1. Can Nets cool off red-hot Jazz?
Over the last 12 years, Utah has won 10 or more games in a season two times: in 2008-09 and 2017-18. Tonight, the Jazz try to add to that list as they visit the Nets (7:30 ET, League Pass). This one should be intriguing because the Nets are finally healthy and have pretty much everyone (save for Kevin Durant) back in the mix. Additionally, how will Brooklyn try to negate the play of Joe Ingles? He has shot 51% on 3-pointers since joining the starting lineup in early December, while reserve Jordan Clarkson has been a revelation for the Jazz.
There’s no denying Memphis has figured things out of late. Since Christmas, the Grizzlies are 7-2, they lead the NBA in points, assists and field goals made per game and have the third-best offense overall. Memphis has won five in a row and faces the Rockets next (8 ET, NBA TV), who will be without Russell Westbrook (rest). During that stretch, the Grizzlies have beaten the veteran-led LA Clippers (Jan. 4) and San Antonio Spurs (Jan. 10) as they ready for another veteran squad tonight. Keep an eye on Memphis big man Jonas Valanciunas — he has 20 double-doubles this season and is fresh off a 30-point, 15-rebound game vs. Golden State.
3. All-Star hopefuls square off in Atlanta
There have been all manner of takes of late about Hawks guard Trae Young and whether or not he deserves an All-Star starting spot (which he is currently in line to snag). He’ll get another chance to showcase his wares as Phoenix visits (7:30 ET, League Pass) with its own All-Star hopeful in Devin Booker. The Suns’ guard has shown some clutch ability of late (see the win vs. Orlando last Friday) and ranks ninth this season in total clutch points scored (Young isn’t far behind at 12th, by the way). This is a great one-on-one matchup that should provide, perhaps, more fuel to the All-Star fire for either player’s case.
4. On this date: Cuban takes control
Hard to believe, but it has been 20 years since Mark Cuban purchaes a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks from H. Ross Perot, Jr. In that span, Dallas has gone from one of the worst-run franchises in the NBA to one that has amassed two division titles, two Western Conference titles and an NBA championship in 2011. There are other accolades and players to shine the spotlight on over these 20 years (hello, Dirk Nowitzki!), but for now, let’s take a look back at the 2011 run to the title.
