NBA roundup: Cavs set franchise mark with 9-0 start
Thu Nov 7 1:56am ET
Field Level Media
Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers set the record for the best start in franchise history at 9-0 with a 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Mitchell led a balanced attack as six players scored in double digits -- including Jarrett Allen (16 points and 14 rebounds) and Caris LeVert (16 points off the bench).
The 1976-77 Cavaliers started their season 8-0.
Zion Williamson scored 29 points to lead the Pelicans, while Jose Alvarado scored 27 and Brandon Ingram had 20.
Nuggets 124, Thunder 122
Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 20 rebounds and 16 assists, Peyton Watson made a game-sealing block with one second left, and host Denver handed Oklahoma its first loss of the season.
Russell Westbrook scored 29 points and Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun had 24 each as Denver ended a four-game head-to-head losing streak against Oklahoma City. Jokic logged his fourth triple-double of the season.
Jalen Williams had 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Thunder, who had opened with seven straight wins. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points.
Warriors 118, Celtics 112
Stephen Curry amassed 27 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to help visiting Golden State stretch its winning streak to five games with a victory over Boston.
The Warriors trailed by seven in the middle of the fourth quarter but used an 16-4 run to take a 104-99 lead with 2:30 to play on a Curry layup. Boston pulled within 115-112 when Payton Prichard made three free throws with 16 seconds remaining, but the Warriors closed out the win by making 3 of 4 at the foul line the rest of the way.
Golden State, which improved to 5-0 on the road, made 12 of its 13 free-throw attempts in the final quarter. Buddy Hield and Andrew Wiggins each added 16 points for Golden State. Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 32 points for the Celtics, whose three-game winning streak ended. Derrick White made seven 3-pointers and added 26 points.
Clippers 110, 76ers 98
Norman Powell scored 26 points and James Harden added 18 as Los Angeles spoiled Paul George's return with a victory over visiting Philadelphia in Inglewood, Calif.
Ivica Zubac scored 15 points with nine rebounds and Derrick Jones Jr. added 14 points as the Clippers won their second consecutive home game after losing the first four at their new $2 billion arena, Intuit Dome.
George scored 18 points for the 76ers in his second game of the season and first against his former team after leaving as a free agent in the offseason. The 76ers activated Joel Embiid (knee) for the first time this season, but the 2022-23 MVP remained out as he started to serve a three-game suspension for an altercation with a newspaper columnist Saturday.
Suns 115, Heat 112
Kevin Durant recorded 32 points and eight rebounds and host Phoenix topped Miami to increase its winning streak to six games.
Devin Booker added 22 points and nine assists and Jusuf Nurkic collected 20 points and 18 rebounds as Phoenix won for the seventh time in eight games this season.
Tyler Herro registered 28 points and six assists and Haywood Highsmith added 19 points for the Heat. Miami had possession with a chance to tie but didn't get a shot off in the final seconds.
Hornets 108, Pistons 107
Brandon Miller's putback at the buzzer off a missed 3-point shot gave Charlotte a dramatic victory against visiting Detroit.
Miles Bridges pumped in 27 points and LaMelo Ball scored five of his 25 points in the final minute to help the Hornets end a three-game losing streak.
Miller, who missed time earlier this season with an injury, finished with 19 points by rebounding Grant Williams' missed 3-pointer and scoring just in time. Cade Cunningham posted a triple-double in the loss (20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists).
Pacers 118, Magic 111
Indiana's Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner each recorded double-doubles, and Tyrese Haliburton capped his 17-point performance with a late 3-pointer as Indiana held off Orlando in Indianapolis.
Orlando played without injured star Paolo Banchero -- who scored 50 points when these two teams met last week -- and the Magic lost their fifth straight.
Indiana raced to an early, 18-point lead. The Magic, however, chipped away behind Franz Wagner's game-high 28 points, and made the game competitive throughout the second half until Haliburton hit a 3-pointer to give the Pacers a five-point lead with 33 seconds left.
Mavericks 119, Bulls 99
Luka Doncic had 27 points and 13 assists to lead host Dallas past cold-shooting Chicago, handing the Bulls their third straight loss.
The Mavericks feasted on poor Chicago transition defense, scoring 21 fastbreak points, and led by as much as 30.
The Bulls, playing without All-Star Zach LaVine (adductor strain), shot just 41.9 percent from the floor and were 12-of-42 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range. Nikola Vucevic led Chicago with 14 points in 25 minutes.
