Injuries Aren’t Slowing Grizzlies Ahead of Visit from Trail Blazers The Memphis Grizzlies return to FedExForum on Monday night, hosting the Portland Trail Blazers while riding high on momentum fueled by exceptional teamwork. Memphis, one of the league’s leaders in assists per game (29.8), showcased its unselfish play in Saturday’s 142-131 win over the Chicago Bulls. The Grizzlies recorded 38 assists, tying their season high, and trailed only Denver (30.3) and Golden State (30.2) in the category heading into Sunday’s games. Pippen Jr. Shines in Chicago Homecoming Starting in place of injured star Ja Morant, Scotty Pippen Jr. delivered a career night in Chicago, where his father, Scottie Pippen, achieved legendary status with the Michael Jordan-led Bulls. Pippen Jr. notched

Winning Streaks Collide as Clippers Visit Celtics The NBA’s two hottest teams clash Monday night when the Boston Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams enter the game riding five-game winning streaks, and the winner will claim the league’s longest active streak. This matchup comes on the second night of a back-to-back for both squads. Celtics Edge Timberwolves to Keep Momentum Alive The Celtics extended their winning streak Sunday with a nail-biting 107-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown delivered a standout performance, scoring 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Brown opened the game red-hot, scoring Boston’s first 15 points on five 3-pointers. “I haven’t shot the ball to start off the season

Well-Rested Hawks Aim to Contain Mavericks The Atlanta Hawks are set to rebound on Monday evening as they host the Dallas Mavericks, looking to make up for a high-scoring defeat from their last encounter in Atlanta. In the previous matchup on Jan. 26 last year, Luka Doncic dazzled with 73 points, propelling Dallas to a dramatic 148-143 triumph. This time, however, the Mavericks will be missing their superstar, as Doncic is sidelined with a wrist injury he sustained during last Tuesday’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Fortunately, the injury is expected to keep Doncic out for a brief period. Mavericks Adapt Without Doncic Monday’s game marks the end of a three-city road trip for the Mavericks, who had their

Pacers Focus on Defense Ahead of Encounter vs. Skidding Pelicans The Indiana Pacers snapped their three-game losing streak with a defensive stand against the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, securing a 115-103 victory and handing the Wizards their 11th consecutive loss. Indiana now turns its attention to extending the New Orleans Pelicans’ skid to five games when the teams meet Monday night in Indianapolis. After conceding 130 or more points in three straight road losses to Toronto, Houston, and Milwaukee, the Pacers tightened their defense at home, holding Washington to just 16 fourth-quarter points. “We got better defensively,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “We were better at keeping their drivers square in front of us, and we made some good