West's best meet in NBA Cup semis as Thunder battle Rockets
Fri Dec 13 8:00pm ET
Field Level Media
LAS VEGAS -- Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder may not have been the marquee NBA Cup semifinal the league was hoping for, but it might just be the best window into the future of the Western Conference.
The Thunder are getting used to being the hunted this season after taking the league by storm and earning a No. 1 seed in the Western Conference last season. They may not catch anyone by surprise this year, but they are still the deepest and most dangerous team in the conference -- even without Chet Holmgren, who has been out for more than a month after suffering a fracture near his hip.
For most franchises, the "next man up" mantra tends to be wishful thinking. With a team that is led by a talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it's not even a second thought. With the depth that Oklahoma City has, it becomes an outright expectation.
The Thunder have gone 11-3 with Holmgren on the sideline. They sit at 19-5 overall and are on track to be the No. 1 seed again.
They find themselves in the NBA Cup semifinals as the top seed in the West draw, having gone 3-1 in group play. They beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Tuesday to advance to Las Vegas.
Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't plan on leaving empty-handed.
"It would mean a lot, this opportunity to win," he said. "You play the game at a high level as a kid. You tie your shoes up and play AAU ball to win the tournament on the weekend. You go to college to try and win the NCAA Tournament. (Or even) the tournament at the beginning of the season, the Maui Invitational or whatever it's called.
"You're always trying to win. That's my mindset. That's my teammates' mindset. We're always trying to win."
Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 30.2 points, fourth in the league before Friday's games, and 6.3 assists. Jalen Williams has also become a key piece; the third-year forward is averaging 21.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Isaiah Hartenstein has filled Holmgren's role in the starting lineup with 11.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game after making his Thunder debut on Nov. 20.
The Rockets are in a similar position to last season's Thunder, but their rise is perhaps even more surprising. As much promise as Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are showing, things got pretty rough for them during their first few seasons in the league. Green especially struggled to find his footing.
Houston's willingness to stay with their young duo appears to be paying off in spades. The Rockets sit at 17-8, trailing only the Thunder in the West, and have won seven of their last 10 games. Green is averaging a team-high 19.2 points per game, while Sengun averages 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds.
The Rockets earned the West's No. 2 seed in knockout play by going 3-1 during the group stage. They advanced to Las Vegas with a thrilling but controversial 91-90 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, as a loose-ball foul sent Green to the line for the game-winning free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining.
It was a statement performance defensively for the Rockets, who are now among the league's toughest units. Saturday's semifinal is another chance to make a statement against a Thunder defense that many pundits consider the league's best.
"I think we're the top two defenses," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. "They're very stingy on that end and they do it in a different way. They're one of the best at creating turnovers and drawing (players) into a crowd. They give up some things as well, but they really protect the paint at a high level.
"It's an honor to get here, and we felt we did good in our group to get here. Now we just want to make some more noise while we're here."
--Will Despart, Field Level Media
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Bulls' C Nikola Vucevic recorded a double-double, scoring 40 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a 123-125 loss to the Hornets on Friday, Jan. 17.
Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 133-113 win over Miami on Friday, Jan. 17.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (foot) won't suit up versus the Spurs on Friday. The 25-year-old had 21 points, 12 assists, and two steals when the Grizzlies and Spurs met on Wednesday night, the first of back-to-back contests between the clubs. However, he popped up on the injury report due to foot soreness. Without Morant in the equation, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are the favorites to lead the way offensively. But Scotty Pippen Jr., who will presumably enter the starting lineup, Jaylen Wells, and Santi Aldama are all worth streaming.
Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (illness) won't play on Saturday in Detroit. The 30-year-old has missed the last five games because of an illness, although it's been reported the Suns are looking to move him. But with no teams interested in his services, at least at the moment, there's a chance he'll remain on the roster. However, Nurkic likely won't see playing time, even if he's cleared to play in the near future, considering Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and Oso Ighodaro are above him on the depth chart.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (rib) is expected to play on Saturday versus the Celtics. He has been dealing with a rib contusion, keeping him off the floor for Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls. Keaton Wallace got the start in that one and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, with Young likely to return against Boston, Wallace probably won't be as productive, assuming he's active.
