NBA roundup: Celtics top Bucks despite Giannis' 43 points
Mon Nov 11 3:25am ET
Field Level Media
Jayson Tatum scored 31 points with 12 rebounds and six assists to help the visiting Boston Celtics overcome a 17-point deficit and defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 113-107 on Sunday.
Payton Pritchard came off the bench to score 18 points for the Celtics, who trailed 49-32 with 9:16 remaining in the second quarter. Pritchard made 5 of his 8 3-point attempts.
Milwaukee scored 40 points in the first quarter, but was held to 38 points in the second half. The Bucks trailed by three late in the game, but Jrue Holiday made two free throws with 1:35 to play to extend Boston's lead to 109-104. Milwaukee was never closer than five the rest of the way.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 43 points and 13 rebounds for the Bucks, who fell to 1-3 at home. Bobby Portis added 15 points and seven rebounds for Milwaukee and Damian Lillard had 14 points and six assists.
Warriors 127, Thunder 116
Stephen Curry scored a season-high 36 points as visiting Golden State held off Oklahoma City.
Curry hit seven 3-pointers and finished 13-of-23 from the field for Golden State, which led by 30 late in the third quarter before Oklahoma City pulled within six with 4:46 remaining in the game. Jonathan Kuminga scored 12 of his 20 points for the Warriors in the second quarter and shot 8-of-11 from the field. De'Anthony Melton hit five of Golden State's season-high-tying 21 3-pointers and finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points but was just 6-of-17 from the field, including 1-for-5 in the fourth quarter.
Nuggets 122, Mavericks 120
Nikola Jokic had 37 points, 18 rebounds and 15 assists, Michael Porter Jr. hit a go-ahead floater with 6.5 seconds left and host Denver overcame a big night from Kyrie Irving to beat Dallas.
Jamal Murray scored 18 points, Porter added 17 and Peyton Watson finished with 16 for the Nuggets, who swept a five-game homestand. Christian Braun scored 14 points, and Julian Strawther contributed 12.
Irving finished with a season-high 43 points on 17-for-22 shooting from the field. He made six of his eight 3-point attempts. Luka Doncic had 24 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, Daniel Gafford scored 16 points and Klay Thompson finished with 10 for the Mavericks, who have dropped back-to-back games in the final 10 seconds of regulation.
Pacers 132, Knicks 121
Bennedict Mathurin scored a career-high 38 points, Tyrese Haliburton had 12 of his season-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and Indiana rode a late 3-point shooting barrage to beat New York in Indianapolis.
Mathurin, who had 11 points in the fourth quarter, hit 7 of 9 3-pointers and broke his previous career-high of 34 points, set most recently against the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 26. Haliburton added a game-high 14 assists for his fifth double-double of the season for the Pacers.
Jalen Brunson (33 points, 10 assists) and Josh Hart (16 points, 10 rebounds) both posted double-doubles for the Knicks, who have dropped three of their last four. Karl-Anthony Towns had 30 points and nine rebounds while OG Anunoby scored 25 points.
Rockets 101, Pistons 99
Alperen Sengun had 27 points and 10 rebounds, leading visiting Houston past Detroit.
Tari Eason had 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Jalen Green tossed in 15 points for the Rockets. Dillon Brooks added 14 points and Fred VanVleet chipped in seven points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Cade Cunningham had 26 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Pistons as his three-game triple-double streak ended. Isaiah Stewart contributed 16 points and eight rebounds. Malik Beasley had 15 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 10.
Magic 121, Wizards 94
Franz Wagner scored 23 points and his brother Moritz Wagner had 16 as host Orlando scored a season high in coasting past Washington.
It was the Magic's second straight win without injured star Paolo Banchero, who last played Oct. 30 because of a torn oblique. Eleven different players scored for the Magic, six in double figures, with Cole Anthony scoring a season-high 16 off the bench. Starting center Goga Bitadze had a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Washington has lost four in a row, and its scoring output was its lowest of the season. The Wizards' starting lineup included three rookies (Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Carlton Carrington) and second-year pro Bilal Coulibaly, who scored 20.
76ers 107, Hornets 105 (OT)
Rookie Jared McCain scored a career-high 27 points to help Philadelphia top visiting Charlotte.
Guerschon Yabusele added 20 points for the 76ers, who continued to play without stars Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (hamstring). Paul George scored 15 points on 6-of-18 shooting and dished out nine assists for the Sixers, but he didn't play in OT after logging 33 minutes in his continued return from a knee injury.
