Player Grades: Lakers vs. Blazers

In context, this was a pretty understandable loss for the Lakers. Amidst a tough portion of the schedule with some notable injuries, it wasn’t a shock to see the Lakers come up short on Saturday against the Blazers.

But context or not, the losses are really starting to pile up for the Lakers. They’ve lost five of their last six and nine of their last 14. After sitting at 19-7 and battling for the No. 2 seed just weeks ago, the Lakers are now 24-16 and only percentage points above the play-in as the No. 6 seed.

The loss lines up pretty directly with the loss of Austin Reaves, but those excuses mean little. The losses are piling up and the Lakers are falling down the standings with Saturday being no different.

So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

LeBron James

32 minutes, 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-16 FG, 1-3 3PT, 7-7 FT, -16

Considering the Herculean ask of him to carry this team at 41 years old and the slow start he had, this turned out to be a decent game. He was getting beaten a bit defensively but a largely acceptable performance.

Grade: B

Jake LaRavia

28 minutes, 2 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 fouls, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT, 2-2 FT, -10

A night where you wanted a bit more out of LaRavia ends with him injuring his arm and ending the game on the bench. It didn’t sound serious, fortunately, but it also didn’t take away from another quiet night when the Lakers needed him.

Grade: C

Maxi Kleber

21 minutes, 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 fouls, 4-8 FG, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT, -19

What a pleasant surprise of a first quarter that was from Kleber. He didn’t really continue his performance after that, but that one quarter was pretty fun.

Grade: B-

Marcus Smart

25 minutes, 25 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 4 fouls, 9-17 FG, 4-6 3PT, 3-5 FT, -14

Speaking of pleasant surprises, Smart was arguably the best Laker on the floor in this one. He definitely filled the scoring void as well as he could.

Grade: A

Gabe Vincent

23 minutes, 3 points, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 1-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, +4

Vincent, meanwhile, did not fill the scoring void at all. And it was really brutal, particularly when he opened the second half with a blocked 3-pointer.

Grade: F

Rui Hachimura

19 minutes, 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, -11

Rui finding his shooting stroke after his return from injury was a positive from this game. Given the minutes restriction he remains under, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he doesn’t play on Sunday.

Grade: B

Nick Smith Jr.

10 minutes, 5 points, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-3 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1-1 FT, -5

This wasn’t nearly as fun as NSJ’s last game in Portland, I must say.

Grade; D

Drew Timme

29 minutes, 21 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 9-12 FG, 3-4 3PT, -2

After hardly getting any run since signing his two-way deal, Timme finally got a chance and looked really good. It’s unclear how much room there is for him in the rotation, but with a game like this, it’s at least worth consideration.

Grade: A

Jarred Vanderbilt

18 minutes, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 3-3 FG, -10

A fairly mundane game from Vando. While he’s earned his way back into the rotation, it hasn’t felt like he’s reached the level of impact he had as a starter in LA’s playoff run.

Grade: B-

Kobe Bufkin

22 minutes, 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2 fouls, 3-8 FG, 1-5 3PT, 2-2 FT, +0

A better showing from Bufkin in this game, though still not a great one. The Lakers had a lot of guards on the bench in this one and none of them really impressed.

Bronny James, Dalton Knecht

Bronny got some actual rotation minutes in this one in the first half. He didn’t look great in them, but that’s something at least. As for Dalton, two different two-way guards and Bronny all played over him, so it might be over.

JJ Redick

Redick tried all he could in this, playing some zone defense and giving some minutes to different players. But when you have 10 players and two of them are bigs, there isn’t a lot of strings he can realistically pull.

Monday’s DNPs: Chris Mañon

Monday’s inactives: Deandre Ayton, Luka Dončić, Jaxson Hayes, Austin Reaves, Adou Thiero

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Detroit hosts Boston following Brown's 41-point showing

Boston Celtics (26-15, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (30-10, first in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Monday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Pistons -4.5; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: Boston visits the Detroit Pistons after Jaylen Brown scored 41 points in the Celtics' 132-106 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

The Pistons have gone 21-6 against Eastern Conference opponents. Detroit leads the Eastern Conference with 57.1 points in the paint led by Jalen Duren averaging 13.3.