Phoenix Suns forward Bradley Beal (ankle) is doubtful ahead of Saturday's matchup with the Pistons. The veteran tweaked his ankle and wasn't available versus the Wizards on Thursday. But it appears he'll miss his 11th game of the 2024-25 campaign on Saturday night. Without him, Ryan Dunn will likely remain in the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old amassing 18 points, 11 rebounds, and one block against Washington. With double-digit scoring performances in the last four games, Dunn deserves starting consideration from fantasy managers for the meeting with Detroit.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (knee) is upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. Murray was listed on the injury report with left knee inflammation, but that isn't going to stop him from playing on Friday. The 27-year-old continues playing big minutes as he's averaging 35 minutes per game coming into Friday's contest. He won't be asked to shoulder as big of a workload on offense with Nikola Jokic (elbow) back in the mix. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Murray active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (elbow) is officially active ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. The superstar big man is back in the mix after missing Wednesday's game due to sprained elbow. There is no word on Jokic being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload on Friday. DeAndre Jordan will head back to his role of backup center and playing minutes in the teens, which keeps him off the fantasy radar. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Jokic active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (back) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Irving appears to be good to go after missing six of the last seven games due to a lingering back issue. There is no word on Irving being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his normal workload on Friday. His return will push Spencer Dinwiddie back to the bench where he won't have as much streaming appeal. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Irving back in their lineups as he'll be asked to do the heavy lifting with Luka Doncic (calf) still sidelined.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. Head coach Mike Malone said that Gordon is active and will come off the bench during this game. Gordon sat out of Wednesday's contest which was the second game of a back-to-back set. The Nuggets have been cautious with Gordon as he works his way back from injury. Peyton Watson is likely to continue to benefit until Gordon is back to 100 percent health. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Gordon active, but he won't be an ideal DFS option with limited playing time.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (wrist) is uncertain to play on Friday versus Dallas. He hasn't been listed on the league's official injury report, at least not yet. However, after dropping 40 points on the Cavs on Thursday, SGA is now dealing with a sore wrist. For now, fantasy managers should consider him a game-time call. But if Gilgeous-Alexander isn't out there, Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams should both see a bump in scoring chances. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe may also enter the starting lineup, giving one of them upside for fantasy managers.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hip) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Giddey has been on the injury report quite a bit lately, but he has played in every game this month. He could be asked to do more on offense with Zach LaVine (illness) uncertain for Friday. Regardless, Giddey offers enough with rebounds and assists to warrant starting in basically all fantasy formats.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) won't play on Friday versus Minnesota. KAT is dealing with multiple issues involving his thumb, a sprain and a bone chip. While he'll play with the chip, he won't get back on the floor until the swelling goes down. Without him, Jericho Sims will get the start. However, Precious Achiuwa, amassing 10 points, six boards, and three blocks from off the bench on Wednesday versus Philadelphia, has a higher fantasy ceiling.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. LaVine popped up on the injury report with an illness and is in serious danger of missing this contest. If that happens, Coby White (neck), Ayo Dosunmu, and Julian Phillips should all see increased roles in the rotation. Dosunmu recently returned to the court, but could be an interesting streaming option if LaVine is unable to go. Fantasy managers will have to check back closer to tip-off.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. He made his return to the court on Wednesday after missing 10 games due to a calf injury. He finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes of action during that game. The assumption is that he'll get a slightly longer leash on Friday. He could be asked to have a bigger role if Zach LaVine (illness) is unable to play. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel comfortable getting Dosunmu back into their lineups on Friday.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. As expected, Williams is ready to go after being listed as probable on the injury report. Williams has been playing some excellent basketball recently with two straight double doubles coming into Friday's contest. He finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds during his last game and really has no competition at the center spot. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Williams back into their lineups for Friday's slate.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (neck) is officially available ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. As expected, White will continue to play through his neck issue. The 24-year-old has looked fine in each of the last two games, so fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about this issue slowing him down. White could be asked to play a bigger role with Zach LaVine (illness) uncertain for this game. Regardless, fantasy managers should make sure to get White in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (wrist) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Miller appears to have suffered a wrist sprain during Wednesday's game. As a result, Miller won't play on Friday, so his next chance to get on the court will be on Monday. The loss of Miller is going to be tough to fill given Miller is playing over 30 minutes per game. The expectation is that the Hornets are going to use a committee approach to help fill the void. Cody Martin, Nick Smith, and Josh Okogie should all see more minutes on Friday. Out of the three, Martin is the best streaming choice and could be worth a look while Miller is out.
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler will return tonight against the Denver Nuggets after serving a seven-game suspension. Butler is expected to be in the starting lineup after serving a suspension Miami imposed. The 35-year-old has made it clear that he wants to be traded making it a challenging situation. DFS managers may want to stay clear of Butler, as there is no telling how many minutes the disgruntled forward will play this evening.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley will move into the starting five ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Fellow guard Donte DiVincenzo (toe) is out on Friday, which is why Conley is getting the starting nod. The veteran guard has been mainly playing off the bench since the beginning of January. Conley is averaging 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 24 minutes per game this season. The 37-year-old has finished with nine points or less in each of his last five games. He might offer low-end streaming appeal as a starter, but he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option going forward.
