The Philadelphia 76ers hand the Chicago Bulls a 100-89 loss

Saturday, January 18, 2020

 

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming fresh off of a 117-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.  Tonight, they will look to grab a second straight win as they host the Chicago Bulls at the Wells Fargo Center.  This will be the last game the 76ers play at home before going on a three-game road trip.

The Chicago Bulls are looking to grab a second consecutive victory, as well.  They have just recently defeated the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the first of three times that these two teams will play each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls have played each other a grand total of 244 times in the past as the 76ers won 128 games while the Bulls were limited to just 116 victories.

INACTIVES:

Chicago Bulls:

-Wendall Carter (ankle; 11.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 53.7 FG%, 21.4 3P%)
-Daniel Gafford (finger; 4.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.4 APG, 67.7 FG%)
-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%)
-Shaquille Harrison (coach’s decision; 2.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 38.3 FG%, 30.8 3P%)
-Denzel Valentine (coach’s decision; 6.0 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 42.6 FG%, 39.2 3P%)
-Adam Mokoka (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

Philadelphia 76ers:

-Joel Embiid (finger; 23.4 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 3.3 APG, 47.2 FG%, 32.2 3P%)
-Jonah Bolden (coach’s decision; 1.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 100.0 FG%)
-Trey Burke (coach’s decision; 6.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 47.9 FG%, 44.4 3P%)
-Shake Milton (coach’s decision; 3.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.8 APG, 38.1 FG%, 22.7 3P%)
-Norvel Pelle (G-League; 2.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 60.0 FG%)
-Zhaire Smith (G-League)
-Marial Shayok (G-League)

GAMETIME:

The game would be held close in the first half as the Bulls shot forty-five percent from the field while the 76ers shot forty-two percent.  Lauri Markkanen scored 12 points while knocking down two three-pointers in the process.  He also had one rebound, two steals, and one block while Zach LaVine helped out with 11 points.

Former New York Knicks’ forward Luke Kornet chalked up five points, three coming from beyond the arc and the other two from the charity stripe.  Tomas Satoransky only had two points while Kris Dunn was kept scoreless.  Thaddeus Young played the most minutes off the bench but only had two points.

As for the home team, Ben Simmons chalked up 12 points on fifty-four percent shooting.  He also had seven rebounds and one assist while Al Horford and Tobias Harris combined for 16 points.  Matisse Thybulle had four points and two blocks while Josh Richardson was limited to two points.  Furkan Korkmaz played nine minutes off the bench as he had six points while the Bulls went into halftime with a 47-46 lead.

The Philadelphia 76ers would take control of things in the second half as they went on a 54 to 42 run, shooting fifty-five percent from the field.  During that run, Horford added 11 more points to his scoring total while hitting a three-pointer in the process.  Simmons helped out with eight points as he grabbed four boards, dished out six assists, and committed one steal.  Korkmaz played 17 minutes off the bench as he had 18 points.

On the other end of the court, LaVine put up 12 more points but it wasn’t enough as the 76ers came away with a 100-89 win.  Furkan Korkmaz finished the game with a career-high 24 points, along with 4 rebounds and one block while Zach LaVine had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

So…what’s next?

The Chicago Bulls will host Collin Sexton (18.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 45.4 FG%, 32.6 3P%) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (12-29) on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  This will mark the second of four times that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on October 30 when the Bulls fell to the Cavaliers, 117-111.  During that game, Tristan Thompson scored 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out two assists, and blocked 5 shots while Zach LaVine had 16 points, 2 assists, and one steal.

The Philadelphia 76ers will head to New York to battle Julius Randle (19.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.3 APG, 45.2 FG%, 29.4 3P%) and the New York Knicks (11-31) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will be the third of four times that they fight each other this season.  November 29 was the last time they played each other as the 76ers handed the Knicks a 101-95 loss.  Joel Embiid finished that game with 27 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks while Julius Randle had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.

The Phoenix Suns hold off the New York Knicks, 121-98

Friday, January 17, 2020

 

The New York Knicks are recovering from a 128-102 loss they took in the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.  They will hope to avoid a second straight loss as they host the Phoenix Suns tonight at the Madison Square Garden.  The Suns, on the other hand, are dealing with struggles of their own as they try to avoid a second straight, as well.

Tonight’s matchup between these teams will mark the second and final time that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on January 3 when the Suns came away with a 120-112 victory.  During that game, Devin Booker scored 38 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished off 7 assists while Marcus Morris had 25 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and one block.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns have battled each other a grand total of 129 times in the past as the Knicks won 64 games while the Suns won 65 games.

