NBA roundup: Jaylen Brown extends scoring streak as Celtics top Pacers
Sat Dec 27 12:17am ET
Field Level Media
Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 30 points as the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to four games by beating the Indiana Pacers 140-122 on Friday in Indianapolis.
Brown scored at least 30 points for the eighth straight game. Larry Bird holds the franchise record for consecutive games with at least 30 points (nine in 1984-85).
Payton Pritchard added 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the Celtics, who trailed by 15 in the first quarter. Sam Hauser came off the bench and tossed in 23 points. Boston also received 21 points, five rebounds and six assists from point guard Derrick White.
Indiana took its seventh straight loss overall and its fourth consecutive home defeat to take over the league's worst record at 6-25. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points and eight assists, but he committed a game-high five turnovers.
Heat 126, Hawks 111
Norman Powell scored 25 points and second-year forward Pelle Larsson added a career-high 21 as Miami pulled away late at Atlanta to snap a three-game losing streak.
With Tyler Herro (toe) and Bam Adebayo (late scratch with lower back soreness) unavailable, the Heat placed six players in double figures with Andrew Wiggins contributing 18 points, Kel'el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr. posting 16 apiece and Nikola Jovic scoring 10 in his first game after sitting out six with an elbow contusion.
Trae Young recorded a game-high 30 points for the Hawks while Jalen Johnson delivered 24 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists for his 12th straight double-double -- the NBA's longest streak this season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 15 points for Atlanta, which lost for the fifth time in a row and ninth in their last 11 games.
Wizards 138, Raptors 117
Kyshawn George scored 23 points to help lead Washington past visiting Toronto, allowing the Wizards to move above the Pacers in the chase for the NBA's worst record.
CJ McCollum and Bilal Coulibaly added 21 points apiece for the Wizards, who snapped a two-game losing streak.
Brandon Ingram's 29 points paced the Raptors while Immanuel Quickley scored 25 and Ja'Kobe Walter had 15 off the bench. Toronto took its third loss in four games.
Bulls 109, 76ers 102
Coby White scored nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Zach Collins and Tre Jones had 15 points apiece to lift streaking Chicago to a victory against visiting Philadelphia.
Chicago won for the fifth straight time behind a 13-2 run to finish the game. Joel Embiid (31 points), Tyrese Maxey (27) and Paul George (15) kept Philadelphia afloat before the team faded down the stretch. The 76ers shot 23.8% in the fourth quarter and 37.6% for the game.
Josh Giddey posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 assists for the Bulls. Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith grabbed eight rebounds apiece to help Chicago finish plus-six on the glass. Smith scored 12 points and Buzelis chipped in 10.
Grizzlies 125, Bucks 104
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points and blocked five shots, Cam Spencer added 19 points and Ja Morant made a triumphant return for Memphis in a victory over visiting Milwaukee.
Morant finished with 17 points, 10 assists and one steal as the Grizzlies won their eighth straight game against the Bucks. Morant, upgraded to questionable before tipoff, had missed the previous four games with a left ankle sprain sustained Dec. 15 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Milwaukee, which lost for the sixth time in eight games, was led by AJ Green with 20 points. He had six 3-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr. added 16 points and eight boards while Bobby Portis (12 rebounds), Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins each finished with 15 points.
Hornets 120, Magic 105
Charlotte shot 19-for-39 from 3-point range and earned a win over host Orlando, but it also lost standout rookie Kon Knueppel to a potentially significant ankle injury.
Knueppel, who had 16 points and four 3-pointers in just 15 minutes, badly twisted his ankle on an opponent's foot while tracking a rebound. LaMelo Ball led seven Hornets in double figures with 22 points while adding five assists.
Anthony Black had 24 points to lead the Magic. Wendell Carter Jr. scored 16, Desmond Bane contributed with 15 points and 10 rebounds, Jase Richardson poured in 14 off the bench and Paolo Banchero scored 13.
Suns 115, Pelicans 108
Devin Booker scored 12 fourth-quarter points and Mark Williams added 10 in the period as visiting Phoenix held off New Orleans.
Booker, who finished with a game-high 30 points, and Williams, who scored 24 points, buoyed the Suns in a tightly contested final period, including the decisive 18-8 run over the closing 4:49.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, contributing to New Orleans' 60 bench points for the game. Jordan Poole scored 19 points but made just 2 of 11 3-point attempts.
