NBA roundup: Stunning comeback lifts Celtics over Heat
Sat Feb 7 8:36am ET
Field Level Media
Jaylen Brown scored 29 points and Payton Pritchard finished with 24 as the Boston Celtics overcame a 22-point deficit to stun the visiting Miami Heat 98-96 on Friday night.
Miami had possession with a chance to tie or win the game, but Davion Mitchell missed a 3-point attempt from the corner with 2.7 seconds left. Miami knocked the ball out of bounds on the rebound attempt, allowing the Celtics to run out the clock.
Nikola Vucevic had 11 points and 12 rebounds in his first game with Boston after being acquired in a trade with Chicago earlier in the week. Derrick White added 21 points for the Celtics, including a 3-pointer that put Boston in front 98-96 with 1:31 to play. The victory extended Boston's winning streak to five games.
The Heat scored the game's first nine points and led by as many as 19 points in the opening quarter. The Celtics were 6 of 24 from the field, including 1 of 10 from 3-point territory, in the quarter and trailed 29-15 after 12 minutes.
Pistons 118, Knicks 80
Daniss Jenkins scored 18 points, helping host Detroit snap New York's eight-game winning streak with an emphatic win.
Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris scored 15 points apiece as the Pistons overwhelmed New York in a matchup of the Eastern Conference's top two teams, winning their fifth straight game over the Knicks while bouncing back from a stunning loss to Washington the night before.
Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 19 points. All-Star Jalen Brunson was held to 12 points, made just 4 of 20 shots and missed on all eight of his 3-point attempts. Jordan Clarkson added 11 points.
Pelicans 119, Timberwolves 115
Saddiq Bey scored 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds as New Orleans rallied for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis. The Pelicans outscored the Timberwolves 30-21 in the fourth quarter.
Zion Williamson added 29 points on 11-for-13 shooting for New Orleans, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Trey Murphy III added 26 points and made a half-dozen shots from beyond the arc.
Anthony Edwards scored 35 points on 11-for-22 shooting to lead Minnesota, which lost for only the second time in the past seven games. Julius Randle scored 24 points, Bones Hyland chipped in 20, and Rudy Gobert registered 12 points and 16 boards.
Bucks 105, Pacers 99
Kevin Porter Jr. scored 23 points and dished eight assists to lead Milwaukee to a victory over visiting Indiana, giving the Bucks their first three-game winning streak of the season.
Ryan Rollins added 22 points while Bobby Portis scored 21 and Jericho Sims grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds for Milwaukee.
Indiana fell for the third game in a row despite Andrew Nembhard putting up 22 points, all but four coming in the fourth quarter, and eight assists. Pascal Siakam contributed 19 points.
Trail Blazers 135, Grizzlies 115
Jerami Grant scored 23 points and Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists to help Portland roll to a victory over visiting Memphis in the first of back-to-back games between the teams.
Toumani Camara had 15 points and Donovan Clingan recorded 13 points and 17 rebounds as the Trail Blazers halted a six-game slide. Portland scored 81 points during the middle two quarters.
Cam Spencer scored 18 points on 7-of-8 shooting off the bench and GG Jackson added 15 points for the Grizzlies, who lost for the seventh time in nine games.
Clippers 114, Kings 111
Kawhi Leonard produced a game-high 31 points, Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. contributed and-ones to a fourth-quarter pull-away and Los Angeles handed host Sacramento its 11th straight defeat.
Playing short-handed in the aftermath of trades this week that saw them export James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers trailed 84-81 early in the fourth quarter before outlasting the Kings for the 11th win in their past 15 games.
Leonard went 12-for-12 at the free-throw line en route to his 13th 30-point performance of the season. He also found time for nine rebounds and a game-high seven assists.
