Preview Roundups
December 22, 2018
Denver at L.A. Clippers 5:00 PM ET
The Western Conference-leading Denver Nuggets are winners of four straight after sweeping through a homestand but are about to embark on a stretch with seven of the next 11 games on the road. That begins on Saturday, when the Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Clippers.
Phoenix at Washington 7:00 PM ET
The Phoenix Suns no longer own the worst record in the NBA and are streaking up the standings with wins in four straight. The Suns will try to make it five in a row and draw one win closer to double figures in the category when they visit the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
Toronto at Philadelphia 7:30 PM ET
The Toronto Raptors aim to defeat Philadelphia for the third straight time this season when they visit the 76ers on Saturday. Toronto, which owns the best record in the NBA, won the first two matchups by an average of 14 points and this matchup is the first of the season in Philadelphia.
Milwaukee at Miami 8:00 PM ET
The Miami Heat are enjoying their longest winning streak of the season at three in a row as their defense has rounded into shape. That trend will be tested Saturday night when the Milwaukee Bucks -- the league's top scoring team, fresh off another resounding win of their own -- pay a visit.
San Antonio at Houston 8:00 PM ET
The Houston Rockets will once again try to move forward without star point guard Chris Paul when they open a three-game homestand against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Paul strained his left hamstring in Thursday's 101-99 loss at Miami, which snapped the Rockets' five-game winning streak, and will miss at least two weeks.
Dallas at Golden State 8:30 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors are still fighting for the top spot in the Western Conference, but the team doesn't seem as dominant as it has in the past four seasons. The Warriors will try to avoid back-to-back losses and find the joy in their game when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
Oklahoma City at Utah 9:00 PM ET
The Utah Jazz eliminated Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs last campaign, but defeating the Thunder has been tougher in the regular season. The Thunder, who visit the Jazz on Saturday, have won each of the last four in-season clashes and 11 of the last 13 - including a 122-113 home victory on Dec. 10.