NBA roundup: Cavs rout Warriors for 10-0 start to season
Sat Nov 9 3:08am ET
Field Level Media
Darius Garland put up 27 points as one of six Cavaliers to score in double figures and host Cleveland pummeled the Golden State Warriors 136-117 on Friday night for its 10th straight win to open the season.
With the victory, Cleveland matched the 12th-best start to a season in NBA history. Golden State holds the league record, going 24-0 to kick off the 2015-16 campaign. All five Cavaliers starters supplied at least 12 points, including Evan Mobley's 23. Jarrett Allen had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Cleveland outshot the visitors 54.1 percent to 48 percent overall.
Reserve Jonathan Kuminga racked up a team-high 21 points for the Warriors, who saw a five-game winning streak come to an end. Brandin Podziemski chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, but Golden State star Stephen Curry was held to 12 points.
Celtics 108, Nets 104 (OT)
Jayson Tatum racked up 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists to propel Boston to a come-from-behind overtime victory against visiting Brooklyn.
Payton Pritchard added 20 points, Jrue Holiday 17 and Derrick White 14 and six assists for the Celtics, who trailed by 14 in the first quarter and never led until the fourth quarter.
Cam Thomas had 31 points, Dennis Schroder 20 and Cameron Johnson 18 for the Nets, who took their second loss in three games. Boston has won four of its past five.
Clippers 107, Kings 98
Norman Powell scored 31 points amid his hot start to the season, James Harden added 22 points and Los Angeles remained unbeaten on the road with a win over Sacramento.
Powell completed his first career double-double with a career-high 12 rebounds. Ivica Zubac also notched a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, helping the Clippers lead almost the entire game en route to a third straight win. James Harden had a game-high eight assists.
De'Aaron Fox matched Powell with 31 points for Sacramento. He made two of his five 3-point attempts, while his teammates combined to miss 20 of their 21 tries.
Knicks 116, Bucks 94
Karl-Anthony Towns piled up 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, and New York returned home from a four-game road trip to rout Milwaukee.
All five New York starters scored in double figures, including Mikal Bridges with 17 points and Jalen Brunson with 15. Brunson also dished nine assists. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby had strong all-around performances. Hart scored 11 points, grabbed nine rebounds and passed for seven assists. Anunoby chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. New York had assists on 35 of their 43 field goals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 24 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and blocked two shots for the Bucks. Damian Lillard finished with 19 points.
Thunder 126, Rockets 107
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 29 points each to lift Oklahoma City over visiting Houston for its seventh win in eight games.
The Thunder were coming off their first loss of the season Wednesday in Denver, while the Rockets had a two-game winning streak end. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11 of 16 from the floor. Holmgren was 8 of 14, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, as Oklahoma City hit 51.1 percent from the floor.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 17 points. Amen Thompson and Jalen Green each scored 14 points.
Pistons 122, Hawks 121
Cade Cunningham made a running hook shot with nine seconds left and Detroit eked out a win over visiting Atlanta.
Cunningham recorded his third straight triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. His clutch basket bailed out the Pistons after they squandered a 24-point lead. Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris also scored 22 points apiece, while Jaden Ivey added 18.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points and 13 assists. Jalen Johnson had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dyson Daniels supplied 18 points and seven steals. Zaccharie Risacher was held to seven points after the top pick of the draft scored 33 in the Hawks' previous game.
Suns 114, Mavericks 113
Jusuf Nurkic hit the go-ahead free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining as Phoenix slipped past host Dallas.
Nurkic was fouled by Daniel Gafford with the score tied at 113 and made the second free throw after missing the first. The Phoenix big man finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Kevin Durant scored 26 points for the Suns, who have won seven straight games. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points on 11-of-25 shooting, while Kyrie Irving added 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Nuggets 135, Heat 122
Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray returned to the lineup and scored a season-high 28 points, and host Denver beat Miami.
Murray missed the previous three games while in concussion protocol. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun contributed 21 points each for the Nuggets, who have won four in a row.
The Heat took their third defeat in a row, and Jimmy Butler left with a right ankle injury midway through the first quarter. Seven Heat players scored double figures, led by Tyler Herro, who had 24 points and 11 assists.
Lakers 116, 76ers 106
Anthony Davis produced 31 points and nine rebounds and LeBron James scored 21 points in his second triple-double of the season as Los Angeles returned home from a rough road trip and beat Philadelphia.
Austin Reaves added 20 points for the Lakers, while James delivered a season-high 13 assists to go with 12 rebounds. The Lakers went 1-4 on a road trip that ended Wednesday.
