• The Canadian Press

    NBA teams on the defensive as scoring goes slightly down after All-Star break

    New Orleans forward Herbert Jones learned a long time ago the critical component to being an elite defensive stopper was keeping whoever you're guarding in front of you. It's that simple. It's that difficult, too. “You do the best you can,” Jones said. Contrary to popular belief, there HAS been some defense played in the NBA this season (it's just been tougher). It's been on display more following the All-Star break and on the heels of that record-setting 211-186 All-Star Game when all signs of

  • The Canadian Press

    Boston takes on Milwaukee, seeks 7th straight win

    Milwaukee Bucks (44-24, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (54-14, first in the Eastern Conference)Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Boston is looking to continue its six-game win streak with a victory over Milwaukee.The Celtics have gone 35-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. Boston scores 121.0 points while outscoring opponents by 11.7 points per game.The Bucks are 30-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Milwaukee is third in the NBA scoring 120.7 points pe

  • The Canadian Press

    Indiana takes on Detroit, aims for 4th straight road win

    Indiana Pacers (38-31, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (13-55, 14th in the Eastern Conference)Detroit; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Indiana will try to keep its three-game road win streak alive when the Pacers take on Detroit.The Pistons are 2-12 against division opponents. Detroit averages 14.8 turnovers per game and is 2-12 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents.The Pacers are 10-4 against opponents from the Central Division. Indiana ranks fourth in the

  • The Canadian Press

    Portland faces Los Angeles, aims to halt 3-game slide

    Los Angeles Clippers (42-25, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (19-49, 14th in the Western Conference)Portland, Oregon; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Portland comes into the matchup against Los Angeles as losers of three straight games.The Trail Blazers have gone 8-36 against Western Conference teams. Portland is 8-31 against opponents with a winning record.The Clippers are 25-18 in conference games. Los Angeles is 2-3 in one-possession games.The Trail Blazers ave