The Charlotte Hornets come away with a 109-98 win over the Miami Heat

Thursday, March 12, 2020

 

The Charlotte Hornets are coming fresh off of a double-overtime thriller against the Atlanta Hawks, where they ended up losing.  Tonight, they will try to avoid a second consecutive as they battle the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena.  The Heat, on the other hand, will try to grab a second straight victory.

Tonight’s meeting will mark the second of four times that these two ball clubs will play each other during this season.  The last time they saw each other was on November 25 when the Heat defeated the Hornets, 117-100.  Bam Adebayo finished that game with 21 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and one block while Terry Rozier had 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets have battled each other a grand total of 123 times in the past as the Hornets won 49 games while the Heat went on to grab 74 victories.

INACTIVES:

Charlotte Hornets:

-Dwayne Bacon (coach’s decision; 5.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 34.8 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
-Nicolas Batum (coach’s decision; 3.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 34.6 FG%, 28.6 3P%)
-Willy Hernangomez (coach’s decision; 6.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 53.2 FG%, 22.7 3P%)
-Terry Rozier (illness; 18.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 42.3 FG%, 40.7 3P%)
-Ray Spalding (G-League)
-Kobi Simmons (G-League)
-Malik Monk (suspension; 10.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.4 FG%, 28.4 3P%)

Miami Heat:

-Kyle Alexander (knee)
-Jimmy Butler (toe; 20.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.1 APG, 45.4 FG%, 24.8 3P%)
-Udonis Haslem (illness; 1.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 16.7 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Meyers Leonard (ankle; 6.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.1 APG, 52.0 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-Chris Silva (coach’s decision; 2.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 62.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Gabe Vincent (coach’s decision; 2.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 21.1 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-KZ Okpala (G-League; 1.4 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.2 APG, 60.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The game would be held somewhat close in the first half as the Hornets shot forty-five percent from the field while the Heat ended up completing fifty-four percent of their shots.  P.J. Washington scored 14 points which included two three-pointers.  Devonte Graham helped out with 12 points, earning all of them from beyond the arc.  Miles Bridges and Cody Zeller combined for 15 points while Cody Martin had six.  Caleb Marin played 16 minutes off the bench but only had nine points.

On the other end of the floor, Derrick Jones got hot for 15 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers in the process.  He also had one steal and 2 blocks while Kendrick Nunn earned 13 points.  Bam Adebayo helped out with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists while Duncan Robinson drilled two three-pointers.  Jae Crowder played the most minutes off the bench but was held scoreless as the Hornets went into halftime with a 59-51 lead.

The Charlotte Hornets would close things out in the second half as they went on a 50-47 run.  During that run, Graham chalked up 18 points, which held four three-pointers.  He also had four assists while Bridges had eight points.  Zeller gave seven points while grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out one assist, and blocking one shot.  Caleb Martin played the most minutes off the bench as he had 10 points.

As for the South Beach team, Nunn and Adebayo combined for 21 points while Jones had eight points.  Solomon Hill was kept scoreless while Duncan Robinson had six points.  Crowder played 15 minutes off the bench but had just eight points as the Hornets came away with a 109-98 win.  Devonte Graham finished the game with 30 points, one rebound, 6 assists, and one steal while Kendrick Nunn had 24 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Utah Jazz get handed a 101-92 loss by the Toronto Raptors

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

 

The Utah Jazz will look to grab a sixth-straight win tonight, marking their longest win streak since January.  They will attempt to do that as they host the Toronto Raptors in Utah.  The Raptors, on the other hand, are hoping to grab a fourth-straight victory tonight.

Tonight’s meeting will mark the second and final time that these two teams will see each other this season.  The last time they met up was on December 1 when the Jazz fell to the Canada team, 130-110.  During that game, Pascal Siakma scored 35 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished off 5 assists, and committed 2 steals while Mike Conley had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Toronto Raptors and the Utah Jazz have played each other a grand total of 46 times in the past as the Raptors won 19 games while the Jazz went on to grab 27 victories.

INACTIVES:

Toronto Raptors:

-Marc Gasol (hamstring; 7.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.4 APG, 41.9 FG%, 40.2 3P%)
-Dewan Hernandez (ankle; 1.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.0 APG, 20.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Fred VanVleet (shoulder; 17.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 40.9 FG%, 38.8 3P%)
-Stanley Johnson (coach’s decision; 1.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.4 APG, 25.8 FG%, 15.4 3P%)
-Malcolm Miller (coach’s decision; 0.9 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 33.3 FG%, 31.6 3P%)
-Paul Watson (G-League; 0.2 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Oshae Brissett (G-League; 1.9 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.4 APG, 36.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)

Utah Jazz:

-Nigel Williams-Goss (quad; 0.4 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 14.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Ed Davis (coach’s decision; 1.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 41.2 FG%)
-Juwan Morgan (coach’s decision; 1.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 52.9 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Emmanuel Mudiay (coach’s decision; 7.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 47.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%)
-Rayjon Tucker (coach’s decision; 1.4 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 42.1 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Justin Wright-Foreman (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Jarrell Brantley (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.2 APG)
-Miye Oni (0.0 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Raptors would have control of things in the first half as they shot fifty-six percent from the field, keeping the Jazz at forty-one percent.  Serge Ibaka got hot for 17 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers.  He also had seven rebounds and one assist while Pascal Siakam contributed with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists.  Kyle Lowry had 13 points while OG Anunoby scored just two points.  Patrick McCaw played the most minutes off the bench but only had two points.

