NBA roundup: Bucks cap 4-0 run in NBA Cup group
Wed Dec 4 2:24am ET
Field Level Media
Giannis Antetokounmpo racked up 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds and the visiting Milwaukee Bucks advanced in the NBA Cup with a 128-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.
Damian Lillard had 27 points and five assists for the Bucks, who won all four of their games in East Group B and advanced to a home quarterfinal game against the Orlando Magic on Dec. 10.
The Bucks also continued their recent dominance over the Pistons. They have won 11 in a row over their Central Division rival and 23 of the last 24.
Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 23 points and six assists, while Tobias Harris supplied 16 points and five rebounds. Detroit finished 3-1 in NBA Cup group play but didn't advance to the knockout rounds.
Clippers 127, Trail Blazers 105
Norman Powell scored 30 points and James Harden added 23 to go along with seven assists as Los Angeles extended its home winning streak to nine games by beating Portland in Inglewood, Calif.
Amir Coffey scored 19 points as the Clippers avenged one of their four consecutive home losses immediately after their new $2 billion arena opened. Powell has averaged 29 points in two games since returning from a hamstring injury.
Deandre Ayton scored 16 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the fourth time in their past five games overall and fell for the seventh time in their past eight road games.
Kings 120, Rockets 111
Domantas Sabonis had a team-high 27 points, DeMar DeRozan poured 13 of his 16 points into a third-quarter eruption and host Sacramento dashed Houston's hopes of being the West's top seed in next week's NBA Cup quarterfinals.
De'Aaron Fox added 22 points for Sacramento, which won for the first time in its four NBA Cup games. Malik Monk posted 17 points and a game-high 12 assists. Sabonis also collected seven rebounds and four assists.
Jalen Green scored a game-high 28 points and Alperen Sengun had 24 for Houston, which will host Golden State in a quarterfinal game on Dec. 11.
76ers 110, Hornets 104
Paul George poured in 29 points to match his season high and Tyrese Maxey notched the final 11 Philadelphia points as the 76ers survived in Charlotte.
Maxey ended up with 10 of his 21 points on free throws as Philadelphia won consecutive games for the first time this season despite squandering a 19-point second-half lead. Jared McCain had 17 points off the 76ers' bench.
Brandon Miller racked up 34 points and Nick Richards was good for 22 points and 14 rebounds, but the Hornets took their sixth straight loss.
Nuggets 119, Warriors 115
Nikola Jokic scored 15 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and host Denver rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final 6:13 to beat Golden State.
The Warriors won the NBA Cup's West Group C with a 3-1 mark to advance. The Nuggets finished 2-2 and were eliminated.
Jokic also had 10 rebounds, six assists and five steals while Michael Porter Jr. scored 22 points for Denver. The Warriors, who played without forward Draymond Green (calf), lost their fifth straight game despite getting 24 points and 11 assists from Stephen Curry.
Mavericks 121, Grizzlies 116
Dallas overcame a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat visiting Memphis behind Luka Doncic's 37 points and 12 rebounds and Dereck Lively III's 17 points and 11 rebounds.
With the win, Dallas finished 3-1 in the NBA Cup's West Group C, made the quarterfinals as the wild-card team and will play at Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Memphis wound up 1-3 and was eliminated.
The Mavericks, who have won five in a row, also got 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists from P.J. Washington and key back-to-back 3-pointers in the closing minutes from Spencer Dinwiddie (16 points). Ja Morant scored a season-high 31 points for the Grizzlies, who had their season-best six-game winning streak snapped.
Knicks 121, Magic 106
Karl-Anthony Towns posted team-high totals of 23 points and 15 rebounds as host New York beat Orlando to clinch the NBA Cup's East Group A title and an automatic bid to the quarterfinals.
Josh Hart amassed 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for the Knicks, who finished 4-0 in Group A play and will host the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 11. Jalen Brunson had 21 points as New York won for the eighth time in 10 games overall.
Franz Wagner scored 30 points and Moritz Wagner registered 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic (3-1 in Group A play).
Suns 104, Spurs 93
Devin Booker recorded 29 points, nine rebounds and five assists to lead Phoenix to a victory over visiting San Antonio in an NBA Cup game. The Suns finished 3-1 in group play, the Spurs 2-2, and both were eliminated.
The Suns won for the third time in four games despite being without Kevin Durant in the second half. Durant sprained his left ankle in the second quarter. He scored 13 points in 16 1/2 minutes before departing.
Devin Vassell scored 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting off the bench and Stephon Castle added 16 points for the Spurs, who lost for just the second time in seven games.
Cavaliers 118, Wizards 87
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley scored 19 points apiece as Cleveland handed visiting Washington a 15th consecutive defeat.