- NBA roundup: Stunning comeback lifts Celtics over Heat
- Luka Doncic (hamstring) out vs. Warriors but reportedly isn't badly hurt
- Nuggets' Peyton Watson (hamstring) out at least 4 weeks
- Mike Conley Jr. close to rejoining Timberwolves
- NBA roundup: Lakers stop 76ers despite Luka Doncic's injury exit
- Lakers' Luka Doncic headed for MRI on sore left hamstring
- Celtics' Xavier Tillman traded to Hornets in buzzer-beater
- Nets waive G Cam Thomas after trade deadline
- Scottie Pippen set to auction treasure trove of hoops memorabilia
- Trade winners and losers: Cavs deliver, Bulls not so much
- Knicks G Miles 'Deuce' McBride out indefinitely
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant stay put as deadline passes
- Sixers trade veteran G Eric Gordon to Grizzlies
- Hornets trade veteran G Tyus Jones to Mavericks
- Clippers send C Ivica Zubac to Pacers, land two first-round picks
- Nuggets trade F Hunter Tyson to Nets, get luxury tax relief
- Celtics trade F Chris Boucher to Jazz
- Knicks acquiring G Jose Alvarado from Pelicans
- Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain with Milwaukee
- Nets acquire G Ochai Agbaji from Raptors as part of 3-team trade
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will sit out Saturday against the Lakers as the team continues to manage his left Achilles following a midweek trade. His next opportunity to return is Monday versus Memphis. With Porzingis unavailable, Golden State is expected to keep Draymond Green and Al Horford anchoring the frontcourt in stable roles. There is also a quiet opportunity on the wing, where Gui Santos has earned consecutive starts and averaged 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists across his last two games.
Miami Heat guard/forward Pelle Larsson (elbow) did not return to Friday's loss to Boston after sustaining a right elbow contusion, finishing with zero points, five rebounds, and three assists in 12 minutes. His status for Sunday against Washington is uncertain. Should Larsson sit, Simone Fontecchio could pick up extra run, though his fantasy appeal remains tied almost entirely to scoring, while Myron Gardner is a deep-league flier only. Gardner has started two recent games, averaging 13.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in 22.5 minutes in those starts, but his role and production remain inconsistent.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) exited Friday's loss to Detroit in the third quarter and did not return after aggravating a right ankle injury. He posted five points, six rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes. Hart had already been managing a left ankle issue, putting his status for Sunday against Boston in doubt. If he misses time, Landry Shamet profiles as a points and threes streamer after averaging 14.5 points and 3.8 triples over his last four games. Jordan Clarkson would see a modest usage bump, while recently acquired Jose Alvarado could carve out a role once cleared to play.
Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter (eye) did not return after exiting in the third quarter Friday against the Clippers and is questionable for Saturday's matchup with Cleveland. Hunter struggled in his first two games with Sacramento, averaging 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 25.5 minutes while shooting 21.1 percent from the field. If Hunter misses time and Keegan Murray (ankle) remains out, Nique Clifford becomes a viable streamer after posting 15.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks across his last two games.
Washington Wizards forward/center Anthony Davis (hand) is expected to sit out the rest of the 2025-26 season after being acquired in a deadline deal, with the organization prioritizing a full recovery. Davis has not played since Jan. 8 and will not rush back as Washington looks ahead to next year. For fantasy managers, the impact lands in Dallas, where Daniel Gafford steps into a heavier workload. Gafford has logged 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks over his last three starts, making him a strong hold with top-60 upside. Marvin Bagley III is a deeper-league watch for scoring and boards, while P.J. Washington gains frontcourt stability.