The Celtics are 19-9 in conference matchups. Boston leads the Eastern Conference giving up only 110.1 points per game while holding opponents to 44.8% shooting.

The Pistons make 48.0% of their shots from the field this season, which is 3.2 percentage points higher than the Celtics have allowed to their opponents (44.8%). The Celtics score 6.7 more points per game (117.0) than the Pistons give up (110.3).

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Pistons won 112-105 in the last matchup on Dec. 16. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points, and Brown led the Celtics with 34 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.9 points, six rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 12.2 points over the past 10 games.

Brown is averaging 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Celtics. Anfernee Simons is averaging 18 points and 3.4 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 6-4, averaging 113.2 points, 44.3 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 11.9 steals and 8.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 104.1 points per game.

Celtics: 7-3, averaging 118.7 points, 48.1 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 6.4 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: Tobias Harris: day to day (undisclosed).

Celtics: Josh Minott: day to day (ankle), Payton Pritchard: day to day (ankle), Jayson Tatum: out (achilles), Chris Boucher: day to day (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Mitchell and Cleveland take on the Thunder in non-conference play

Oklahoma City Thunder (35-8, first in the Western Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (24-19, sixth in the Eastern Conference)

Cleveland; Monday, 2:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cavaliers -1.5; over/under is 229.5

BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland and Oklahoma City face off in non-conference action.

The Cavaliers have gone 14-10 in home games. Cleveland is sixth in the NBA with 28.8 assists per game. Donovan Mitchell leads the Cavaliers averaging 5.7.

The Thunder are 15-5 in road games. Oklahoma City is the best team in the Western Conference giving up just 108.0 points per game while holding opponents to 43.2% shooting.

The Cavaliers' 15.1 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.6 more made shots on average than the 14.5 per game the Thunder allow. The Thunder average 121.1 points per game, 3.7 more than the 117.4 the Cavaliers allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is averaging 29.2 points, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Cavaliers. Darius Garland is averaging 17.8 points and 6.6 assists over the past 10 games.

Ajay Mitchell is shooting 48.3% and averaging 14.2 points for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 7-3, averaging 121.5 points, 44.1 rebounds, 32.9 assists, 8.5 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 50.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.2 points per game.

Thunder: 7-3, averaging 117.7 points, 42.0 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 9.5 steals and 7.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.5 points.

INJURIES: Cavaliers: Max Strus: out (foot), Dean Wade: day to day (knee), Darius Garland: day to day (foot), Sam Merrill: day to day (hand).

Thunder: Nikola Topic: out (groin), Jalen Williams: out (thigh), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Murray leads Denver against Charlotte after 42-point game

Charlotte Hornets (15-27, 12th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (29-13, third in the Western Conference)

Denver; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Nuggets -2.5; over/under is 230.5

BOTTOM LINE: Denver hosts the Charlotte Hornets after Jamal Murray scored 42 points in the Denver Nuggets' 121-115 win over the Washington Wizards.

The Nuggets have gone 12-6 in home games. Denver is 5-5 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Hornets are 8-15 on the road. Charlotte is eighth in the NBA with 45.3 rebounds per game led by Moussa Diabate averaging 8.4.

The 122.5 points per game the Nuggets average are 5.4 more points than the Hornets allow (117.1). The Hornets average 15.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 more made shots on average than the 13.2 per game the Nuggets allow.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Nuggets won the last matchup 115-106 on Dec. 7, with Murray scoring 34 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Peyton Watson is shooting 51.3% and averaging 14.0 points for the Nuggets. Murray is averaging 21.4 points over the last 10 games.

