NBA roundup: Luka Doncic, Lakers handle Nuggets
Thu Mar 20 3:12am ET
Field Level Media
Luka Doncic scored 21 of his 31 points in the first quarter, Austin Reaves added 22 total and the Los Angeles Lakers turned a fast start into a 120-108 home victory over the short-handed Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
The victory allowed the Lakers to tie the Nuggets for third place in the Western Conference standings. The teams split the season series with two victories each.
Dorian Finney-Smith scored 14 points as the Lakers earned their third straight win and ninth consecutive home victory despite playing without LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (knee).
Aaron Gordon tallied 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, who were playing without Nikola Jokic (ankle/elbow) and Jamal Murray (ankle). Denver has alternated wins and losses for the past eight games.
Spurs 120, Knicks 105
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored a career-high 34 points, 21 in the fourth quarter, as host San Antonio ambushed New York.
Mamukelashvili shot 13-for-14 from the floor, including 7-for-7 from 3-point range. He had never previously made more than four 3-pointers in a game. Stephon Castle added 22 points for San Antonio. Chris Paul produced 12 points and nine assists.
Karl-Anthony Towns amassed 32 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks, who fell to 3-3 since Jalen Brunson was lost indefinitely with a sprained right ankle. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby added 14 points apiece, and Mitchell Robinson tallied 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Kings 123, Cavaliers 119
Keegan Murray broke a late tie with a driving hoop, DeMar DeRozan dropped in a pair of clutch baskets in the final 1:35 and host Sacramento extended Cleveland's losing streak to three games.
DeRozan finished with a team-high 27 points, Malik Monk added 22 and rookie Devin Carter chipped in with a season-best 16 off the bench as the Kings moved three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in their duel for ninth place in the Western Conference.
Evan Mobley registered 31 points and 10 rebounds and Donovan Mitchell finished with 26 points for the Cavaliers. Ty Jerome added 14 points and six assists. Dean Wade and Max Strus chipped in with 12 points apiece, and Jarrett Allen had 10.
Trail Blazers 115, Grizzlies 99
Deni Avdija recorded 31 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists to lead Portland to a victory over visiting Memphis.
Avdija matched season highs for boards and 3-pointers (five) as Portland won its third straight game. Anfernee Simons scored 22 points, Shaedon Sharpe produced 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists and Toumani Camara had 15 points for the Trail Blazers. Duop Reath had 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Portland, which is two games behind the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in the battle for the final Western Conference play-in berth.
Desmond Bane scored 20 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. added 18 off the bench for the Grizzlies, who lost their second straight game. Santi Aldama had 16 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 14 but was just 5 of 18 from the field.
Suns 127, Bulls 121
Devin Booker scored 41 points, including 33 after halftime, as Phoenix beat visiting Chicago.
Kevin Durant added 26 points and Ryan Dunn contributed 16 as Phoenix moved past the Dallas Mavericks into 10th position in the race for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Nikola Vucevic and Coby White both posted 24 points for Chicago, and Josh Giddey had 22 off the bench in his return from a three-game absence with an ankle injury.
Pistons 116, Heat 113
Cade Cunningham banked in a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds left as visiting Detroit sent Miami to a ninth straight loss.
Cunningham finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and a game-high 11 assists. Detroit also got 15 points and 11 rebounds from Jalen Duren. Malik Beasley scored 16 points, Ausar Thompson had 14 points and Tobias Harris added 13 points and a game-high five blocks.
Bam Adebayo scored 30 points and added nine rebounds and eight assists for Miami, which is in the midst of its longest losing streak since the 2007-08 season. Tyler Herro gave the Heat 29 points, and rookie Kel'el Ware added 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Pacers 135, Mavericks 131
Bennedict Mathurin scored 16 points in the final 5:54 and Andrew Nembhard hit a 3-pointer with 14.7 seconds left as Indiana opened a five-game homestand by beating Dallas in Indianapolis.
Indiana's Pascal Siakam led all scorers with 29 points. Mathurin finished with 23 points. Nembhard added 22 points and doled out eight assists. Aaron Nesmith added 18 points and Obi Toppin 13.
P.J. Washington led Dallas with 26 points. Jaden Hardy added 24 points, Naji Marshall tallied 20 points and nine rebounds. Kai Jones had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Spencer Dinwiddie added 17 points and 12 assists, and Max Christie scored 17 points.
Pelicans 119, Timberwolves 115
Zion Williamson scored 29 points on 12-for-16 shooting and New Orleans outlasted Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Williamson added eight assists, five rebounds and three steals for New Orleans (19-51), which had lost seven of its previous eight games. CJ McCollum added 18 points.
Anthony Edwards scored 29 points but shot only 5-for-19 from the field for the Timberwolves, who have lost two in a row since winning eight straight. Julius Randle finished with 17 points.
