Tue Mar 18 4:21pm ET
Field Level Media
Aaron Gordon scored a season-high 38 points, Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets, playing without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, stunned the Golden State Warriors 114-105 in San Francisco on Monday.
With Jokic nursing a sore elbow and ankle and Murray dealing with a sprained right ankle, the Nuggets rode Gordon, Westbrook and a double-double from Michael Porter Jr. to their second straight win over the Warriors this season and ninth in a row dating back to 2022.
Westbrook, the NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, secured his 203rd by amassing 12 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists. Porter chipped with 21 points and 10 rebounds as Denver improved to 3-3 in its past six games.
Jimmy Butler III had 23 points and Stephen Curry 20 for the Warriors, who saw a seven-game winning streak come to an end.
Rockets 144, 76ers 137 (OT)
Jalen Green had 30 points and 13 assists, helping Houston stage the largest comeback in franchise history to defeat visiting Philadelphia in overtime.
Jabari Smith Jr. also scored 30 points for Houston, which won its seventh straight game and did so despite trailing by 25 points early in the third quarter. Dillon Brooks scored 25 points and Tari Eason added 21, while Alperen Sengun chipped in 13 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Philadelphia lost for the seventh time in nine games, despite Quentin Grimes' career-high 46 points, which he paired with 13 boards. Jared Butler scored 21 points and Justin Edwards had 18.
Bulls 111, Jazz 97
Coby White scored 26 points and Chicago held Utah scoreless for a 5 1/2-minute stretch of the fourth quarter to earn a victory in Salt Lake City.
Tre Jones added 18 points, 12 assists and three steals, Kevin Huerter and Matas Buzelis each totaled 17 points and nine rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic had 10 points and 10 boards to lift the Bulls to their fifth win in six games.
Former Bulls player Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George each scored 16 for Utah, but the Jazz saw their losing streak increase to 10. Utah, which fell at Minnesota on Sunday, had a particularly rough night shooting from 3-point range. The Jazz only made 9 of 42 beyond the arc (21.4 percent), with Markkanen hitting just 1 of 8.
Pacers 132, Timberwolves 130 (OT)
Obi Toppin scored 34 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds remaining in overtime, while leading Indiana to a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Toppin made 7 of 10 3-point shots and tied his season-best point total for Indiana, which won for the third time in four games. He added 10 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin finished with 22 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Anthony Edwards scored 38 points in a losing effort for Minnesota, which had an eight-game winning streak end. Reserves Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo tallied 21 and 19 points, respectively.
Lakers 125, Spurs 109
Luka Doncic had 21 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, Austin Reaves added 30 points and Los Angeles extended its home winning streak to eight games with a victory over San Antonio.
Jordan Goodwin and Dorian Finney-Smith each scored 15 points and Dalton Knecht had 13 for the Lakers, who were without LeBron James (groin) for the fifth consecutive game and Rui Hachimura (knee) for the 10th straight contest. Jaxson Hayes finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.
Stephon Castle scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds and Devin Vassell had 17 points and eight boards for the Spurs, who lost for the fifth time in their past seven games. San Antonio is without Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) and De'Aaron Fox (finger) for the remainder of the season.
Suns 129, Raptors 89
Devin Booker scored 27 points to lead six Phoenix scorers in double figures as the Suns opened a five-game homestand with their most lopsided win of the season.
The 89 points surrendered marked the second fewest the Suns have given up this season, the result of holding Toronto to 35.6 percent shooting. The Suns hit 51.1 percent from the floor and a torrid 20 of 39 (51.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Scottie Barnes scored 16 points as Toronto lost its second game in a row.
Kings 132, Grizzlies 122
Malik Monk scored 28 points, Zach LaVine added 23, and Sacramento snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over visiting Memphis.
DeMar DeRozan had 22 points and eight assists for Sacramento, which led by as many as 21 in the fourth quarter and never trailed after moving ahead late in the first quarter. Keegan Murray added 16 points and nine rebounds to help the Kings win the season series against Memphis 2-1. Jake LaRavia added 12 points off the bench against his former team.
The Kings withstood a season-high 44-point performance from Desmond Bane, who shot 15-of-25 from the field and 7-of-7 from 3-point range. Brandon Clarke added 15 points, Jaylen Wells scored 14, and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey had 12 points apiece.
Pistons 127, Pelicans 81
Cade Cunningham scored 24 points and visiting Detroit never trailed, routing New Orleans. The result tied the Pelicans' franchise record for largest margin of defeat.
Cunningham, who tied his season low with 11 points after being ejected late in the third quarter of a 113-107 loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday, had nine as the Pistons opened a 22-point lead after one quarter. Detroit's Simone Fontecchio scored a season-high 23 points.
Zion Williamson scored 30 points to lead the Pelicans, who lost Trey Murphy III to a shoulder injury early in the first quarter and finished with their lowest point total of the season.