Kon Knueppel is averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is averaging 20.7 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 44.9% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 7-3, averaging 112.4 points, 38.7 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 6.0 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.1 points per game.

Hornets: 4-6, averaging 120.0 points, 47.3 rebounds, 27.8 assists, 5.9 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.6 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Nikola Jokic: out (knee), Jonas Valanciunas: out (calf), Christian Braun: day to day (ankle).

Hornets: Mason Plumlee: out (groin), Moussa Diabate: day to day (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

James and the Lakers take on Barnes and the Raptors

Toronto Raptors (25-18, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (24-16, sixth in the Western Conference)

Los Angeles; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Lakers -1.5; over/under is 226.5

BOTTOM LINE: LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers host Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors in a non-conference matchup.

The Lakers have gone 11-8 in home games. Los Angeles is 11-15 in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Raptors are 12-8 on the road. Toronto is eighth in the Eastern Conference with 11.5 offensive rebounds per game led by Jakob Poeltl averaging 2.7.

The Lakers score 116.5 points per game, 4.2 more points than the 112.3 the Raptors give up. The Raptors are shooting 47.1% from the field, 1.8% lower than the 48.9% the Lakers' opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Lakers won 123-120 in the last matchup on Dec. 5. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 44 points, and Barnes led the Raptors with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: James is averaging 22.6 points, six rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Lakers. Luka Doncic is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Immanuel Quickley is shooting 42.3% and averaging 16.5 points for the Raptors. Brandon Ingram is averaging 1.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 4-6, averaging 114.3 points, 40.2 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.5 points per game.

Raptors: 6-4, averaging 112.6 points, 44.6 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 7.4 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points.

INJURIES: Lakers: Deandre Ayton: day to day (knee), Luka Doncic: day to day (groin), Jaxson Hayes: day to day (hamstring), Austin Reaves: out (calf), Adou Thiero: out (knee).

Raptors: Jakob Poeltl: out (back), RJ Barrett: out (ankle), Ja'Kobe Walter: out (hip), Jamison Battle: day to day (ankle), Immanuel Quickley: day to day (back).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Sacramento takes home win streak into matchup with Portland

Portland Trail Blazers (21-22, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. Sacramento Kings (12-30, 14th in the Western Conference)

Sacramento, California; Sunday, 9 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Kings -2; over/under is 228.5

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento will try to keep its four-game home win streak alive when the Kings face Portland.

The Kings are 8-24 in conference games. Sacramento has a 5-20 record in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Trail Blazers are 17-14 in Western Conference play. Portland allows 118.4 points to opponents and has been outscored by 2.2 points per game.

The Kings are shooting 46.6% from the field this season, 0.6 percentage points lower than the 47.2% the Trail Blazers allow to opponents. The Trail Blazers average 116.2 points per game, 4.4 fewer than the 120.6 the Kings give up to opponents.

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Trail Blazers won 98-93 in the last matchup on Dec. 21.

TOP PERFORMERS: DeMar DeRozan is averaging 19.1 points and 3.9 assists for the Kings. Russell Westbrook is averaging 16.6 points over the last 10 games.

Shaedon Sharpe is averaging 21.6 points and 1.5 steals for the Trail Blazers. Deni Avdija is averaging 19.9 points and 4.9 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Kings: 4-6, averaging 107.2 points, 39.5 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 6.0 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.8 points per game.

Trail Blazers: 7-3, averaging 114.3 points, 45.3 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 8.2 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.6 points.

INJURIES: Kings: Keegan Murray: out (ankle), Keon Ellis: day to day (knee).

Trail Blazers: Scoot Henderson: out (hamstring), Deni Avdija: day to day (back), Matisse Thybulle: out (thumb), Blake Wesley: out (foot), Kris Murray: out (back), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Maxey, 76ers to host Huff and the Pacers

Indiana Pacers (10-33, 15th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (22-18, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Monday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia 76ers host the Indiana Pacers in Eastern Conference play Monday.