Rockets 116, Magic 108
Jalen Green scored 26 points, Alperen Sengun had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and visiting Houston extended its season-best winning streak to eight games by beating Orlando.
Fred VanVleet added 19 points for the Rockets, who outscored the Magic 32-20 in the third quarter and never trailed in the second half.
Paolo Banchero scored 31 points to lead the Magic, who have lost eight of their past 11 games. Franz Wagner scored 20 points, and Goga Bitadze added 19 off the bench.
Jazz 128, Wizards 112
Kyle Filipowski scored 21 points and Keyonte George had 20 as Utah snapped a 10-game losing streak with a win over Washington in Salt Lake City.
The Jazz used a 14-0 run in the second half to build a 21-point lead en route to their first victory in March in a battle of the teams with the worst records in the NBA.
Colby Jones made 9 of 11 shots to lead all scorers with 24 points while Alex Sarr netted 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Wizards, who held an early 11-point lead.
Thunder 133, 76ers 100
Aaron Wiggins scored 26 points and Jaylin Williams had his second career triple-double as host Oklahoma City knocked off Philadelphia.
The Thunder, headed toward the top seed in the Western Conference, clinched the Northwest Division. Williams finished with career highs in points (19) and rebounds (17) and added 11 assists on 7-of-11 shooting. Isaiah Joe added 21 points while Chet Holmgren scored 19 and Branden Carlson finished with a career-high 16.
Quentin Grimes led the 76ers with 28 points while Justin Edwards added 19. Chuma Okeke had 15 rebounds off the bench to go with 14 points.
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- Warriors' Stephen Curry (knee) out at least 10 more days
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- 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon) out at least 3 weeks
- Lakers' Luka Doncic fined $50K for gesture toward refs
- NBA roundup: James Harden scores 29,000th point in Cavs' win over 76ers
- NBA cancels Hawks' controversial strip club promotion
- NBA roundup: Suns halt Hornets' 10-game road winning streak
- 76ers All-Star G Tyrese Maxey (finger) to miss at least 2 games
- Bucks star PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sitting out vs. Magic
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks
- NBA roundup: Down 23, Nets stun Pistons to halt 10-game skid
- Mavericks F Khris Middleton fined $25K for mouthpiece incident
- Celtics C Nikola Vucevic (finger) sidelined 3-4 weeks
- NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum thrives in return as Celtics beat Mavs
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow) sitting out vs. Pacers
- Suns F Dillon Brooks arrested on suspicion of DUI
- NBA roundup: LeBron James sets record, gets hurt in Lakers' loss to Nuggets
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. This appears to be a maintenance day for Williams, but he should be back for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. In his absence, Yang Hansen and Sidy Cissoko should see an increased look in the rotation. Neither player figures to do enough damage as the backup center to be worthy of streaming for Friday's slate.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bulls have decided to take the cautious approach and rest Smith in the second leg of this back-to-back set. Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards should see a bump in playing time without Smith available. Between the two, Richards is the better streaming choice ahead of Friday's slate. Richards has been posting consistent numbers and is worthy of a look in at least deep leagues.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (groin) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Melton is back after missing Tuesday's game due to injury. His return to the rotation should shift Will Richard back to the second unit. This season, Melton is averaging 13.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 22.5 minutes per game. He does enough on the court to warrant a look in deep leagues. He has scored 20 points or more in four of his last six games. Fantasy managers might want to consider streaming Melton while he's hot.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (back) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Green was a late addition to the injury report and will now officially miss Friday's contest. Al Horford is already starting, so Will Richard figures to draw the start in place of Green. Richard was expected to head to the bench with De'Anthony Melton (groin) returning. Instead, Richard likely plays a bigger role with Green unavailable on Friday. Richard should do enough on the court to warrant a look in deep leagues.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Edwards will shed the questionable tag and officially suit up for Friday's game. Edwards is dealing with right knee soreness, but it's not significant enough to keep him out of action. Over the last six games, Edwards is averaging 28.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across 34.7 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Edwards is in there ahead of tip-off.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Dosunmu is back in the mix after missing Wednesday's game due to a thumb sprain. His return to the lineup should mean Terrence Shannon Jr. will see a reduced role in the rotation. Since joining the Wolves, Dosunmu is averaging 11.0 points and 2.5 assists per game. When healthy, Dosunmu does enough on the court to at least roster in deep leagues.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (groin) is tagged as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. Powell is hopeful to return to the court after missing seven games in a row due to a groin strain. If he's cleared, Powell will likely be on a minutes limit considering he hasn't played since late February. His return to the court would mean fewer minutes for Kasparas Jakucionis, Dru Smith (hip) and Simone Fontecchio. Fantasy managers should check back on Saturday ahead of tip-off for a final update on Powell.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the Orlando Magic. This marks the fifth game in a row that Wiggins has missed due to a left toe injury. The fact that Wiggins is being ruled out a full day in advance likely means he isn't close to returning. Fantasy managers should consider Wiggins as doubtful ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Myron Garder, Kel'el Ware, and Simone Fontecchio should all continue to see increased workloads on Saturday. Ware is the best streaming option out of the bunch, with the other two offering deep league appeal.