INACTIVES:

Phoenix Suns:

-Frank Kaminsky (knee; 11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 45.5 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
-Kelly Oubre (concussion; 18.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, 46.0 FG%, 34.9 3P%)
-Tyler Johnson (coach’s decision; 5.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 37.6 FG%, 27.0 3P%)
-Jared Harper (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Tariq Owens (G-League)

New York Knicks:

-Reggie Bullock (neck; 9.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 39.7 FG%, 32.5 3P%)
-Dennis Smith (oblique; 5.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 32.5 FG%, 29.3 3P%)
-Wayne Ellington (coach’s decision; 4.0 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.0 APG, 32.3 FG%, 30.9 3P%)
-Allonzo Trier (coach’s decision; 6.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 45.1 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Ignas Brazdeikis (G-League; 1.9 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 27.3 FG%, 11.1 3P%)
-Kenny Wooten (G-League)

GAMETIME:

The game would be held close in the first half as the Suns shot forty-six percent from the field while the Knicks shot forty percent.  Deandre Ayton scored 14 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking 2 shots.  Ricky Rubio also had 14 points as he drilled two three-pointers in the process.  Devin Booker helped out with 12 points which knocking down a trey in the first quarter.  Cameron Johnson played the most minutes off the bench but only had five points.

On the other end of the court, Julius Randle chalked up 12 points which included a three-pointer.  Both Marcus Morris and Elfrid Payton scored six points each while Taj Gibson earned himself five points.  Mitchell Robinson played 13 minutes off the bench but only scored four points as the Arizona team went into halftime with a 58-52 lead.

The Phoenix Suns closed things out in the second half as they sparked up a huge 63-46 run, shooting fifty-seven percent from the field.  During that run, Booker recorded 17 more points while grabbing a board and dishing out three assists.  Ayton and Rubio combined for 23 points while Dario Saric contributed with seven points.  Johnson played 12 minutes off the bench but only had five points.

As for the Knicks, both Randle and Morris combined for 25 points.  Robinson recorded eight points off the bench but it was the Suns who came away with a 121 to 98 victory.  Devin Booker finished the game with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal while Julius Randle had 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a season-high-tying 3 steals.

So…what’s next?

The Phoenix Suns travel to Massachusetts to take on Kemba Walker (21.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.0 APG, 43.6 FG%, 38.9 3P%) and the Boston Celtics (27-12) on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that these two ball clubs will see each other this season.  The last time they played each other was on November 18 when the Celtics handed the Suns a 99-85 loss.  Jayson Tatum finished that game with 26 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal while Devin Booker had 20 points, one rebound, and 4 assists.

The New York Knicks will host Tobias Harris (19.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 48.7 FG%, 35.9 3P%) and the Philadelphia 76ers (26-16) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  It will mark the third of four times that that meet up this season.  November 29 was the last time that they saw each other as the Knicks fell to the 76ers, 101-95.  During that game, Joel Embiid scored 27 points, grabbed 17 boards, dished out 2 assists, and blocked 3 shots while Julius Randle had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.

The Detroit Pistons get by the Boston Celtics, 116-103

Thursday, January 16, 2020

 

The Detroit Pistons are looking to avoid a fourth straight loss as they battle the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden tonight.  This will mark the first of a three-game road trip to the Pistons.  The Celtics, on the other hand, will look to grab a third straight victory.  They are coming fresh off of a 113-101 win against the Chicago Bulls.

Tonight’s matchup will mark the second of three times that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 20 when the Celtics handed the Pistons a 114-93 loss.  During that game, Jaylen Brown scored 26 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, committed 3 steals, and blocked one shot while Thon Maker had 15 points, 7 rebounds, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Pistons and the Celtics have played each other a grand total of 423 times in the past as the Celtics grabbed 266 wins while the Pistons were limited to just 157 victories.

INACTIVES:

Detroit Pistons:

-Jordan Bone (coach’s decision; 1.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.8 APG, 28.6 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Reggie Jackson (spine; 5.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 36.4 FG%, 20.0 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)
-Louis King (G-League; 1.8 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 42.9 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Blake Griffin (knee; 15.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 35.2 FG%, 24.3 3P%)

Boston Celtics:

-Jayson Tatum (knee; 21.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 42.9 FG%, 36.1 3P%)
-Carsen Edwards (G-League; 3.2 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 30.5 FG%, 30.5 3P%)
-Robert Williams (hip; 3.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 67.3 FG%)
-Tremont Waters (G-League; 4.4 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 40.0 FG%, 18.2 3P%)
-Tacko Fall (G-League; 4.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 72.7 FG%)

GAMETIME:

Both teams played with a competitive spirit in the first half as the Pistons shot sixty-two percent from the field while the Celtics shot fifty-two percent.  Markieff Morris got hot for 17 points off the bench as he knocked down 3 three-pointers.  He only missed one of his seven shots attempted while Sekou Doumbouya had 12 points which included a trey.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard Derrick Rose contributed with 10 points while giving out 4 assists and blocking one shot.  Andre Drummond had four points on a perfect one-hundred percent shooting.  He also had 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block.  Svi Mykhaililuk played the most minutes off the bench but only had seven points.

As for the home team, Jaylen Brown chalked up 17 points while drilling 3 three-pointers.  He also had six rebounds and one assist while Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker combined for 22 points.  Daniel Theis helped out with seven points along with three offensive rebounds and three assists.  Brad Wanamaker played 12 minutes off the bench as he had seven points while the Celtics went into halftime with a tight 59-57 lead.