As for the home team, Mike Conley chalked up 10 points, which included two three-pointers.  He also had three rebounds and three assists while Donovan Mitchell earned himself eight points.  Royce O’Neale and Bojan Bogdanovic combined for 10 points while Rudy Gobert had just two points.  Joe Ingles played 13 minutes off the bench as he had ten points but it was the Canada ball club that went into halftime with a 57-51 lead.

The Raptors would close things out in the second half as they went on a 44-41 run.  During that run, Siakam and Ibaka combined for 23 points but they didn’t shoot the ball well.  Siakam completed twenty-seven percent of his shots while Ibaka shot thirty-three percent from the field.  Lowry scored eight points which held two three-pointers.

On the other end of the floor, Joe Ingles dropped ten points off the bench but it was the Toronto Raptors who handed the Utah Jazz a 101-92 loss.  Pascal Siakam finished the game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high eight assists while Joe Ingles had 20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

So…what’s next?

The Toronto Raptors will host Derrick Rose (18.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.6 APG, 49.0 FG%, 30.6 3P%) and the Detroit Pistons (20-45) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will mark the fourth and final time that these two teams will meet up this season.  January 31 was the last time they played each other as the Raptors handed the Pistons a 105-92 loss.  Pascal Siakam finished that game with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and one block while Derrick Rose had 21 points and 3 assists.

The Utah Jazz will head to Oklahoma to battle Danilo Gallinari (19.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.9 FG%, 40.9 3P%) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-24) on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the third of four times that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 9 when the Jazz fell to the Thunder, 104-90.  During that game, Dennis Schroder scored 27 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and gave out 2 assists while Donovan Mitchell had 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Utah Jazz come away with a 99-94 victory over the Boston Celtics

Saturday, March 7, 2020

 

The Utah Jazz are looking to grab their fourth straight win tonight as they head to Massachusetts to battle the Boston Celtics.  They are coming fresh off of a 112-104 win against the New York Knicks on Wednesday.  This will be the third of a four-game road trip before heading back home.

As for the Celtics, they are coming off of 112-106 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, hoping to grab a second consecutive win.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the second and final time that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  February 26 was the last time they saw each other as the Celtics handed the Jazz a 114-103 loss.  Jayson Tatum finished that contest with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists while Donovan Mitchell had 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Jazz and the Celtics have played each other a grand total of 99 times in the past as the Jazz won 41 games while the Celtics went on to grab 58 victories.

INACTIVES:

Utah Jazz:

-Nigel Williams-Goss (quad; 0.4 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 14.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Jarrell Brantley (coach’s decision; 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.2 APG)
-Ed Davis (coach’s decision; 1.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 41.2 FG%)
-Emmanuel Mudiay (coach’s decision; 7.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 47.1 FG%, 35.5 3P%)
-Rayjon Tucker (coach’s decision; 1.4 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 42.1 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Justin Wright-Foreman (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Juwan Morgan (G-League; 1.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.1 APG, 52.9 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Miye Oni (0.0 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

Boston Celtics:

-Jaylen Brown (hamstring; 20.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 49.0 FG%, 38.1 3P%)
-Gordon Hayward (knee; 16.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 50.3 FG%, 38.3 3P%)
-Carsen Edwards (G-League; 3.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.6 APG, 32.7 FG%, 30.9 3P%)
-Tremont Waters (G-League; 3.3 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 34.3 FG%, 17.6 3P%)
-Vincent Poirer (G-League; 1.9 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 0.3 APG, 48.5 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Tacko Fall (G-League; 3.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 0.0 APG, 75.0 FG%)

GAMETIME:

The Jazz would have control of the game in the first half as they shot sixty percent from the field, keeping the Celtics to forty-five percent.  Former Grizzlies’ point guard Mike Conley chalked up 15 points which included four three-pointers.  Donovan Mitchell contributed with nine points, earning all of them from beyond the arc.  Bojan Bogdanovic and Royce O’Neale combined for seven points while Rudy Gobert had two points.  Jordan Clarkson played 13 minutes off the bench but only had seven points.

On the other end of the court, Marcus Smart scored 15 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers in the first period.  Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker combined for 15 points while Semi Ojeleye had seven points.  He was also able to grab four rebounds while Daniel Theis had just four points.  Brad Wanamaker played the most minutes off the bench but only had four points as the Jazz went into halftime with a 62-49 lead.

