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Fantasy Week 3 | NBA Week 3

NBA roundup: Cavs stay perfect, stun Nets for 11-0 start

Sun Nov 10 2:54am ET
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Evan Mobley collected 23 points and 16 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers, who trailed by 13 early in the fourth quarter, extended their season-opening winning streak to 11 games with a 105-100 victory over the visiting Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.

Cleveland became the first team to open a season 11-0 since the Golden State Warriors won their first 24 games in 2015-16 en route to a 73-9 finish.

Donovan Mitchell added 22 points and Darius Garland contributed 20, and Cleveland outscored the Nets 35-18 in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers shot 54.1 percent from the field for the game and made 14 of 18 shots (77.8 percent) in the final 12 minutes.

Dennis Schroder hit a triple to put Brooklyn up 85-72 just 46 seconds into the fourth quarter before Cleveland put together its ferocious rally.


Cameron Johnson had 23 points while Schroder and Cam Thomas added 22 apiece for the Nets. Brooklyn held a 96-89 lead with 4:24 left in the game following a 3 by Johnson, but the Cavaliers outscored the Nets 16-4 the rest of the way.

Bulls 125, Hawks 113

Zach LaVine returned to the lineup to score 18 points and sparked a late rally to help visiting Chicago overcome a 17-point second-half deficit and defeat Atlanta to end its four-game losing streak.

The balanced Bulls had eight players score in double figures, including Ayo Dosunmu, who had 19 points. Nikola Vucevic and Coby White each scored 18, with Vucevic adding 12 rebounds.

The Hawks got 20 points apiece from Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela, who had nine rebounds. Zaccharie Risacher scored 17 points and Trae Young had 14 to go along with 16 assists.

Jazz 111, Spurs 110

Collin Sexton scored 23 points and Jordan Clarkson canned four key free throws in the final 12 seconds to help Utah beat host San Antonio.

Lauri Markkanen added 20 points for the Jazz. Clarkson finished with 16, John Collins had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Johnny Juzang notched 10 points.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Stephon Castle had 23 points, Devin Vassell scored 21, Keldon Johnson hit for 14 and Harrison Barnes tallied 10 in the loss.

Clippers 105, Raptors 103

Norman Powell and James Harden each scored 24 points and Los Angeles sent visiting Toronto to its third consecutive loss to start a five-game road trip.

Harden added 12 rebounds and a game-high seven assists as the Clippers extended their winning streak to four games. Kevin Porter Jr. came off the bench to register 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Toronto's Immanuel Quickley had 12 points in the fourth quarter and matched Ochai Agbaji with a team-high 21 for the game. Gradey Dick scored 15, Chris Boucher had 14 off the bench and RJ Barrett added 13.

Player Notes
Immanuel Quickley Sun Nov 10 3:30pm

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is not on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Quickley returned to action on Saturday after being sidelined since the season opener due to a pelvic contusion. There was some speculation that he'd sit out on Sunday because it's a back-to-back set. However, it sounds like Quickley will be good to go ahead of this game. Davion Mitchell figures to return to the bench where he won't have as strong of streaming appeal. Quickley can be plugged back into fantasy lineups.

Obi Toppin Sun Nov 10 3:30pm

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the New York Knicks. Yikes, the injury list continues to grow for the Pacers early in the season. Toppin will join the group of inactive players due to a left ankle sprain. Jarace Walker figures to see additional playing time off the bench with the Pacers limited on options. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner should play heavy minutes with the Pacers shorthanded on depth. Walker isn't a great fantasy option, but could be worth a look while Toppin is out.

Andrew Nembhard Sun Nov 10 3:20pm

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is set to miss at least two weeks of action. This is a quick turn of events after Nembhard was scratched ahead of Friday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Nembhard will be sidelined for the next two weeks while he recovers from left knee soreness. Head coach Rick Carlisle mentioned that Nembhard could be sidelined until December. T.J. McConnell figures to see more playing time with Nembhard out for the foreseeable future. Fantasy managers needing help at the guard spot should take a look at McConnell.