- NBA roundup: Jaylen Brown extends scoring streak as Celtics top Pacers
- Lakers' Austin Reaves out at least 4 weeks due to calf injury
- Mavs F Anthony Davis (groin) to miss a few games
- Sixers sign F MarJon Beauchamp to two-way contract
- NBA roundup: Spurs smother Thunder for third time in 13 days
- Lakers G Austin Reaves (calf) ruled out vs. Rockets
- Mavericks F Anthony Davis (groin) won't return vs. Warriors
- Nuggets F Cameron Johnson (knee) out 4-6 weeks
- Cavaliers F Evan Mobley to return vs. Knicks
- Luka Doncic (leg) to return for Lakers on Christmas
- Ben Simmons buys ownership stake in pro fishing team
- Heat's Terry Rozier seeks to have government charges dismissed
- Nuggets F Cameron Johnson (knee) to undergo MRI
- NBA roundup: Spurs knock off Thunder in matchup of West's best
- Wizards F Cam Whitemore out indefinitely with DVT
- Hawks C N'Faly Dante out for season with torn ACL
- NBA thinking anti-tanking, considers setting lottery order March 1
- NBA roundup: Nuggets top Jazz, tie team 3-point mark (24)
- NBA teaming with FIBA, sees 'enormous opportunity' in European league
- Clippers’ Ivica Zubac (ankle sprain) to miss several weeks
Clippers' C Brook Lopez scored 31 points on 9-of-16 shooting in a 119-103 win over Portland on Friday, Dec. 26. Lopez is owned in only 13.5% leagues.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (neck) will play on Friday against the Clippers. He was initially listed as questionable because of right cervical soreness. Fortunately, the 25-year-old was upgraded to probable, paving way for his availability and avoiding his first absence since the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 3. With that said, everyone on the roster has an excellent chance of producing versus the 8-21 Clippers. However, Murray has averaged only 5.9 points this season, so he's tough to trust, even with a favorable matchup on the horizon.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is available for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. He wasn't available in the loss to Orlando on Tuesday. However, despite popping back up on the injury report ahead of this one, the 28-year-old will suit up. Williams has averaged 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks this season. Unfortunately, that type of production won't earn him a place in most fantasy lineups, especially since he'll continue to operate behind Donovan Clingan.
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (calf) has been diagnosed with a grade two left gastrocnemius strain and will be reevaluated in four weeks after exiting Thursday's game against the Rockets. Reaves logged 15 minutes before departing and finished with 12 points, one rebound, one assist, and one block, cutting short his usual rotation role. The Lakers' guard rotation is set to adjust during Reaves' absence, with Marcus Smart positioned for a steadier run after averaging 30.0 minutes, 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in prior games without Reaves.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (shoulder) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Nets. Edwards played 42 minutes on Christmas Day and recorded 44 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals. If Edwards sits, Minnesota would likely redistribute perimeter usage. Bones Hyland could see an expanded role after starting in similar situations earlier this season. During that stretch, Hyland averaged 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 24.8 minutes. His role could grow further if Mike Conley (rest) is also ruled out.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (calf) is out after an MRI revealed a mild right calf strain, with reevaluation scheduled in one week following Tuesday's loss to the Pistons. Murray left the game before halftime and is not expected back in the near term. With him sidelined, Sacramento would likely redistribute forward minutes, with Nique Clifford a candidate to absorb wing run and Precious Achiuwa seeing expanded frontcourt usage. Achiuwa logged 27 minutes with 15 points and 13 rebounds last game, while Clifford posted 14 points and two steals in 25 minutes.
Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale (calf) is out for Friday's game against the Bucks due to right calf soreness, marking his first missed contest of the season. Landale had been functioning as a primary backup amid multiple frontcourt injuries and averaged 12.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 25.5 minutes over his last five games. With him sidelined, Memphis would likely lean more on Santi Aldama in frontcourt rotations, while Christian Koloko could see a modest uptick in reserve center minutes, particularly behind Jaren Jackson Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Suns after clearing left ankle soreness. Poole missed Tuesday's loss but had been functioning as a bench contributor prior to the absence. Over his last five games, he averaged 16.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 27.3 minutes, reflecting a stable second-unit role. If he resumes that usage, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins would likely see reduced guard minutes and touches. Even in a reserve role, Poole offers situational fantasy value through scoring and free-throw percentage, though field-goal efficiency continues to cap his upside.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is available for Friday's game against the Bulls after Philadelphia cleared him from injury management. Embiid has averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks over his last five games while logging around 30 minutes per contest, including multiple outings above that mark. His availability pushes Andre Drummond into a reserve role, where his fantasy value would be limited to situational rebounding if Embiid's workload fluctuates in-game. Meanwhile, Adem Bona's minutes project to be squeezed further. Embiid anchors Philadelphia's interior offense, though fantasy managers should still account for occasional workload variability tied to knee management.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (ankle) is officially available for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Morant has been dealing with a left ankle sprain that's caused him to miss the last four games. The 26-year-old has been very good facilitating Memphis' offense this season when healthy, averaging 7.5 APG this season. He should be in a solid spot against the Bucks, whose defense has been spotty at times. Fantasy managers and DFS players alike need to ensure the Grizzlies' superstar is inserted into their starting lineups.
