PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks (19-33) travel to face the Phoenix Suns (31-22) in a matchup featuring two teams heading in opposite directions. Dallas arrives riding a seven-game losing streak that has decimated their playoff hopes , while Phoenix has dropped two consecutive games but remains seventh in the Western Conference. The Mavericks' defensive profile shows they allow few three-point attempts (ranked 3rd) but struggle defensively against rim attacks (ranked 26th) , creating vulnerabilities that a creative Suns offense can exploit. Phoenix's defensive identity centers on forcing turnovers (ranked 2nd) and defending the perimeter effectively (ranked 6th), which could disrupt Dallas's...

PREVIEW: The Indiana Pacers arrive in New York ranked 1st in limiting three-point attempts on defense while struggling significantly against quality three-point shooting, ranking 26th . This defensive vulnerability could prove costly against the Knicks, who rank 3rd in defending the three-point line and 3rd in efficient three-point shooting. Indiana's offense relies heavily on midrange scoring while showing inefficiency attacking the rim, sitting 24th in that category. The Knicks boast a 23-12 record against Eastern Conference opponents while the Pacers have managed just 9-26 in conference play. The Knicks have been exceptional recently, posting a 9-1 mark over their last ten...

PREVIEW: The Los Angeles Clippers bring elite free throw shooting and frequent post-up opportunities to Houston, ranking first in both categories , but they'll need to navigate a significant disadvantage in pace and rim attacks. Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers have won both their previous road games, improving to a 25-27 record , giving them momentum heading into this matchup at Toyota Center. Leonard has been carrying the offensive load after scoring 41 points against Minnesota and is averaging 28.0 points this season, and the Clippers will need another stellar performance to defeat the Rockets . However, the team ranks...

PREVIEW: The San Antonio Spurs (36-16) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) on Tuesday night in a Western Conference matchup with significant playoff implications. Fresh off Stephon Castle's 40-point performance against Dallas, the Spurs arrive as favorites despite playing the second night of a back-to-back. San Antonio's elite defense ranks first in limiting rim attacks while maintaining top-five rebounding prowess, creating a defensive foundation built on discipline and length. However, the Spurs struggle offensively with the league's 27th-ranked spacing and 28th-ranked transition efficiency, meaning they'll need to lean on their halfcourt execution against a motivated Lakers squad. Los Angeles counters with...