Aaron Nesmith Sun Nov 10 3:10pm

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is expected to be sidelined until at least December, according to head coach Rick Carlisle. Nesmith suffered a right ankle sprain during a game on November 1. The team was hopeful Nesmith could return in a few weeks, but that's not the case. Bennedict Mathurin figures to remain in the starting lineup going forward. The extended playing time should make him an attractive fantasy option everywhere.

Carlton Carrington Sun Nov 10 2:40pm

Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (wrist) is available to play in Sunday's meeting with the Magic. The rookie has played well this season, averaging 10.3 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. While he's been banged up throughout the year, his most recent ailment won't keep him off the floor on Sunday night. With Kyle Kuzma (groin) still out, Carrington should see his share of minutes and scoring opportunities. Keep him starting.

Jaylen Brown Sun Nov 10 2:30pm

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) will suit up for Sunday's contest versus the Bucks. The 28-year-old missed the Celtics' last four games because of a hip issue. There was talk he was moving in the right direction, although not many expected he'd be ready to go for this one. While there is a chance Brown could see fewer minutes than usual, he's a must-start, with his presence likely resulting in Neemias Queta losing any streaming value.

Jaylen Brown Sat Nov 9 10:40pm

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game in Milwaukee. He's missed the C's previous four contests with a hip flexor strain, so his injury designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. Brown has had another quality season, averaging 25.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. With numbers like that, the 28-year-old should be starting in all fantasy formats, even if there's a chance he plays limited minutes in his first game back. But if Brown doesn't return on Sunday, Payton Pritchard, coming off a 20-point showing in Friday's overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets, could continue to surpass his usual production expectations.

Jimmy Butler Sat Nov 9 10:30pm

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) won't play on Sunday in Minnesota. It's still a relatively new season. However, the veteran is back on the injury report because of a sprained ankle, an injury he suffered in Friday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. Fortunately, Tyler Herro (back) is available, which will help lessen the blow caused by Butler's absence. Of course, Bam Adebayo could also see more scoring chances, with Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson, Nikola Jovic, and possibly Jaime Jaquez Jr. (illness) in line to surpass expectations until Butler returns.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sat Nov 9 10:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable heading into Sunday's meeting with the visiting Celtics. The multi-time All-Star missed a recent contest against the Cavaliers because of a groin issue. However, he's been on the floor the last two games, so he'll likely be out there versus the defending champs. As always, fantasy managers should keep him starting.

Jalen Duren Sat Nov 9 10:30pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's matchup versus the Rockets. The 21-year-old sprained his ankle in Wednesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, ending his night after only seven minutes of action. He didn't suit up on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks, resulting in Isaiah Stewart getting the start and finishing with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double with one block. Assuming Duren is absent again on Sunday, Stewart will be worth starting in all fantasy setups.

Luke Kornet Sat Nov 9 10:30pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. He wasn't available for Friday's overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets because of a hamstring strain, resulting in Xavier Tillman Sr. getting the start. However, Tillman hasn't been productive all season, so fantasy managers should keep him out of their lineups. Instead, Neemias Queta, averaging 6.3 points and 5.6 boards, has streaming potential in deep fantasy setups if Kornet doesn't play.

Luka Doncic Sat Nov 9 10:10pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (groin) is questionable to play in Sunday's matchup with the Nuggets. The multi-time All-Star amassed 30 points, seven assists, and seven boards in Friday's loss to the Suns. However, he popped up on the injury report because of a groin strain, so it's possible he won't be on the court on Sunday. If that's the case, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson should pick up most of the slack on the scoring end. In addition, Jaden Hardy could find himself in the starting lineup and be worth streaming in deeper fantasy setups.