The home team would attempt to make a comeback as they went on a 45 to 37 run in the second half.  During that run, Smart recorded 14 more points but shot only twenty-eight percent.  He was able to knock down 3 three-pointers while grabbing 3 rebounds, committing one steal and blocking one shot.  Tatum, Theis, and Walker all combined for 24 points while Wanamaker had five points off the bench.

As for the Utah ball club, Mike Conley had ten points to go along with 2 rebounds, one assist, and 3 steals.  Gobert helped out with seven points while recording 4 rebounds, one assist, and 3 blocks.  Joe Ingles was held scoreless off the bench but the Jazz still managed to slip away from the Celtics with a 99-94 win.  Mike Conley finished the game with 25 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals while Marcus Smart had 29 points, 3 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Utah Jazz will head to Michigan to take on Derrick Rose (18.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 5.6 APG, 49.0 FG%, 30.6 3P%) and the Detroit Pistons (20-43) on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that these two teams will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 30 when the Pistons fell to the Jazz, 104-81.  During that game, Donovan Mitchell scored 23 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and committed one steal while Rose had 20 points, 4 assists, one steal, and one block.

The Boston Celtics will host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 47.1 FG%, 35.2 3P%) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (38-24) on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

The Nuggets defeated the Hornets behind Murray’s clutch shot, 114-112

Friday, March 6, 2020

 

The Charlotte Hornets are hoping to avoid a third straight loss as they host the Denver Nuggets at the Spectrum Center.  They are coming fresh off of a 104-103 loss they took in the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.  The Nuggets, on the other hand, are trying to recover from a 116-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors, hoping to avoid a second consecutive loss.

This matchup tonight will mark the second and final time that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on January 15 when the Nuggets handed the Hornets a 100-86 loss.  During that game, Michael Porter scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished off one assist, committed 2 steals, and blocked one shot while Terry Rozier had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Hornets and the Nuggets have battled each other a grand total of 59 times in the past as the Nuggets won 30 games while the Hornets grabbed 29 victories.

INACTIVES:

Denver Nuggets:

-Bol Bol (foot)
-Noah Vonleh (ankle; 4.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 56.2 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Vlatko Cancar (coach’s decision; 1.2 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.2 APG, 40.0 FG%, 16.7 3P%)
-PJ Dozier (coach’s decision; 4.3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 40.0 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-Michael Porter (coach’s decision; 7.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 50.4 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-Keita Bates-Diop (G-League; 6.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 42.8 FG%, 33.0 3P%)
-Troy Daniels (not with team; 4.2 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 39.2 FG%, 35.7 3P%)

Charlotte Hornets:

-Devonte Graham (ankle; 17.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 37.4 FG%, 36.6 3P%)
-Nicolas Batum (coach’s decision; 3.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 34.6 FG%, 28.6 3P%)
-Bismack Biyombo (coach’s decision; 7.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 53.9 FG%)
-Joe Chealey (coach’s decision; 0.7 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Malik Monk (suspension; 10.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.4 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
-Dwayne Bacon (G-League; 5.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 34.8 FG%, 28.4 3P%)
-Kobi Simmons (G-League)
-Ray Spalding (G-League)

GAMETIME:

The Denver Nuggets would have control of things in the first half as they shot fifty-five percent from the field while their defense held the Charlotte Hornets to forty-seven percent.  Paul Millsap chalked up 11 points which included a three-pointer in the first quarter.  He also had 3 rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Maryland-native Will Barton helped out with nine points, five rebounds, and one assist.  Barton’s nine points included a three-pointer in the first period.  Gary Harris and Nikola Jokic combined for 13 points while Harris had three rebounds, one assist, and 2 steals.  Jokic was able to record 5 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, and one block while Jamal Murray had five points.  Monte Morris played the most minutes off the bench as he had nine points.

On the other end of the court, P.J. Washington dropped 13 points while knocking down 3 three-pointers in the process.  Devonte Graham contributed with nine points while Miles Bridges had six points.  They both had a three-pointer each while Terry Rozier gave six points.  Cody Martin played 14 minutes off the bench but only had two points while the Nuggets went into halftime with a 60-51 lead.

The Hornets came out of the locker room and sparked up a 61-54 run in the second half, shooting fifty-one percent from the field.  During that run, Graham scored 15 more points while knocking down two three-pointers.  Rozier helped out with 13 points while Cody Zeller and P.J. Washington combined for 15 points.

As for the visiting team, Murray put up 13 points while Nikola Jokic gave eight points.  Both Harris and Barton chalked up seven points each while Millsap was held scoreless in the six minutes that he played.

DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE:

With thirty-one seconds remaining, the game would be tied at 112 apiece after a free-throw by Zeller.  After Zeller missed the second of his two free-throws attempted, Will Barton grabbed the rebound, giving the Nuggets the possession.  Before the shot clock expired, Jamal Murray knocked down a fadeaway jumper to give the Nuggets a 114-112 lead with six seconds remaining.

