NBA roundup: Blazers hand Thunder first loss of season
Thu Nov 6 2:11am ET
Field Level Media
Deni Avdija recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and the Portland Trail Blazers recorded a 121-119 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night to hand the defending NBA champions their first setback of the season.
Jrue Holiday scored 22 points and Jerami Grant added 20 off the bench for Portland, which trailed by 22 points in the opening quarter and did not lead until five-plus minutes into the final stanza.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander registered 35 points and nine rebounds for Oklahoma City, which won its first eight games and was the NBA's last remaining unbeaten team. Aaron Wiggins scored 27 points and Ajay Mitchell added 21.
The Thunder had a chance to force overtime when Isaiah Joe (14 points) was fouled with 0.6 seconds to play. Joe's right foot was on the 3-point arc, so he was only awarded two free throws. He made the first and intentionally missed the second, but the tip-in attempt was unsuccessful.
Lakers 118, Spurs 116
Luka Doncic amassed 35 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds as Los Angeles extended its winning streak to five games with a victory over visiting San Antonio.
Deandre Ayton contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Smart added 17 points as the Lakers rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit. Los Angeles won without Austin Reaves (groin) for the second consecutive game, while LeBron James (sciatica) has yet to play this season.
Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 19 points and eight rebounds but fouled out with 1:40 remaining. Stephon Castle produced 16 points and eight assists, while Jeremy Sochan also had 16 points. But both Sochan and Harrison Barnes also fouled out.
Kings 121, Warriors 116
Russell Westbrook notched his record-extending 204th career triple-double to lead Sacramento past visiting Golden State. DeMar DeRozan added 25 points and Malik Monk had 21 off the bench in the win.
Westbrook racked up 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists for the Kings, who trailed by 13 points in the first half before finishing strongly despite being without Zach LaVine (back) and Domantas Sabonis (ribcage).
Rookie Will Richard posted 30 points in his first career start for the short-handed Warriors, who were without their three most experienced players -- Stephen Curry (illness), Draymond Green (rib contusion) and Jimmy Butler III (lower back strain).
Celtics 136, Wizards 107
Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 35 points to help Boston end a two-game skid with another win over visiting Washington.
Brown shot 13 of 21 from the floor and made 7 of 9 free-throw attempts while Josh Minott added a career-best 21 points for the Celtics, who have won their past nine games against the Wizards.
Washington turned the ball over 19 times, and the Celtics had a 30-3 edge in points off giveaways. Alex Sarr led the Wizards in points (31), rebounds (eight) and blocked shots (three). The Wizards have lost six in a row and have surrendered at least 119 points in seven of their eight games.
Cavaliers 132, 76ers 121
Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 46 points and Jarrett Allen collected 24 points and 10 rebounds, powering Cleveland to a win over visiting Philadelphia.
Evan Mobley had 23 points and Darius Garland scored eight in 26 minutes in his season debut for Cleveland, which never trailed and built a 116-90 advantage early in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers won their second straight.
Tyrese Maxey scored 14 of his 27 points in the second quarter and dished nine assists, while Quentin Grimes also had 27 points for Philadelphia. Andre Drummond added 13 points and 13 rebounds as the 76ers dropped their second in a row after opening the season 5-1.
Knicks 137, Timberwolves 114
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns each posted double-doubles for New York, which remained perfect at home this season by pulling away from Minnesota.
Brunson (23 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds) flirted with his first career triple-double. Towns finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds in his seventh double-double in eight games this season for the Knicks, who have are 5-0 at home. OG Anunoby scored a team-high 25 points and added eight rebounds while Josh Hart (18 points) and Miles McBride (14 points) each got into double figures off the bench.
Julius Randle scored 32 points for the Timberwolves, whose two-game winning streak ended. Donte DiVincenzo had 21 points while going 5 of 11 from 3-point land. Anthony Edwards, who returned after missing four games with a strained right hamstring, scored 15 points while Jaden McDaniels added 13.
Nuggets 122, Heat 112
Nikola Jokic produced 33 points, 16 assists and 15 rebounds, Aaron Gordon scored 24 points, and Denver remained unbeaten at home with a win over Miami.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 18 points off the bench for the Nuggets, who have won 11 straight regular-season games against the Heat.
Miami, which has lost three of its past four games, played most of the night without Bam Adebayo. He left late in the first quarter with a left foot injury and didn't return. Norman Powell led the Heat with 23 points.
Pistons 114, Jazz 103
Cade Cunningham scored 28 of his 31 points in the second half and added 10 assists as host Detroit pulled away from Utah.
Jalen Duren powered in 22 points and 22 rebounds in Detroit's fourth consecutive win. Ausar Thompson contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Isaiah Stewart had 10 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Caris LeVert chipped in 10 points.
Svi Mykhailiuk led the Jazz with 28 points, while Lauri Markkanen tossed in 25. Keyonte George added 19 points, and Jusuf Nurkic grabbed 17 rebounds. Utah shot just 38.4% from the field.