Kevin Durant Sat Nov 9 9:30pm

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) suffered a left calf strain in Friday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, he will miss at least two weeks before being re-evaluated. The 36-year-old continues to play well despite being in the league since 2007, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.9% from behind the arc. The Suns are thin as it is, so losing a player of Durant's caliber is not good news for a team aspiring for a championship. While he is sidelined, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale could also surpass fantasy expectations at times until Durant returns.

Torrey Craig Sat Nov 9 5:50pm

Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (illness) will sit out Saturday's matchup against Atlanta. He has been ruled out for the contest after initially carrying a questionable tag. Craig was a regular in the Bulls rotation last season, but he's been limited to only two games and a handful of minutes in 2024-25. The veteran misses a second consecutive game due to an illness on Saturday and will get the next chance to return on Monday night versus Cleveland.

Jalen Smith Sat Nov 9 5:50pm

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (knee) will be available for Saturday's matchup against Atlanta. The 24-year-old carries a knee problem, which has made him a regular on the injury report, but he's missed only one game this season. Working as the backup center, Smith has averaged 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 14.4 minutes. Atlanta tends to struggle against opposing centers, allowing the 11th-most fantasy points to the position this season; however, Smith is unlikely to see much action behind Nikola Vucevic.

Zach LaVine Sat Nov 9 5:40pm

Chicago Bulls guard/forward Zach LaVine (adductor) will return from a three-game absence on Saturday versus Atlanta. The two-time All-Star has opened the campaign in fine form, averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with 45.8 percent shooting from three-point range. Ayo Dosunmu's fantasy value takes a hit with LaVine's return, as he's been a member of the starting unit for the past three games. However, Dosunmu will still have a significant role to play in the rotation. Atlanta is ranked 25th in defensive efficiency, making this a good matchup for LaVine and the Bulls.

Ja Morant Sat Nov 9 5:30pm

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (hip) is considered week-to-week. The team announced Morant has been diagnosed with a posterior hip subluxation and multiple Grade 1 pelvic muscle strains. He will miss a second consecutive game on Sunday versus Portland. Memphis is also without Marcus Smart (ankle) and Desmond Bane (oblique), meaning the Scotty Pippen Jr. train is in full flow again. Making his first start of the campaign, Pippen Jr. produced his first career triple-double against Washington on Friday. As a result of the injuries, Jaylen Wells has also become a starter. Luke Kennard has just returned from injury and should get a chance to play a larger role as well.

De'Andre Hunter Sat Nov 9 2:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) remains out for Saturday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. He's appeared in only two games this season, most recently finishing with 24 points and seven boards in the win over the Hornets on October 25. However, he hasn't been on the floor since, so Saturday will mark his ninth-consecutive absence. It's unknown when Hunter will be ready to return. But until he does, Zaccharie Risacher, averaging 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in eight starts this season, has a place in fantasy lineups.

Ben Simmons Sat Nov 9 2:00pm

Brooklyn Nets utility man Ben Simmons (back) won't play in Saturday's game against the undefeated Cavaliers. He had one of his best games of the 2024-25 campaign in Friday's overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, amassing eight points, eight assists, six boards, and one steal. But as will be the case for Simmons for the foreseeable future, he won't play in back-to-back contests in an effort to preserve his health. Noah Clowney could see some action on Saturday night with Simmons off the floor. However, Clowney has averaged just 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds this season, giving him little value for fantasy managers.

Trey Murphy III Sat Nov 9 1:50pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) is expected to make his 2024-25 debut on Monday against Brooklyn. The 24-year-old, who recently signed a four-year, $112 million extension, averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 38.0% shooting from behind the arc last season. Unfortunately, he hasn't played yet this season because of a hamstring injury. Without question, this is certainly excellent news for the Pelicans, considering the team is without Dejounte Murray (hand), Zion Williamson (hamstring), and CJ McCollum (adductor). While Murphy could see limited time on the floor for a few games, it shouldn't take him long to enter the starting lineup, where he should remain until Murray, Williamson, and McCollum return.


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