Kings 122, Raptors 107
DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points, including 11 in a commanding fourth quarter, to lead Sacramento past visiting Toronto.
Keegan Murray combined 22 points with 12 rebounds, De'Aaron Fox contributed 21 points, and Domantas Sabonis notched his 61st career triple-double -- and second in five days -- with 17 points, 11 boards and 13 assists.
RJ Barrett scored 23 points and Davion Mitchell added 20 for the Raptors, who led by four points after three quarters before the were outscored 33-14 in the fourth.
Hawks 121, Knicks 116
No. 1 overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher tallied career highs with 33 points and seven rebounds to lead Atlanta past visiting New York.
Risacher was 11-for-18 from the field, including 6-for-10 on 3-pointers, with three assists, three steals and two blocks to help the Hawks end a three-game home-court losing streak to the Knicks.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 34 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and Miles McBride came off the bench to add 16 points and seven assists.
Grizzlies 131, Lakers 114
Ja Morant scored 20 points before leaving the game late in the third quarter with an injury and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells also contributed 20 to lead Memphis to a victory over visiting Los Angeles.
LeBron James had 39 points to lead the Lakers, who played without injured big man Anthony Davis, the NBA's leading scorer at 32.6 points per game. Austin Reaves added 19 for Los Angeles, which lost for the fourth time in five games.
Memphis was aided by its strong long-range shooting. The Grizzlies made 17- of 34 3-pointers, including 12 of 16 in the second half. Morant took a hard fall with 3:45 left in the third quarter while attempting a left-handed dunk. He walked to the locker room and did not return. He was later diagnosed with a right hamstring injury.
Rockets 127, Spurs 100
Fred VanVleet recorded his first double-double of the season while Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun combined for 37 points as Houston cruised to a victory over visiting San Antonio.
VanVleet paired 21 points with 10 assists and also grabbed seven rebounds while enjoying a remarkable shooting night. He finished 10 of 11 from the floor, including 9 for 9 from inside the arc. Houston finished 44 for 69 (63.7 percent) on 2-pointers. Green (21 points, four 3-pointers) and Sengun (16 points) totaled 10 rebounds and eight assists.
The Spurs were undone by their 20 turnovers, which Houston converted into 20 points. Victor Wembanyama scored 15 points but missed 5 of 6 3-pointers, including his first five. Chris Paul, Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham and Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 10 points each for San Antonio.
- Suns discussing buyout with G Bradley Beal
- Magic re-signing C Moritz Wagner to 1-year, $5M deal
- Lakers re-sign C Jaxson Hayes for one year
- Ex-NBA player Ben McLemore convicted of rape charge
- Jared Dudley to join Nuggets as top assistant coach
- Mavericks re-sign G Dante Exum
- Lakers sign center DeAndre Ayton
- NBA adjusts record of all-time wins leader Gregg Popovich
- Knicks hiring Mike Brown as head coach
- On verge of $240M deal, surgery next for Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Hornets reach 3-year, $24M deal with Tre Mann
- Duncan Robinson headed to Pistons in sign-and-trade from Heat
- Tim Hardaway Jr. reaches deal with Nuggets
- Thunder F Jalen Williams undergoes wrist surgery, Nov. return expected
- Raptors C Jakob Poeltl agrees to 4-year, $104M deal
- Kings sign Dennis Schroder, deal Jonas Valanciunas to Denver
- Bucks waive Damian Lillard, sign Myles Turner
- Knicks signing Guerschon Yabusele to 2-year deal
- Thunder sign SGA to record 4-year, $285M extension
- Knicks set second interview with Mike Brown
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas was recently acquired by the team, but might not play a single game with the organization. Earlier this week, Valanciunas was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Nuggets in exchange for Dario Saric. It seemed like the Nuggets finally solved their backup center problem by acquiring the veteran center. According to Basketnews, Valanciunas is considering leaving the NBA and playing in Europe next season. It sounds like Valanciunas has an offer on the table, so he'll need to make up his mind over the summer. Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 16.9 minutes per game in 32 games with the Kings last season. The 33-year-old is certainly a solid backup center to Nikola Jokic, but the Nuggets might be forced back to the drawing board if Valanciunas decides to go to Europe.