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Shaedon Sharpe (calf) did not return to Friday's game against Memphis after suffering a left calf injury, finishing with two points on 0-for-2 shooting, two rebounds, and two assists in 14 minutes. His availability for Saturday's rematch is uncertain, putting Portland's wing rotation in flux. If Sharpe misses time, Vit Krejci and Sidy Cissoko project as short-term streamers. Krejci logged 11 points with two 3-pointers and two blocks in 23 minutes, while Cissoko posted nine points, two assists, and two steals in 25 minutes. Deni Avdija (back) would also absorb usage if cleared.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as probable, but has now been downgraded to out for this game. It's not shocking to see the Knicks being cautious with Anunoby after he played 48 minutes during Wednesday's game. The absence of Anunoby should mean Mohamed Diawara will move into the starting five on Friday. The rookie forward hasn't seen a consistent role in the rotation this season. He finished with five points across 14 minutes of action on Wednesday. Josh Hart might end up benefiting the most, even with Diawara drawing the start.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Harris is returning to the court after missing Thursday's game due to a hip injury. He could see an uptick in playing time with Jalen Duren (knee) being ruled out for this game. Isaiah Stewart should shift over to the center spot, which could mean more total run for Harris at the forward position. This season, Harris is averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. He's not an elite option, but he is consistent enough to be trusted in most fantasy formats.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Duren was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's contest due to a knee injury. As a result, Duren was questionable coming into this game and will ultimately sit out. Without Duren available, Isaiah Stewart figures to move into the starting five. Stewart has been an inconsistent fantasy contributor this season. He should be a safer option on Friday, given Duren is unavailable. He could be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking an option for Friday's slate. Ronald Holland II and Paul Reed could also see more minutes, but Stewart is probably the best option among the three.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Harris is making his return to the court after missing four games due to a lingering hamstring injury. Harris wasn't playing a huge role in the rotation before the injury, but could see more minutes now with Amir Coffey being traded away. This season, Harris is averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.9 minutes per game. His playing time figures to see an uptick, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering him in fantasy leagues right now.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain doesn't appear on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. McCain was traded to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers during Thursday's trade deadline. It appears McCain is set to make his team debut against the Rockets on Saturday. He could see a significant workload right away with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both out. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for a sneaky add might want to consider McCain. His value could fade once the Thunder gets healthy, but he figures to see consistent minutes right now.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Holmgren sat out of Wednesday's contest for injury management reasons, but will return this weekend. He has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season. He's averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season. His return to the rotation will shift Kenrich Williams back to the second unit. Fantasy managers can return the star big man to their lineups for Saturday's slate.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (eye) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Hartenstein is back after sitting out Wednesday's game due to a corneal abrasion. He missed significant time due to a calf injury and has only played in three games since returning on January 29. During that span, Hartenstein is averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes of action. The expectation is that he'll likely remain on a minutes restriction for Saturday's game. That will hurt his value in DFS contests, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Hartenstein active this weekend.
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle (thumb) will play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He is ready to show his former team what they are missing, shedding a questionable tag Randle picked up because of a sore left thumb. Impressively, Randle has yet to miss any games this season. He's had a great campaign in Minnesota, though Randle's numbers have dipped slightly over the last 10 games. He has notched 20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over that span.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) won't play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. Due to a right eye laceration, the Knicks listed Toews as questionable on the initial injury report. He was downgraded to doubtful earlier on Friday and has now been ruled out. His absence will likely give Mitchell Robinson the starting center role, while Ariel Hukporti will get a chance to log extended minutes off the bench. Whether Robinson starts or not, his stats have stayed about the same throughout the season. Towns' first chance to return will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) will suit up against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but he is ready to play. New York listed Hart as questionable on the initial injury report before upgrading him to probable earlier in the day. Hart has averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last eight outings.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Portis is back after missing each of the last two games due to a hip injury. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go and won't be limited after missing two games. This season, Portis is averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He has been playing more minutes lately, with 36 minutes or more in four of his last five games. Portis is looking like a solid streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't be available on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. A left hamstring strain will keep him off the floor for a sixth consecutive game. With Tre Jones (hamstring) also out, the Bulls debuted a new-look backcourt against Toronto on Thursday. Newly acquired Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey both started, with the former scoring a team-high 22 points. Ivey made an impact with 13 points and six assists. The two look like solid fantasy options again for Saturday's action.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Saturday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. He is closing in on his return to the lineup, and Johnson's comeback would come at a great time for the Nuggets, who have just lost Peyton Watson (hamstring) for several weeks. However, because he has not played since Dec. 23, Johnson will likely see limited minutes when he first comes back. Johnson has been inconsistent during his first year in Denver, averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) doesn't have a timeline for his return, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The former MVP is set to miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry has been dealing with "runner's knee" for a while. With Curry sidelined, Gui Santos has made back-to-back starts, providing a little bit of everything. At the same time, backcourt players like De'Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer also have more fantasy appeal. They slotted into the starting lineup as well on Thursday against Phoenix, with Spencer producing a team-high 20 points.