The 76ers are 17-15 in conference play. Philadelphia averages 116.8 points while outscoring opponents by 1.1 points per game.

The Pacers have gone 7-21 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana averages 13.5 turnovers per game and is 8-16 when committing fewer turnovers than opponents.

The 76ers average 116.8 points per game, 1.6 fewer points than the 118.4 the Pacers allow. The 76ers average 110.2 points per game, 5.5 fewer points than the 115.7 the 76ers allow to opponents.

The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 13 the 76ers won 115-105 led by 39 points from Joel Embiid, while Pascal Siakam scored 20 points for the Pacers.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tyrese Maxey is averaging 30.3 points, 6.7 assists and 1.9 steals for the 76ers. Embiid is averaging 24.4 points over the last 10 games.

Jay Huff is scoring 8.7 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the Pacers. Siakam is averaging 22.0 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 49.4% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: 76ers: 6-4, averaging 120.2 points, 41.8 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 10.0 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.7 points per game.

Pacers: 4-6, averaging 110.7 points, 41.7 rebounds, 29.0 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.2 points.

INJURIES: 76ers: None listed.

Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin: day to day (thumb), Obi Toppin: out (foot), T.J. McConnell: day to day (elbow), Andrew Nembhard: day to day (back), Tyrese Haliburton: out for season (achilles).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Golden State plays Miami, seeks 4th straight home win

Miami Heat (22-20, eighth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Golden State Warriors (24-19, eighth in the Western Conference)

San Francisco; Monday, 10 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Golden State hosts Miami trying to prolong its three-game home winning streak.

The Warriors are 16-6 in home games. Golden State ranks seventh in the NBA with 28.6 assists per game. Draymond Green leads the Warriors averaging 5.3.

The Heat are 7-13 on the road. Miami ranks eighth in the NBA with 28.5 assists per game led by Davion Mitchell averaging 7.3.

The Warriors are shooting 46.1% from the field this season, 0.1 percentage points higher than the 46.0% the Heat allow to opponents. The Heat score 6.2 more points per game (119.5) than the Warriors allow their opponents to score (113.3).

The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Heat defeated the Warriors 110-96 in their last meeting on Nov. 20. Norman Powell led the Heat with 25 points, and Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 20 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Stephen Curry is averaging 27.6 points and 4.9 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Kel'el Ware is shooting 53.5% and averaging 11.5 points for the Heat. Powell is averaging 3.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 7-3, averaging 120.0 points, 40.8 rebounds, 30.9 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.9 points per game.

Heat: 5-5, averaging 117.3 points, 44.5 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 9.0 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.5 points.

INJURIES: Warriors: Gui Santos: day to day (ankle), Jimmy Butler III: day to day (personal), Seth Curry: out (back).

Heat: Jaime Jaquez Jr.: day to day (knee), Tyler Herro: day to day (toe), Davion Mitchell: day to day (shoulder).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Clippers play the Wizards, seek 6th straight victory

Los Angeles Clippers (18-23, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (10-31, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Washington; Monday, 3 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles seeks to keep its five-game win streak alive when the Clippers take on Washington.

The Wizards are 6-13 on their home court. Washington has a 2-2 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Clippers are 7-14 in road games. Los Angeles has a 2-6 record in one-possession games.

The Wizards' 12.6 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.8 fewer made shots on average than the 13.4 per game the Clippers allow. The Wizards average 112.5 points per game, 11.4 fewer points than the 123.9 the Wizards give up.

The teams meet for the second time this season. The Clippers won 119-105 in the last matchup on Jan. 15.

TOP PERFORMERS: Bub Carrington is scoring 9.5 points per game and averaging 3.8 rebounds for the Wizards. Alex Sarr is averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.

James Harden is averaging 25.8 points and 8.1 assists for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 3.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 3-7, averaging 111.3 points, 42.9 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 8.8 steals and 6.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.4 points per game.