Houston Rockets center Jock Landale has been waived by the organization on Thursday. Landale has been released ahead of his July 7 guaranteed contract. Now, Landale can sign with whoever he wants once he clears waivers. This comes as no shock after the Rockets signed Clint Capela earlier this week. There is no room for Landale with Capela and Steven Adams serving as the backup centers. Last season, Landale averaged 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists across 11.9 minutes per game in 42 contests with the Rockets. The 29-year-old should be able to find a new home, but probably won't have reliable fantasy value anywhere he goes.
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Jabari Walker to a two-way deal. Walker is a former second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers from 2022. He spent the first three seasons of his career in Portland. Last season, Walker averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists across 12.5 minutes per game in 60 contests. Those aren't great numbers, but Walker did average 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds across 23.5 minutes per game in 2023. He has shown some decent flashes during his career, but figures to only play minutes in the teens with the Sixers. At best, Walker could be a streaming option if the Sixers get banged up at some point.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors declined a sign-and-trade offer for forward Jonathan Kuminga. The proposed deal would have included Devin Carter, Dario Saric, and two second-round draft picks. However, per Slater, the Dubs reportedly "balked" at what the organization viewed as a "buy-low attempt." The 22-year-old had a seesaw season in 2024, averaging 15.3 points, a decline from the 2023 campaign. He was also limited to only 47 contests, mostly due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for 31 games, while falling out of the rotation at times during the postseason. The Warriors extended a qualifying bid to Kuminga, so the team has the ability to match any offers in restricted free agency. There should be other proposals heading in Golden State's direction regarding Kuminga, although his fantasy outlook is contingent on where he lands moving toward the new season.
According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, free-agent center Moritz Wagner (knee) agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with Orlando. The Magic declined his team option at the start of free agency, although there were reports that the club was willing to bring him back. Statistically speaking, the 28-year-old is coming off his best season in the National Basketball Association, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds. He was in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Unfortunately, Wagner suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December, limiting him to only 30 appearances. He's not expected to return until after the beginning of the 2025 campaign. Still, even when he gets back on the floor, he most likely won't be a consistent fantasy contributor, considering Orlando has Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac on the roster. That's not to say Wagner won't have increased streaming value at some point during the year if one of those players were to go down with an injury.
According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has reportedly been in talks with the team regarding a potential buyout. The veteran has two years, $110 million remaining on his current deal. However, the Suns haven't been able to move him due to his no-trade clause. Beal's production dipped in his first two years in Phoenix, most recently averaging 17.0 points while shooting 38.6% from deep during the 2024 campaign. He also was limited to 53 games, marking his sixth-straight season with 60 or fewer appearances. It's a new era for the franchise, with the team recently trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. There's a good chance Beal is the next to go. Still, he should draw interest from at least a handful of teams around the National Basketball Association, although his fantasy ceiling has never been this low at any point in his career.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, free-agent center Jaxson Hayes agreed to a one-year deal to remain with the Lakers. The 25-year-old spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles, most recently averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 58 games during the 2024 campaign. The Lakers recently signed Deandre Ayton, who will take over the duties at the five spot. With that said, Hayes could get some action in the starting lineup if Ayton goes down with an injury. Still, with Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on the floor, Hayes likely won't have an opportunity to do anything meaningful for fantasy managers, regardless of his role.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, free-agent guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) is reportedly "open" to signing with a team. However, he will only agree to a contract "under the right terms and conditions." The 2012 No. 6 overall pick averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to 58 games, mostly due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. While Lillard managed to return for the playoffs, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Game 4 meeting with the Indiana Pacers, requiring surgery. Lillard, who is currently rehabbing, was recently released by Milwaukee. It's unknown if he'll be able to get on the floor this season. With that in mind, there should be team's interested in Lillard's services, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progress, potentially stashing him in case he's cleared for action at some point during the 2025 campaign.
The Utah Jazz announced that forward Ace Bailey has signed his rookie contract. Utah selected Bailey with the fifth overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. The former Rutgers standout was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. Rumors surfaced pre-draft about whether Bailey wanted to play in Utah. He squashed the rumors by reporting to Summer League practices this week. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics and free agent forward Josh Minott have agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal. Before free agency, the Timberwolves had the option to extend Minott's contract for $2.19 million for the 2025-26 season, but declined. The 22-year-old saw action in 46 games during the 2024-25 campaign while averaging 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.0 minutes per contest. Despite limited playing time during his three years in Minnesota, Minott may see an expanded role in Beantown with forwardJayson Tatum(Achilles) most likely sidelined for the majority of the upcoming season.
