The Los Angeles Lakers solved some of their offensive issues on Tuesday, just in time to take on a team operating at the top of its game. The Lakers will try to come up with enough points to challenge one of the hottest teams in the East when they kick off a five-game road trip at the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

The reception for Dwight Howard figures to be rather chilly in Houston on Thursday night when the Atlanta Hawks center returns to town to face the Rockets. Howard spent the past three seasons in Houston and it didn't end well amid constant turmoil that included chatter that star guard James Harden didn't like playing with Howard.

The San Antonio Spurs look to continue their mastery of Philadelphia when they host the 76ers on Thursday. San Antonio won the past 10 meetings against Philadelphia and outright annihilated the 76ers in last season's final meeting when they prevailed 119-68.

The Los Angeles Clippers were steamrolled by Golden State just five nights ago and will look to rise from that embarrassment when they host the Warriors on Thursday. Clippers coach Doc Rivers had the players watch the entire replay of the game Monday to remind them how badly they were whipped in the 144-98 defeat.