NBA roundup: Celtics end Sixers' unbeaten start
Mon Nov 3 11:10pm ET
Field Level Media
Jaylen Brown scored 32 points as the Boston Celtics slipped past host Philadelphia 109-108 on Friday, handing the 76ers their first loss of the season on the opening night of NBA Cup action.
Anfernee Simons added 19 points for Boston, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each chipped in with 15 points. The Celtics have won three straight games since starting the season 0-3, including a one-point loss to the Sixers in the season opener.
Tyrese Maxey had 26 points and 14 assists to pace Philadelphia. Four other Sixers scored in double figures, including Joel Embiid (20 points) and rookie VJ Edgecombe (17).
Philadelphia trailed by 10 with less than three minutes remaining but got within one and had the ball with 3.8 seconds to go. Quentin Grimes overdribbled on the final play, leaving Embiid with nothing but a desperation attempt as time expired.
Clippers 126, Pelicans 124
Kawhi Leonard capped a 34-point performance by sinking a tiebreaking 22-footer with four-tenths of a second left as Los Angeles edged visiting New Orleans.
James Harden finished with 24 points and a game-high 14 assists while Ivica Zubac had 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who improved to 3-0 at home.
Jordan Poole came off the bench to score a team-high 30 points for the Pelicans, who fell to 0-5 on the season.
Trail Blazers 109, Nuggets 107
Jerami Grant made two free throws with 1.4 seconds remaining and Portland rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to record a victory over Denver in NBA Cup play.
Deni Avdija scored 23 points and Shaedon Sharpe added 19 for Portland, which won its third consecutive game. Grant had 16 points and Jrue Holiday registered 11 points and 13 assists for the Trail Blazers, who scored the game's final seven points in the last 54 seconds.
Jamal Murray scored 22 points and Nikola Jokic had 21 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists for the Nuggets, who had a three-game winning streak halted.
Bulls 135, Knicks 125
Josh Giddey scored a career-high 32 points and Nikola Vucevic added 26 as Chicago beat visiting New York to improve to 5-0, the Bulls' best start since the 1996-97 campaign.
Chicago has relied on its depth during its hot start, and that was on display again as the Bulls outscored New York 53-21 in bench points.
Ayo Dosunmu added 22 points and Matas Buzelis 13 for the Bulls, while Giddey added 10 rebounds and nine assists. Jalen Brunson scored 29 points for the Knicks, who have lost three straight.
Lakers 117, Grizzlies 112
Luka Doncic returned after a three-game injury absence to lead visiting Los Angeles past Memphis, dropping the Grizzlies to 1-8 all time in NBA Cup play.
Doncic finished with 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes. Austin Reaves added 21 for the Lakers, following a stretch in which he averaged 40 points and 10 assists in the three games without Doncic.
For the Grizzlies, Jock Landale and Jaylen Wells had 16 points each while Ja Morant struggled from the outset and finished with only eight points on 3-of-14 shooting. Morant did not score in the second half and went 0-for-6 from long range.
Suns 118, Jazz 96
Devin Booker sank six 3-pointers and scored 36 points as host Phoenix broke a four-game losing streak with a victory over Utah.
Ryan Dunn amassed 13 points and 10 rebounds, Grayson Allen had 14 points and seven rebounds and Royce O'Neale added 13 points for the Suns, who avenged a 138-134 overtime loss at Utah on Monday.
Lauri Markkanen finished with 33 points and four 3-pointers, Keyonte George had 17 points and Walker Kessler grabbed 13 rebounds for the Jazz, who took their second straight loss while opening a five-game road trip.
Hawks 128, Pacers 108
Jalen Johnson posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists as Atlanta beat Indiana in a battle of depleted lineups in Indianapolis.
The Hawks put the game away with a dominant third quarter in which they outscored the Pacers 34-17, held a 20-8 advantage on the glass and limited Indiana to 5-for-24 shooting. Pascal Siakam topped the Pacers with 17 points.
Atlanta was without Trae Young (right knee sprain) while Indiana, which remained winless through five games, was missing several players because of injuries.
Raptors 112, Cavaliers 101
Brandon Ingram collected 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists while RJ Barrett and Jamison Battle also had 20 points apiece as Toronto beat the short-handed Cavaliers in Cleveland.
Scottie Barnes posted 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Raptors, who had lost four straight since a season-opening win.
Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley scored a season-high 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds while De'Andre Hunter scored 26 for Cleveland, which played without four injured starters, including Donovan Mitchell.
