Pacers, Hawks Looking To Bounce Back
The Indiana Pacers will host the Atlanta Hawks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (9-14) are 6-4 at home but are coming off a 100-98 road loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, while Justin Holiday chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from deep. Indiana has lost two games in a row and three of its last four.
The Hawks (11-10) were riding a seven-game winning streak but that was snapped following a 99-90 loss against the New York Knicks last Saturday. Trae Young had 33 points for the losing cause, and he also added seven assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela had a monster double-double since he finished with 16 points and 21 rebounds, but he also supplied three blocks. John Collins had 12 points and nine rebounds, and no other Atlanta player scored in double digits in this one. The Hawks only made 35.5 percent of their shots. Atlanta has gone 4-1 in its last five contests but has gone 3-8 on the road so far.
The Pacers (9-14) are 6-4 at home but are coming off a 100-98 road loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, while Justin Holiday chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from deep. Indiana has lost two games in a row and three of its last four.
The Hawks (11-10) were riding a seven-game winning streak but that was snapped following a 99-90 loss against the New York Knicks last Saturday. Trae Young had 33 points for the losing cause, and he also added seven assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela had a monster double-double since he finished with 16 points and 21 rebounds, but he also supplied three blocks. John Collins had 12 points and nine rebounds, and no other Atlanta player scored in double digits in this one. The Hawks only made 35.5 percent of their shots. Atlanta has gone 4-1 in its last five contests but has gone 3-8 on the road so far.
Nuggets and Magic Set for Interconference Clash
The Denver Nuggets take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (10-10) entered a Monday night matchup against the Miami Heat reeling from six consecutive losses, but Denver, which commemorated the return to action of Nikola Jokic from a wrist injury, was able to notch a 120-111 win over Miami. Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon followed with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Bones Hyland poured in 19 points, while Will Barton contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jeff Green supplied 12 points and three rebounds. Monte Morris registered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Nuggets will list JaMychal Green (elbow) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Michael Porter (back) will remain out.
The Magic (4-18) are in much more dire straits than their opponent, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest having lost each of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when Orlando dropped a narrow 101-96 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers. Franz Wagner led the way with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs offered 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Gary Harris registered 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Mo Bamba generated an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist and six blocks.
The Magic will remain without Suggs (thumb) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nuggets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Magic.
The Nuggets (10-10) entered a Monday night matchup against the Miami Heat reeling from six consecutive losses, but Denver, which commemorated the return to action of Nikola Jokic from a wrist injury, was able to notch a 120-111 win over Miami. Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon followed with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Bones Hyland poured in 19 points, while Will Barton contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jeff Green supplied 12 points and three rebounds. Monte Morris registered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Nuggets will list JaMychal Green (elbow) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Michael Porter (back) will remain out.
The Magic (4-18) are in much more dire straits than their opponent, as they'll enter Wednesday's contest having lost each of their last seven games. Their most recent stumble came Monday night, when Orlando dropped a narrow 101-96 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers. Franz Wagner led the way with 27 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs offered 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Gary Harris registered 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Mo Bamba generated an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist and six blocks.
The Magic will remain without Suggs (thumb) for Wednesday's contest.
Wednesday's game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The Nuggets swept the two-game 2020-21 season series from the Magic.
Wizards Look To Get Back On Track At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Capital One Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Wizards (13-8), as they will be looking to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and build on their impressive, 7-2, home record. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Montrezl Harrell continues to provide a great boost off the bench, averaging 16.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Kyle Kuzma is averaging 13.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Wizards are averaging 105.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 45.9 percent from the field. On the other end, they do a solid job holding opponents to an average of 105.7 points, on 43.9 percent shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Timberwolves (11-10), as they will look to build on the momentum of two consecutive wins in order to help them come out strong and add to their, 4-4 ,road record. The Timberwolves have been playing great lately, winning seven of their last eight games. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists, while Malik Beasley is averaging 10.3 points, off the bench. Anthony Edwards (illness) has been great so far this season, but he is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday. Patrick Beverley (groin) will remain out, while Jarred Vanderbilt (illness) and Jaden McDaniels (illness) are also listed as questionable for action. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.1 points per game, but they are shooting an average of 43 percent from the field, which is among the worst in the NBA.
