NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo nets 59 in Bucks' OT win
Thu Nov 14 2:43am ET
Field Level Media
Giannis Antetokounmpo amassed an NBA season-high 59 points as the Milwaukee Bucks overturned an 18-point deficit to defeat the visiting Detroit Pistons 127-120 in overtime on Wednesday night.
It was Antetokounmpo's ninth 50-plus outing and the second best of his career, after his 64-point effort against Indiana last season.
The two-time MVP hit 21 of 34 from the field, 16 of 17 from the foul line, and had 14 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Brook Lopez provided the support with 29 points.
Cade Cunningham had 35 points and 11 assists for the Pistons, while Malik Beasley hit eight 3-pointers in his 26-point, 10-rebound game.
Cavaliers 114, 76ers 106
Darius Garland scored 25 points and Donovan Mitchell took over down the stretch as Cleveland remained undefeated with a road victory over short-handed Philadelphia.
Mitchell finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for Cleveland (13-0), which is off to the NBA's best start since the Golden State Warriors' record-setting 24-game winning streak to begin the 2015-16 season.
Philadelphia fought hard without Joel Embiid (knee), Paul George (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) but still lost for the ninth time in 11 games. Rookie Jared McCain took advantage of the available playing time by posting career highs in points (34) and assists (10).
Bulls 124, Knicks 123
Coby White made three free throws with 3.2 seconds left to cap his 22-point effort and Chicago rallied after squandering a 22-point lead to beat host New York.
After falling behind 90-68 late in the third quarter, New York -- playing the second leg of a back-to-back -- ended the period on a 17-0 run to set up an intense fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson, who scored a pair of go-ahead baskets under duress in the final 38 seconds, created space for a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer, but his attempt rimmed in and out. Had the Knicks completed the comeback, it would have been the franchise's biggest second-half rally since a 26-point turnaround in March 2004.
Lakers 128, Grizzlies 123
LeBron James scored 35 points in his third consecutive triple-double as Los Angeles remained perfect at home with a victory over visiting Memphis.
James added 14 assists with 12 rebounds in his fourth triple-double of the season. Los Angeles rookie Dalton Knecht added a career-best 19 points while going 5-for-5 from 3-point range. The Lakers improved to 6-0 at home, matching the NBA-best mark also held by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 29 points and Scotty Pippen Jr., Santi Aldama and Marcus Smart each added 15 points as the Grizzlies saw their season-best three-game winning streak come to an end.
Kings 127, Suns 104
De'Aaron Fox poured in a game-high 29 points, Kevin Huerter backed him with 22 and Sacramento won a battle of attrition over visiting Phoenix with a late flurry that produced a victory.
Fox, who also found time for a game-high 10 assists, and Domantas Sabonis (11 points, team-high 10 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for the Kings, who beat the Suns a second straight time after winning 127-118 in overtime in Phoenix on Sunday. Fox shot 11-for-17, Huerter 9-for-16 and Keegan Murray 7-for-11 (17 points) for the Kings, who outshot the visitors 64.1 percent to 37.1 percent.
Josh Okogie had 25 points off the bench to pace the Suns. Devin Booker totaled 18 points while Ryan Dunn, Tyus Jones and Monte Morris added 10 apiece for Phoenix. Jones also had a team-high eight assists while Jusuf Nurkic grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds.
Magic 94, Pacers 90
Franz Wagner scored 29 points and Orlando benefited from a fourth-quarter surge to beat visiting Indiana and improve to 6-0 at home.
Orlando's Goga Bitadze collected 12 points and 12 rebounds to record his third double-double of the season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Moritz Wagner each had 10 points in the win as the Magic outscored the Pacers by a 26-18 margin in the fourth.
Indiana's Pascal Siakam sank four 3-pointers to highlight his 25-point performance, and Bennedict Mathurin added 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Celtics 139, Nets 114
Jayson Tatum scored 15 of his 36 points in the third quarter as Boston recovered from a slow start and pulled away in the second half for a blowout of Brooklyn in New York.
Jaylen Brown added 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Celtics, who shot a season-best 53.8 percent. Payton Pritchard contributed 23 points.
Ziaire Williams scored 23 points to lead the Nets, who took their most lopsided loss of the season despite. Cam Thomas added 17 points and Dennis Schroder put up 16.
Thunder 106, Pelicans 88
Jalen Williams scored a season-high 31 points to lead host Oklahoma City past New Orleans.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points two days after he posted a career-high 45 points. Williams added seven assists, six rebounds and four steals.
Brandon Ingram amassed 18 points and six assists but had eight turnovers as the Pelicans took their sixth loss in a row.
Rockets 111, Clippers 103
Jalen Green scored a game-high 21 points while Alperen Sengun chipped in a double-double and threw down a key late dunk that helped Houston fend off visiting Los Angeles.
With the Rockets up 98-79, the Clippers turned to reserves Kobe Brown, Jordan Miller and Bones Hyland to key a rally and close the deficit to 107-103. But Sengun (13 points, 11 rebounds) delivered his driving dunk before Tari Eason (18 points, 10 rebounds) added another in transition to seal the victory.
