Preview Roundups
April 08, 2016
Brooklyn at Charlotte 7:00 PM ET
The Charlotte Hornets suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in more than two months this week but bounced back nicely on Wednesday and remain in the race for the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Brooklyn Nets, who visit the Hornets on Friday, appear to have already given up on chasing wins as they evaluate some of the players at the bottom of the roster with an eye to the future.
Miami at Orlando 7:00 PM ET
The Miami Heat look to continue dominating the Sunshine State series when they visit the Orlando Magic on Friday in the first of a home-and-home. The Heat, who are in a four-way battle for third place in the Eastern Conference, have won four straight against Orlando – two this season by an average of nine points – and 14 of the last 15 encounters.
New York at Philadelphia 7:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia 76ers set themselves on a path to several losing seasons in an effort to stock the team with young talent through the top of the draft under general manager Sam Hinkie, but the organization finally appears to be changing tactics. The 76ers will start their search for a new general manager as the roster Hinkie put together continues to play out the string on another losing season by hosting the New York Knicks on Friday.
Milwaukee at Boston 7:30 PM ET
The battle for third place in the Eastern Conference promises to come down to the final days of the regular season, and the Boston Celtics intend to win that race. The Celtics will try to keep the pressure on Atlanta, Miami and Charlotte with a fourth consecutive win when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.
Washington at Detroit 7:30 PM ET
The Detroit Pistons are on the verge of clinching a playoff spot while the Washington Wizards sit on the brink of elimination. The Pistons will try to seal the fate of both clubs when they host the Wizards on Friday.
Indiana at Toronto 7:30 PM ET
While the Toronto Raptors' playoff position is all but sealed, the Indiana Pacers are on the verge of punching their own ticket. The Pacers can clinch a spot in the postseason with a victory Friday at the Raptors, who are a loss or a Cleveland win away from securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
L.A. Lakers at New Orleans 8:00 PM ET
The Los Angeles Lakers have set a dubious franchise record for the second straight season as they arrive in New Orleans for Friday's game against the Pelicans. The Lakers fell 91-81 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for their 62nd defeat, breaking the team mark set last season.
Memphis at Dallas 8:30 PM ET
Veteran guard J.J. Barea has fueled a five-game winning with his torrid play and the Dallas Mavericks look to move closer to clinching a playoff spot when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Barea has scored 20 or more points in four consecutive games for the first time in his 10-year NBA career and he is averaging 24.2 points during the five-game stretch.
San Antonio at Denver 9:00 PM ET
The San Antonio Spurs no longer have a chance to overtake Golden State for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and also can't reach the 70-win mark. Both those pursuits ended when San Antonio suffered a 112-101 loss to the Warriors on Thursday, and the Spurs look to return to their winning ways when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
L.A. Clippers at Utah 9:00 PM ET
The Utah Jazz traditionally struggle against the Los Angeles Clippers and their playoff aspirations will certainly be helped if they can record a rare victory on Friday. The host Jazz have dropped 14 of their last 15 games against the Clippers, including seven straight in Salt Lake City.