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (heel) is officially active for Friday night's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Coward missed Tuesday's game against Utah dealing with a left heel issue but is able to fight through it tonight. The rookie has been a very solid piece of Memphis' rotation this year and is averaging 15.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 4.0 APG over his last seven games. Milwaukee's defense has been spotty at times, giving Coward more potential tonight. Fantasy managers and DFS players should both target Coward for their starting lineups.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow (illness) will play on Friday against Chicago after missing Tuesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The 22-year-old is having a productive season, averaging career-highs in points (9.1), rebounds (5.6), and blocks (1.0). He'll have a favorable matchup versus a Bulls team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. Barlow may be even more potent offensively if Joel Embiid (knee) can't suit up.
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (illness) will play on Friday against the Bulls. The rookie is having a fantastic first season in the National Basketball Association, averaging 16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting 38.3% from behind the arc. With production like that, Edgecombe should remain starting in all fantasy setups, especially with a favorable matchup on the horizon. He might be even more productive if Joel Embiid (knee) can't get on the floor.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (illness) will play on Friday against Washington. The 24-year-old has averaged 19.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 steals. Even better, he's shooting a career-high 36.4% from deep while appearing in all 31 of the Raptors' contests this season. Fortunately, despite popping up on the injury report because of an illness, Barnes won't miss his first game of the 2025 campaign. All things considered, his upside is higher on Friday versus a Wizards squad that has struggled on the defensive side of the ball.
Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) is available on Friday against Washington. Like Scottie Barnes, Murray-Boyles popped up on the injury report because of an illness. However, it appears he's at least feeling well enough to suit up. The 2025 No. 9 overall pick has had a few sound fantasy showings this season. Although he's averaged only 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds, he could exceed his usual statistical projections versus arguably the worst defensive team in the National Basketball Association. Murray-Boyles might also see more than the 18.0 minutes he's averaged throughout his inaugural campaign, considering Jakob Poeltl (back) and RJ Barrett (knee) remain out.
Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (ankle) will play on Friday against Atlanta after missing the last five games. The 24-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds this season. Of course, he's played a little better in his 16 appearances as a starter. There's a chance he could find himself back in the starting lineup on Friday, considering Bam Adebayo (back) and Tyler Herro (toe) are out. With that said, he's not the safest fantasy option by any means, although the upside is there for those willing to take a risk in a contest versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the NBA. That applies regardless of Larsson's role.
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (jaw) is listed as available for Friday night's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Goodwin has been dealing with a jaw sprain for some time now but has been wearing a mask and has been able to play in every Suns game since Halloween. Over his last 12 games he's averaged 9.4 PPG and 3.5 RPG. He has the potential for an increase in production against a Pelicans defense that hasn't been great against guards this season. He will be a more appealing option for DFS managers than traditional fantasy managers but both should keep an eye out for him in their lineups.
Miami Heat forward Nikola Jovic (elbow) will return from a four-game absence on Friday against Atlanta. Despite being in the league for four years, Jovic hasn't improved much from a statistical standpoint, averaging only 7.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. With Bam Adebayo (back) and Tyler Herro (toe) ruled out, there's a chance he may see more action. However, that won't make him a safe fantasy option, even with the opportunity for an expanded role.
Miami Heat forward/center Bam Adebayo (back) won't play on Friday against Atlanta. He hasn't missed a game in over a month. However, Adebayo is dealing with lower back soreness, so fantasy managers are hoping to see him back out there on Saturday versus the Indiana Pacers. While Bam is sidelined, Kel'el Ware should get all of the work he can handle at the five spot. There's a good chance Jaime Jaquez Jr. finds his way into the starting lineup. With that said, any player on the Heat roster could exceed their usual fantasy projections in a meeting with a Hawks team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (calf) has been ruled out for Friday night's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. This will mark the first game that Trent has missed this season. His production has been fairly marginal for Milwaukee, only averaged 9.6 PPG this season amidst a demotion to the bench. In his absence, expect Ryan Rollins to carry a heavier load for Milwaukee's bench. Cole Anthony is also likely to see more minutes, though Rollins is going to be the better option of the two to get into your starting lineups.