Out of a Hornets’ timeout, Terry Rozier attempted to win the game with a three-point jump shot but missed as the Denver Nuggets held on to defeat the Charlotte Hornets, 114-112.  Jamal Murray finished the game with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and one steal while Devonte Graham had 24 points, one rebound, seven assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The Denver Nuggets will head to Ohio to take on Collin Sexton (20.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 46.7 FG%, 38.6 3P%) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (17-45) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they meet up this season.  January 11 was the last time they fought each other as the Nuggets fell to the Cavaliers, 111-103.  Sexton finished that game with 25 points, 3 rebounds, and one assist while Jamal Murray had 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.

The Charlotte Hornets will host James Harden (34.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 7.4 APG, 43.9 FG%, 35.8 3P%) and the Houston Rockets (39-21) on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on February 4 when the Rockets defeated the Hornets, 125-110.  During that game, Harden scored 40 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, gave out 12 assists, committed 3 steals, and blocked one shot while Miles Bridges had 20 points, 15 rebounds, one steal, and one block.

The Memphis Grizzlies hand the Brooklyn Nets a 118-79 blowout loss

Thursday, March 5, 2020

 

Last night, the Brooklyn Nets saw their four-game losing streak come to an end as they defeated the Boston Celtics in an overtime game, 129-120.  During that game, Caris LeVert scored a career-high 51 points.  They will try to grab a second straight win as they host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at the Barclays Center.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will look to grab a third consecutive win as they are coming fresh off of a 127-88 win against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the second and final time that they play each other this season.  The last time they met up was on October 27 when the Grizzlies beat the Nets in overtime, 134-133.  Ja Morant finished that game with 30 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, one steal, and one block while Kyrie Irving had 37 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and one block.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Brooklyn Nets and the Memphis Grizzlies have battled each other a grand total of 46 times in the past as they both won 23 games each.

INACTIVES:

Memphis Grizzlies:

-Grayson Allen (hip; 7.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.4 APG, 44.9 FG%, 36.3 3P%)
-Brandon Clarke (quad; 12.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 62.3 FG%, 40.4 3P%)
-Jaren Jackson (knee; 16.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 46.8 FG%, 39.7 3P%)
-Justise Winslow (back; 11.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 38.8 FG%, 22.2 3P%)

Brooklyn Nets:

-Kevin Durant (Achilles)
-Kyrie Irving (shoulder; 27.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.4 APG, 47.8 FG%, 39.4 3P%)
-Jeremiah Martin (G-League; 1.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 25.0 FG%)
-Dzanan Musa (G-League; 4.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 36.0 FG%, 23.1 3P%)
-Garrett Temple (ankle; 10.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.6 APG, 37.8 FG%, 32.4 3P%)
-Nicolas Claxton (G-League; 4.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 56.3 FG%, 14.3 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The game would be somewhat competitive in the first half as the Grizzlies shot thirty-six percent from the field while the Nets shot thirty-seven percent.  Ja Morant scored nine points which included a three-pointer in the first quarter.  He also had three rebounds, three assists, and one steal while Dillon Brooks helped out with eight points.

Former Toronto Raptors’ center Jonas Valanciunas chalked up seven points while grabbing 10 rebounds.  De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson combined for 11 points.  Tyus Jones played the most minutes off the bench as he dropped 10 points.

On the other end of the floor, Caris LeVert put up 10 points on forty-percent shooting.  He also had three rebounds and five assists while Taurean Prince contributed with eight points.  Joe Harris scored six points which included two three-pointers in the first period.  Spencer Dinwiddie had four points as he shot only fourteen percent from the field.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot played 12 minutes off the bench but only had four points as the Grizzlies went into halftime with a 52-45 lead.

The Memphis ball club would close things out in the second half as they went on an incredibly huge 66-34 run, shooting fifty-percent.  During that run, Josh Jackson scored 12 points off the bench as he hit 3 three-pointers.  Anderson and Morant combined for 13 points while Brooks had four.

As for the Brooklyn team, both Harris and Prince scored seven points each but it wasn’t enough as the Memphis Grizzlies handed the Brooklyn Nets an 118-79 blowout loss.  Josh Jackson finished that game with 19 points, one assist, and 2 steals while Taurean Prince had 15 points and 5 rebounds.

So…what’s next?

The Memphis Grizzlies will head to Texas to take on Luka Doncic (28.5 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 8.8 APG, 46.1 FG%, 31.5 3P%) and the Dallas Mavericks (37-25) on Friday at 8:30 p.m.  This will mark the third of four times that they play each other this season.  February 5 was the last time they saw each other as the Mavericks fell to the Grizzlies, 121-107.  During that game, Ja Morant scored 21 points, grabbed one rebound, and dished off 3 assists while Kristaps Porzingis had 32 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and one block.