The Michigan ball club would decide to take over and close things out in the second half as they went on a 59 to 44 run.  During that run, both Rose and Doumbouya scored 12 points each while Drummond earned nine more points.  Drummond had eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block to go along with it.  Mykhailiuk played 16 minutes off the bench as he had 14 points.

On the other end of the court, Hayward scored 13 points while Walker and Tatum combined for 16 points.  Wanamaker dropped two points off the bench but it was the Pistons who came away with a 116-103 win.  Sekou Doumbouya finished with a season-high 24 points, along with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Gordon Hayward had 25 points, 7 rebounds, one assist, and a season-high-tying 2 steals.

So…what’s next?

The Detroit Pistons will travel to Georgia to battle Trae Young (29.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.5 APG, 44.2 FG%, 36.9 3P%) and the Atlanta Hawks (9-32) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will mark the third of four times that these two teams will see each other this season.  The last time they played each other was on November 22 when the Hawks fell to the Pistons, 128-103.  Blake Griffin finished that game with 24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and one block while DeAndre Bembry had 22 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.

The Boston Celtics will go to Wisconsin to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.0 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 55.4 FG%, 33.2 3P%) and the Milwaukee Bucks (36-6) on Thursday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second of four times that these two ball clubs will play each other this season.  October 30 was the last time they saw each other as the Celtics came away with a 116-105 win.  During that game, Kemba Walker scored 32 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished off 6 assists while Khris Middleton had 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Trail Blazers escape from the Hornets, 115-112

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

 

The Charlotte Hornets are in danger of losing a fifth straight game as they battle the Portland Trail Blazers tonight in Oregon.  The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, are trying to avoid a third straight loss.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the first of two times that these two ball clubs will see each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Charlotte Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers have battled each other a grand total of 58 times in the past as the Hornets won 16 games while the Blazers went on to grab 42 wins.

INACTIVES:

Charlotte Hornets:

-Bismack Biyombo (coach’s decision; 7.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 54.8 FG%)
-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (coach’s decision; 4.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 34.0 FG%, 29.4 3P%)
-Cody Martin (coach’s decision; 3.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 39.6 FG%, 20.5 3P%)
-Jalen McDaniels (G-League; 2.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG, 40.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Caleb Martin (G-League; 1.8 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 0.6 APG, 30.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Robert Franks (G-League)
-Kobi Simmons (G-League)

Portland Trail Blazers:

-Zach Collins (shoulder; 9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 47.4 FG%, 42.9 3P%)
-Rodney Hood (leg; 11.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 50.6 FG%, 49.3 3P%)
-Skal Labissiere (knee; 5.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 55.1 FG%, 23.1 3P%)
-Mario Hezonja (back; 4.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.9 APG, 39.2 FG%, 30.8 3P%)
-Jusuf Nurkic (leg)
-Moses Brown (G-League; 1.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.0 APG, 44.4 FG%)

GAMETIME:

The Trail Blazers would have control of the game in the first half as they shot fifty-nine percent from the field, keeping the Hornets to thirty-seven percent.  C.J. McCollum got hot for 20 points while knocking down four three-pointers in the process.  Both Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard scored 12 points each.

Lillard was able to drill two three-pointers while grabbing one defensive rebound and dishing out five assists.  Former Heat center Hassan Whiteside helped out with four points while grabbing nine boards and blocking two shots.  Gary Trent played the most minutes off the bench but only had a three-pointer.

As for the North Carolina team, Devonte Graham dropped 11 points which included 3 three-pointers.  Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington combined for 15 points while both Miles Bridges and Cody Zeller were kept to just two points each.  France-native Nicolas Batum played 15 minutes off the bench but only recorded four points as the home team went into halftime with a 62-46 lead.

The Charlotte Hornets would attempt a comeback in the second half as they went on a 66-53 run.  Graham chalked up 16 points, earning 15 of those points from beyond the arc and the other point from the charity stripe.  He also had eight assists while Terry Rozier had 16 points, as well.

P.J. Washington contributed with 14 points while recording six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.  He also had a 3 three-pointers while Cody Zeller scored four points.  Nicolas Batum played the most minutes off the bench but only had five points.

On the other end of the court, Damian Lillard chalked up 18 more points while McCollum, Whiteside, and Anthony combined for 15 points.  Anthony Tolliver played 14 minutes off the bench and scored 16 points as the Trail Blazers came away with a 115-112 victory.  Damian Lillard finished the game with 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists while Devonte Graham had 27 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The Charlotte Hornets will head to Colorado to take on Nikola Jokic (19.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 6.4 APG, 51.0 FG%, 34.0 3P%) and the Denver Nuggets (27-12) on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of two times that these teams will play each other during this season.