Jared McCain scored 18 points while Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele added 14 apiece for the 76ers, who lost their fifth consecutive game and fell to 1-7 on the season without star Joel Embiid.
Timberwolves 127, Trail Blazers 102
Anthony Edwards scored 37 points and made nine 3-pointers as Minnesota cruised to a win over Portland in Minneapolis.
Julius Randle added 22 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves, who won their second game in as many nights and their third in a row overall.
Scoot Henderson scored 16 points off the bench to lead Portland, which also played on short rest and lost its second contest in as many nights.
Hornets 103, Pacers 83
LaMelo Ball scored 31 points and Brandon Miller poured in 29 points in sparking Charlotte to a comeback victory against visiting Indiana.
Cody Martin notched 15 points off the bench to help the Hornets bounce back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit to win their second game in a row. Tre Mann had 14 points off the bench as well. Miller finished the night 10-of-17 from the field, including 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. Ball made 10 of 29 shots from the floor, including five 3-pointers.
Pascal Siakam's 27 points led the Pacers, who were denied their first three-game winning streak of the season. Bennedict Mathurin added 22 points and Myles Turner had 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Guard Tyrese Haliburton was held to six points on 2-for-11 shooting.
Grizzlies 128, Wizards 104
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a season-high 39 points to lead Memphis -- minus injured two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant -- past visiting Washington.
Jackson made 14 of 28 field goal attempts, including 5 of 12 from beyond the arc. Scotty Pippen Jr., starting in place of Morant, finished with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his first career triple-double. Zach Edey added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Memphis won its third straight home game, while the Wizards dropped their seventh straight game at FedExForum. Washington was led by rookie reserve Kyshawn George, who scored 17 points. Former Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points.
- Four-time All-Star Paul Millsap officially retires
- Return on hold for Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt
- NBA roundup: Wolves limit Lakers to 80 points
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks
- Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) out 2-3 weeks
- Nuggets' Russell Westbrook fined $35K for obscene gesture
- NBA roundup: Rockets edge Thunder in battle of top 2 West teams
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double lifts Bucks to 6th straight win
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Clippers
- NBA roundup: Hawks send Cavs to first home loss
- NBA roundup: Damian Lillard hoists banged-up Bucks over Heat
- NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis returns as Celtics club Clippers
- Suns expect Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to play vs. Lakers
- G Ja Morant set to return Monday for Grizzlies
- Rockets G Fred VanVleet fined $50K for late-game outburst
- Pelicans G Dejounte Murray to return Wednesday
- Kristaps Porzingis to make season debut Monday
- NBA roundup: Heat turn back Mavericks in OT
- Hornets F Grant Williams (knee) out for season
- NBA roundup: LaMelo Ball scores 50 in Hornets' loss to Bucks
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) is set to make his return Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the team's last 13 games recovering from left thumb surgery. He is expected to come off the bench and may see limited minutes as he eases back into action. In seven appearances this season, Sochan has been a valuable contributor, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting 51.2% from the field over 29.3 minutes per game. His presence and athleticism will be a welcome boost for the Spurs, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if he can maintain his efficiency following his return.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. If Johnson is unable to suit up, Tyrese Martin could see an increased role and potentially draw another start. Johnson has been an important contributor for the Nets, averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his most recent outing against Orlando, he delivered an impressive 26 points in 36 minutes. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status, as a return would provide a significant boost to their lineups.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers as he deals with a sprained left ankle. The 31-year-old is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game. Finney-Smith has been a key rotational piece for Brooklyn this season, averaging 29 minutes and 10.7 points per game. If he is ruled out, Jalen Wilson is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will want to check on his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers, but reports indicate he is expected to play. Simmons sat out Monday's game against the Bulls for back injury management, but the team seems hopeful about his availability. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of tip-off. In his most recent appearance against the Orlando Magic, the veteran guard logged 12 minutes, dishing out five assists but going scoreless.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 23-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday's matchup with the Magic. Williams has been a reliable rotational piece for the Nets this season, averaging 21.8 minutes and 8.6 points per game. Tyrese Martin may see an increase in playing time as a result. Williams' next opportunity to return will be Sunday against the Bucks.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right Achilles tendinitis. The All-Star point guard has been a standout playmaker this season, leading the league with 12.2 assists per game while also contributing 20.9 points per contest. Young continues to stuff the stat sheet, including an impressive 15-assist performance in Monday's game against the Pelicans. If he takes the court as expected, fantasy managers can count on his elite production.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is set to play Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, marking his second game back after a 12-game absence due to left patellofemoral inflammation. The 24-year-old made a solid impact in his return, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes, though he could still face a minutes restriction as he works his way back to full fitness. Normally logging around 25 minutes per game, Nembhard is expected to rejoin the starting lineup and provide a boost for the Pacers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/centerAnthony Davis(foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Miami Heat. Davis, as usual, is expected to play through his foot issues. He's suited up for 20 of 21 games so far this season, averaging 27.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. However, he has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the last six contests.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will miss Tuesday's matchup versus the Trail Blazers, marking his second-straight absence. The former Pelican had been starting, mostly while Klay Thompson (foot) sat on the shelf. He has played well in such opportunities, averaging 13.1 points and 4.0 rebounds. But with Thompson returning for this one, Marshall's ceiling would have dropped significantly, although his absence will continue to keep Spencer Dinwiddie involved.
