NBA roundup: Down 16 in 3rd, Pacers overtake Kings
Tue Apr 1 2:52am ET
Field Level Media
Aaron Nesmith scored a team-high 24 points, helping the Indiana Pacers rally to a 111-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday in Indianapolis.
Obi Toppin added 19 points and seven rebounds off the bench for Indiana (44-31), which won its seventh game in nine tries, and did so after trailing by 16 in the third quarter. Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 18 points and 11 assists. Indiana is fourth in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the idle Detroit Pistons.
Sacramento (36-39) was paced by DeMar DeRozan's 31 points and eight assists and Domantas Sabonis's 25-point, 16-rebound output. Zach LaVine scored 20 for the Kings, who have lost six of their last seven and are 10th in the Western Conference, one game up on the idle Phoenix Suns for the final play-in tournament spot.
With the Kings leading 98-95, Haliburton scored five straight, including a stepback triple with 1:17 left, returning the lead to Indiana for the first time since the second quarter. After forcing a Sacramento shot clock violation, Pascal Siakam's 3-pointer with 36 seconds remaining gave Indiana a 103-98 lead. Nesmith iced the game with a pair of free throws with less than five seconds left.
Thunder 145, Bulls 117
Isaiah Joe led the way with a season-high-tying 31 points as Oklahoma City beat visiting Chicago for its 10th win in a row.
The Thunder are 28-1 against Eastern Conference opponents this season, setting a record for most out-of-conference wins in NBA history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. He added 12 assists in just 27 minutes of action as he sat out the fourth quarter with the outcome well in hand.
The Bulls took their second consecutive loss and fell to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. The game was the first in Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey since being traded to the Bulls in exchange for Caruso in the offseason. Giddey received a large ovation and finished 6 of 15 for 15 points, with 10 assists and eight rebounds.
Celtics 117, Grizzlies 103
Al Horford came off the bench to score 26 points and grab eight rebounds as visiting Boston extended its winning streak to nine games by beating Memphis.
Horford made six 3-pointers in the win, which gave Boston (56-19) six victories during its six-game road trip. The Celtics have won eight in a row on the road overall and are 32-7 record in road games this season. Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Boston's Derrick White finished with 14 points and made three 3-pointers, the second of which set a franchise record for most made 3-pointers in a season (246).
Ja Morant scored a team-high 26 points for the Grizzlies, who received 20 points and 15 rebounds from Jaren Jackson Jr. Santi Aldama tossed in 21 points. Memphis (44-31) has lost six of its last seven games. The Grizzlies are 0-2 since they fired head coach Taylor Jenkins and named Tuomas Iisalo interim head coach.
Nets 113, Mavericks 109
Keon Johnson scored 24 points as visiting Brooklyn stunned streaking Dallas in a back-and-forth thriller.
DeAngelo Russell added 18 points for the Nets, who secured consecutive wins for the first time since winning three straight from Feb. 7-12.
Daniel Gafford led the Mavericks in scoring with 17 points in his return from a knee injury sustained on Feb. 10. Dallas' Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie each missed 3-point attempts that would have put their team on top in the last seven seconds.
Clippers 96, Magic 87
Ivica Zubac finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds, Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard each added 21 points, and Los Angeles delivered one of its best defensive performances of the season en route to a win at Orlando.
The 87 points were the second-fewest the Clippers (43-32) allowed this season, and they held the Magic to 30-of-76 shooting (39.5 percent) from the floor. Los Angeles capped a 3-1 road trip.
Orlando's Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 26 points despite shooting 1-for-8 from 3-point range. Franz Wagner added 21 points for the Magic, who had won four of the previous give games.
Lakers 104, Rockets 98
Bench players Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith each drained six 3-pointers while scoring 20 points, sparking Los Angeles to a victory over visiting Houston.
Vincent matched his season high for treys and Finney-Smith established a season best for 3-pointers. Luka Doncic added 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Lakers, who won their second straight game and their third in the past four. LeBron James chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds.
Amen Thompson scored 20 points and Dillon Brooks added 16 for the second-place Rockets, who lead the third-place Denver Nuggets by 1 1/2 games and the fourth-place Lakers by 2 1/2 games in the Western Conference race.
Heat 120, Wizards 94
Bam Adebayo scored 28 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out five assists to lead the Miami Heat over the Washington Wizards.