The Portland Trail Blazers will travel to Texas to battle James Harden (37.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 7.5 APG, 45.3 FG%, 38.0 3P%) and the Houston Rockets (26-12) on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.  This will be the second of four times that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they met was on November 18 when the Rockets handed the Trail Blazers a blowout loss, 132-108.  Harden finished that game with 36 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, and one block while C.J. McCollum had 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

The Suns hold off the Magic, 98-94

Saturday, January 11, 2020

 

The Orlando Magic are looking for their third straight victory as they take on the Phoenix Suns tonight in Arizona.  This will be the first game of their six-game road trip but it will tough, considering the 5-12 road record they are currently holding.  Coming off a huge 123-89 win against the Wizards on Wednesday, they will hope to use that as motivation.

The Suns, on the other hand, are trying to avoid a third consecutive loss.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the second and final time that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.  The last time they played each other was on December 4 when the Magic came away with a 128-114 win.  During that game, Aaron Gordon scored 32 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished off 5 assists, and committed one steal while Frank Kaminsky had 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Magic and the Suns have battled each other a grand total of 60 times as the Magic won 25 games while the Suns won 35 games.

INACTIVES:

Orlando Magic:

-Al-Farouq Aminu (knee; 4.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 29.1 FG%, 25.0 3P%)
-D.J. Augustin (knee; 10.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 39.5 FG%, 35.1 3P%)
-Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder; 5.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 47.6 FG%, 23.3 3P%)
-Aaron Gordon (calf; 13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 41.0 FG%, 27.1 3P%)
-Jonathan Isaac (knee; 12.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 46.3 FG%, 33.0 3P%)
-B.J. Johnson (coach’s decision; 1.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 100.0 FG%)
-Melvin Frazier (G-League; 1.6 PPG, 0.4 RPG, 0.1 APG, 35.3 FG%, 57.1 3P%)

Phoenix Suns:

-Frank Kaminsky (knee; 11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 45.5 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
-Jevon Carter (coach’s decision; 3.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 36.6 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
-Cheick Diallo (coach’s decision; 4.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 66.7 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-Ty Jerome (coach’s decision; 4.2 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 32.7 FG%, 30.0 3P%)
-Jalen Lecque
-Jared Harper (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Suns would have control of the game in the first half as they shot forty-eight percent from the field while their defense kept the visiting team to forty-percent shooting.  Devin Booker scored 16 points while knocking down two three-pointers in the process.  Former Washington Wizards’ forward Kelly Oubre helped out with 13 points which included 3 three-pointers.

Aron Baynes chalked up six points while shooting a perfect one-hundred percent from the field.  He recorded two rebounds and one assist while both Dario Saric and Ricky Rubio earned four points each.  Deandre Ayton played the most minutes off the bench but only had six points.

As for the Magic, Evan Fournier had 13 points which included a three-pointer in the first quarter.  Markelle Fultz contributed with 12 points while grabbing two rebounds, dishing out three assists, and committing one steal.  Nikola Vucevic and Khem Birch combined for 11 points while Wes Iwundu was held scoreless.  Terrence Ross played 15 minutes off the bench as he had 12 points but it was the home team that went into halftime with a 58-48 lead.

The Florida team would attempt to make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 46-40 run.  During that run, Fournier and Vucevic combined for 27 points while Fultz had three points.  On the other end of the court, Kelly Oubre had nine more points as the Suns went able to come away with a 98-94 win.  Devin Booker finished the game with 24 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and a season-high 3 steals while Evan Fournier had 28 points, 3 rebounds, one assist, and a season-high-tying 3 steals.

So…what’s next?

The Orlando Magic will head to California to take on Buddy Hield (20.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 41.4 FG%, 37.2 3P%) and the Sacramento Kings (15-23) on Monday at 10:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of two times that these ball clubs will face each other this season.

The Phoenix Suns will host Devonte Graham (18.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 7.8 APG, 37.6 FG%, 38.8 3P%) and the Charlotte Hornets (15-25) on Sunday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they play each other during this season.  December 2 was the last time that they saw each other as the Hornets fell to the Suns, 109-104.  Devin Booker finished that game with 23 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, and one block while Marvin Williams settled for 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal, and 2 blocks.

The Cavaliers hold the Pistons off in overtime, 115-112

Friday, January 10, 2020

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently on a five-game losing streak, trying to avoid a sixth consecutive loss tonight.  They will hope to do that as they travel to Michigan to take on the Detroit Pistons.  This will mark the first of a six-game road trip that they will be going on.

The Pistons, on the other hand, are trying to defeat the Cavaliers for a second straight time, giving them a second straight win.  Tonight’s matchup will mark the third of four times that these two teams will see each other this season.  The last time they played each other was just two days ago when the Pistons crept away with a 115-113 win.  Derrick Rose finished that game with 24 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and one steal while Kevin Love had 30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Cavaliers and the Pistons have met up a grand total of 241 times in the past as the Cavaliers won 106 games while the Pistons went on to grab 135 victories.

