Denver Nuggets (33-15) vs Memphis Grizzlies (20-30)
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 29
Time: 6:30 AM IST
TV: Sony ESPN
Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
Game Preview
In their previous contest vs. the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies ended their 8-game losing streak but given their record, there's no doubting the fact that their season is surely lost.
Since leading the Western Conference at the Thanksgiving break at 12-5, the Grizzlies have won just eight games in 33 chances which includes multiple losing streaks (3) of five or more.
Despite having the 8th-best defense in the league, the Grizzlies' 28th ranked offense (104.0 rating) is not helping their cause.
After a positive start, the season seems to be slipping from under the Grizzlies.
Fortunately for them, their rookie Jarren Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2018 Draft has been a bright spot in their campaign. Among rookies, he ranks fifth in scoring (13.5), sixth in rebounding (4.7), and second in blocks per game (1.5).
Coming to the Nuggets, this Grizzlies game will be the beginning of a rough stretch on the road.
After playing 26 of their 48 games at home at the Pepsi Center, the Denver franchise now plays six of their next seven games on the road. The biggest test will be on the defensive end of the floor where they have shown huge improvement - their 23rd ranked defense from last season is currently ranked in the top third of the league at 10th.
The most obvious and biggest reason for Denver's success is Nikola Jokic. The Serbian center is averaging 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists on 50.5% shooting. He has recorded seven triple-doubles for the season (3rd most) and ranks 4th in ESPN's PER (27.41).
Game Notes
- The Denver Nuggets have a .500 record of 11-11 on the road.
- On the other hand, the Grizzlies, have a 12-13 record in their 25 previous games at home.
- The visiting Nuggets are expected to be without three players including their starting point guard - Isaiah Thomas (Hip), Michael Porter Jr. (Back), and Jamal Murray (Ankle).
- The Grizzlies will be without three players - Dillon Brooks (Toe), Chandler Parsons (Not Injury related), and Garrett Temple (Shoulder). The trio of Omri Casspi (Knee), Kyle Anderson (Ankle), and JaMychal Green (Knee) are reported to be game-time decisions.
Last Time They Played
Date: Dec. 11, 2018
Score: Grizzlies 99-105 Nuggets
Grizzlies: Mike Conley - 19 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Nuggets: Nikola Jokic - 27 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals on 64.3% shooting.
Atlanta Hawks (15-33) vs LA Clippers (28-22)
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 29
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony ESPN
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Game Preview
With their 4-1 run over the past five games, the LA Clippers have strengtened their hold on the 8th spot in the Western Conference but it was tough sweating before that. After going 15-6 until December (when they were atop the Western Conference), the LA franchise had lost 15 of their next 24 games.
After this Hawks game, the Clippers host the Lakers before embarking on a huge six-game road trip with a couple of tough games against contenders - Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics.
The LA franchise has been playing without a key starting forward in Danilo Galinari for the past five games.
The Clippers rank 11th in offensive rating but it's their defense that needs work, currently 19th (109.9 rating).
Meanwhile, the rebuilding Atlanta Hawks understandbly rank in the bottom third of the league on both ends of the floor - offensive (104.5 rating - 27th) and defensive rating (111.3 - 24th).
Having said that, Trae Young has been a very bright spot for the franchise. He might not be as good as Luka Doncic has been for the Dallas Mavericks but he leads all rookies in assists per game (7.3) while ranking third in scoring (16.2).
Currenlty in the midst of a West-heavy seven-game road trip, a majority of the Hawks' 15 wins so far have naturally come against sub .500 teams but their last couple of wins have come against respective Conference giants in the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Game Notes
- The LA Clippers have a record of 15-10 in the 25 previous home games at the Staples Center.
- On the other hand, the Hawks of a 7-20 in their 27 previous games in road arenas.
- The Hawks will line-up without Kent Bazemore (Ankle) while Miles Plumlee is said to be a game-time decision.
- Meanwhile, for the Hawks, Danilo Gallinari and Luc Mbah A Moute are game-time decisions.
Last Time They Played
Date: Nov. 20, 2018
Score: Clippers 127-119 Hawks
Clippers: Lou Williams - Montrezl Harrell - 25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks on 50.0% shooting
Hawks: Trae Young - 25 points, 17 assists, and 3 rebounds.