James Harden led the Clippers with 19 points and seven assists while Terance Mann added 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Trail Blazers 106, Timberwolves 98
Shaedon Sharpe scored a career-best 33 points to lead Portland past visiting Minnesota, the Trail Blazers' second win over the Timberwolves in as many days.
Rookie Donovan Clingan excelled with 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots for Portland, which beat Minnesota 122-108 on Tuesday. Dalano Banton scored 13 points off the bench for Portland, which won consecutive games for the first time this season.
Anthony Edwards scored 24 points and had four steals for the Timberwolves but missed all nine of his 3-point attempts. Last Friday in Minneapolis, he made nine treys and scored 37 points as the Timberwolves rolled to a 127-102 victory over Portland.
- Cavaliers F Max Strus (ankle) to make season debut Friday
- Rockets owner up for Trump appointment; eyeing NFL's Saints
- Raptors F Scottie Barnes (ankle) out at least one week
- Raptors F Scottie Barnes (ankle) exits game vs. Knicks
- Timberwolves G Anthony Edwards fined $25K for profanity
- NBA roundup: Joel Embiid comes back to push 76ers past Bulls
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- NBA roundup: Trae Young's trey in OT lifts Hawks past Lakers
- Celtics' Jaylen Brown fined $25K for gesture
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- China set to host first NBA preseason games since 2019
- Lakers' LeBron James (foot) questionable vs. Hawks
- Spurs rule out Victor Wembanyama vs. Bulls due to back soreness
- NBA fines Rockets' Ime Udoka, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun
- Bucks F Khris Middleton to make season debut Friday
- NBA roundup: Surging Hawks cool off Bucks
- Warriors G De'Anthony Melton (knee) undergoes season-ending surgery
- Pelicans say Zion Williamson (hamstring) to miss at least two more weeks
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday versus Houston. He missed Sunday's matchup against Minnesota with an ankle issue. Officially, Wiggins has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's action. However, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr declared Wiggins is "ready to go" after he had a full practice session with the team on Tuesday. Wiggins' performance levels fluctuate, but he enjoyed a meeting with the Rockets last week, posting 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. Gary Payton II will likely return to a bench role with Wiggins in the lineup.
Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet (knee) appears ready to rejoin the action on Wednesday versus Golden State. He missed Sunday's 117-106 win against the Clippers with a knee contusion but isn't on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game. VanVleet's most recent appearance came against the Warriors, and it was a struggle for him with 5-for-16 shooting and 13 points in a 99-93 loss. He also had a difficult time in this season's first head-to-head meeting and was limited to 9.3 points on 21.2 percent shooting in the matchup in 2023-24, so it looks like the Warriors have worked out what stifles VanVleet offensively.
Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Bogdan Bogdanovic (quadriceps) has a questionable designation on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Knicks. A quadriceps contusion might keep Bogdanovic off the court for the second straight game. Garrison Mathews and Vit Krejci get extra work with Bogdanovic out, but neither was productive in Sunday's heavy loss to Denver. The two combined for only five points and four assists off the bench despite both seeing 20-plus minutes of action.
Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) has been labeled as probable ahead of Wednesday's NBA Cup game against the Knicks. Hunter continues to manage a knee injury, and he took a blow to the head in Sunday's loss to Denver, but the 27-year-old is set to make a 12th consecutive appearance. Atlanta has seen the best of Hunter lately, as he's finished each of the last four games with 20-plus points. Hunter took a whopping 20 shots in 24 minutes on Sunday and should get additional offensive duties again in Wednesday's game if Jalen Johnson (shoulder) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (quadriceps) remain sidelined.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against Atlanta. He might miss his first game of the season because of an ankle sprain. New York's bench mob, featuring Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Precious Achiuwa, will likely be more involved in the game if Hart doesn't get cleared for Wednesday night. McBride offers the most fantasy value out of the three, but he's been quiet offensively in recent games, finishing back-to-back outings with eight points.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (shoulder) might miss a second straight game on Wednesday versus the Knicks. He's been listed as questionable on the injury report. Following back-to-back double-doubles, Johnson exited the lineup on Sunday against Denver due to a sore shoulder. This pushed Larry Nance Jr. to the starting lineup for only the second time this season. Nance Jr. hasn't played a lot for the Hawks, but the veteran forward proved that he can get the job done. He finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is probable heading into Wednesday's matchup versus the Atlanta Hawks. KAT wasn't available for Saturday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. However, he was back on the floor for the win over the Toronto Raptors on Monday evening, finishing with a massive 24 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. But if Towns suffers an unforeseen setback, Precious Achiuwa, coming off a seven-point, six-board, two-block effort, could work his way into the starting lineup.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is expected to play on Wednesday in New York. The former Sooner is on the injury report because of right Achilles Tendinitis. However, this injury isn't anything new, so he should play barring a setback. Young has averaged just 20.9 points and shot 31.0% from behind the arc, both down from last season. Fortunately, he has logged a career-high 12.2 assists. Young is always a capable fantasy producer. Yet, he may be even more productive against the Knicks if Jalen Johnson (shoulder), De'Andre Hunter (knee), and Bogdan Bogdanovic (quadriceps) are sidelined.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (illness) won't play on Tuesday versus Oklahoma City. The former Hornet isn't feeling well, so he'll get a night off. Fortunately for Dallas, Naji Marshall (illness) is back from a four-game absence, which will help lessen the blow. Marshall will likely start in Washington's place, with the 26-year-old averaging 13.1 points in seven starts during the 2024-25 campaign.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) will play in Tuesday's game against OKC. He was under the weather, keeping him off the floor for the Mavs' previous five contests. But Marshall's return comes at the perfect time, with P.J. Washington (illness) and Maxi Kleber (illness) sidelined for Tuesday's meeting with the Thunder. The 26-year-old has played well in his first season in Dallas, averaging a career-high 11.6 points and 1.0 steals. Marshall will likely start, so there's a good chance he'll be even more productive.