This marks the first game of a two-game home stand for the Wizards (13-8), as they will be looking to bounce back from a loss in their most recent contest and build on their impressive, 7-2, home record. Bradley Beal leads the team, averaging 22.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Montrezl Harrell continues to provide a great boost off the bench, averaging 16.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while Kyle Kuzma is averaging 13.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The Wizards are averaging 105.8 points per game, while shooting an average of 45.9 percent from the field. On the other end, they do a solid job holding opponents to an average of 105.7 points, on 43.9 percent shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game of a two-game road trip for the Timberwolves (11-10), as they will look to build on the momentum of two consecutive wins in order to help them come out strong and add to their, 4-4 ,road record. The Timberwolves have been playing great lately, winning seven of their last eight games. Karl-Anthony Towns leads the team, averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. D'Angelo Russell is averaging 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists, while Malik Beasley is averaging 10.3 points, off the bench. Anthony Edwards (illness) has been great so far this season, but he is listed as questionable for action on Wednesday. Patrick Beverley (groin) will remain out, while Jarred Vanderbilt (illness) and Jaden McDaniels (illness) are also listed as questionable for action. The Timberwolves are averaging 108.1 points per game, but they are shooting an average of 43 percent from the field, which is among the worst in the NBA.
Celtics Take On 76ers In Boston
The Boston Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (11-10) are 5-4 at home and enter this matchup fresh off a 109-97 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, a win that snapped their two-game losing streak. Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 21 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and six assists. Josh Richardson poured in 18 points. Al Horford generated 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jaylen Brown supplied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. The Celtics are 3-2 in their last five contests.
The 76ers (11-10) are 6-5 on the road this season but are coming off a 101-96 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. Seth Curry was the top scorer for the Sixers thanks to a 24-point outing that also included two rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds en route to a double-double. Tobias Harris had 17 points and nine rebounds, while no other starter scored in double digits for the Sixers. In fact, no other Philadelphia player reached the 10-point mark. The Sixers only shot 40.2 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range. The Sixers had lost two in a row prior to their win over the Magic and have only gone 2-3 in their last five.
The Celtics (11-10) are 5-4 at home and enter this matchup fresh off a 109-97 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, a win that snapped their two-game losing streak. Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 21 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and six assists. Josh Richardson poured in 18 points. Al Horford generated 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Jaylen Brown supplied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Grant Williams furnished 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. The Celtics are 3-2 in their last five contests.
The 76ers (11-10) are 6-5 on the road this season but are coming off a 101-96 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday. Seth Curry was the top scorer for the Sixers thanks to a 24-point outing that also included two rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds en route to a double-double. Tobias Harris had 17 points and nine rebounds, while no other starter scored in double digits for the Sixers. In fact, no other Philadelphia player reached the 10-point mark. The Sixers only shot 40.2 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range. The Sixers had lost two in a row prior to their win over the Magic and have only gone 2-3 in their last five.
Cavaliers and Heat Tangle in South Florida
The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (11-10) have cooled off after a very hot start to the season, but they will enter Wednesday's game having won back-to-back contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Dallas Mavericks, which they toppled by a 114-96 score on Monday night. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with a 28-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Lauri Markkanen provided 24 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro pitched in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers will list Cedi Osman (back) and Dean Wade (calf) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Heat (13-8) went into a Monday night matchup against the Nuggets with six wins in eight games, but they ended suffering a rare home loss by a 120-111 score. Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Max Strus turned in 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Caleb Martin furnished 18 points, four rebounds and one assist. Kyle Lowry contributed 17 points, 14 assists and two rebounds. Gabe Vincent netted 14 points.
The Heat will list Jimmy Butler (tailbone), Adebayo (thumb) and Dewayne Dedmon (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Tyler Herro (rest) will carry a probable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Heat swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers (11-10) have cooled off after a very hot start to the season, but they will enter Wednesday's game having won back-to-back contests. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Dallas Mavericks, which they toppled by a 114-96 score on Monday night. Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavaliers with a 28-point, 14-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Lauri Markkanen provided 24 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Darius Garland supplied 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro pitched in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Cavaliers will list Cedi Osman (back) and Dean Wade (calf) as out for Wednesday's game.
The Heat (13-8) went into a Monday night matchup against the Nuggets with six wins in eight games, but they ended suffering a rare home loss by a 120-111 score. Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Max Strus turned in 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Caleb Martin furnished 18 points, four rebounds and one assist. Kyle Lowry contributed 17 points, 14 assists and two rebounds. Gabe Vincent netted 14 points.
The Heat will list Jimmy Butler (tailbone), Adebayo (thumb) and Dewayne Dedmon (knee) as questionable for Wednesday's game. Tyler Herro (rest) will carry a probable tag.
Wednesday's game marks the first of three meetings between the teams this season. The Heat swept the three-game 2020-21 season series from the Cavaliers.
Mavs Enter New Orleans On Two-Game Losing Streak
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Dallas Mavericks at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The Mavericks (10-9) are coming off two consecutive losses and will be looking to bounce back, with a chance to build on their, 4-6, road record. Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is coming off a quiet outing and is listed as questionable for action in Wednesday's contest. Luka Doncic continues to lead the team, averaging 25.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. The Mavericks are averaging 104.2 points per game, which is among the lowest in the league, while they are shooting an average of 43.8 percent from the field, which is also among the lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game back home after a three-game road trip for the Pelicans (6-17), where they went 2-1, with a win and a loss in Utah, followed by a win in L.A., against the Clippers in their most recent contest. They will look to build off the momentum from the recent win with the hope of adding to their, 3-7, home record. Jonas Valanciunas is coming off a massive outing in the Pelicans' most recent contest, where he totaled 39 points on 15-of-24 shooting, including 7-of-8 from long range, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. He is averaging 19.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, and has been the most consistent player for the Pelicans, so far. Brandon Ingram has been finding his rhythm lately, averaging 19.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are averaging 14.0 points each. The Pelicans are averaging 102.8 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
The Mavericks (10-9) are coming off two consecutive losses and will be looking to bounce back, with a chance to build on their, 4-6, road record. Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is coming off a quiet outing and is listed as questionable for action in Wednesday's contest. Luka Doncic continues to lead the team, averaging 25.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals, while Jalen Brunson is averaging 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. The Mavericks are averaging 104.2 points per game, which is among the lowest in the league, while they are shooting an average of 43.8 percent from the field, which is also among the lowest in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game back home after a three-game road trip for the Pelicans (6-17), where they went 2-1, with a win and a loss in Utah, followed by a win in L.A., against the Clippers in their most recent contest. They will look to build off the momentum from the recent win with the hope of adding to their, 3-7, home record. Jonas Valanciunas is coming off a massive outing in the Pelicans' most recent contest, where he totaled 39 points on 15-of-24 shooting, including 7-of-8 from long range, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. He is averaging 19.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, and has been the most consistent player for the Pelicans, so far. Brandon Ingram has been finding his rhythm lately, averaging 19.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists, over the last 10 games. Devonte' Graham and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are averaging 14.0 points each. The Pelicans are averaging 102.8 points per game, which is fourth fewest in the league.
Bucks Host Hornets on Wednesday
The Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Charlotte Hornets at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
The Hornets (13-10) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 11 games, despite losing their last two. One of those recent losses against the Houston Rockets is probably the most concerning defeat of the season, though, allowing 146 points to a two-win team. That defense has letdown Charlotte all season long, ranked 29th in that category this season. That obviously won't get it done, even with Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward rolling on the offensive end. That core has this franchise in a great spot, and a little bit of defense could turn them from a threat into a true contender.
The Bucks (13-8) got off to an ugly start with a 6-8 record but have gone on to win seven straight games since then. That's the championship team we expected to see, and full health has been a significant reason why for the resurgence. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday both returned at the beginning of that run, and there's some talk that Brook Lopez and Donte DiVincenzo will be back in the coming weeks. The domination in that streak is a true indicator that they're fully healthy, winning all seven of those games by at least seven points apiece. That's a testament to how special this group is, and they'll surely be in the thick of things when it really matters.
Surprisingly, Charlotte won this three-game season series last year over Milwaukee. With that said, the Bucks won nine of their previous 11 games over the Hornets before that.
The Hornets (13-10) come into this matchup winning eight of their last 11 games, despite losing their last two. One of those recent losses against the Houston Rockets is probably the most concerning defeat of the season, though, allowing 146 points to a two-win team. That defense has letdown Charlotte all season long, ranked 29th in that category this season. That obviously won't get it done, even with Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward rolling on the offensive end. That core has this franchise in a great spot, and a little bit of defense could turn them from a threat into a true contender.
The Bucks (13-8) got off to an ugly start with a 6-8 record but have gone on to win seven straight games since then. That's the championship team we expected to see, and full health has been a significant reason why for the resurgence. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday both returned at the beginning of that run, and there's some talk that Brook Lopez and Donte DiVincenzo will be back in the coming weeks. The domination in that streak is a true indicator that they're fully healthy, winning all seven of those games by at least seven points apiece. That's a testament to how special this group is, and they'll surely be in the thick of things when it really matters.
Surprisingly, Charlotte won this three-game season series last year over Milwaukee. With that said, the Bucks won nine of their previous 11 games over the Hornets before that.
Thunder Host Rockets on Wednesday
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Houston Rockets at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
The Rockets (4-16) find themselves in their best stretch of the season, entering this matchup in the midst of a three-game winning streak. To say that streak is shocking would be an understatement, with the Rockets winning one of their first 17 games before that. The recent run directly correlates with an injury to Jalen Green, allowing guys like Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr to take over. It's sad to say that they're better off without their top rookie, but it's clear that Porter and Wood are more comfortable without him. KPJ has been flirting with triple-doubles in the last two games, while Wood has had his two best statistical games of the year as well. They obviously can't bench the rookie for the rest of the season though, and it'll be up to those guys to figure out how to play with the 19-year-old.
The Thunder (6-14) come into this matchup losing six straight and eight of their last nine games in total. That's pretty much the team we expected to see at the beginning of the season, with Oklahoma City possessing one of the worst rosters in the NBA. Most of the struggles come on the offensive end, with the Thunder ranked 29th in points scored and dead-last in assists. It's certainly no fault of this backcourt, though, because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have gelled beautifully with one another. That's the first step in this lengthy rebuild, and it could be a while before we start seeing legitimate results for this growing team.
These teams just played on Monday, with Houston prevailing, 102-89. These teams have now traded off wins and losses in each of their last four meetings, dating back two years.
The Rockets (4-16) find themselves in their best stretch of the season, entering this matchup in the midst of a three-game winning streak. To say that streak is shocking would be an understatement, with the Rockets winning one of their first 17 games before that. The recent run directly correlates with an injury to Jalen Green, allowing guys like Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr to take over. It's sad to say that they're better off without their top rookie, but it's clear that Porter and Wood are more comfortable without him. KPJ has been flirting with triple-doubles in the last two games, while Wood has had his two best statistical games of the year as well. They obviously can't bench the rookie for the rest of the season though, and it'll be up to those guys to figure out how to play with the 19-year-old.
The Thunder (6-14) come into this matchup losing six straight and eight of their last nine games in total. That's pretty much the team we expected to see at the beginning of the season, with Oklahoma City possessing one of the worst rosters in the NBA. Most of the struggles come on the offensive end, with the Thunder ranked 29th in points scored and dead-last in assists. It's certainly no fault of this backcourt, though, because Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have gelled beautifully with one another. That's the first step in this lengthy rebuild, and it could be a while before we start seeing legitimate results for this growing team.
These teams just played on Monday, with Houston prevailing, 102-89. These teams have now traded off wins and losses in each of their last four meetings, dating back two years.
Clippers Host Kings on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on Wednesday.
The Kings (8-13) have been showing signs of life since the Luke Walton firing but losing 10 of their last 13 games is still nothing to write home about. The simple fact is, this club has been a disappointment for two decades now, and it seems unlikely that things will get better anytime soon. That's a sad development because this core is littered with supreme talent. Guys like De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Richaun Holmes have all played at All-Star levels over the last two years, and it's a wonder why they can't figure it out. The defense has been a significant reason why though, ranked dead-last in total defense last year and 27th so far this year. If that doesn't improve soon, the record surely won't either.
The Clippers (11-10) had one of the ugliest losses of the season on Monday, being manhandled by a four-win New Orleans Pelicans squad. They trailed by double-digits for the majority of that game, taking a 123-104 defeat. That sort of loss is a microcosm of the recent form, with Los Angeles losing six of their last nine games coming into this matchup. That obviously won't get it done, and it's dropped the Clippers to where they started the year. One has to wonder if there's enough talent around Paul George to avoid a play-in game because guys like Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac and Eric Bledsoe have been way too inconsistent all year.
Los Angeles has absolutely owned this series over recent years, winning 32 of their last 40 games over Sacramento, dating back to 2010. With that said, the Kings won the three-game season series last year.
The Kings (8-13) have been showing signs of life since the Luke Walton firing but losing 10 of their last 13 games is still nothing to write home about. The simple fact is, this club has been a disappointment for two decades now, and it seems unlikely that things will get better anytime soon. That's a sad development because this core is littered with supreme talent. Guys like De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Richaun Holmes have all played at All-Star levels over the last two years, and it's a wonder why they can't figure it out. The defense has been a significant reason why though, ranked dead-last in total defense last year and 27th so far this year. If that doesn't improve soon, the record surely won't either.
The Clippers (11-10) had one of the ugliest losses of the season on Monday, being manhandled by a four-win New Orleans Pelicans squad. They trailed by double-digits for the majority of that game, taking a 123-104 defeat. That sort of loss is a microcosm of the recent form, with Los Angeles losing six of their last nine games coming into this matchup. That obviously won't get it done, and it's dropped the Clippers to where they started the year. One has to wonder if there's enough talent around Paul George to avoid a play-in game because guys like Terance Mann, Ivica Zubac and Eric Bledsoe have been way too inconsistent all year.
Los Angeles has absolutely owned this series over recent years, winning 32 of their last 40 games over Sacramento, dating back to 2010. With that said, the Kings won the three-game season series last year.