Seven players scored in double figures for Cleveland, which improved to an NBA-best 19-3. The Cavaliers won their 10th straight meeting with the Wizards.
Jordan Poole, Bub Carrington and Jonas Valanciunas each scored 13 points for the last-place Wizards. Washington is one loss away from matching the worst skid in franchise history.
Thunder 133, Jazz 106
Jalen Williams scored 28 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander netted 26 to lead Oklahoma City past visiting Utah in an NBA Cup game.
The Thunder finished 3-1 and in first place in West B Group. The Jazz finished 0-4 in the event and lost their fifth consecutive game overall.
Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton scored 17 points each to lead six Utah players in double digits. Kessler also had 11 rebounds.
Raptors 122, Pacers 111
Scottie Barnes scored a career-best 35 points and added nine assists and six rebounds as Toronto defeated visiting Indiana. The Raptors completed group play in the NBA Cup at 1-3, and the Pacers finished 0-4.
RJ Barrett added 29 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who have won two straight games and four consecutive at home. Jakob Poeltl contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 30 points for the Pacers, who have lost three straight games overall and seven in a row on the road.
- NBA roundup: Bucks cap 4-0 run in NBA Cup group
- Bucks, Knicks charge into NBA Cup quarters with perfect marks
- Kevin Durant exits Suns' win with sprained ankle
- Four-time All-Star Paul Millsap officially retires
- Return on hold for Lakers F Jarred Vanderbilt
- NBA roundup: Wolves limit Lakers to 80 points
- Hornets star LaMelo Ball (calf) out at least two weeks
- Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (ankle) out 2-3 weeks
- Nuggets' Russell Westbrook fined $35K for obscene gesture
- NBA roundup: Rockets edge Thunder in battle of top 2 West teams
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double lifts Bucks to 6th straight win
- NBA roundup: Anthony Edwards, Wolves edge Clippers
- NBA roundup: Hawks send Cavs to first home loss
- NBA roundup: Damian Lillard hoists banged-up Bucks over Heat
- NBA roundup: Kristaps Porzingis returns as Celtics club Clippers
- Suns expect Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal to play vs. Lakers
- G Ja Morant set to return Monday for Grizzlies
- Rockets G Fred VanVleet fined $50K for late-game outburst
- Pelicans G Dejounte Murray to return Wednesday
- Kristaps Porzingis to make season debut Monday
New York Knicks forward/center Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) is getting close to his season debut. Per Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has said that Achiuwa could return to the court "in a week or so." The Nigerian big man suffered a left hamstring strain just before the 2024-25 campaign kicked off. After arriving from Toronto in a mid-season trade, Achiuwa notched 7.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 24.2 minutes with the Knicks last term. He will likely have a smaller workload this season but will be a valuable backup to Karl-Anthony Towns, and the two might even share the court occasionally.
Los Angeles Lakers power forward Jarred Vanderbilt (knee) will not make his season debut until at least early January. A foot injury has kept Vanderbilt off the court since February, and he recently experienced fluid in his left knee during his rehabilitation. Before exiting the lineup, Vanderbilt was a solid contributor in the Lakers rotation, averaging 5.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 20.0 minutes last season. He should be around the same numbers again once he returns to action, but considering his lengthy absence, Vanderbilt might need quite a bit of time to get back into rhythm.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Philadelphia. He was a late scratch for Tuesday's NBA Cup action versus the Knicks and might have to sit out another one with an ankle sprain. Tristan Da Silva jumped into the starting unit on Tuesday. The 23-year-old rookie has seen quite regular action as a starter but hasn't been very effective, at least from a fantasy perspective. In 14 starts, da Silva has averaged 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Meanwhile, Moritz Wagner had additional work without Bitadze, impressing with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double off the bench. He might be a good fantasy option again on Wednesday if Bitadze doesn't return.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (knee) has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest against Detroit. He might be out for a second consecutive game due to a knee issue. Holiday has recently had a pretty poor stretch offensively and could benefit from having some time off. He has shot just 30 percent from the field in his past four appearances, averaging 7.3 points. With Holiday out of the rotation, Payton Pritchard popped off for a big 25-point night in 33 minutes on Monday against Miami. He's sure to do damage again on Wednesday if Holiday is out.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (knee) is in danger of missing his first contest of the season, as the team has listed him as questionable for Wednesday's encounter with Detroit. The Celtics superstar is dealing with right kneecap pain. Tatum was also questionable ahead of Monday's matchup against Miami but ended up logging his usual 36 minutes in the game. His shot was off during an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double performance. Al Horford and Sam Hauser will be candidates to replace Tatum in the starting unit if he can't go on Wednesday.