Knicks 116, Heat 95
Josh Hart tied a franchise record with his eighth triple-double of the season for host New York, which overcame a slow start to rout reeling Miami.
Hart finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, matching the mark set by current Knicks broadcaster Walt "Clyde" Frazier in 1968-69. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 15 unanswered points early in the second quarter as the Knicks erased a 13-point deficit. Mikal Bridges ended with a game-high 28 points for the Knicks. Towns finished with 23 points.
Duncan Robinson had 22 points for the Heat, who raced to a 12-0 lead before suffering their eighth straight loss and falling to 4-14 since trading Jimmy Butler III. Tyler Herro scored 20 points.
Trail Blazers 112, Wizards 97
Anfernee Simons made five 3-pointers and scored 30 points to help Portland notch a victory over visiting Washington.
Shaedon Sharpe netted 16 points while Deni Avdija and Duop Reath scored 15 apiece as Portland (30-39) won its second straight game. The Trail Blazers are three games behind the 10th-place Dallas Mavericks, who hold the final Western Conference play-in position.
Alex Sarr scored 20 points for Washington, which failed in its bid to match a season-best three-game winning streak. Tristan Vukcevic added 17 points while Jaylen Martin and Kyshawn George each had 11 points for the Wizards, who are 3-3 on a seven-game road trip.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (illness) is not listed on the injury report for Saturday's matchup against the Houston Rockets. Ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 of the series, Podziemski was a late addition to the report due to a stomach bug. He was upgraded from questionable to available shortly before the game started, but Podziemski logged only 14 minutes of playing time, going 0-for-5 from the field. Having Podziemski back at 100 percent would be a big boost for the Warriors. The 22-year-old sophomore began the playoffs with an impressive performance, recording 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals during a 95-85 victory in Game 1.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (pelvis) has officially been listed as questionable for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. On Friday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that "there's a chance he plays" after the veteran forward suffered a hard fall in Wednesday's Game 2. "I'm relatively optimistic," Kerr said. "I mean, Jimmy is Jimmy. We know he's willing to play through anything, so we'll see. I mean, this is a day-to-day thing for sure, and we'll see how he feels tomorrow, but I think there's a chance he plays." Jonathan Kuminga is expected to fill most of Butler III's minutes if he can't play on Saturday.
Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (knee) will remain absent on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. He was seen going through drills and moving well during Friday's practice, but the team has ruled him out for a third consecutive contest. Landale's next opportunity to return will be on Monday night. However, even if he is back in the lineup, Landale is not expected to have a significant role in the rotation with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams healthy.
Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors. The versatile veteran will be sidelined for a fifth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Tate averaged only 11.3 minutes per game over 52 regular-season contests and is not expected to have a regular role in the rotation during the playoffs. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has mainly relied on Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Steven Adams to generate production off the bench.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (knee) has been ruled available for Friday night's Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. Brown hasn't missed any games this series and put up a strong performance in Game 2 with 36 points and 10 rebounds. He likely won't have that same level of production tonight given Jayson Tatum's return to the lineup, but fantasy managers and DFS players should expect him to have a productive night as long as confidence from Game 2 carries over.
Miami Heat forward/center Kevin Love (personal) will miss Saturday's Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The veteran big man, who won the championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, remains away from the team for personal reasons. Miami's frontcourt has relied heavily on Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware recently, while Nikola Jovic also re-entered the rotation in Game 2, scoring 11 points and grabbing eight rebounds off the bench. Jovic played six more minutes than Ware and may have a significant role to fill again on Saturday.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (hamstring) has been ruled out for Friday night's Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. Holiday appears to have strained his hamstring during Game 2 as he hasn't been listed on the injury report prior to today. The 34-year-old hasn't been putting up many points this series but has been facilitating well with five assists in Game 1 and six assists in Game 2. In Holiday's absence, veteran big man Al Horford will get the start. Horford also got the start in Game 2 filling in for the injured Jayson Tatum and put up nine points and grabbed 10 rebounds. With Tatum back in the lineup Horford may not grab 10 rebounds again, but he should be able to provide some small value to fantasy managers and DFS players looking to take a shot.
Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier (ankle) will remain sidelined for Saturday's clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He sprained his left ankle at the start of the week and was unable to participate in Friday's practice. Even if he returns to the lineup for Game 4, it is not guaranteed that Rozier will see any minutes, as he has been a major disappointment for Miami this season. Duncan Robinson and Pelle Larsson filled the backup guard minutes in Wednesday's Game 2 after Davion Mitchell moved into the starting lineup.