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's matchup against Charlotte after missing Thursday's loss to Denver due to right ankle soreness. If he remains out, Luke Kornet could draw another start after posting three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 25 minutes, offering some deep-league appeal for defensive stats. Mason Plumlee may also see limited backup minutes. Wembanyama's absence would also keep more offensive responsibility on De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, while Kornet could be a blocks streamer if he draws another start.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pistons have decided to hold out Harris for the second leg of this back-to-back set. His next chance to play will come against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. The Pistons are likely going to use a committee approach to fill the void while Harris is sidelined. That means Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Javonte Green are all candidates to see more run. Among the three players, Stewart is the best streaming choice ahead of Friday's slate.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (back) will miss Friday's matchup against New Orleans after being added to the injury report with lower back soreness. His next opportunity to return comes Monday against the Lakers. Clint Capela is expected to step into a larger role after posting nine points, seven rebounds, one steal and one block in 24 minutes last game. Capela profiles as a rebounds and blocks streamer, while Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant could absorb more offensive usage. Reed Sheppard could also benefit, though his production has dipped slightly after a strong recent stretch.
New York Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan (illness) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Sochan was a late addition to the injury report and will ultimately take a seat due to a lingering illness. Normally, his status isn't noteworthy, but he was likely in line for more minutes with Josh Hart (knee) unavailable. Mohamed Diawara figures to play an expanded role, which could lead to deep league value for Friday's slate. This illness shouldn't keep Sochan out for too long, as his next chance to play will come on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.
Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (finger) is available for Friday's game against Cleveland and could see a slight uptick in minutes with P.J. Washington (ankle) sidelined, and Daniel Gafford also out for rest. Martin has held a limited role this season, averaging 3.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, but deeper leagues may find short-term value if his workload pushes closer to the 20-minute range. He finished with two points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 15 minutes Thursday. Marvin Bagley III and Khris Middleton remain the preferred streaming targets, leaving Martin as a deeper league flier.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He was downgraded from questionable to doubtful, but now he'll officially take a seat. Hart is dealing with left knee soreness that hopefully won't keep him sidelined for long. The expectation is that Landry Shamet will start while Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara see expanded roles as well. Among the three, Clarkson is the best streaming option after posting 27 points across 26 minutes of action on Wednesday.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Memphis, extending his absence to five straight contests due to a right ankle sprain. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday against Toronto. With Thompson and Tobias Harris (hip) both sidelined, Detroit could lean more on Ronald Holland II, Marcus Sasser, and Kevin Huerter for extra minutes. Holland produced 15 points, three rebounds, and one steal in 25 minutes last game, while Huerter added 12 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. All three are deep-league streamers, though their roles remain shaky
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He was initially listed as questionable on the injury report, but will ultimately sit out due to knee soreness. His next chance to play will come on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. In his absence, Mitchell Robinson is expected to move into the starting center spot. Robinson should be a strong streaming option while Towns is out. Ariel Hukporti could also see more involvement, but Robinson is the best streaming choice here.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Naji Marshall (foot) will be available for Friday's game against Cleveland after playing through recent soreness. The 28-year-old has carved out a steady role this month, averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 25.0 minutes across his last five appearances. With P.J. Washington (ankle) sidelined and Daniel Gafford resting, Marshall should see more frontcourt involvement and could take on a slightly larger offensive role alongside Khris Middleton, who should help shoulder more of the scoring. Marshall, Middleton, and Marvin Bagley III all profile as viable streaming options in deeper formats.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center P.J. Washington (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Cleveland after being listed as doubtful following Thursday's win over Memphis, where he finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block in 28 minutes. His absence should push Khris Middleton into a larger role after the veteran erupted for 35 points with eight three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench last game. Middleton profiles as a strong scoring and three-point streaming option, while Marvin Bagley III and Caleb Martin (finger) could also see modest workload bumps.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (rest) will sit out Friday's matchup against Cleveland as part of a maintenance plan during a back-to-back. His absence should create a short-term streaming opportunity for Marvin Bagley III, who posted six points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in 19 minutes off the bench in his last outing and could see a larger role. Dwight Powell may also pick up situational minutes. With P.J. Washington (ankle) still sidelined, Bagley profiles as a viable deep-league rebounds-and-blocks streamer.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, guard Bez Mbeng has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. The undrafted rookie spent this season in the G League, averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game across 41 appearances. With Keyonte George (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Mbeng could see reserve guard minutes, though his fantasy appeal is limited to very deep formats. Isaiah Collier and Brice Sensabaugh should continue handling most backcourt usage, leaving Mbeng as more of a watch-list name than an immediate pickup.