INACTIVES:

Cleveland Cavaliers:

-Dante Exum (illness; 5.1 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 55.2 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Larry Nance (knee; 8.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 49.2 FG%, 33.7 3P%)
-Kevin Porter (knee; 8.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 43.9 FG%, 29.7 3P%)
-Dylan Windler (leg)
-John Henson (coach’s decision; 4.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 54.0 FG%, 14.3 3P%)
-Dean Wade (coach’s decision; 1.6 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.0 APG, 75.0 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-Levi Randolph (G-League)
-Tyler Cook (G-League; 2.0 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 0.0 APG, 83.3 FG%)

Detroit Pistons:

-Blake Griffin (knee; 15.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 35.2 FG%, 24.3 3P%)
-Reggie Jackson (back; 5.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.0 APG, 36.4 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Luke Kennard (knee; 15.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 44.2 FG%, 39.9 3P%)
-Markieff Morris (foot; 10.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 47.0 FG%, 41.1 3P%)
-Khyri Thomas (foot; 0.5 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG)
-Tim Frazier (coach’s decision; 4.1 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 39.3 FG%, 38.5 3P%)
-Louis King (coach’s decision; 1.8 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 42.9 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Jordan Bone (G-League; 1.3 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 40.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%

GAMETIME:

The Detroit Pistons would have slight control of the game in the first half as they shot fifty-three percent from the field while the Cleveland Cavaliers shot fifty percent.  Two-time All-Star Andre Drummond got hot for 20 points while collecting 13 rebounds.  Tony Snell contributed with nine points which held a three-pointer in the second quarter.

Derrick Rose dropped seven points off the bench while recording three rebounds and two assists.  Bruce Brown and Sekou Doumbouya combined for eleven points while Svi Mykhailiuk had just a three-pointer.  Langston Galloway played the most minutes off the bench but only had six points.

On the other end of the court, Cedi Osman chalked up eleven points on seventy-one percent shooting.  Tristan Thompson had nine points while grabbing five boards, giving out one assist, and blocking one shot.  Both Collin Sexton and Darius Garland scored eight points each while Kevin Love had just seven points.  Brandon Knight played 12 minutes off the bench but only had a three-pointer as the Pistons went into halftime with a 61-50 lead.

The visiting team would make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 52-41 run, shooting fifty-two percent from the field.  During that run, Thompson lit the arena up with 22 points, missing only four of his 14 shots attempted.  He also had nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block while Garland gave 10 points, included two treys.  Sexton and Love scored a combined 14 points while Cedi Osman was held scoreless.

As for the Michigan ball club, Andre Drummond had eight points while Doumbouya scored three points from beyond the arc.  Former Chicago Bulls’ point guard Derrick Rose played 19 minutes off the bench as he had 14 points.

DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE:

The game would be tied at 100 with one minute and twelve seconds remaining.  Derrick Rose would then make a two-point jumper to give the Pistons a lead.  With 24 seconds left, Andre Drummond would commit a costly foul on Tristan Thompson.  As a result, Thompson went to the free-throw line and knocked both of his free-throws.  With the game tied at 102 apiece and one second remaining, Rose would attempt a step back jump shot but missed as the game went into overtime.

During overtime, the Cleveland Cavaliers shot seventy-one percent from the field, missing just two shots.  The Detroit Pistons, on the other hand, completed forty-five percent of their shots, missing six.

With thirty-nine seconds left in the extra period, the game would be tied at 110 apiece.  After a blocked layup by Thon Maker, the Cavaliers would grab the offensive rebound which led to Kevin Love knocking down a clutch three-pointer to give the visitors a three-point lead.

After a Pistons timeout, Derrick Rose committed a costly turnover which was recovered by Alfonzo McKinnie.  With sixteen seconds left, Tristan Thompson took the ball and dunked it to push the lead to five.  After that, Thon Maker responds with a layup, making the score 115-112.

After a Cavaliers timeout, Cedi Osman made a bad pass which was recovered by Drummond.  With three seconds left, Rose would attempt a three-pointer but missed as the Cavaliers held on to win the game, 115-112.  Tristan Thompson finished the game with a career-high 35 points, along with 14 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal, and 3 blocks while Andre Drummond had 28 points, 23 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.

So…what’s next?

The Cleveland Cavaliers will head to Colorado to take on Nikola Jokic (19.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 50.8 FG%, 32.7 3P%) and the Denver Nuggets (26-11) on Saturday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the first of two times that these two ball clubs will meet up this season.

The Detroit Pistons will host Zach LaVine (23.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.0 APG, 43.1 FG%, 39.2 3P%) and the Chicago Bulls (13-25) on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the fourth and final that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 21 when the Bulls handed the Pistons a 119-107 loss.  LaVine finished that game with 33 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and one steal while Markieff Morris had 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.

The Utah Jazz cruise past the New York Knicks, 128-104

Thursday, January 9, 2020

 

The New York Knicks are trying to put their current road trip behind them as they have lost the last three games which were on the road.  If they lose tonight in Utah, it will mark their fourth straight loss.  The Jazz, on the other hand, are on their longest winning streak this season at six games.  Tonight will mark the first of two times that these teams will play each other this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Knicks and the Jazz have battled each other a grand total of 98 times in the past as both teams won 49 games apiece.

