After an 11-game winning streak to clinch their playoff berth, the Celtics are suddenly on a two-game skid. However, they still have the best record in the NBA, and they have a chance to prove their title-contending status anew when they visit the Suns.
Phoenix may only be a sixth seed in the Western Conference, but they have enough firepower to keep up against Boston because they have the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Meanwhile, the Bulls, Nets, Mavericks, Spurs, Jazz, and Raptors are scheduled to visit the Clippers, Hornets, Pistons, Warriors, Nuggets, and Blazers, respectively, in what will be a relatively lean schedule tomorrow.
Today, we will preview the five games to look out for, so continue reading our SBOTOP article below.
Chicago Bulls @ LA Clippers
The Bulls are back in the play-in tournament mix following a three-game winning streak, and they will continue their West Coast trip in Los Angeles when they visit the Clippers.
DeMar DeRozan has been on fire during this stretch, averaging 31.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game as their go-to guy.
Besides DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Coby White have done their part to provide support, with the former recording 33 points against the Warriors and the latter dropping 37 points against the Kings.
The Clippers, meanwhile, have James Harden (shoulder), Kawhi Leonard (groin), and Paul George (knee) listed as questionable to play tomorrow, which is a negative development since Russell Westbrook is already out indefinitely due to a broken hand.
Dallas Mavericks @ Detroit Pistons
The Mavericks managed to put an end to their three-game skid on Thursday, and they’re hoping to keep it going against the Pistons.
Against the Heat, Luka Doncic became the second NBA player to record five consecutive 30-point triple-doubles, as he had 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. However, now he is listed as questionable to play due to an ankle concern.
If Doncic sits this one out, then Kyrie Irving will shoulder the heavy load on offence. He is fresh from a 23-point outing against the Heat.
The Pistons finally broke their duck with a 118-112 win over the Nets on Thursday, as Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham combined for 66 points.
This was Detroit’s 10th win (out of 62 games) this season, so this means that they’re currently the second-worst team in the league. At this point, improving their NBA 2024 odds for a high lottery pick is their utmost priority.
Boston Celtics @ Phoenix Suns
Jayson Tatum needs a bounceback game against the Suns after only having 15 points against the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown is coming off a season-high effort of 41 points against the defending champions despite dealing with a pelvis injury.
As for the Suns, Devin Booker has missed their last three games due to a sprained ankle, but he was upgraded to questionable for tomorrow. If he remains sidelined, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal should continue to pick up the slack on offense.
Grayson Allen is one Phoenix Sun to look out for since he has been lighting it up from the three-point line lately, draining 16 three-pointers in his last two games.
San Antonio Spurs @ Golden State Warriors
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said that they’re planning to have Victor Wembanyama back in the lineup against the Warriors.
Before sitting out against the Kings, Wemby had been dominant on both ends for the Spurs (although they’re already out of playoff contention), averaging 21.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.4 blocks per contest.
Speaking of stars, the Warriors won’t have their own, as Steph Curry is also dealing with an ankle injury. According to the NBA 2024 updates, the four-time NBA champion is likely to miss “a few games,” so Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga have to step up.
Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets reminded us why they’re the defending NBA champions after winning seven of their last eight, including their recent heavyweight battle against the Celtics.
In the said game, Nikola Jokic had another triple-double, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists while shooting 58-per cent from the field. His co-star, Jamal Murray, played well too, with 19 points and eight assists.
The Jazz may have lost four of their last five, but it can be noted that they defeated the Nuggets in their last meeting in January.
Lauri Markkanen will miss his third straight game due to a thigh injury, so John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Collin Sexton should produce for Utah to have a chance to win.
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