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.
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- Cavaliers F Max Strus (ankle) to make season debut Friday
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- Raptors F Scottie Barnes (ankle) exits game vs. Knicks
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- Magic F Franz Wagner (torn oblique) out indefinitely
- NBA roundup: Trae Young's trey in OT lifts Hawks past Lakers
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Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The rookie big man has missed the last seven games due to a right knee injury. As a result, Clingan will have a minutes limit during Friday's game. He wasn't doing great before going down, but Clingan did have a 19-rebound game in his most recent contest. Clingan won't be a strong streaming option while under a minutes limit. However, he's someone worth monitoring if the Blazers do decide to give him more run later in the season.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (knee) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. Beal is dealing with swelling in his right knee and as a result the team will have him sit out at least Friday's game. His next chance to play will be on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The late addition to the injury report is a surprise to fantasy managers, so they should quickly edit their lineups. Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale should see increased value with Beal sidelined. O'Neale has been solid lately and is worth a look as a streaming option with increased playing time.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (quad) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Braun hasn't missed a game this season and that streak will continue to live on. He has been playing big minutes for the Nuggets this season as he's averaging over 35 minutes per game. He's not an elite contributor in any category, but does a little of everything. Fantasy managers who have Braun rostered can get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Murray was a game-time decision coming into this contest, but he apparently felt good during his pre-game routine. He'll make his return after missing each of the last two games due to a hamstring issue. This means that Russell Westbrook will head back to the bench and will lose fantasy value. There is no word of Murray being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go on Friday.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. As expected, Gordon is good to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Gordon missed a game last week, but has been mostly healthy since his absence in mid-November. Gordon has been hit-or-miss this season, but should be plugged back into lineups in season-long formats. He's averaging 14.3 points, 6.0 rebounds,and 3.5 assists across 29 minutes per game this season. Gordon is a solid contributor, but keeping him off the injury report has been the biggest challenge.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (eye) won't return to Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The big man exited to the locker room after getting hit in the face while going for a rebound in the second quarter. The organization has decided to hold out Embiid for the rest of the night while he undergoes further testing. There is a concern that he injured his already repaired orbital fracture. Fantasy managers should get more information in the next day or two. Andre Drummond figures to start in the second half and will see an increased workload until Embiid is able to get back on the court. Drummond was a strong fantasy option when Embiid was out earlier in the season, so he could be worth snagging again.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (knee) is now questionable heading into Friday's meeting with the Jazz. The veteran wasn't listed on the injury report throughout the day. However, he began experiencing right knee swelling, so there's a chance he won't be out there. Beal has already missed eight games this season, although fantasy managers are now left wondering if this injury will open the door for another extended stint on the shelf. Fortunately, the Suns are expected to get Kevin Durant (ankle) back, which will help. Royce O'Neale, who was expected to head back to the bench, may find himself remaining in the starting lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) won't play on Friday against the Timberwolves, with the multi-time MVP expected to miss more time moving forward. Head coach JJ Redick was asked if he knows when James will return. However, the first-year coach answered with a simple "no." Of course, the Lakers will be without arguably their top performer, meaning guys like Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D'Angelo Russell will need to pick up the slack on the scoring end.
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (pelvis) has been upgraded and will play in Friday's game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Reaves has missed the last five games because of a pelvic contusion. But after going from questionable to probable, he'll be back on the floor for this one. With LeBron James (foot) out indefinitely, Reaves should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end, making him a must-start in any fantasy setup. That won't change until James returns to the lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) will play on Friday against the Timberwolves. AD has been a constant mention on the league's injury report because of an ailing foot injury. However, as is usually the case, he's good to go. With LeBron James (foot) out indefinitely, Davis should be the No. 1 scoring option for the Lakers, so a rise in statistical contributions could be on the horizon.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (illness) will miss his first game of the 2024-25 campaign on Friday against the Hornets. The 34-year-old has played at an All-Star-caliber level this season, averaging 21.0 points, 9.8 boards, and shooting 47.4% from behind the arc. Without him, Jalen Smith will presumably enter the starting lineup, immediately giving him credibility as a streaming option and DFS value play. Josh Giddey, Zach LaVine, and Coby White could also see a bump on the scoring end with Vucevic sidelined.
Chicago Bulls forward Zach LaVine (back) will play in Friday's game against the Hornets. The veteran has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 22.1 points and shooting 43.2% from behind the arc. But he was dealing with back spasms. Fortunately, it won't keep him off the floor for the favorable matchup versus Charlotte.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (back) is cleared to suit up in Friday's matchup versus the Charlotte Hornets. Like his teammate, Zach LaVine (back), he was battling back spasms. However, it won't cost Giddey his first game of the 2024-25 campaign. The 22-year-old has played well in his first season in Chicago, averaging 11.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, although he may be even more productive in the favorable matchup against the Hornets.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (ankle) won't play on Friday against the Wizards. The 23-year-old has played well this season, averaging 18.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals. But he'll miss his second game of the 2024-25 campaign, so his next chance to play will be on Monday in Brooklyn. Without Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and Donovan Mitchell should get a few extra scoring opportunities. Georges Niang could also work his way into the starting lineup, giving him DFS value potential.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (foot) said he will play in Friday's game against the Hornets. The 23-year-old has been out of commission since November because of issues with his left foot, the same one he had surgery on back in March. With that in mind, he has averaged only 9.9 points and 5.0 rebounds this season, so he isn't the most dependable fantasy option. But Williams' return could at least mean less work for Ayo Dosunmu and Matas Buzelis.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Heat have agreed to trade center Thomas Bryant to the Pacers. In exchange, Indiana will swap a future second-round pick with Miami. The 27-year-old has averaged only 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds this season. But with James Wiseman (Achilles) and Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) both sidelined, the team needed another big. While Bryant won't start unless Myles Turner isn't available, he should see more playing time in Indiana. Still, unless he finds himself with the first five, his contributions could be sporadic.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (pelvis) is probable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He has missed the Lakers' previous five contests because of a pelvic contusion and was initially labeled as questionable heading into this one. Luckily, Los Angeles will likely have him back on the court on Friday night. It can't come at a better time, considering LeBron James (foot) isn't available. As such, Reaves could be more involved on the scoring end, which is why he'll surely see more attention from DFS managers.
Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (ankle) has been listed as questionable on Friday while he deals with an ankle sprain. The Hornets are set to take on the Chicago Bulls who have lost their last two games and could be dealing with some injuries of their own. Salaun started to see some added playing time with the Hornets' injury report growing until he sprained his left ankle against the Knicks. If he has to miss another game, Cody Martin and Josh Green should remain in the starting lineup while Martin serves as the better streaming option. In their last game, Martin finished with 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals across 33 minutes.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) is headed for his 12th consecutive missed game as he's considered doubtful to play on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. The rookie big man has been battling an ankle sprain since November 17 and there isn't a firm timetable for his return. The fact that he hasn't been ruled out right away is at least a trend in the right direction. Jay Huff should continue to see extra minutes off of the bench. Over the last three games, Huff has averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 2.3 threes per game.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (ribs) has been ruled out again for the sixth consecutive game since injuring his ribs against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 27. The veteran power forward has yet to find his footing this year in the midst of the injuries he's experienced. Right now, his numbers have decreased across the board from last season, especially in scoring and efficiency. In his place, Justin Champagnie will likely continue to get some more playing time. Champagnie has averaged 15.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game over the last three games.