INACTIVES:

New York Knicks:

-Marcus Morris (neck; 19.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 43.8 FG%, 46.9 3P%)
-Dennis Smith (oblique; 5.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 32.5 FG%, 29.3 3P%)
-Allonzo Trier (coach’s decision; 6.9 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 49.3 FG%, 38.5 3P%)
-Ivan Rabb (G-League)
-Julius Randle (personal; 18.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 44.9 FG%, 28.6 3P%)

Utah Jazz:

-Mike Conley (hamstring; 13.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.6 APG, 36.5 FG%, 36.0 3P%)
-Justin Wright-Foreman (G-League)
-Jarrell Brantley (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.5 APG)
-Miye Oni (0.0 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.0 APG)

GAMETIME:

The Jazz would have full control of the game in the first half as they shot sixty-five percent from the field, keeping the Knicks to forty-four percent.  Rudy Gobert scored 14 points as he shot a perfect one-hundred percent from the field.  He also had nine rebounds, one assist, and one block while Bojan Bogdanovic chalked up 13 points which included 3 three-pointers.

Donovan Mitchell helped out with 12 points while knocking down two three-pointers in the process.  Joe Ingles and Royce O’Neale combined for just eleven points.  Former Nuggets’ point guard Emmanuel Mudiay played the most minutes off the bench as he had eleven points.

As for the visiting team, Elfrid Payton put up 11 points while shooting fifty-percent.  He had a three-pointer in the first quarter while R.J. Barrett contributed with ten points.  Bobby Portis and Reggie Bullock combined for 15 points while Taj Gibson had two points.  Kevin Knox played 13 minutes off the bench but only had two points while the Jazz went into the locker room with a huge 72-53 advantage.

The Jazz would finish things off in the second half as they went on a 56-51 run.  During that run, the Jazz’s bench would step up.  Georges Niang had 11 points while 3 three-pointers in the process.  Mudiay and Tony Bradley scored a combined 17 points while Jordan Clarkson settled for four points.

On the other end of the floor, Wayne Ellington scored 11 points off the bench but it wouldn’t help much as the Jazz handed the Knicks a 128-104 loss.  Bojan Bogdanovic finished the game with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a season-high-tying one block while Frank Ntilikina had 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The New York Knicks will host Brandon Ingram (25.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, 48.0 FG%, 40.4 3P%) and the New Orleans Pelicans (12-25) on Friday at 7:15 p.m.  This will mark the first of two times that these two ball clubs this season.

The Utah Jazz will host Devonte Graham (19.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 7.8 APG, 38.1 FG%, 38.9 3P%) and the Charlotte Hornets (15-24) on Friday at 9:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that they play each other this season.  December 21 was the last time they saw each other as the Jazz came away with a 114-107 victory.  During that game, Bojan Bogdanovic scored 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists while Terry Rozier had 29 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, one steal, and one block.

The Washington Wizards creep away from the Boston Celtics, 99-94

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

 

The Boston Celtics are one of three teams who have managed to stay under 10 loss thus far this season.  Right now, they are on a three-game winning streak, trying to grab a fourth straight victory tonight.  They will hope to do that against the Washington Wizards tonight at the Nation’s Capital.

As for the Wizards, they haven’t had a season to be proud of, mostly due to injuries.  They grabbed just their 11th win of the season on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets.  Tonight’s matchup between the Celtics and Wizards will mark the second of four times that these two teams play each other this season.  The last time they met up was on November 13 when the Celtics came away with a 140-133 win.  Kemba Walker finished that game with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, one steal, and one block while Bradley Beal had 44 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Wizards and the Celtics have met up a grand total of 328 times in the past as the Wizards won 123 games while the Celtics went on to grab 205 victories.

INACTIVES:

Boston Celtics:

-Romeo Langford (illness; 2.3 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.2 APG, 38.9 FG%, 22.2 3P%)
-Vincent Poirier (finger; 1.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.3 APG, 50.0 FG%)
-Kemba Walker (illness; 22.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.2 APG, 43.2 FG%, 39.8 3P%)
-Robert Williams (hip; 3.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 67.3 FG%)
-Tacko Fall (G-League; 4.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 75.0 FG%)

Washington Wizards:

-Bradley Beal (leg; 27.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 43.5 FG%, 31.5 3P%)
-Davis Bertans (quad; 15.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.9 FG%, 43.4 3P%)
-Thomas Bryant (foot; 13.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 54.9 FG%, 28.6 3P%)
-Rui Hachimura (groin; 13.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 48.2 FG%, 20.8 3P%)
-C.J. Miles (wrist; 6.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 32.2 FG%, 31.4 3P%)
-Moritz Wagner (ankle; 11.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 58.1 FG%, 39.3 3P%)
-John Wall (Achilles)

GAMETIME:

The Wizards would have control of the game in the first half as they shot forty-six percent from the field, keeping the Celtics to just twenty-nine percent.  Both Jordan McRae and Isaiah Thomas scored 11 points each in the first half.  McRae was able to knock down a three-pointer while Thomas had two treys.

Former Lakers’ point guard Isaac Bonga contributed with six points while Ian Mahinmi had four points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks.  Gary Payton was kept scoreless but was able to record three rebounds, two assists, and one block.  Troy Brown played the most minutes off the bench but only had five points.