The Heat won their fifth game in a row as they try to improve their standing for the upcoming Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Miami's Tyler Herro contributed 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting, although he went a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line, and totaled five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
The last-place Wizards dropped their third in a row. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with a game-high 35 points on 10-for-17 shooting, including 7-for-13 success from 3-point range.
Hornets 110, Jazz 106
Miles Bridges posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to lead host Charlotte over Utah and snap a five-game losing streak in the process.
Hornets center Mark Williams chipped in an 18-point, 13-rebound effort and four other players scored in double figures for Charlotte.
Keyonte George had 20 points for the Jazz, who lost for the 16th time in 17 games and hit the 60-loss mark for the first time in team history. With 17 points, seven dimes and three steals, rookie Isaiah Collier broke John Stockton's franchise rookie assists record.
- NBA roundup: Down 16 in 3rd, Pacers overtake Kings
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- Grizzlies GM: Taylor Jenkins fired due to 'urgency' of season
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- Hornets G LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) out for rest of season
- Sixers G Tyrese Maxey (finger) out two more games
- Grizzlies fire coach Taylor Jenkins despite 44-29 record
- Nets sign F Drew Timme to multi-year contract
- NBA roundup: Josh Giddey, Bulls stun Lakers at buzzer
- NBA teams with FIBA to explore European league
- NBA abandons All-Star tourney format
- Warriors' Gary Payton II (thumb) out indefinitely
- Lakers waiving veteran F Cam Reddish
- NBA roundup: LeBron James' buzzer-beater lifts Lakers past Pacers
- Celtics' Jayson Tatum (ankle) sits out vs. Suns
- NBA raising salary cap max 10 percent for 2025-26 season
Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Guerschon Yabusele (knee) will not play on Tuesday against the New York Knicks. After missing Sunday's loss to the Toronto Raptors, the feisty Frenchman was not included in the initial injury report for Tuesday's game, but he has now been ruled out due to a sore right knee. Alex Reese and Marcus Bagley will receive more playing opportunities on Tuesday, while Adem Bona will continue to start at center. Bona has had a strong eight-game stretch, averaging 12.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks.
Chicago Bulls point guard Jevon Carter (shoulder) will exit the lineup on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. The veteran guard put up 17 points in 18 minutes during Monday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but a shoulder issue will keep him off the court Tuesday night. Carter's absence has no fantasy significance, as he has made only five appearances since the start of March, averaging 10.8 minutes per game.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Towns was added to the injury report late and has been downgraded from questionable to out as the Knicks get ready to kick off a back-to-back set. The team has a big matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers coming up on Wednesday night, and Towns may be ready to jump back into action for that one. On Tuesday, Mitchell Robinson will start at center instead of Towns, while Precious Achiuwa could also receive additional work in the frontcourt.
Chicago Bulls forward Dalen Terry (calf) will miss Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. He has been ruled out with a right calf contusion. Terry will be out of action for the first time since Feb. 22. His first chance to return will be on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Talen Horton-Tucker may receive more playing time while Terry is on the mend. He re-entered the rotation in Monday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, notching 16 points in 16 minutes with a pair of assists.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (knee) will be active on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. It was initially unclear whether Smith could play when Chicago listed him as questionable on the injury report. The big man is experiencing pain in his right knee. Over the last three weeks, Smith has featured in only a handful of games, but he played well in Monday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes.
Chicago Bulls forward Julian Phillips (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. He has played in every game since the beginning of February but must take some time off to recover from a right quadriceps contusion. Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams should absorb Phillips' minutes in Tuesday's contest. Buzelis has provided more fantasy value recently, averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks over the past five games.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (thumb) will be back in action on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. He missed Monday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a thumb sprain. Following a disappointing first half of the season in Sacramento, Huerter has flourished with the Bulls, averaging 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. He has improved his numbers to 15.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists since joining the starting lineup on March 13.
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. He was initially listed as doubtful on the injury report. Ball was expected to return from a right wrist sprain last week, but he seems to have suffered a setback. He will be sidelined for his 16th consecutive game on Tuesday. Kevin Huerter (thumb) has delivered productive performances during Ball's absence and is poised for another strong outing against Toronto after the team upgraded his status from questionable to available.