Nets 112, Pacers 103
Michael Porter Jr. collected 32 points and 11 rebounds to propel visiting Brooklyn to a victory over Indiana for its first win of the season in Indianapolis.
Assisting Porter in the effort were Nic Claxton (18 points and 10 rebounds) and Noah Clowney (17 points). Tyrese Martin also drained four 3-pointers as part of a 16-point performance. The Nets outscored the Pacers 32-20 in the fourth quarter to snap a season-opening seven-game losing streak. However, Brooklyn lost Cam Thomas in the first quarter to hamstring tightness.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers' attack with 23 points and nine rebounds, Ben Sheppard dropped 18 points and Jay Huff sank four 3-pointers en route to 16 points off the bench. Head coach Rick Carlisle received back-to-back technicals and was ejected eight seconds into the second half as Indiana suffered its seventh loss in its first eight games.
Rockets 124, Grizzlies 109
Amen Thompson scored a season-high 28 points with 10 rebounds and Alperen Sengun added 20 points and 16 boards to lead Houston over host Memphis for its fifth straight win.
Thompson also added seven assists while shooting 13 of 26 from the field. The Rockets have defeated their past five opponents by an average of 19.2 points.
Cam Spencer and Santi Aldama paced the Grizzlies' bench with 19 and 16 points, respectively, while Ja Morant led the starters with 17 points and eight assists. Memphis got 60 points from its reserves but only shot 38.2% from the field.
Pelicans 101, Mavericks 99
Saddiq Bey scored a season-high 22 points against Dallas to help visiting New Orleans win its second straight game after going 0-6 to open the year.
Jeremiah Fears and Jose Alvarado scored 13 points apiece for the Pelicans, who announced on Tuesday that star forward Zion Williamson would miss at least seven to 10 days due to a strained left hamstring. Herbert Jones had 12 points, while Derik Queen and Trey Murphy scored 11 apiece.
Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 20 points. P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford each scored 15 points, Max Christie added 12, Klay Thompson had 11 and Brandon Williams chipped in 10. Washington had 11 rebounds for the Mavericks, who have lost three straight.
- Expansion plans in Seattle, Vegas reportedly on NBA docket this month
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- NBA roundup: Lakers top Nuggets on Luka Doncic's last-second OT winner
- Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo out with ankle sprain
- NBA roundup: Jalen Brunson, Knicks hand Pacers 12th straight loss
- Glen 'Big Baby' Davis released from prison following fraud conviction
- NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Wilt's mark in Thunder win
- NBA roundup: Kawhi Leonard nets 45 as hot Clippers win, move over .500
- Warriors' Stephen Curry (knee) out at least 10 more days
- NBA roundup: Bam Adebayo's 83-point effort ranks 2nd all time
- 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
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) returned for his season debut Sunday and finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes against Dallas. The veteran wing looked comfortable immediately, knocking down six three-pointers on efficient shooting and potentially earning a larger role as his conditioning improves. His return could squeeze minutes for Keon Ellis and Jaylon Tyson, while Sam Merrill may also face added competition once healthy. Strus shapes up as a three-point streaming option with upside if his workload climbs during the fantasy playoffs.
Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry (adductor) will be re-evaluated in about a week after suffering a mild left adductor strain, an injury that is expected to keep him out multiple games. The veteran sharpshooter has appeared in only four contests this season and has not held a consistent role, so his absence is unlikely to shift the rotation. Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton (knee) should continue handling most of the backcourt minutes, while Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II remain deep-league options only if injuries thin the guard group further.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Spurs after turning his left ankle late in Saturday's contest. If the two-time Finals MVP sits, Bennedict Mathurin could see more scoring chances after producing 24 points with six rebounds and one block in 35 minutes off the bench last game. Darius Garland may also shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Derrick Jones Jr. could absorb extra wing minutes. Mathurin looks like a points streamer with some upside, though his minutes and role could still shift depending on how the Clippers set their rotations.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (calf) will miss at least the next week after imaging revealed a minor right calf strain, with a recheck scheduled before a potential return. Quinten Post could remain in the rotation after starting and posting 22 points with four three-pointers and three blocks in 36 minutes in his last outing, though his role may shrink once Draymond Green (back) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are fully available. Post is more of a deep-league flier for blocks and occasional threes, while Gui Santos could continue seeing steady frontcourt minutes while Horford is out.
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will undergo a season-ending arthroscopic procedure to address lingering right knee discomfort after missing extended time down the stretch. The 25-year-old enjoyed a career year, producing 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes across 43 appearances. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks should continue seeing expanded roles, with Prosper recently scoring 17 points with three three-pointers in 22 minutes and Hendricks adding five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Both profile as deep-league streamers, while GG Jackson II (foot) could also factor in once healthy.
