Sunday’s NBA schedule is highlighted by the opening game of Phoenix’s first east coast road swing and the final tune-up games for New York and Brooklyn before their first meeting of the year.
2012 NBA schedule: Phoenix and Portland start East Coast road trips
The Suns and Trailblazers head east, while New York and Brooklyn prepare for Monday’s clash.
Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE
Phoenix Suns at Philadelphia 76ers, 6:00 p.m. ET, Comcast/Fox Sports West
The Phoenix Suns begin their first extended east coast trip of the season Sunday when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers for a 6:00 ET game. The Suns took two home games last week against Portland and New Orleans, stopping a three-game losing skid and improving their record to 6-7 on the year. The Suns have been led by guard Goran Dragic, who is averaging 16.5 points per game.
Philadelphia stands at 7-6 on the year despite not having the services of key offseason acquisition Andrew Bynum. The star center is out indefinitely with knee issues, and the team recently redacted their timetable for a January return. The Sixers have been streaky through November, and are currently mired in a two-game losing streak after Saturday's seven-point loss to Oklahoma City.
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks, 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net
What goes up must come down: The Knicks have slowed down after a 6-0 start, losing three of their last five and getting hammered by Houston Friday 131-103. Detroit, on the other hand, has won three of five after dropping the first eight games of the season.
Portland Trailblazers at Brooklyn Nets, 3:00 p.m. ET, Comcast Northwest
Brooklyn halted a two-game skid with a 10-point win over the Clippers Friday, but will have to avoid looking ahead to Monday's much-anticipated clash with the Knicks. Portland has won four of their last five to even their record at 6-6, but face a seven-game east coast trip over the next eleven days.
San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors, 1:00 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West
The Spurs are an improbable 10-1 against everyone but the Clippers, and beat Boston and Indiana last week to start their own east coast swing. Toronto is already in its second losing streak of three or more games this year and is four games back of the pack in the Atlantic Division.
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic, 6:00 p.m. ET, Comcast Northeast
Through 13 games, the Celtics have struggled to a 7-6 mark and recently struggled on the road, dropping away contests to Detroit and Brooklyn in the last two weeks. Boston’s Friday win over Oklahoma City could straighten things out. Orlando has won two straight, but has not won a game against a team that currently holds a winning record since Nov. 4.
New Orleans Hornets at Denver Nuggets, 8:00 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net
Denver has won its last three. New Orleans has lost six straight after a 3-1 start.
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