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 3 matchup against the Miami Heat. The two-time All-Star missed some time toward the end of the regular season due to a left great toe sprain and is back on the injury report with the same issue. Garland has been off to a hot start in the postseason, averaging 24.0 points and 7.0 assists while shooting 51.6 percent from the field. His absence will definitely be felt if Cleveland rules him out for the contest. Ty Jerome, who was fantastic in Game 1 with 28 points, would likely take on a larger role in the rotation without Garland.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kennard is dealing with soreness in his right Achilles. The 28-year-old has not been very productive against the Thunder, scoring just 14 total points in 63 minutes. With Memphis fighting for their playoff lives on Saturday, and Ja Morant already ruled out, there could be a chance that Kennard sees more volume as the Grizzlies fight with desperation. However, the ceiling doesn't appear to be all that high. Fantasy managers and DFS players should be able to find better options elsewhere.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (wrist) has upgraded to available for Friday night's Game 3 against the Orlando Magic. Tatum missed Game 2 with the injury but is set to return and help the Celtics take a 3-0 lead over Orlando. The 27-year-old was underwhelming in Game 1 compared to his norms, putting up just 17 points and making just one three-pointer, though he did grab 14 rebounds. With a few days of rest under his belt, Tatum should be in much better position to make a bigger impact on Friday. Fantasy managers and DFS players should feel free to fire away and get him in their lineups.
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (shoulder) has been tagged as questionable for Saturday's Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. He hurt his right shoulder during Wednesday's Game 2 loss. The defensive pest has averaged 3.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 14.0 minutes against the Rockets in the series. Payton II's absence from the lineup would open extra minutes for Buddy Hield. The Warriors may even consider using Pat Spencer more after his impressive 11-point effort on 5-for-7 shooting in Wednesday's game.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (face) is available for Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The listing isn't surprising as Hachimura has been able to suit up for games one and two. The 27-year-old has been consistent through the first two games of the series, averaging 10 PPG and five RPG. He logged 34 minutes in game two and should see a similar amount of minutes tonight as long as the Lakers are able to keep it close. Fantasy managers and DFS managers may be able to find better options for tonight's slate of games given the expected low-scoring game in Minnesota.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (hip) is not expected to be in the lineup for Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. Sources have told ESPN that Morant will miss Game 4 due to the left hip injury he suffered in Thursday's Game 3 loss. Following his exit from Thursday's game, Morant was spotted on crutches in the tunnel, and he was unable to practice on Friday. Memphis received excellent minutes from Scotty Pippen Jr. in Thursday's loss, and his role is poised to grow even larger in Saturday's game. Meanwhile, Luke Kennard is anticipated to take Morant's spot in the starting lineup. The three-point specialist averaged 12.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while starting during the regular season.
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (glute) was diagnosed with a deep glute contusion after his MRI didn't show any fractures or structural damage. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the six-time All-Star is in "serious jeopardy" of missing Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Butler was going up for a rebound and was undercut by Amen Thompson before falling straight on his glute/lower back, so the fact that the MRI didn't reveal any serious damage is a breath of relief for the Warriors. If he's unable to play, Jonathan Kuminga could see some big minutes again, while Quinten Post will likely see an increase in usage as well.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) was a late addition to the injury report for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic, and his status was set at questionable. He's dealing with a knee issue, which could put the Celtics shorthanded. Jayson Tatum (wrist) is considered doubtful, and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is also listed as questionable. Brown contributed 36 points and 10 rebounds in their Game 2 victory while Tatum was sidelined, so that production is going to fall on the rest of the team if he can't suit up. Payton Pritchard would likely join the starting lineup in that case, while Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet likely see a bump in minutes as well.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham collected his third consecutive double-double in the 118-116 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 3. In the first postseason run of his career, Cunningham has provided some big-time stats, but has shown the youth in his game with 17 total turnovers. On Thursday, he posted 24 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, four steals, two blocks, and six turnovers. His shooting was a bit shaky after going 10-for-25 from the floor and 2-for-5 from deep, but Cunningham is the engine of the entire Pistons' offense in more ways than just scoring. He'll look to help the Pistons even up the series on Sunday in Game 4.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson registered another 30-point game en route to a 118-116 win in Game 3 over the Detroit Pistons. The Villanova product finished the game with 30 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, one block, and one turnover. He shot 9-for-20 from the floor, 1-for-7 from beyond the arc, and 11-for-13 from the charity stripe. His three-point shooting has left a lot to be desired through three games (29.2%), but his ability to get to the rim and to the free-throw line has allowed him to average a red-hot 33.7 points per game. He'll look to keep up his scoring ways in Game 4 on Sunday.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns posted his best offensive performance of the first-round series on Thursday. The former Timberwolf registered 31 points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks while shooting 10-for-18 from the floor and 4-for-8 from three. After dropping Game 2 at home, the Knicks needed this two-point victory to gain their home-court advantage again. This game bumped Towns' averages up to 21.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. Game 4 tips off on Sunday in Detroit before returning to New York for at least one game.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds in a 83-117 loss to the Clippers on Thursday, Apr. 24.
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