LaMelo Ball scored 38 points to pace Charlotte, which rallied from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit and forced overtime on Ball's corner 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining. Brandon Miller chipped in 22 points for the Hornets, while Grant Williams had 17 off the bench.
Heat 95, Timberwolves 94
Nikola Jovic converted a go-ahead three-point play with 7.8 seconds remaining and Miami held on for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
On the decisive play, Jovic sprinted toward the basket and caught an inbounds pass in stride from Duncan Robinson. Jovic finished at the rim and drew a foul against Timberwolves defender Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Tyler Herro scored a game-high 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the floor for Miami, which ended a three-game losing streak. Anthony Edwards scored 22 points but made only 8 of 24 shots for Minnesota, which saw its three-game winning streak end.
Kings 127, Suns 118 (OT)
De'Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan each had eight points in overtime to account for all of Sacramento's scoring in the extra period, leading the visiting Kings past short-handed Phoenix.
With Kevin Durant out at least two weeks after suffering a strained calf in Phoenix's win at Dallas on Friday, the Suns squandered an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and watched their seven-game winning streak end.
DeRozan finished with a season-best 34 points, while Fox had 21 to go along with 11 rebounds. Bradley Beal posted a team-high 28 points and Devin Booker finished with 23 points and 12 assists for Phoenix.
Lakers 123, Raptors 103
Anthony Davis scored 22 points and LeBron James added 19 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles rallied for a victory over visiting Toronto.
Davis' point total came in 26 minutes before he departed with an eye injury in the third quarter after he was swiped across the face when he blocked a shot attempt by the Raptors' Jakob Poeltl.
Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett each scored 18 points and Ochai Agbaji added 16 for the short-handed Raptors, who were without Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Garrett Temple (back) and Kelly Olynyk (back).
Grizzlies 134, Blazers 89
Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals in just 24 minutes of action to help Memphis roll past host Portland.
Jake LaRavia scored 18 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. added 17 for the Grizzlies. Santi Aldama registered 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Jaylen Wells also had 16 points for Memphis.
Jerami Grant scored 20 points for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped five of their past six games. Dalano Banton and Donovan Clingan added 13 points apiece for Portland.
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Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) will miss time. The 26-year-old suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder during Thursday's game versus the New Orleans Pelicans. For now, the team considers him "day to day." However, since Huerter is coming off surgery on the same shoulder, the Kings will certainly take the cautious approach before allowing him to get back on the floor. After averaging 15.2 points in his first season in Sacramento, he has averaged only 9.9 points during the 2024-25 campaign. But if anything, his absence should allow Keon Ellis to get more work. Still, it's tough for anyone outside of DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and De'Aaron Fox to get consistently involved on the scoring end, especially since all three players get more minutes than most starters around the National Basketball Association.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) was cleared to play in Saturday's NBA Cup meeting with the Hawks. He was back on the injury report because of right patella tendinopathy. However, this has been the norm for the multi-time All-Star for most of the season, so fantasy managers weren't concerned about his availability. Antetokounmpo has played relatively well against Atlanta throughout his career, most recently amassing 31 points, 11 boards, and five assists when the Bucks met the Hawks on December 3.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) was seen shooting during Saturday's practice. While he's still not running , it's at least a positive step in the right direction. Banchero was having a terrific season before suffering a torn oblique in October, averaging career-highs in points (29.0), boards (8.8), and assists (5.6). He was also shooting 34.4% from deep. Without question, the 22-year-old was on the cusp of a breakout. But fantasy managers will need to wait at least a few more weeks until he's back on the floor. But even when Banchero returns, he will likely need to progressively increase his workload until he is back to full strength. With Franz Wagner (oblique) also on the shelf, Jalen Suggs should remain Orlando's top offensive contributor. Goga Bitadze and Anthony Black could also continue to see an uptick in production while Banchero is out of commission.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Pistons are waiving forward Paul Reed. The 2020 No. 58 overall pick began his career by spending his first four years in Philadelphia, where he had some productive showings. But after the Sixers waived him, he was claimed by the Pistons. Unfortunately, things didn't work out in Detroit, with Reed averaging only 4.8 points in 12 games. He'll likely draw plenty of interest from clubs around the National Basketball Association, especially from teams looking to bolster depth. But regardless of where Reed lands next, he'll need minutes before earning a place on fantasy rosters.
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.
