The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets meet Saturday bearing the load of disappointing seasons as well as the weight of all of the teams above them in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Detroit Pistons saw their longest winning streak in 17 years end on Friday night. They will attempt to start a new run in the second game of a back-to-back.

The Houston Rockets will be better served when veteran guard Fred VanVleet returns from his lengthy injury absence on Saturday against the visiting Sacramento Kings, but there have been signs of improvement lately from the Rockets, even with VanVleet sidelined.

Already dealing with a nine-game losing streak, the Philadelphia 76ers face immediate and longer-range issues in trying to resuscitate their season.

The Dallas Mavericks are playing at home five times in a six-game stretch, but they're hosting some heavy hitters during this crucial time for their playoff hopes. That includes Saturday's visit from the Milwaukee Bucks.