The Brooklyn Nets will host DeMar DeRozan (22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.4 APG, 52.7 FG%, 26.7 3P%) and the San Antonio Spurs (26-34) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.  It will be the second and final time that they see each other this season.  The last time they battled each other was on December 19 when the Spurs defeated the Nets, 118-105.  Patty Mills finished that game with 27 points, one rebound, and 2 assists while Spencer Dinwiddie had 41 points, one rebound, and 5 assists.

The New York Knicks fell to the Houston Rockets, 123-112

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

 

The Houston Rockets are looking to capture a fourth consecutive victory tonight as they host the New York Knicks at the Toyota Center.  They are coming fresh off of a 120-110 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday.  The Knicks, on the other hand, are trying to avoid a fourth straight loss.  This will be the first of two times that these teams will meet up this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Rockets and the Knicks have fought each other a grand total of 153 times as the Rockets won 79 games while the Knicks were kept to just 74 victories.

INACTIVES:

New York Knicks:

-Elfrid Payton (knee; 9.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.9 APG, 43.0 FG%, 23.7 3P%)
-Wayne Ellington (coach’s decision; 5.1 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 35.8 FG%, 34.6 3P%)
-Kenny Wooten (G-League)
-Ignas Brazdeikis (G-League; 1.9 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 27.3 FG%, 11.1 3P%)
-Frank Ntilikina (groin; 5.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 38.5 FG%, 31.0 3P%)
-Kadeem Allen (G-League; 5.0 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 43.2 FG%, 31.3 3P%)

Houston Rockets:

-Tyson Chandler (coach’s decision; 1.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 77.8 FG%)
-Russell Westbrook (thumb; 27.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.2 APG, 46.6 FG%, 24.6 3P%)
-Isaiah Hartenstein (G-League; 4.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 65.7 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-William Howard (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Michael Frazier (G-League; 1.8 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.1 APG, 36.4 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-Chris Clemons (G-League; 5.0 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 40.3 FG%, 35.5 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Houston Rockets would have full control of the game in the first half as they shot sixty percent from the field, limiting the New York Knicks to just forty-six percent.  James Harden got hot for 31 points which included four three-pointers.  He also had 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and one steal while Robert Covington helped out with eight points.  Eric Gordon and Danuel House combined for 10 points while P.J. Tucker was held scoreless.  Ben McLemore played 14 minutes off the bench as he had 11 points.

On the other end of the floor, R.J. Barrett chalked up 16 points while knocking down 2 three-pointers.  Former Lakers’ forward Julius Randle helped out with 12 points on fifty-percent shooting.  Dennis Smith contributed with six points while both Taj Gibson and Maurice Harkless had two points each.  Reggie Bullock played the most minutes off the bench but was kept scoreless as the Texas team went into halftime with a 72-57 lead.

The Knicks would try to make a comeback in the second half as they shot forty-two percent from the field while the home team shot thirty-nine percent.  During that time, Smith added nine more points to his scoring total while recording 5 rebounds and 2 steals.  Barrett, Randle, and Harkless earned five points each while Gibson had four.  Mitchell Robinson played the most minutes off the bench but only had seven points.

As for the Rockets, Austin Rivers dropped 14 points off the bench while House, Gordon, and Harden combined for 22 of the Rockets’ 51 second-half points.  McLemore played 14 minutes off the bench but only had six points as the Rockets came away with a 123-112 win.  James Harden finished the game with 37 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while R.J. Barrett had 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The New York Knicks will head to North Carolina to battle Devonte Graham (17.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 7.7 APG, 37.3 FG%, 36.8 3P%) and the Charlotte Hornets (19-37) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This will mark the third of four times that they play each other this season.  January 28 was the last time they saw each other as the Knicks fell to the Hornets, 97-92.  Terry Rozier finished that game with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist while Julius Randle scored 24 points, pulled down 5 rebounds, dished off 2 assists, and committed one steal.

The Houston Rockets will host Ja Morant (17.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.9 APG, 49.2 FG%, 35.5 3P%) and the Memphis Grizzlies (28-28) on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the third of four times that they meet each other this season.  The last time they played each other was on January 14 when the Grizzlies won, 121-110.  Morant finished that game with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, one steal, and one block while James Harden settled for 41 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and one block.

Beal’s career-high 53 points weren’t enough as the Bulls defeated the Wizards, 126-117

Monday, February 24, 2020

The Chicago Bulls are in danger of being handed their ninth straight loss of the season as they host the Washington Wizards at the United Center tonight.  They are coming fresh off of a 112-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns last night so hopefully, for them, fatigue won’t play a factor.

The Wizards, on the other hand, are trying to avoid a second consecutive loss as they are coming off a 113-108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the fourth and final time that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they played each other was on February 11 when the Bulls fell to the Wizards, 126-114.  During that contest, Bradley Beal scored 30 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, dished off 7 assists, and committed one steal while Zach LaVine finished with 41 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and two steals.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Bulls and the Wizards have played each other a grand total of 243 times as the Bulls won 129 games while the Wizards were limited to just 114 victories.

INACTIVES:

Washington Wizards:

-Garrison Matthews (ankle; 5.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 46.0 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-John Wall (Achilles)
-Anzejs Pasecniks (coach’s decision; 7.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 52.9 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Admiral Schofield (G-League; 3.2 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.5 APG, 40.0 FG%, 29.8 3P%)
-Johnathan Williams (G-League; 3.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.5 APG, 64.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

Chicago Bulls:

-Wendall Carter (ankle; 11.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 53.7 FG%, 21.4 3P%)
-Kris Dunn (knee; 7.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 44.4 FG%, 25.9 3P%)
-Chandler Hutchison (shoulder; 7.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 45.7 FG%, 31.6 3P%)
-Luke Kornet (ankle; 6.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 43.9 FG%, 28.7 3P%)
-Lauri Markkanen (ankle; 15.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 42.4 FG%, 34.4 3P%)
-Otto Porter (foot; 11.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 41.7 FG%, 40.0 3P%)
-Max Strus (knee; 2.5 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 66.7 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Denzel Valentine (hamstring; 5.8 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 40.2 FG%, 35.6 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Chicago Bulls would have control of things in the first half as they shot fifty-six percent from the field while the Washington Wizards shot fifty-one percent.  Zach LaVine dropped 15 points which included 3 three-pointers.  He also had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal, and one block while Thaddeus Young helped out with 12 points.  Tomas Satoransky and Daniel Gafford combined for 13 points while Ryan Arcidiacono had a three-pointer.  Coby White played 15 minutes off the bench as he got hot for 26 points.

On the other end of the floor, Bradley Beal chalked up 21 points on fifty-percent shooting.  He also drilled two three-pointers while Rui Hachimura scored eight points.  He was able to record six rebounds, as well, while Ish Smith contributed with five points.  Former Spurs’ power forward Davis Bertans played the most minutes off the bench but only had six points while the home team went into halftime with a 73-58 lead.

The Wizards will look to attempt a comeback as they went on a 59-53 run, shooting fifty percent from the field.  During that run, Beal added 32 more points to his scoring total while hitting 3 three-pointers in the process.  Smith and Hachimura combined for seven points while Bertans dropped 16 points off the bench.

The Chicago team would close things out, though, as LaVine and Young combined for 28 points.  White scored seven more points off the bench as the Bulls held the Wizards off, 126-117.  Coby White finished the game with a season-high-tying 33 points, along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a season-high-tying one block.  Bradley Beal had a career-high 53 points, along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Washington Wizards will host Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.0 PPG, 13.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 55.2 FG%, 31.1 3P%) and the Milwaukee Bucks (48-8) on Monday at 7:00 p.m.  This will mark the second of four times that these two teams will meet up this season.  The last time they played each other was on January 28 when the Bucks handed the Wizards a 151-131 loss.  Khris Middleton finished that game with 51 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists while Bradley Beal had 47 points, 6 assists, one steal, and one block.

The Chicago Bulls will host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 46.2 FG%, 34.5 3P%) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-22) on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they see each other this season.  December 16 was the last time they battled each other as the Thunder crept away with a 109-106 win.  During that game, Chris Paul scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, gave out 8 assists, and committed 2 steals while Zach LaVine had 39 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

The Spurs bring an end to the Jazz’s winning streak, 113-104

Saturday, February 22, 2020

 

The San Antonio Spurs are coming out of the All-Star break, looking to grab a second straight victory tonight against the Utah Jazz.  This will also mark the sixth game of an eight-game road trip for them.  As for the Jazz, they will look to capture a fifth straight win tonight.

Tonight’s game will mark the second of four times that these two teams will match up with each other this season.  The last time they met up was on January 29 when the Spurs handed the Jazz a 127-120 loss.  During that game, DeMar DeRozan scored 38 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished off 5 assists while Donovan Mitchell had 31 points, one rebound, 4 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The San Antonio Spurs and the Utah Jazz have met up a grand total of 213 times as the Spurs won 118 games while the Jazz were limited to just 95 victories.

INACTIVES:

San Antonio Spurs:

-Marco Belinelli (coach’s decision; 5.4 PPG, 1.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 37.1 FG%, 34.6 3P%)
-Keldon Johnson (coach’s decision; 1.0 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.0 APG, 40.0 FG%)
-Chimezie Metu (coach’s decision; 2.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 55.2 FG%)
-Drew Eubanks (G-League; 2.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 66.7 FG%)
-Quinndary Weatherspoon (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%)
-Luka Samanic (G-League)

Utah Jazz:

-Mike Conley (knee; 13.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 39.2 FG%, 36.1 3P%)
-Ed Davis (back; 1.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 41.2 FG%)
-Nigel Williams-Goss (quad; 0.4 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 14.3 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Jarrell Brantley (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.3 APG)
-Miye Oni (0.0 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.0 APG)

GAMETIME:

The Spurs would have control of things in the first half as they shot forty-nine percent from the field, keeping the Jazz at thirty-nine percent shooting.  Dejounte Murray scored 15 points while knocking down a three-pointer in the process.  He also had three rebounds, three assists, and three steals while Bryn Forbes had 13 points.  He collected 12 of those points from beyond the arc and the other point from the charity stripe.

Former Trail Blazers’ forward LaMarcus Aldridge helped out with 12 points which included a three-pointer.  He also had five rebounds and two assists while DeMar DeRozan and Trey Lyles combined for 11 points.  Patty Mills played the most minutes off the bench as he had seven points.

On the other end of the floor, Rudy Gobert dropped 10 points while shooting a perfect one-hundred percent from the field.  He was also able to collect nine rebounds while both Royce O’Neale and Joe Ingles had seven points each.  They were able to knock down one three-pointer each while Donovan Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic chalked up six points each.  Jordan Clarkson played 17 minutes off the bench as he had seven points but it was the visiting team that went into halftime with a 65-46 lead.

The Jazz attempted to make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 60-48 run, shooting forty-eight percent.  During that run, Emmanuel Mudiay got hot for 18 points while Bogdanovic and Gobert combined for 17 points.  Clarkson played the most minutes off the bench but only had eight points.

As for the Spurs, DeRozan added 12 more points to his scoring total while Murray had eight points.  Derrick White, who played 12 minutes off the bench, scored 11 points as the San Antonio Spurs were able to come out with a 113-104 win.  Dejounte Murray finished the game with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and a season-high-tying 4 steals while Rudy Gobert had 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The San Antonio Spurs will go back to Oklahoma to battle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 46.6 FG%, 35.0 3P%) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (33-22) on Sunday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the fourth and final time that these two teams will see each other this season.  February 11 was the last time they played each other as the Thunder fell to the Spurs, 114-106.  LaMarcus Aldridge finished the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal, and one block while Chris Paul had 31 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, one steal, and one block.

The Utah Jazz will host James Harden (35.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 7.3 APG, 43.7 FG%, 35.8 3P%) and the Houston Rockets (34-20) on Saturday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the third and final time that these ball clubs will fight each other this season.  The last time that they met up was on February 9 when the Jazz crept away with a 114-113 win.  During that contest, Jordan Clarkson scored 30 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and gave out 2 assists while Russell Westbrook had 39 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, and one block.

The Milwaukee Bucks hand the Detroit Pistons a 126-106 loss

Friday, February 21, 2020

 

Before the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks saw their five-game win streak come to an end as they lost to the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday, 118-111.  Coming off of the break, they will hope to start another winning streak as they battle the Detroit Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena tonight.  The Pistons, on the other hand, will try to avoid a fifth straight loss.

Tonight’s matchup will mark the third of four times that these two teams will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 4 when the Bucks defeated the Pistons, 127-103.  During that game, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots while Andre Drummond had 23 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Bucks and the Pistons have played each other a grand total of 268 times as the Bucks won 142 games while the Pistons were kept to 126 victories.

INACTIVES:

Milwaukee Bucks:

-Kyle Korver (back; 6.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41.8 FG%, 40.7 3P%)
-Frank Mason (G-League; 1.3 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 14.3 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-Thanasis Antetokounmpo (2.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 56.5 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Cameron Reynolds (G-League)

Detroit Pistons:

-Blake Griffin (knee; 15.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 35.2 FG%, 24.3 3P%)
-Luke Kennard (knee; 15.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 44.2 FG%, 39.9 3P%)
-Khyri Thomas (foot; 0.5 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Markieff Morris (coach’s decision; 11.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 45.0 FG%, 39.7 3P%)
-Louis King (G-League; 2.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 38.1 FG%, 36.4 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Milwaukee Bucks would have complete control of things in the first half as they shot fifty-four percent from the field, keeping the home team to just thirty-six percent shooting.  Khris Middleton posted up 20 points while knocking down all four of his three-pointers attempted.  Giannis Antetokounmpo helped out with 19 points while collecting 12 rebounds, dishing off 3 assists, and committing 3 steals.

Brook Lopez had nine points on just thirty-three percent shooting.  He was able to get a hold of one defensive rebound while Eric Bledsoe earned himself eight points.  Bledsoe’s eight points included a three-pointer while Wesley Matthews was kept scoreless.  Robin Lopez played the most minutes off the bench as he had nine points.

As for the Pistons, Christian Wood scored 10 points off the bench while Thon Maker and Derrick Rose combined for 14 points.  Former Bulls’ player Tony Snell contributed with five points while drilling a trey.  Shooting guard Bruce Brown played 15 minutes off the bench but only had two points while the Bucks went into halftime with a huge 70-41 lead.

The Detroit ball club would attempt to make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 65-56 run, shooting fifty-eight percent from the field.  During that run, Brown scored 14 points off the bench while Langston Galloway had 12.  Three-time All-Star Derrick Rose contributed with six points.

On the other end of the floor, Antetokounmpo added 14 points to his scoring total.  George Hill had four points off the bench as the Bucks were able to hold off the Pistons, 126-106.  Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the game with 33 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, a season-high-tying 3 steals, and one block.  Christian Wood had 18 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Milwaukee Bucks will host Joel Embiid (22.9 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 46.6 FG%, 33.6 3P%) and the Philadelphia 76ers (34-21) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.  This will mark the third of four times that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on February 6 when the 76ers fell to the Bucks, 112-101.  Giannis Antetokounmpo finished that game with 36 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists, and one steal while Tobias Harris had 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.

The Detroit Pistons will head to Oregon to take on C.J. McCollum (21.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 44.6 FG%, 38.3 3P%) and the Portland Trail Blazers (25-31) on Sunday at 9:00 p.m.  This will be the first of two times that they play each other this season.

The Thunder hold on to defeat the Pelicans, 123-118

Friday, February 14, 2020

 

The New Orleans Pelicans have been playing impressive basketball lately, winning six of their last eight games.  With a win tonight, they will have captured their fourth straight win.  They will hope to do that as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Smoothie King Center.

The Thunder, on the other hand, are trying to avoid a third consecutive loss tonight.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the fourth and final time that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 1 when the Thunder came away with a 107-104 victory.  During that game, Danilo Gallinari scored 23 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and dished off 3 assists while Jrue Holiday had 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Pelicans and the Thunder have played each other a grand total of 60 times in the past as the Thunder won 35 games while the Pelicans were limited to just 25 victories.

INACTIVES:

Oklahoma City Thunder:

-Darius Bazley (knee; 4.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 38.3 FG%, 30.0 3P%)
-Andre Roberson (knee)
-Deonte Burton (coach’s decision; 2.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 36.6 FG%, 17.9 3P%)
-Hamidou Diallo (coach’s decision; 6.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 45.1 FG%, 17.2 3P%)
-Kevin Hervey (coach’s decision; 0.0 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Isaiah Roby (0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%)

New Orleans Pelicans:

-Brandon Ingram (ankle; 24.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 47.3 FG%, 40.0 3P%)
-Darius Miller (Achilles)
-Kenrich Williams (back; 3.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.5 APG, 34.3 FG%, 26.0 3P%)
-Nickeil Alexander-Walker (coach’s decision; 5.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 33.9 FG%, 34.2 3P%)
-Jahlil Okafor (coach’s decision; 7.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 61.1 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Zylan Cheatham (G-League; 1.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 40.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Josh Gray (G-League; 1.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 50.0 FG%)

GAMETIME:

The Thunder would have control of things in the first half as they shot fifty-two percent from the field, keeping the Pelicans at forty-seven percent shooting.  Danilo Gallinari chalked up 14 points which included two three-pointers in the second quarter.  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed with 13 points while dishing out three assists.

Center Steven Adams scored seven points while knocking down a rare three-pointer.  He also had seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and 2 blocks while Chris Paul had six points on forty-percent shooting.  Dennis Schroder played the most minutes off the bench as he threw up 13 points.

As for the home team, Zion Williamson got hot for 15 points as he shot fifty percent from the field.  Both Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball scored seven points each while Ball knocked down two three-pointers in the process.  Hart also had a three-pointer while Derrick Favors and Jrue Holiday earned four points each.  J.J. Redick played 13 minutes off the bench as he had seven points but it was the Oklahoma team that went into halftime with a 66-58 lead.

The Pelicans would attempt to make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 60-57 run.  During that run, Williamson added 17 more points to his scoring total while grabbing three rebounds.  Holiday helped out with 10 points which included a three-pointer.  Redick played the most minutes off the bench as he chalked up 17 points.

On the other end of the court, Gallinari scored 15 points while Paul and Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 12 points.  Schroder dropped nine points off the bench as the Thunder held on to take a 123-118 win.  Danilo Gallinari finished the game with 29 points, 2 rebounds, one assist, and a season-high-tying 2 steals while Zion Williamson had 32 points, 6 rebounds, one assist, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host Nikola Jokic (20.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 51.8 FG%, 32.9 3P%) and the Denver Nuggets (38-17) on Friday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second of four times that these two teams will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 14 when the Thunder fell to the Nuggets, 110-102.  Jokic finished that game with 28 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, and one steal while Dennis Schroder settled for 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Oregon to fight C.J. McCollum (21.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 44.6 FG%, 38.3 3P%) and the Portland Trail Blazers (25-31) on Friday at 10:30 p.m.  This will mark the fourth and final time that these ball clubs will face off this season.  February 11 was the last time they met as the Pelicans handed the Trail Blazers, 138-117.  During that game, Zion Williamson scored 31 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, gave out 5 assists, and committed one steal while McCollum had 20 points, one rebound, and 3 assists.