Free-agent forward/centerSandro Mamukelashvili signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with a second-year player option with the Toronto Raptors, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Mamukelashvili spent the last two campaigns with the Spurs, posting averages of 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per contest during 61 regular-season games. He also shot 50.2 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range. The 26-year-old will provide the Raptors with more depth at center behind starting big man Jakob Poeltl.
According to Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com, Philadelphia 76ers guardJared McCain (knee) isn't on the team's Summer League roster. McCain is still recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury cut short his first season in the NBA after just 23 contests. While healthy, the 21-year-old averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per contest. Currently, it's not certain if McCain will be available for the team's training camp and if he could remain a solid fantasy contributor during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed on a one-year deal with Eric Gordon on Tuesday. Despite a rough first year in Philly, Gordon is back for another season with the Sixers. Gordon averaged a career-low 6.8 points with 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 39 games with the 76ers last season. He missed a good part of the season due to a wrist injury. It's a low-risk deal for the Sixers to bring in a veteran presence who is still a reliable three-point shooter. It's unlikely Gordon isn't going to offer much fantasy value, but he could be a decent contributor off the bench.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached a one-year deal with free-agent forward Larry Nance Jr. on Tuesday. After one injury-riddled season in Atlanta, Nance has decided to head back to Cleveland where he played from 2017-2021. Last season, Nance averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 19.3 minutes per game in 24 games. At this point in his career, Nance isn't going to play big minutes, but could still contribute with minutes in the teens. He figures to play a primary role off the bench behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. It probably won't be a big enough role to warrant rostering in most fantasy leagues right away.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a big splash and signed free-agent center Deandre Ayton on Wednesday. The two sides have reportedly agreed on a two-year deal. Ayton decided to opt-out of his deal with the Trail Blazers after two seasons in Portland. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 40 games with the Blazers last season. Ayton has averaged a double-double in each of his first seven seasons in the league. He'll now be surrounded with some top talent such as LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Despite that, Ayton should be able to produce top-100 fantasy value, assuming he stays healthy. It's worth noting that has been limited to less than 60 games in three of the last four seasons. When healthy, Ayton can be a serious contributor on this Lakers roster.
On Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports that free-agent guard Dante Exum has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Dallas Mavericks. Exum has dealt with several injuries throughout his NBA career and played in only 20 regular-season contests in 2024-25, averaging 8.7 points, 2.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.6 steals in 18.6 minutes per game. If the 29-year-old can stay healthy, he could see a significant increase in playing time with Kyrie Irving(knee) expected to be out through January.
On Wednesday, the Memphis Grizzlies announced forward Jaren Jackson Jr. underwent successful surgery to repair a turf toe injury in his right foot and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. Jackson will likely be good to go for the start of the regular season. The 25-year-old just signed a massive five-year, $240 million extension with Memphis. Despite the offseason setback, he is deserving of a new contract extension based on the numbers he has been producing over the last few years. During the 2024-25 campaign, the big man averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 29.8 minutes per game in 74 appearances. When healthy, Jackson holds plenty of fantasy value and should continue to do so during the 2025-26 season.
Free-agent point guard Spencer Dinwiddie agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Dinwiddie spent last season with the Mavericks, posting averages of 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per contest across 79 games. Charlotte will be the sixth team Dinwiddie has suited up for in his NBA career since his rookie campaign in 2014-15. The 31-year-old will join newly acquired guards Collin SextonandTre Mann in the Hornets' backcourt.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that forward Taurean Prince has agreed to a two-year, $7.1 million contract to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2024-25, Prince started 73 of his 80 regular-season outings during his first year in Milwaukee. He also averaged 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in 27.1 minutes per contest, while shooting a career-best 43.9 percent from three-point range. The 31-year-old could remain in the Bucks starting five, but he will likely struggle to stay a fantasy-relevant asset during the 2025-26 regular season.
Houston Rockets forward/centerJeff Green signed aone-year, $3.63 million contract to remain with the franchise. This upcoming campaign will be the third consecutive season for Green in a Rockets uniform. The 38-year-old veteran posted averages of 5.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 0.1 blocks across 12.4 minutes per contest during 32 regular-season outings. At this point in his career, the big man won't factor into fantasy in 2025-26.