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Josh Giddey (hip) will play on Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors. Giddey recently sustained a hip injury but has remained in the lineup and is good to go Tuesday night as Chicago completes a back-to-back. On Monday, Giddey returned to Oklahoma City and fell just a couple of rebounds short of a triple-double. He was fantastic throughout March, averaging 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.5 steals. Toronto's mediocre defense likely won't be good enough to slow Giddey down.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (hamstring) is not ready to return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Initially, there was a chance Beal would return when the team listed him as questionable on the injury report, but he has now officially been ruled out. This will be Beal's eighth consecutive absence. Collin Gillespie will continue to have an expanded role due to Beal's absence. He has started seven consecutive games, averaging 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.9 minutes over that span.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (knee) won't play on Tuesday versus the Hawks. Grant has already missed 10 games because of knee soreness. However, there's a chance he won't play again this season, especially if the Blazers don't make the Play-In. At any rate, with Anfernee Simons (forearm) and Scoot Henderson (concussion) ruled out, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija should lead the way on the scoring end. Dalano Banton will also enter the starting lineup, increasing his fantasy ceiling.
Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's clash against the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness, initially listed as questionable before the team officially ruled him out for the game. The Suns will also be without Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal (hamstring) on Tuesday, placing extra responsibility on players like Collin Gillespie, Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Cody Martin to step up their performance.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton will start in Tuesday's game against the Hawks. Anfernee Simons (forearm) and Scoot Henderson (concussion) won't suit up, so Banton will roll with the first five on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old went scoreless in Sunday's loss to the Knicks. However, with Jerami Grant (knee) also ruled out, Banton is worth considering for most fantasy lineups.
Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young (Achilles) will be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The team has upgraded Young to available after initially listing him as probable for the contest. Young ranks sixth in the league with 45 double-doubles, averaging 24.1 points and 11.5 assists for the season. He narrowly missed out on a double-double in this season's first meeting with the Trail Blazers, posting 29 points and eight assists in a 114-110 loss on Nov. 17.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (forearm) won't play on Tuesday against Atlanta. He has been dealing with a forearm injury of late, although he was able to play in Sunday's loss to the Knicks, finishing with 15 points, four assists, and two steals. However, with Simons and Scoot Henderson (concussion) ruled out, Dalano Banton will get the start, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers. Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, and Deni Avdija are also in line for more scoring opportunities, especially with Jerami Grant (knee) also unable to suit up.
On Tuesday, the NBA suspended Detroit Pistons guardMarcus Sasser (suspension) for one game, Shams Charania of ESPNreports. Sasser was thrown out in the second quarter of Sunday's contest against Minnesota after a scuffle with several players. He will be unavailable for Wednesday's matchup with the Thunder. The 24-year-old is eligible to make his return Friday versus the Raptors. Teammate Ron Hollandwas suspended for one game, whileIsaiah Stewart was tagged with a two-game ban.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the NBA suspended Detroit Pistons forward/centerIsaiah Stewart(suspension) for two games on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was ejected from Sunday's game against Minnesota due to an on-court altercation that involved several players. Stewart has to sit Wednesday against the Thunder and Friday versus the Raptors. Teammates Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland were also involved in the scuffle and will serve a one-game suspension. While these players are out of action, Paul Reed, Lindy Waters, and Simone Fontecchio will likely see an uptick in minutes but will not make much of an impact, fantasy-wise.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (foot) will play against the Suns on Tuesday night. It's not uncommon to see the two-time MVP listed on the injury report. But as has been the case for most of the 2024-25 campaign, he was listed as probable, so fantasy managers expected to have him in the lineup. Antetokounmpo had 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five rebounds in his only matchup against Phoenix this season. However, he won't have to deal with Kevin Durant (ankle) and possibly Royce O'Neale (illness) this time around.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (pelvis) won't play on Tuesday versus Memphis. He logged only six minutes in Sunday's win over the San Antonio Spurs before taking a hard fall, suffering a pelvic contusion. As such, it appears there's a chance the 22-year-old could miss more time moving forward. In the meantime, Buddy Hield, coming off a 19-point effort, is the favorite to benefit the most off the bench. Gui Santos and Quinten Post could also see extra work.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Heat. He has been dealing with a right knee injury of late, most recently keeping him off the floor for Monday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Xavier Tillman Sr. got the start. However, he had only two points, three rebounds, and one steal in seven minutes of work. With that said, not only is Brown questionable for Wednesday's contest, but Al Horford (toe), Kristaps Porzingis (return from illness reconditioning), and Jrue Holiday (shoulder) are also in danger of not playing. As a result, Tillman, Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard could see a bump in production behind Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