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (knee) did not return to Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a right knee contusion, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. With the second-year guard likely to miss time on a shorthanded, development-focused roster, Bez Mbeng could see a steady run after logging 33 minutes with modest counting stats in his last outing. Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams may also see added usage. Collier remains a hold in deeper leagues, while Mbeng profiles as a speculative deep-league assist and steals streamer if he draws a start
Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks (thumb) is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, and he is likely to miss most of the remaining schedule. Maxime Raynaud should continue handling starting duties after delivering eight points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes last game, putting him on the radar as a rebounds streamer. Dylan Cardwell chipped in seven rebounds in 16 minutes and could earn a larger role as he ramps up following his recent return. Raynaud is the safer add for now, while Cardwell is a name to watch in deeper leagues if his minutes climb.
Jazz's F Cody Williams scored 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting in a 111-116 loss to Sacramento on Sunday, Mar. 15. Williams is owned in only 15.8% leagues.
Kings' F DeMar DeRozan recorded a double-double, scoring 41 points with 11 assists in a 116-111 win over the Jazz on Sunday, Mar. 15.
Pacers' F Aaron Nesmith scored 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting in a 123-134 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, Mar. 15. Nesmith is owned in only 14.3% leagues.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Mavericks and could miss time depending on how he responds at shootaround. If he sits, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears could see more minutes after posting nine points with three three-pointers and one rebound in 13 minutes off the bench last game. Fears is a speculative deep-league streamer for managers needing points and threes. Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson would likely take on more playmaking responsibilities.
Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun (back) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Lakers and could miss a second straight game due to low back pain. His absence would open frontcourt minutes, with Dorian Finney-Smith logging 27 minutes as a spot starter last game, finishing with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Clint Capela produced nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks in 22 minutes. Capela looks like a solid defensive streamer for managers needing blocks, while Finney-Smith is more of a deep-league option due to his limited offensive role. Kevin Durant could also see a slight usage bump if Sengun sits, with more scoring responsibility likely falling on his shoulders.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his third straight absence as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. Danny Wolf should continue seeing a larger role after producing 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 27 minutes as a starter in the last game. Wolf looks like a solid streaming option. Ziaire Williams and Josh Minott could also see more opportunities after combining for 23 points and five three-pointers, though both remain riskier fantasy plays due to fluctuating roles.
New York Knicks forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Warriors after sitting out Friday. The 22-year-old has played only limited reserve minutes recently, including a three-minute outing March 11 against Utah when he posted four points, one rebound, and one steal. With Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson healthy, Sochan remains buried in the frontcourt rotation. His limited role caps his fantasy value, making him a low-impact option outside of very deep leagues.
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks and could see a larger role with Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sidelined. Post logged seven points, three rebounds, and one three-pointer in 12 minutes last game and may see additional frontcourt opportunities alongside Omer Yurtseven. The opportunity is there, but Post remains a low-end fantasy option best suited for deeper leagues needing rebounds or blocks. Gui Santos should also continue seeing heavy minutes with the shorthanded Warriors.
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will remain sidelined Sunday against the Jazz, leaving the Kings thin at point guard with Russell Westbrook (foot) and Malik Monk (ankle) also unavailable. That should keep Killian Hayes in line for extended minutes as Sacramento's only healthy traditional point guard. Hayes posted 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and could see a similar opportunity again. He remains a low-end fantasy streamer, but the available minutes make him worth consideration in deeper formats. DeMar DeRozan could also see more on-ball creation.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jazz, marking his third straight absence as he continues to deal with ankle soreness. With Monk, Russell Westbrook (foot), and Devin Carter (calf) all unavailable, Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford should continue seeing backcourt minutes. Hayes remains a low-end fantasy streamer due to inconsistent production, while Clifford has been contributing across multiple categories despite inefficient shooting, including 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes last game.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (foot) will not play Sunday against the Jazz as he sits out the second game of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Tuesday. His absence should open more minutes for Killian Hayes, who could handle primary point guard duties with Malik Monk (ankle) and Devin Carter (calf) also sidelined. Hayes had 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and profiles as a low-end fantasy streamer with opportunity on his side. DeMar DeRozan may also take on more ball-handling responsibility.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Warriors after missing the team's previous two contests. His return should push Landry Shamet back into a reserve role while restoring Hart's usual workload on the wing. Hart has remained a steady fantasy contributor when active, averaging 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last five games. His rebounding from the wing and across-the-board production make him a solid hold in category leagues, while Shamet likely loses most of his short-term streaming appeal.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. He didn't play in Friday's matchup with Indiana due to knee soreness, but the Knicks haven't listed him on the injury report for Sunday's game. Mitchell Robinson made a massive impact as a starter on Friday night, finishing with 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He will return to a reserve role on Sunday, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to repeat his effort from Friday's game. In the teams' earlier meeting this season, Towns racked up 17 points and 20 boards, and with the Warriors set to play without Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), he might be in for another dominant outing.
