NBA roundup: Wizards shock Nuggets on late 3-pointer
Sun Mar 16 3:01am ET
Field Level Media
Jordan Poole swished a 35-foot, 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds left to give the visiting Washington Wizards a stunning 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
Poole had time to move closer but stopped well behind the 3-point line and hoisted the successful shot that gave the Eastern Conference-worst Wizards (15-51) a two-game season sweep of the Nuggets. Alex Sarr scored a career-high 34 points for Washington, which is 6-4 over its last 10 games.
It was a wild ending as Kyshawn George drilled a wide-open 3-pointer to give Washington a 123-121 lead with 10 seconds remaining. Denver's Jamal Murray (24 points, seven assists and four steals) hit a tying 15-footer with 5.7 seconds left before the final sequence.
Nikola Jokic had 40 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists for Denver (43-25). Russell Westbrook had 22 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets. Westbrook became the 21st player in NBA history to top 26,000 points. He finished the night with 26,013.
Celtics 115, Nets 113
Kristaps Porzingis returned from a viral infection and scored 14 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as visiting Boston continued its recent dominance over Brooklyn by holding on for a victory in New York.
After missing eight games, Porzingis helped the Celtics improve to 13-1 in their last 14 regular-season meetings with the Nets. Jayson Tatum added 20 as the Celtics won for the seventh time in eight games
The Nets lost for the 10th time in 11 games after their late comeback bid fell short. Cameron Johnson scored 23 points to lead Brooklyn and Keon Johnson added 21 as Brooklyn shot 46.7 percent and hit 20 3-pointers.
Rockets 117, Bulls 114
Jalen Green scored a game-high 28 points, helping lead Houston to a victory over visiting Chicago.
Alperen Sengun added 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet finished with 23 points and seven assists, as Houston won its sixth straight game. Dillon Brooks' 13 points and Jabari Smith Jr.'s 12 rounded out the balanced scoring night for the Rockets' starters.
Chicago had its four-game winning streak snapped, despite Coby White's 23 points and Tre Jones' 19. Nikola Vucevic chipped in 15 points in the loss.
Bucks 126, Pacers 119
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points and 10 rebounds as Milwaukee held off visiting Indiana.
The win could prove crucial in NBA playoff tiebreakers. The teams entered the game tied for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee won the season series over the Pacers, taking three of the four matchups.
Damian Lillard had 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks and was 6-for-12 from 3-point range. Aaron Nesmith had a career-high 30 points for the Pacers and Pascal Siakam had 26. Tyrese Haliburton posted 24 points and 15 assists.
Thunder 113, Pistons 107
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 48 points and visiting Oklahoma City outlasted Detroit to continue its winning ways.
Cason Wallace had 20 points and Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 with 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who have won nine of their last 10.
Detroit All-Star Cade Cunningham was ejected late in the third quarter for arguing with the officials. He matched his season low of 11 points to go with nine assists and seven rebounds. The Pistons were assessed a total of five technicals in the quarter.
Warriors 97, Knicks 94
Moses Moody broke a tie with 2:26 to go, Draymond Green added a back-breaking hoop with 25 seconds left and Golden State tightened the defensive screws on New York down the stretch in San Francisco.
Stephen Curry led the way with 28 points for the Warriors, who won their seventh straight. Moody finished with 18 points, while Jimmy Butler chipped in with 11 points, six rebounds and a game high-tying seven assists.
Shooting 12-for-21, Karl-Anthony Towns had a game-high 29 points for the Knicks, who closed out a 2-3 Western swing. OG Anunoby totaled 23 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride contributed 19 points apiece.
Grizzlies 125, Heat 91
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points and Desmond Bane added 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to lead Memphis past visiting Miami.
Brandon Clarke scored 12 points, Zach Edey contributed 12 points and eight rebounds and Scotty Pippen Jr. had 11 points and 11 assists off the bench for Memphis, which won for the fifth time in six games. The Grizzlies improved to 10-3 when playing the second game of a back-to back.
Kel'el Ware led the Heat with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Bam Adebayo had 18 points and six boards. Kyle Anderson finished with 13 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench for Miami, which has lost seven in a row.
Spurs 119, Pelicans 115
Devin Vassell scored 22 points, including a key 3-pointer with 1:03 to play, as host San Antonio held off New Orleans.
The Spurs have won two of their past three outings and pulled within four games of 10th-place Dallas for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament with 16 contests left in the regular season. Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson added 19 points apiece for San Antonio.
New Orleans' CJ McCollum led all scorers with 26 points and added a game-high nine assists, while Trey Murphy III had 20 points. The Pelicans lost for the sixth time in seven games and played without Zion Williamson, who missed the game for personal reasons.