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is set to play a larger part in the rotation going forward. Per Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has said that Ball's minutes restriction has been elevated to 20 minutes. After missing 33 months because of a knee injury, Ball has been on a 16-18-minute limit this season. He has already reached the 20-minute mark a couple of times in recent games. The versatile guard has averaged 16.8 minutes during his comeback campaign, recording 4.9 points, 2.4. rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. Ball's numbers will likely get a slight boost with the increased playing time, but his fantasy value will still be limited.
Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (ankle) will be out of the lineup for a second straight game on Tuesday versus Oklahoma City. The 22-year-old is nursing a right ankle sprain. Hardy hasn't played a consistent role in the Mavericks rotation, and his absence will not have a big impact on Tuesday. Spencer Dinwiddie and Quentin Grimes will continue to lead the second unit. Dinwiddie has been the more consistent performer out of the two, averaging 14.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for the month.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (illness) is considered questionable for Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against Oklahoma City. He's already missed four games because of an illness. There appears to be an illness bug going around in the Mavericks locker room. P.J. Washington (illness) is also considered questionable for Tuesday's game with an illness, and Maxi Kleber (illness) has been ruled out. Marshall and Washington are both important pieces in the rotation for the team, and the Mavericks would find themselves in a tough spot if they can't play.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a big double-double in Monday's 113-108 win over Toronto as he returned from a one-game absence. Towns initially struggled to score but finished the contest with a team-high 25 points and had the final five points in the game, including a three-point dagger. He finished 2-for-5 from behind the arc and shot 7-for-13 overall with an 8-for-10 record at the free-throw line. Towns' eighth consecutive appearance with at least 12 rebounds included 15 boards, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. The big man has fitted in superbly in New York and will look to help his team reach the NBA Cup semifinals next. The Knicks play Atlanta in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Towns dominated with 34 points and 16 rebounds when these teams met for the first time this season.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (ankle) suffered his second injury of the season in Monday's 113-108 loss to the Knicks, but there was some good news: initial X-rays on Barnes' right ankle/foot came back negative. He will be further evaluated on Tuesday. Barnes missed 11 games earlier in the season due to an orbital bone fracture. Defensive specialist Davion Mitchell and rookie Ja'Kobe Walter, who scored a career-high 19 points in Monday's defeat, will likely figure more prominently in the rotation if Barnes has to miss some time.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (elbow) is scheduled to get more imaging done next week. It has been a month since Quickley went down with a partial torn UCL in his left elbow. The team hasn't given a timetable for his return, but there should be more information after the additional imaging is done. That being said, Jamal Shead, Davion Mitchell, and Gradey Dick should all see additional playing time. Both Shead and Mitchell have struggled, but Dick is worth rostering in most fantasy formats right now.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (illness) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington appears to have picked up a minor illness, so fantasy managers will likely have to wait to see how he feels closer to tip-off. The Mavs could be shorthanded for this game with Maxi Kleber (illness) already ruled out for this game. That being said, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and even Dwight Powell could see more minutes in the rotation. Lively is the best fantasy option out of the bunch, assuming Washington is out.
Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kleber will miss his second game in a row due to an illness. He remains day-to-day, but his absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation. Kleber has only been playing 17 minutes per game, so the Mavs will likely use a committee approach to fill the void. P.J. Washington (illness), Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford should all pick up extra playing time.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is listed as probable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. Middleton made his season debut last week and is expected to appear in his third straight game. He's averaging 11 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 21 minutes per game in two games. There isn't a ton of fantasy value coming from Middleton right now, but his value will get better once he's back to full speed. The expectation is that Middleton will be out there for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is currently listed as probable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. The superstar forward has been a regular on the injury report, but has only missed two games this season. It's highly unlikely that Antetokounmpo misses this game given that it's the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Fantasy managers should double check ahead of tip-off, but Antetokounmpo should be fine for Tuesday's game. If he sits, Bobby Portis would see increased playing time and be a strong streaming option.