On the other end of the court, Jaylen Brown dropped 12 points while knocking down a three-pointer in the process.  He also had 5 rebounds and one assist while Marcus Smart helped out with 3 three-pointers and one free-throw.  Both Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum had six points each.  Enes Kanter played 10 minutes off the bench but only had two points as the home team went into halftime with a 51-40 lead.

The Boston ball club would attempt to make a comeback in the second half as they went on a 54-48 run.  During that run, both Brown and Tatum chalked up 11 points each while Hayward and Daniel Theis combined for 10 points.  Grant Williams played 17 minutes off the bench as he had nine points.

The Wizards would end up hanging on to close it out behind Ish Smith’s 16 points.  Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Thomas combined for 10 points as the Washington Wizards came away with a 99-94 win.  Ish Smith finished the game with 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists while Jaylen Brown had 23 points, a season-high 12 rebounds, and one assist.

So…what’s next?

The Boston Celtics will host DeMar DeRozan (21.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 52.4 FG%, 27.3 3P%) and the San Antonio Spurs (14-20) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This will mark the second and final time that they play each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on November 9 when the Celtics defeated the Spurs, 135-115.  Jaylen Brown finished that game with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal while DeMar DeRozan had 22 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Washington Wizards will head to Florida to take on Evan Fournier (18.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 47.1 FG%, 40.7 3P%) and the Orlando Magic (17-20) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  This will be the fourth and final time that they battle each other this season.  January 1 was the last time they played each other as the Wizards fell to the Magic, 122-101.  During that game, D.J. Augustin scored 25 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out nine assists, and committed two steals while Bradley Beal had 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Phoenix Suns fall to the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-114

Monday, January 6, 2020

 

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off a huge win against the Los Angeles Clippers last night, 140-114, a season-high in points for the Grizzlies.  They will look to use that victory as the motivation to take down the Phoenix Suns tonight at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.

The Suns, on the other hand, have recently defeated the New York Knicks on Friday.  Tonight’s battle will mark the third of four matchups between these two ball clubs this season.  The last time they played each other was on December 11 when the Suns fell to the Grizzlies, 115-108.  Dillon Brooks finished that game with 27 points, 3 rebounds, one assist and two steals while Frank Kaminsky had 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Grizzlies and the Suns have played each other a grand total of 94 times in the past as the Suns won 59 games while the Grizzlies were kept to just 35 victories.

INACTIVES:

Memphis Grizzlies:

-Andre Iguodala (undisclosed)
-Bruno Caboclo (coach’s decision; 3.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 41.2 FG%, 16.0 3P%)
-Marko Guduric (coach’s decision; 4.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 37.0 FG%, 28.1 3P%)
-Yuta Watanabe (G-League; 1.8 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 50.0 FG%, 50.0 3P%)
-Josh Jackson (G-League)
-John Konchar (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.0 APG)

Phoenix Suns:

-Frank Kaminsky (knee; 11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.2 APG, 45.5 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
-Jevon Carter (coach’s decision; 3.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 36.6 FG%, 34.8 3P%)
-Cheick Diallo (coach’s decision, 4.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 66.7 FG%, 100.0 3P%)
-Ty Jerome (coach’s decision; 4.2 PPG,1.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 32.7 FG%, 30.0 3P%)
-Jalen Lecque (G-League)
-Jared Harper (G-League; 0.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 0.0 APG, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Grizzlies would have slight control of the game in the first half as they shot fifty-five percent from the field while the Suns shot fifty-one percent.  Former Raptors’ center Jonas Valanciunas got hot for 20 points while missing only one of his nine shots attempted.  He also had 3 three-pointers while Dillon Brooks scored 13 points which included 3 three-pointers, as well.

Jaren Jackson chalked up seven points but shot only thirty-seven percent from the field.  He was able to knock down a three-pointer in the second quarter while rookie Ja Morant had five points.  Jae Crowder was held scoreless but managed to record three rebounds and one assist.  Tyus Jones played the most minutes off the bench but only had a three-pointer.

On the other end of the court, Devin Booker scored 18 points on seventy-seven percent shooting.  He also had one defensive rebound and three assists while Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio combined for 13 points.  Deandre Ayton contributed with eight points while Aron Baynes had four points.  Mikal Bridges played 14 minutes off the bench but only had four points as the Grizzlies went into halftime with a 62-57 advantage.

The visiting team would look to close things out in the second half as they shot fifty-two percent from the field, limiting the Suns to thirty-nine percent shooting.  Valanciunas added 10 more points to his scoring total while grabbing 5 boards and blocking two shots.  Morant helped out with eight points while Brandon Clarke scored four points in the 10 minutes he played off the bench.

As for the home team, Booker got hot for 22 points while Oubre had nine points.  Bridges played the most minutes off the bench as he had eight points but it was the Memphis team that came away with a 121-114 victory.  Jonas Valanciunas finished the game with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, one steal, and 2 blocks while Devin Booker had 40 points, 2 rebounds, and six assists.