Clippers: 8-2, averaging 115.4 points, 39.4 rebounds, 23.8 assists, 9.2 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.0 points.

INJURIES: Wizards: Tristan Vukcevic: day to day (knee), Bilal Coulibaly: out (back), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Trae Young: out (quad).

Clippers: Kawhi Leonard: day to day (ankle), Bradley Beal: out for season (hip), Derrick Jones Jr.: out (knee), Bogdan Bogdanovic: out (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

New York takes on Dallas, seeks to break 3-game slide

Dallas Mavericks (17-26, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. New York Knicks (25-17, third in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Monday, 5 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Knicks -5.5; over/under is 227.5

BOTTOM LINE: New York comes into the matchup against Dallas after losing three straight games.

The Knicks have gone 16-5 at home. New York is seventh in the league averaging 118.4 points and is shooting 46.9% from the field.

The Mavericks are 4-15 on the road. Dallas is 8-15 against opponents with a winning record.

The Knicks average 15.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.3 more made shots on average than the 11.7 per game the Mavericks allow. The Mavericks average 114.2 points per game, 0.7 fewer than the 114.9 the Knicks give up to opponents.

The two teams square off for the second time this season. The Knicks defeated the Mavericks 113-111 in their last matchup on Nov. 20. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, and Naji Marshall led the Mavericks with 23 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.9 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 19.2 points and 3.7 assists over the past 10 games.

Cooper Flagg is averaging 18.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Klay Thompson is averaging 3.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 2-8, averaging 110.6 points, 44.2 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.7 points per game.

Mavericks: 5-5, averaging 116.5 points, 44.5 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.6 points.

INJURIES: Knicks: Jalen Brunson: day to day (ankle), Josh Hart: day to day (ankle).

Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), P.J. Washington: day to day (personal), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Cooper Flagg: day to day (ankle), Kyrie Irving: out (knee), Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out (hand), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Golden Knights Use Five-Goal Third Period En Route To Seventh Straight Win In 7-2 Rout Of Predators

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights used a five-goal third period to break things open and turn a close game into a 7-2 rout of the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

Vegas won its seventh straight game while earning a point for the ninth time in 11 games.

Nashville held a 1-0 lead after one period thanks to Luke Evangelista's goal and the stellar play of goaltender Justus Annunen, who stopped all 15 shots he faced in the opening stanza.

But Vegas, which is averaging 5.14 goals per game during its seven-game win streak, got goals from seven different skaters and at least one point from 14 players.

Alexander Holtz, Shea Theodore, Pavel Dorofeyev, Mark Stone, Cole Reinhardt, Mitch Marner and Keegan Kolesar all scored for the Knights.

"We got guys in the room (who) historically have scored, so we figure at some point they'll get closer to their numbers," Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. "The team has scored. It's a lot of the same guys, so the analytics dictate that.

"We figured sooner or later, generally, that would follow suit, the pucks would go in. And now they are. And I hope it continues, where that evens out a little bit of where we feel we are, and with the numbers-crunching game, so to speak."

Goaltender Akira Schmid stopped 27 shots and improved to 15-4-5 on the year. The 15 wins are a career high.

Image

KEY MOMENT

A 65-second moment was the highlight Saturday night, beginning with Holt's goal 17:17 into the second period and then with Theodore's goal 65 seconds later.

It appeared to steal the competitive edge Nashville held, especially after the Predators beat the league-leading Colorado Avalanche in Denver the night before, while somewhat deflating Annunen's mojo and sending the Knights into the locker room with all the momentum they'd need for a huge third period.

"We realized, I guess, as a team, that when we get pucks and bodies to the net, good things are gonna happen," Kolesar said. "And that just clicked in our mind going into third period. And you saw it, I don't think anyone was really passing up opportunities to get the puck to the net and get to the net. We get chance after chance after chance, and that can just wear them down."

