bender

GAMETIME:

The Bucks would have control of the game in the first half as they shot forty-nine percent from the field, keeping the Blazers to forty percent.  Eric Bledsoe chalked up 14 points while knocking down two three-pointers in the process.  Last season’s MVP winner Giannis Antetokounmpo helped out with eleven points, along with nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.

Wesley Matthews had nine points which he earned all from beyond the arc while both Brook Lopez and Donte DiVincenzo scored four points each.  Illinois-native Sterling Brown played the most minutes off the bench as he earned himself eight points.

On the other end of the floor, C.J. McCollum dropped fourteen points, hitting two three-pointers in the process.  He also had five rebounds, five assists, and 2 blocks while Carmelo Anthony contributed with ten points, including two three-pointers.  Skal Labissiere played 12 minutes off the bench as he got hot for 14 points but it was the home team who went into the locker room with a huge 72-58 advantage.

The Oregon ball club would attempt a comeback in the second half as they went on a 71-65 run, shooting fifty-seven percent from the field.  During that run, McCollum continued to impress as he got hot for 23 points, only missing seven of his seventeen shots attempted.  Anthony made up for his debut as he scored eight more points, finishing with 18 points in total.

As for the Bucks, Bledsoe scored 16 more points while Antetokounmpo helped out with 13.  Pat Connaughton chalked up seven points off the bench as the Milwaukee team spoiled the Portland Trail Blazers late comeback attempt, 137-129.  Eric Bledsoe finished the contest with 30 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and one steal while C.J. McCollum settled for 37 points, 6 rebounds, a career-high-tying 10 assists, and a career-high tying 3 blocks.

So…what’s next?

The Portland Trail Blazers will head to Ohio to take on Kevin Love (18.7 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 45.6 FG%, 37.0 3P%) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (4-10) on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of two games between these teams this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks will host Andre Drummond (18.6 PPG, 16.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 54.0 FG%, 00.0 3P%) and the Detroit Pistons (4-10) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.  This will be the first of four times that they play each other this season.

The Detroit Pistons get blown out by the Chicago Bulls, 109-89

The Detroit Pistons are currently in the midst of their longest losing streak this season, trying to avoid a fifth straight loss.  They will look to do that as they battle the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, which would conclude a three-game road trip before returning back home.  The Pistons have only won one game on the road and that was in their season opener against the Indiana Pacers.

The Bulls, on the other hand, are dealing with struggles of their own as they try to avoid a fourth straight loss.  Tonight’s game will mark the second of four matchups between these two teams this season.  The last time they saw each other was on November 1 when the Pistons fell to the Bulls, 112-106.  Zach LaVine finished that game with 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists while Andre Drummond had 25 points, 24 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Pistons and the Bulls have met up a grand total of 298 times in the past as the Bulls won 146 games while the Pistons went on to achieve 152 victories.

INACTIVES:

Detroit Pistons:

-Reggie Jackson (hip; 5.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 36.4 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Tony Snell (hip; 9.2 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.8 APG, 46.2 FG%, 45.5 3P%)
-Khyri Thomas (foot; 0.5 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Tim Frazier (coach’s decision; 3.5 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 3.6 APG, 21.6 FG%, 23.1 3P%)
-Louis King (G-League)
-Jordan Bone (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Sekou Doumbouya (G-League)

Chicago Bulls:

-Cristiano Felicio (wrist)
-Luke Kornet (nose; 4.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 34.9 FG%, 21.7 3P%)
-Otto Porter (foot; 11.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 41.7 FG%, 40.0 3P%)
-Max Strus (coach’s decision)
-Denzel Valentine (coach’s decision; 1.5 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 20.0 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Chandler Hutchison (shin; 8.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 42.9 FG%, 36.4 3P%)
-Adam Mokoka (G-League)

GAMETIME:

Both teams would play in a competitive manner in the first half as the Bulls shot forty-three percent from the field while the Pistons shot forty-two percent.  The 7th pick in the 2017 draft Lauri Markkanen warmed up with 15 points, knocking down two three-pointers in the process.  Shaquille Harrison helped out with nine points and seven rebounds while Wendell Carter earned himself eight points.

Zach LaVine had five points, which included a three-pointer early in the first period.  Former Washington Wizards’ guard Tomas Satoransky was held scoreless in the twelve minutes that he played.  Coby White played the most minutes off the bench as he had three free-throws and two treys.

On the other end of the court, Langston Galloway chalked up ten points, nine of them coming from beyond the arc.  Both Blake Griffin and Luke Kennard earned themselves seven points each while Andre Drummond had six points.  Drummond also recorded seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks to go along with it.  Chicago-native Derrick Rose played 14 minutes off the bench as he had nine points while the Bulls went into halftime with a 59-55 lead.

The Bulls would take over in the second half as they went on a 50-34 run, shooting forty-two percent from the field while their defense held the visiting team to twenty-two percent.  Satoransky made up for his performance in the first half as they went six for seven, scoring 15 points.  He had 3 three-pointers while Markkanen helped out with nine points.

On the other end of the court, both Griffin and Rose had nine points each while Drummond was held scoreless.  Christian Wood had six points off the bench but it wouldn’t matter as the Bulls blew the Pistons out, 109-89.  Lauri Markkanen finished the game with 24 points, six rebounds, one steal, and two blocks while Derrick Rose had 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The Detroit Pistons will host Trae Young (27.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 8.7 APG, 44.7 FG%, 36.9 3P%) and the Atlanta Hawks (4-9) on Friday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the second of four times that these two teams will see each other this season.  The last time they played each other was on October 24 when the Hawks handed the Pistons a 117-100 loss.  During that contest, Trae Young scored 38 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished off 9 assists, and committed one steal while Derrick Rose settled for 27 points, one rebound, and 3 assists.

The Chicago Bulls will host Jimmy Butler (18.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 7.2 APG, 45.2 FG%, 24.0 3P%) and the Miami Heat (9-3) on Friday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the first of four times that these teams will see each other this season.