THURSDAY’S GAMES
HOME team in caps.
Bucks at HAWKS, late : The Hawks have gone 16-12 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 111.2 points while holding opponents to 46.1% shooting. The Bucks are 19-10 in Eastern Conference play. Milwaukee is second in the NBA with 48.2 rebounds per game led by Giannis Antetokounmpo averaging 11.4. The teams square off for the second time this season. The Bucks won the last meeting 129-115 on Jan. 24. Antetokounmpo scored 27 points to help lead Milwaukee to the win.
Warriors at CAVALIERS, late : The Cavaliers are 11-15 in home games. Cleveland is the worst team in the Eastern Conference shooting 33.9% from 3-point range. The Warriors have gone 10-18 away from home. Golden State is the league leader with 27.5 assists per game led by Draymond Green averaging 8.6. The two teams play for the second time this season. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 129-98 in their last matchup on Feb. 15. Curry led Golden State with 36 points, and Collin Sexton paced Cleveland scoring 23 points.
Celtics at LAKERS, late: The Lakers have gone 16-11 in home games. Los Angeles ranks ninth in the NBA with 13.6 fast break points per game led by Lebron James averaging 4.6.The Celtics have gone 12-16 away from home. Boston is ninth in the league in 3-point percentage, shooting 37.5% as a team from downtown this season. Payton Pritchard paces them shooting 40% from 3-point range. The two teams play for the second time this season. The Lakers defeated the Celtics 96-95 on Jan. 30. Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 27 points, and Jayson Tatum paced Boston with 30 points.
Kings at SUNS, late : The Suns are 5-3 in division matchups. Phoenix ranks fifth in the Western Conference shooting 37.9% from deep, led by Cameron Payne shooting 41.1% from 3-point range. The Kings are 10-16 in Western Conference play. Sacramento averages 41.8 rebounds per game and is 9-22 when outrebounded by opponents. The teams square off for the third time this season. The Suns won 116-100 in the last matchup on Dec. 27. Mikal Bridges led Phoenix with 22 points, and Buddy Hield led Sacramento with 17 points.