KEY STAT

600 - Theodore not only skated in the 36th game of the season, but it was the 600th of his career. The 30-year-old defenseman, one of the original members of the league's 31st franchise, finished with a goal and an assist, and now has 25 points - tied for 30th among all blue liners in the league. His seven goals rank 24th among all defensemen.

Theodore's 371 points with Vegas rank third all-time with the franchise, while is 291 assists rank No. 1 with the Knights.

WHAT A KNIGHT

After allowing the Predators' first goal to sneak by off a deflection, Schmid was brilliant between the pipes for Vegas. The 25-year-old netminder, who will represent the Swiss Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team that will compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Games next month, stopped 27 consecutive shots before Nashville's final shot of the game slipped by to provide the final margin.

Schmid's 15 wins are tied for the 14th most in the NHL, while his 2.45 goals-against average ranks fourth in the NHL among goaltenders with at least 25 games played.

"Just getting into a rhythm playing a lot of games, you know, you don't think as much," Schmid said about adding to his career-high numbers. "You don't have much time to practice, but you kind of get into a flow and feel good about yourself."

UP NEXT: The Golden Knights conclude their three-game homestand against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night.

PHOTO CAPTION: Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) attempts to slow Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) as goaltender Justus Annunen (29) makes a save during the second period at T-Mobile Arena.

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Freeway Faceoff Delivers Another Overtime Thriller

The freeway faceoff delivered another movie Saturday night, as the Anaheim Ducks (24-21-3) defeated the Los Angeles Kings (19-16-13) in back-to-back games this time at Crypto.com Arena 2-1 in overtime, marking the third time in four meetings that this rivalry has gone beyond regulation. 

Mikael Granlund scored the game-winner with less than a minute remaining in overtime, snapping the wrist shot past Anton Forsberg after Anaheim generated a good look in the extra frame. 

The win gives the Ducks a 3-1 edge in the season series after sweeping back-to-back games at home last night and tonight in the Kings' arena, and it improves their strong overtime record as well. 

McTavish Opens Scoring

The Ducks struck first blood in the opening period, with Mason McTavish finishing a rush chance to give Anaheim a 1-0 lead. Olen Zellweger and Ryan Strome picked up assists on the play after the Ducks got a good possession of controlling the puck early on. 

Los Angeles struggled to generate offense in the first period, managing to get off just three shots on goal. The physical tone was set early between these two rivalries, highlighted by a first-period fight between Jeffrey Viel and Samuel Helenius, who traded multiple big hits. 

Kempe Responds on the Power Play

The Kings found life in the second period, thanks to their power play, which finally converted. Adrian Kempe tied the game 1-1 after ripping a one-timer past Ville Husso, scoring on the only power play of the night, with Los Angeles finishing 1/6 on the night. 

The middle frame featured a party at the penalty box, particularly for Anaheim's defense, creating multiple man-advantage opportunities for Los Angeles. Despitethe extended 5-on-3 time, the Kings were unable to take the lead, which later came back to haunt them. 

Forsberg and Husso Steal the Show

Both goaltenders were clutch as the game tightened in the third period. Anton Forsberg turned aside several great danger looks from Anaheim, including back-to-back saves on Jackson LaCombe and Cutter Gauthier, which could've ended the game there. 

Husso kept the Kings at bay with timely stops on Kevin Fiala, Kempe, and Quinton Byfield. Forsberg finished the night with 31 saves with a .939 save percentage, playing outstanding in place of Darcy Kuemper on the crease. 

Anaheim finished the night with 33 shots to the Kings' 18, clearly doing a good job of defending the Kings' offense. 

Granlund Ends it in Overtime

Overtime opened the same way the third period ended, with multiple chances from the Kings to score, but they couldn't generate good looks to get the puck in the goal. The door was left wide open for Granlund to score the game-winner off a fast possession generated by Anaheim, where they found space, and Granlund buried the game-winner. 

The overtime losses have the Kings with the most games played (20) and losses (13) this season, a trend of close games that just won't go the Kings' way. 