Knicks' F Josh Hart recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds in a 121-106 win over the Magic on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's match-up against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 31-year-old guard is at risk of missing another game after sitting out recent contests due to illness. Before his absence, he had seen a reduced role, averaging 18.8 minutes per game across eight appearances this season. His most recent game was on November 18th, when he played 14 minutes and scored four points against the 76ers. Richardson's playing time remains uncertain, even if he is available to play on Wednesday.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Love has missed two of the Heat's past four games due to a back issue and could remain sidelined for this matchup. At 36 years old, the veteran forward has played a limited role this season, averaging 12.3 minutes per game while mixing in both starts and bench appearances. Despite his limited minutes, Love has remained productive, averaging 5.6 rebounds per game and shooting 39.4% from three-point range. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to Wednesday's game.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (knee) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Butler sat out Monday's contest in Boston after experiencing soreness in his right knee during Sunday's loss to Toronto. The 35-year-old is a key player for the Heat, averaging 31.9 minutes per game and 18.9 points, while shooting an efficient 53.8% from the field. Butler's all-around game would be crucial in Miami's match-up against the Lakers. Fantasy managers should check his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) won't return to Tuesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran was playing well, logging 13 points while making both of his three point attempts. He tweaked his ankle in the first half and was ruled out shortly after. He recently returned from a seven-game absence because of a calf injury, so fantasy managers could see him miss more time. If that's the case, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Royce O'Neale, averaging 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in two starts this season, may take Durant's spot in the rotation until he's ready to return.
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, center Joel Embiid (knee, personal) is not expected to play in Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. At this point, fantasy managers are left scratching their heads regarding his availability. For now, it appears the 30-year-old is in line to miss his 14th game of the 2024-25 campaign. With uncertainty surrounding the health of Andre Drummond (ankle), Guerschon Yabusele, who had nine points with 12 boards, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's NBA Cup win over the Hornets, could remain in the starting lineup.
According to Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, forward Paul George may miss Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. The veteran had 29 points in Tuesday's NBA Cup victory over the Charlotte Hornets. He also logged 37 minutes, so the team may play it safe by sitting him in the second game of a back-to-back. With Joel Embiid (knee, personal) likely to remain off the floor, Tyrese Maxey could receive significantly more scoring opportunities. Jared McCain may also move back to the starting lineup and should also see an uptick in fantasy production.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) is set to make his return Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing the team's last 13 games recovering from left thumb surgery. He is expected to come off the bench and may see limited minutes as he eases back into action. In seven appearances this season, Sochan has been a valuable contributor, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting 51.2% from the field over 29.3 minutes per game. His presence and athleticism will be a welcome boost for the Spurs, and fantasy managers will be eager to see if he can maintain his efficiency following his return.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers due to a left ankle sprain. If Johnson is unable to suit up, Tyrese Martin could see an increased role and potentially draw another start. Johnson has been an important contributor for the Nets, averaging 18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. In his most recent outing against Orlando, he delivered an impressive 26 points in 36 minutes. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status, as a return would provide a significant boost to their lineups.
Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers as he deals with a sprained left ankle. The 31-year-old is at risk of missing his fourth consecutive game. Finney-Smith has been a key rotational piece for Brooklyn this season, averaging 29 minutes and 10.7 points per game. If he is ruled out, Jalen Wilson is expected to remain in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will want to check on his status closer to tip-off on Wednesday.
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers, but reports indicate he is expected to play. Simmons sat out Monday's game against the Bulls for back injury management, but the team seems hopeful about his availability. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status ahead of tip-off. In his most recent appearance against the Orlando Magic, the veteran guard logged 12 minutes, dishing out five assists but going scoreless.
Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 23-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday's matchup with the Magic. Williams has been a reliable rotational piece for the Nets this season, averaging 21.8 minutes and 8.6 points per game. Tyrese Martin may see an increase in playing time as a result. Williams' next opportunity to return will be Sunday against the Bucks.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (Achilles) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to right Achilles tendinitis. The All-Star point guard has been a standout playmaker this season, leading the league with 12.2 assists per game while also contributing 20.9 points per contest. Young continues to stuff the stat sheet, including an impressive 15-assist performance in Monday's game against the Pelicans. If he takes the court as expected, fantasy managers can count on his elite production.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (knee) is set to play Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors, marking his second game back after a 12-game absence due to left patellofemoral inflammation. The 24-year-old made a solid impact in his return, scoring 14 points in just 15 minutes, though he could still face a minutes restriction as he works his way back to full fitness. Normally logging around 25 minutes per game, Nembhard is expected to rejoin the starting lineup and provide a boost for the Pacers.
Los Angeles Lakers forward/centerAnthony Davis(foot) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Miami Heat. Davis, as usual, is expected to play through his foot issues. He's suited up for 20 of 21 games so far this season, averaging 27.8 points and 11.5 rebounds. However, he has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of the last six contests.