Dallas Mavericks forward Klay Thompson (foot) will play on Tuesday night versus Memphis after missing the last four games because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The former Golden State Warrior has struggled to find his footing in his first season with the Mavs, averaging 13.2 points, the second-lowest of his career. He'll likely bounce back at some point. But fantasy managers should lower their expectations for at least a game or two, especially since Thompson is coming off a four-game layoff. With Naji Marshall (illness) out, Spencer Dinwiddie, coming off a 20-point showing in Sunday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers, is still worth considering for fantasy lineups.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is back in the mix following a two-game absence due to back soreness. He'll head to the bench with Kenyon Martin Jr. getting the starting nod on Tuesday. Martin is coming off a 19-point game across 27 minutes during his last game. He figures to lose some minutes here, but could still be worth a look as a low-end streaming option.
Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves(pelvis) is listed as questionable and could miss his third consecutive contest on Tuesday due to a left pelvic contusion. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up against the Heat, D'Angelo Russell will likely be in the starting five after he 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 34 minutes during Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will make his return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Wade is back in the mix following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. His return won't mean too much with the Cavs mostly healthy at the forward spot. Wade figures to resume his role playing in the teens, which doesn't result in much fantasy value. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are likely to see a few less minutes with Wade returning.
Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) are both available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry will make his return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a hip strain. The veteran guard is averaging 24 minutes per game, but also had two scoreless outings in two of his last three games. That being said, Lowry isn't too appealing of a streaming option right now. As for Jackson, he'll likely return to his bench role which is normally only minutes in the teens, which won't be enough to give viable streaming value.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) will make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Williams has played since December of 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to be under heavy minute restriction. He figures to be eased into action for quite some time, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Williams to be a great fantasy option right away. He figures to split up the center minutes with Nick Richards. For now, Richards is the better streaming option, but Williams should be a strong option once he's back up to full speed.
Utah Jazz forward/centerMicah Potter (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. The Jazz have been shorthanded lately, so Potter has played for at least 13 minutes in three consecutive contests. With the 26-year-old likely sidelined, players like Drew Eubanks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk could potentially see more playing time. However, they will not be factors in fantasy during Tuesday's contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jerome will head to the sideline for the first time this season. His absence will free up additional playing time behind Darius Garland. This should result in more playing time for Craig Porter Jr. and possibily Caris LeVert sees more minutes as well. LeVert is already averaging 24 minutes per game, so a few more minutes should give him an uptick in fantasy value for Tuesday's slate.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play after being listed as probable on the injury report. The expectation is that Antetokounmpo will have a normal workload in this game. Antetokounmpo has been battling through tendinitis in his knee throughout the season. Despite that, he continues to suit up and play at an elite level. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Antetokounmpo back in their lineups on Tuesday.
According to Aaron Rose of SI.com, Toronto Raptors guardGradey Dick(calf)will not suit up against the Pacers on Tuesday. Before suffering a left calf contusion, the 21-year-old averaged 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per contest. In Dick's absence, Ja'Kobe Walterwill likely start once again, as he's made an impression by posting 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes against Miami on Sunday.
Miami Heat have ruled out forward Nikola Jovic (ankle) and center Kel'el Ware (G-League assignment) for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Key players Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back), and Josh Richardson (illness) are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to Miami's rotation. Jovic, who averages 7.7 points per game, will be a notable absence, for Miami Heat's offense and dealing a blow to fantasy managers. Butler's potential return would provide a significant boost to Miami's offense, while the statuses of Love and Richardson could open the door for other players to make an impact.