The Kings keep on losing the same way every night, their inability to close out tight games, particularly against division rivals. With playoff position tightening already in the second half of the season, Los Angeles sits out of the postseason picture and will be tough to climb up, considering how the team has performed as of late, losing six of their last seven games.

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Prophet Johnson scores 30, Sacramento State beats Northern Colorado 93-89 in OT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Prophet Johnson scored 21 of his 30 points after halftime, Mark Lavrenov had 17 points and 17 rebounds, and Sacramento State beat Northern Colorado 93-89 in overtime Saturday night.

Jahni Summers also scored 17 points for Sacramento State (6-11, 2-3 Big Sky Conference) and Shaqir O'Neal added 11.

Quinn Denker made 11 of 18 from the field, hit 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, and finished with 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and four steals for Northern Colorado (11-8, 1-5). Vincent Delano scored 13 points and Ring Nyeri 11.

The Bears have lost three in a row and seven of their last nine.

Johnson made a 3-pointer to open the scoring in OT and the Hornets led the rest of the way.

Nyeri's dunk with 15 seconds left in regulation made it 82-all and eventually forced overtime. Johnson missed a potential winning layup before the buzzer.

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Jarry makes 31 saves in Oilers' 6-0 victory as Canucks drop 10th straight

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Tristan Jarry made 31 saves for his first shutout for Edmonton, Jack Roslovic and Kasperi Kapanen each scored twice and the Oilers routed the Vancouver Canucks 6-0 on Saturday night.

Vancouver has lost 10 in a row (0-8-2) to fall to 16-27-5. The Canucks last lost 10 straight in the 1997-98 season.

The Oilers scored all six goals in the second period, four goals on four shots in a 4:52 span. Zach Hyman and Vasily Podkolzin also scored and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists in his 999th regular-season game.

Jarry had his 23rd career shutout and his first since Edmonton acquired him Pittsburgh on Dec. 12 for fellow goalie Stuart Skinner.

Vancouver has lost 10 in a row (0-8-2) to fall to 16-27-5. The Canucks last lost 10 straight in the 1997-98 season.

Nikita Tolopilo made 29 saves.

Edmonton played without star forward Leon Draisaitl, with the Oilers saying he returned to Germany to attend to a family illness and is expected to rejoin the team next week.

Up next

Oilers: Host St. Louis on Sunday night to open an eight-game homestand.

Canucks: Host the New York Islanders on Monday night.

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Golden Knights' 5-goal third period snaps Nashville Predators 3-game win streak | Recap

A third-period onslaught by the Vegas Golden Knights proved to be too much for the Nashville Predators, snapping their three-game win streak in a 7-2 loss on Sunday in Las Vegas. 

It was the Golden Knights' seventh straight win. 

Vegas scored five goals in the third period and seven unanswered after the Predators took a 1-0 lead in the first period. 

Luke Evangelista tipped in a Roman Josi shot 14 minutes into the period to put Nashville up early. It was the third straight game that the Predators have scored the first goal of the game and Josi's ninth point in four games. 

Nashville held the lead throughout the majority of the second period until Alexander Holtz and Shea Theodore scored 1:05 apart to swing the lead in favor of Vegas. 

In the third, five different Golden Knights players scored, eventually turning a 2-1 lead into 7-1. Five different players had at least two points. 

In the final minute of the game, Filip Forsberg scored on the power play to cut Vegas' lead down to five. It was Forsberg's fourth point in two games and Josi's, who had the secondary assist, 10th point in four games. 

Ryan O'Reilly had the primary assist, which was his seventh point in four games. 

Justus Annuen played the entire game, allowing seven goals on 36 shots and making 29 saves. The loss snaps a three-game win streak for the Predators' netminder. 

Nashville was outshot 36-29. Despite the wide loss, the Predators logged just 4 minutes in penalties and killed both penalties. 

The Predators fall to 23-21-4 on the season and are still a point outside of a Wild Card spot. Their next game is against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST.