Jazz Look to End Two-Game Skid in Denver

Marquee Matchups

There are six video games happening across the affiliation tonight, together with the double-header on ESPN. Right here’s what you need to watch.

Toronto Raptors (33-14) at Cleveland Cavaliers (13-35)

• Toronto is likely one of the hottest groups within the league, with eight consecutive wins heading into tonight’s matchup.
• Of their final matchup on New 12 months’s Eve, the Raptors blew out the Cavs to the tune of a 117-97 victory.
• The Cavs are simply 2-Eight of their final 10 video games and 6-18 at residence.

Charlotte Hornets (16-31) at Washington Wizards (15-31)

• The Hornets and the Wizards are presently on the skin wanting in on the playoff image. Charlotte is 11th, whereas the Wizards presently sit at 12th.
• Davis Bertans and Devonte’ Graham did battle of their most up-to-date matchup, with the Latvian scoring 33 and Graham ending with 29, however the Hornets got here away with the 114-107 win.
• The Hornets are 2-Eight of their final 10, however their current win over the Knicks saved them from reaching an nearly month-long skid that was one loss away from double digits.

Philadelphia 76ers (31-17) at Atlanta Hawks (12-36)

• This would be the second sport within the regular-season sequence between the 76ers and Hawks, with Philadelphia profitable the primary matchup 105-103.
• The Hawks presently have the worst report within the Jap Convention at 12-36 and second-worst within the NBA.
• For a extra in-depth take a look at this sport, learn our matchup preview.

Golden State Warriors (10-38) at Boston Celtics (31-15)

• The Celtics have not too long ago dropped to fourth within the East, however they’re simply 1.5 video games away from the quantity two Raptors.
• This would be the last sport within the regular-season sequence between the Celtics and Warriors. The Celtics are 1-Zero with their 105-100 win again in mid-November.
• The Warriors have misplaced 14 of their final 15 video games and presently personal the league’s worst report.

Sacramento Kings (17-30) at Los Angeles Clippers (33-14)

• The Kings might be trying to avenge their December loss to the Clippers 105-87 in a sport the place Richaun Holmes had 22 factors and 10 rebounds.
• The Clippers are proper again the place they need to be at second within the West and inside placing vary of the Lakers for first place.
• Paul George, who has missed the final eight video games as a result of a hamstring harm is listed as possible, as is Patrick Beverley.

Utah Jazz (32-13) at Denver Nuggets (32-15)

• The Jazz have tumbled out of second place after dropping to the Spurs final night time. They’re now in a tie for third within the West with tonight’s opponent, the Denver Nuggets.
• The Nuggets have a laundry checklist for an harm report heading into this sport, with starters Paul Millsap and Jamal Murray each out.
• For a extra in-depth take a look at this sport, learn our matchup preview.

At this time’s Lineups

Prime Predicted Performers

• Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid has a projection of 49.Eight factors on FanDuel for tonight. At a $9k wage, I totally anticipate him to face out tonight and even perhaps surpass his projection contemplating he might be enjoying a Hawks workforce whose entrance line is decimated by accidents, possible resulting in him being guarded by John Collins. Within the one sport in opposition to Atlanta this season, Embiid had 36 factors, 13 rebounds, three steals and a block. If he can keep out of foul hassle, he’ll be a nightmare for the Hawks.

• Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

Contemplating Leonard comes into tonight’s sport after being off for 4 days, I anticipate him to have a huge impact. For his $10.5k FanDuel wage, he’s projected to complete with 48.2 fantasy factors. Contemplating he’ll possible be guarded by each Harrison Barnes and at occasions Nemanja Bjelica, he ought to have a bonus. Leonard has additionally completed with at the very least 60 fantasy factors his earlier 4 video games.

Potential Duds

• Joe Ingles, Utah Jazz

Ingles is a starter for Utah as soon as once more because the Jazz carry Mike Conley off the bench. Ingles struggled in opposition to San Antonio yesterday and contemplating he’s on the second sport of a back-to-back and performed 30 minutes final night time, there’s a great likelihood he gained’t meet his projection of 23.71 factors. He’s been caught at 15.four factors the final two video games.

• John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

John Collins is all the time a fantastic fantasy worth seize, particularly along with his ratio of four.97 fantasy factors per $1k. He has a wage of $7.4k and is projected for 36.6 factors, however I anticipate he’s in for a troublesome matchup tonight. Not solely are the Philadelphia 76ers are a troublesome defensive workforce, he’ll possible be tasked with defending Joel Embiid all night time and have Embiid draped throughout him on the opposite finish.

For extra fantasy basketball data, view our NBA Day by day Fantasy Basketball Projections web page.