- 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon) out at least 3 weeks
- Lakers' Luka Doncic fined $50K for gesture toward refs
- NBA roundup: James Harden scores 29,000th point in Cavs' win over 76ers
- NBA cancels Hawks' controversial strip club promotion
- NBA roundup: Suns halt Hornets' 10-game road winning streak
- 76ers All-Star G Tyrese Maxey (finger) to miss at least 2 games
- Bucks star PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sitting out vs. Magic
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks
- NBA roundup: Down 23, Nets stun Pistons to halt 10-game skid
- Mavericks F Khris Middleton fined $25K for mouthpiece incident
- Celtics C Nikola Vucevic (finger) sidelined 3-4 weeks
- NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum thrives in return as Celtics beat Mavs
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow) sitting out vs. Pacers
- Suns F Dillon Brooks arrested on suspicion of DUI
- NBA roundup: LeBron James sets record, gets hurt in Lakers' loss to Nuggets
- Lakers' LeBron James hurts elbow in loss to Nuggets
- Lakers' Deandre Ayton (knee) leaves game against Nuggets
- Mavs F Cooper Flagg (foot) set to return Thursday on minutes restriction
- Wizards' Anthony Davis (hand) cleared for individual activities
- Celtics' Jayson Tatum questionable to make season debut vs. Mavs
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (knee) is available to play ahead of Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Allen is back in the mix after sitting out Sunday's game due to a knee injury. His absence could've been for rest purposes with Allen playing heavy minutes lately. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for Haywood Highsmith. Allen has been a solid source of points since returning from injury in late February. Fantasy managers can get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. This is tough news for the Raptors, with Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) also sidelined. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Wednesday to see if Poeltl can return for the second leg of the back-to-back set. Sandro Mamukelashvili should take on a heavier role with Poeltl out for this game. He's worth a look as a streaming option in most fantasy formats while the Raptors are shorthanded. Jonathan Mogbo could see increased minutes as well, but Mamukelashvili is the primary add here.
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Sharpe will make his first absence since mid-January while he deals with a thumb sprain. Nicolas Claxton could see an increased role as the starting center without Sharpe available. Also, Danny Wolf and Ochai Agbaji are likely to see more minutes during Tuesday's game. Claxton is the best fantasy option here, but Wolf and Agbaji are decent streaming choices with Sharpe and Ziaire Williams (illness) out.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (rest) is back in the mix ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Porter is returning to the rotation after sitting out Monday's game for rest purposes. Over his last 10 games, Porter is averaging 21.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 31.5 minutes per game. Porter has scored nearly 50 total points with 26 rebounds over his last two games. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure he's in there ahead of tip-off. The return of Porter should mean reduced roles for Danny Wolf and possibly Ochai Agbaji.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Bobby Portis (back) is ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. He wasn't on the initial injury report, but will ultimately sit out due to a back contusion. The Bucks are going to be thin at the center spot with Jericho Sims (knee) also sidelined. The absence of these two should mean Pete Nance will fill in as the primary backup to Myles Turner. Nance finished with six points, three rebounds, and two steals across 22 minutes on Sunday. He'll offer some deep league value with the Bucks being shorthanded on Tuesday.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (neck) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. He's dealing with a lingering neck issue, and this will be his first absence since mid-January. The absence of Pritchard should open up playing time for Baylor Scheierman, Huge Gonzalez, and Sam Hauser. Scheierman is coming off a solid double-double performance during Sunday's game. He's worth a look as a streaming choice without Pritchard available. Also, Hauser has been a consistent contributor and is worth a look as well for fantasy managers seeking help ahead of Tuesday's slate.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (finger) is set to miss significant time after suffering an injury during Saturday's game. Maxey has been diagnosed with a tendon injury in his right pinky finger. The superstar guard will be shut down and re-evaluated in three weeks. The plan is for Maxey to be re-evaluated on March 31, so fantasy managers won't have him through much of the fantasy playoffs. VJ Edgecombe should move into the starting point guard role with Maxey sidelined. Edgecombe should be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats, while Cameron Payne could offer deep league value as his backup.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (quad) has been downgraded to out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. He was a late addition to the injury report due to a quad issue that will ultimately force him to miss this game. His absence should mean increased playing time for Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Myron Gardner. Among the three players, Jaquez is the best fantasy option, with the two others being viewed as possible deep league options.
Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports that Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (back) is available to play on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Edgecombe previously carried a questionable tag, but he has since been cleared to play after missing three straight games due to a lumbar contusion. In his return, the 20-year-old rookie is expected to carry a heavier workload with Tyrese Maxey (finger) out this evening.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Kuminga is set to miss his third game in a row due to a lingering knee injury. The Hawks haven't given a timetable on his return, but his next chance to play will come on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. The absence of Kuminga should mean that Corey Kispert and Zacchaire Risacher should continue to see increased playing time. Kispert has been inconsistent this season, so Risacher is the better choice for a streaming option while Kuminga is out.
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (wrist) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Moody will be out of action for the fourth consecutive contest due to a sprained right wrist. His next chance to suit up is Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Moody is on the shelf, Gui Santos will continue to see extra opportunities. The 22-year-old forward is coming off a solid performance, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals during Monday's loss to Utah.
According to Dane Moore of The Dane Moore NBA Podcast, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (knee) is available for Tuesday's game after missing one contest with a right knee issue. The veteran forward has played a limited role in his second stint with Minnesota, averaging 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 14.5 minutes across his first two appearances. Given his modest workload, Anderson is unlikely to provide meaningful fantasy value on Tuesday.
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Will Richard (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. The 23-year-old missed four consecutive games due to a right ankle sprain. Before the injury, Richard had been fairly productive, averaging 10.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 21.1 minutes per contest across his previous five outings. However, he is not considered a reliable streaming option on Tuesday, as his minutes could be limited while he works his way back from the absence.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (toe) will play on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. Horford missed the first set of a back-to-back on Monday due to toe injury maintenance. The 39-year-old veteran center is averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks across 21.8 minutes per contest in 41 games this season. Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is also set to return, so Quinten Post (foot) and Malevy Leons minutes on the floor will be significantly shortened during tonight's contest.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is available for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Porzingis returns to the Warriors' rotation after sitting out Monday's loss to the Utah Jazz for maintenance. The 30-year-old recently returned to action in Saturday's loss to Oklahoma City following a six-game absence, finishing with nine points, five rebounds, five assists and one block in 23 minutes. However, he will likely remain on a minutes restriction as the team continues to ease him back into the lineup.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (back) was added to the team's injury report as questionable with a back contusion for Tuesday night's home game against the Suns. Portis has scored at least 12 points in six straight games and is coming off a big 18-point, 10-rebound double-double on Sunday. Since Jericho Sims (knee) and Taurean Prince (neck) are also questionable, there could be large workloads available for Kyle Kuzma and Pete Nance. If Prince is able to play, his minutes will likely be minimal since he has not played since Nov. 4.
Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (groin) is ready to return from a three-game absence and will be back in action after being upgraded from probable to available. He could step right into a large role in a smash spot against the Washington Wizards. Kel'el Ware (shoulder), Norman Powell (groin), Andrew Wiggins (toe), and Nikola Jovic (back) are all out, and Tyler Herro (quad) is questionable. Fontecchio could fill in at forward and brings lots of offensive upside. He had 12 points in 20 minutes in his most recent game last Tuesday, and he could be in a similar role in this contest, depending on who else is available or out for Miami.
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (shoulder) was ruled out after being listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Wizards. Ware is dealing with a shoulder strain and will miss his first game since Jan. 25. Without him, Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Nikola Jovic (back) on Tuesday, Bam Adebayo will have to play heavy minutes at center with Vladislav Goldin as the only other true center available. That should open up more time for Simone Fontecchio, Jaime Jaquez, and Myron Gardner at forward. Jaquez logged 29 minutes in the team's last game against Detroit, producing 19 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Gardner started but played just 17 minutes with four points and six rebounds.
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (injury management) has only played two games for the Wizards since being acquired at the trade deadline, and Tuesday won't be his third after he was ruled out for injury management. He has averaged 14.5 points and 7.0 assists in just 18.5 minutes in his two games for the Wizards, and his next chance to return to the lineup will be Thursday against the Magic. Without Trae on Tuesday, Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson are in line for more work in Washington's backcourt, while more usage will be available for Will Riley, Bilal Coulibaly, and Jaden Hardy as well.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (quad) was a late addition to the injury report for Tuesday's game, which is never a good sign for a player's availability. He has missed time this season with a variety of ailments, and he is now dealing with quad soreness. He played 30 minutes on Sunday against the Pistons and racked up 25 points in Miami's win. Before that, he lit up the Hornets for 33 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds on Friday. He's been rolling and has a great matchup against Washington if he's at 100%, but if he is unable to give it a go, Pelle Larsson and Jaime Jaquez could be more involved for the Heat. If that happens, both would bring high ceilings as streaming or DFS plays.
