Devin Booker (17 points) was one of seven Suns to scoring in double figures in Phoenix’s win over Memphis on Nov. 12.
Monday, December 27
Memphis at Phoenix, 9:00 p.m. ET
The Suns have not lost back-to-back games since dropping two straight from Oct 23-27 to fall to 1-3 on the season after four games. Since then, they have gone 25-3 and sit just behind Golden State for the best record in the NBA. The Warriors got the best of the Suns on Christmas Day and the Suns look to bounce back against the Grizzlies on Monday. Memphis is coming off a win in Sacramento on Sunday to snap a three-game skid; can they make it two straight by taking down the Suns?
Tuesday, December 28
Los Angeles at Houston, 8:00 p.m. ET
Speaking of streaks, the Lakers are looking to avoid their first six-game losing streak since 2017-18 when they visit the Rockets on Tuesday night in Houston. Of the 160 players that have been able to play in all five of their team’s last five games, LeBron James ranks second in scoring (31.6 ppg on 55.8% shooting) behind only Portland’s Damian Lillard. However, LeBron’s production has not led to wins for L.A., who enter Week 11 at 16-18 and in seventh in the Western Conference.
Wednesday, December 29
Charlotte at Indiana, 7:00 p.m. ET
This is the third meeting of the season between the Hornets and Pacers. The first two games were both decided by a single possession and a combined total of just four points – both wins for Charlotte. The Hornets used a 24-0 run in the third quarter as they rallied past the Pacers in the opening game of the season for both teams on Oct. 20. The Pacers tried to get a comeback win of their own in the second meeting on Nov. 19, but the Hornets held on after squandering much of a 25-point second-half lead. What do they have in store for Chapter 3?
Thursday, December 30
Cleveland at Washington, 7:00 p.m. ET
The Cavs, who have a number of players who entered Health and Safety Protocols between Dec. 16-19, could be getting some key players back this week. Cleveland enters Week 11 in fifth place in the Eastern Conference – three games ahead of the seventh-ranked Wizards, who enter Week 11 without Bradley Beal and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The teams split their first two meetings of the season, with Cleveland getting the most recent win on Dec. 3 behind a combined 60 points from Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen.
Friday, December 31
Chicago at Indiana, 3:00 p.m. ET
The Bulls and Pacers have split their first two games this season, with Chicago getting the most recent win on Dec. 26 in Zach LaVine’s first game back after missing two weeks in Health and Safety Protocols. The 15 days away didn’t slow LaVine’s momentum as he scored 32 points in the win – his fourth game with 30 or more points in his last five games played. Caris LeVert has led the Pacers in scoring against Chicago (19.5 ppg), while Domantas Sabonis is averaging a double-double (17.5 ppg, 13.5 rpg).
Saturday, January 1
LA at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m. ET
Nets coach Steve Nash said Monday that there is a “good chance” Kevin Durant exits Health and Safety protocols this week, as he has been sidelined since Dec. 18. The Nets have gone 1-1 with Durant out – defeating the Lakers on Christmas Day behind a combined 70 points from James Harden and Patty Milles – but getting the league’s leading scorer back will definitely provide a boost. Durant has scored 30 or more points in the last four games he’s played – tied with Stephen Curry and LeBron James for the longest active streak in the league. Will KD be ready to start 2022 with another 30 piece?
Sunday, January 2
Miami at Sacramento, 6:00 p.m. ET
The Heat and Kings consistently play close games. Dating back to January 2017, eight of their last nine meetings have been decided by single digits – including five by five points or less. Will this trend continue when these teams meet for the first time this season? While the Heat will likely be without Kyle Lowry due to Health and Safety Protocols, they just got Jimmy Butler back after an eight-game absence (tail bone contusion) as he helped the Heat defeat the Magic on Sunday.