So…what’s next?

The Memphis Grizzlies will host Andrew Wiggins (24.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 44.6 FG%, 32.6 3P%) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the third and final time that they play each other this season.  December 1 was the last time they saw each other as the Grizzlies beat the Timberwolves, 115-107.  During that game, Dillon Brooks scored 26 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and dished off 3 assists while Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The Phoenix Suns will host Buddy Hield (20.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 41.4 FG%, 36.8 3P%) and the Sacramento Kings (13-23) on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m.  This will mark the fourth and final time that these teams will fight each other this season.  The last time they met up was on December 28 when the Suns crept away with a 112-110 win.  Devin Booker finished that game with 32 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals while Buddy Hield had 23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and one block.

The Denver Nuggets escape from the Indiana Pacers, 124-116

Friday, January 3, 2020

 

The Denver Nuggets are trying to recover from a 130-104 loss they took in the hands of the Houston Rockets on December 31.  They will hope to do so against the Indiana Pacers tonight in Indiana.  The Pacers, on the other hand, are looking to grab a second straight victory.  Tonight’s meeting will mark the first of two matchups between these teams this season.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:

The Nuggets and the Pacers have battled each other a grand total of 90 times in the past as both teams won 45 games apiece.

INACTIVES:

Denver Nuggets:

-Malik Beasley (coach’s decision; 6.9 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 40.2 FG%, 39.8 3P%)
-Torrey Craig (coach’s decision; 2.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.7 APG, 38.2 FG%, 23.5 3P%)
-Juan Hernangomez (coach’s decision; 3.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 35.7 FG%, 26.7 3P%)
-Jarred Vanderbilt (coach’s decision; 0.5 PPG, 0.5 RPG, 0.3 APG, 100.0 FG%)
-Bol Bol (foot)
-Vlatko Cancar (0.5 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 0.0 FG%)
-P.J. Dozier (G-League)

Indiana Pacers:

-Alize Johnson (coach’s decision; 1.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 53.8 FG%)
-T.J. Leaf (coach’s decision; 3.1 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.3 APG, 41.5 FG%, 35.7 3P%)
-JaKarr Sampson (coach’s decision; 5.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.4 APG, 57.1 FG%, 20.0 3P%)
-Victor Oladipo (knee)
-Edmond Sumner (knee; 4.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 39.1 FG%, 26.7 3P%)
-Malcolm Brogdon (back; 17.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.4 APG, 44.6 FG%, 33.3 3P%)
-Brian Bowen (0.7 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.0 APG, 25.0 FG%, 0.0 3P%)
-Naz Mitrou-Long (ankle; 4.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 37.5 FG%, 18.2 3P%)

GAMETIME:

The Pacers would have a slight upper hand in the first half as they shot sixty percent from the field while the Nuggets shot fifty-four percent.  Jeremy Lamb warmed up with 18 points while hitting 3 three-pointers in the process.  T.J. Warren chalked up 14 points while grabbing five rebounds, dishing off two assists, and committing two steals.  He also had two treys while Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis combined for 17 points.  Justin Holiday played 12 minutes off the bench but had only a three-pointer.

On the other end of the floor, Jamal Murray scored 17 points on sixty-percent shooting.  He had two three-pointers in the process while Will Barton helped out with nine points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.  Nikola Jokic was kept to just two points while Gary Harris had seven points.  Mason Plumlee played the most minutes off the bench as he had eight points but it was the home team who went into halftime with a tight 64-62 lead.

The Nuggets would turn things around in the second half as they went on a 62-52 run, shooting fifty-one percent from the field.  During that run, Jokic made up for his performance in the first half as he dropped 20 points and collected six boards.  Both Jamal Murray and Gary Harris had five points each while Paul Millsap was kept to two points.  Michael Porter played 14 minutes off the bench as he had 18 points.

As for the home team, Turner and Lamb both had 12 points each while Sabonis contributed with 10 points.  T.J. McConnell played the most minutes off the bench but only scored two points as the Nuggets defeated the Pacers, 124-116.  Michael Porter finished the game with 25 points, along with 5 rebounds, and one assist while Jeremy Lamb had a season-high 30 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and one steal.

So…what’s next?

The Denver Nuggets will head to the Nation’s Capital to take on Bradley Beal (27.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.6 APG, 43.5 FG%, 31.5 3P%) and the Washington Wizards (10-23) on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  This will be the second and final time that these two ball clubs will see each other this season.  November 26 was the last time they played each other as the Wizards fell to the Nuggets, 117-104.  Jerami Grant finished that game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, one assist, and two steals while Jordan McRae had 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and one steal.

The Indiana Pacers will go to Georgia to battle John Collins (18.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.7 APG, 51.5 FG%, 36.8 3P%) and the Atlanta Hawks (7-27) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.  This will the third and final time that they played each other this season.  The last time they saw each other was on December 13 when the Pacers escaped with a 110-100 victory.  During that game, Malcolm Brogdon scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished off 12 assists while Trae Young had 23 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and one block.