- Rockets' Alperen Sengun replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in ASG
- Knicks' OG Anunoby out, Karl-Anthony Towns to play vs. Celtics
- Lakers signing former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin to 2-year deal
- NBA roundup: James Harden makes triumphant debut as Cavs down Kings
- Rockets C Alperen Sengun apologizes for sexist remark
- Warriors upgrade G Pat Spencer to NBA deal for rest of season
- NBA finalizes competitors for Slam Dunk, Shooting Stars competitions
- Wizards' Anthony Davis expected to sit out rest of season
- 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
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Poeltl has been out since December 21 due to a lower back strain. He's reportedly very close to returning to the court, but his main focus is reconditioning right now. His next chance to play will be against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. His continued absence should mean more minutes for Collin Murray-Boyles and Sandro Mamukelashvili. It's also possible that Trayce Jackson-Davis makes his team debut, but he probably wouldn't have a significant role. Fantasy managers should check back on Wednesday to see if Poeltl will be cleared to play.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. Coulibaly is back in the mix after sitting out Saturday's game due to a lower back issue. The third-year guard is feeling good enough to suit up on Sunday, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the tanking Wizards be cautious with his minutes. This season, Coulibaly is averaging 9.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 26.7 minutes per game. He's not offering enough upside to warrant rostering in anything other than deep leagues right now. Jamir Watkins and Justin Champagnie should see reduced roles with Coulibaly back on Sunday.
Washington Wizards guard Kyshawn George (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Miami Heat. George sat out the front end of this back-to-back set due to a knee issue. It doesn't seem to be serious enough to hold him out of both games. His return to the rotation will send Will Riley back to the bench, while Keshon Gilbert sees a reduced role as well. George is averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds across 30.5 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get George active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. As expected, Adebayo is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report due to right hip tightness. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him out of action, so fantasy managers should expect Adebayo to have his normal workload. Over his last 10 games, Adebayo is averaging 21.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.6 minutes per game. Fantasy managers need to make sure Adebayo is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (hand) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Wizards. Powell has been upgraded from questionable to probable and is now cleared to suit up. He missed three games due to a hand injury before suiting up for Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. Powell finished with 24 points, three rebounds, and four assists across 35 minutes of action during Friday's loss. The hand injury didn't seem to impact him during that game, so fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Powell active in their lineups on Sunday.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is considered day-to-day after being held out of Saturday's win, with the team monitoring right knee soreness. His status for Monday is still up in the air, leaving the frontcourt unsettled. Jaxson Hayes is the next man up if Ayton sits and should continue starting, though his fantasy appeal is limited to rebounds and blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber would also absorb minutes, but both remain fringe options. Managers can hold Ayton for now, but it's smart to have a short-term backup ready.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is dealing with a mild strain and was held out Saturday, leaving him day-to-day. With a back-to-back approaching, the Lakers are expected to monitor the issue closely, making his short-term availability uncertain. In the meantime, usage should shift elsewhere. Austin Reaves becomes the primary playmaking beneficiary, while Marcus Smart is in line for steadier ball-handling minutes. Jake LaRavia and newly acquired Luke Kennard could also see added wing run, with Kennard offering low-end three-point streaming appeal if the absence lingers.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is considered doubtful for Monday against Memphis, with the team signaling caution that could keep the veteran sidelined until after the All-Star break. Curry has already missed three straight games, and Golden State has leaned on committee production. Pat Spencer has delivered 15.7 points, 3.7 three-pointers, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.9 minutes during the absence, making him a viable short-term streamer. De'Anthony Melton adds defensive juice with 3.0 steals, while Brandin Podziemski offers steady minutes but a lower ceiling. Moses Moody's scoring spike also warrants monitoring.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is expected to wait until after the All-Star break to make his team debut as the organization continues to prioritize a cautious ramp-up. The 30-year-old big man has yet to suit up following his trade and remains in recovery mode. His delayed return keeps Golden State's frontcourt stable for now, with Draymond Green and Al Horford holding steady roles. Gui Santos has quietly emerged as a fantasy-relevant piece, averaging 15.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over his last three starts. Santos profiles as a short-term deep-league add, while Porzingis remains a stash with clear shutdown risk baked in.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (knee) will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break after missing Saturday's loss to Philadelphia, temporarily halting a strong scoring run. Allen was providing steady scoring from the wing before his injury, and his absence creates a clear opening for increased perimeter usage. Royce O'Neale stepped up last game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 34 minutes, making him a short-term streamer. Jordan Goodwin logged 27 minutes but remains a deep-league option, while Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks should shoulder added scoring usage.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (hip) exited Saturday's win over Chicago late in the fourth quarter and is considered questionable for Monday against Cleveland. Murray was dominant before leaving, posting 28 points, three rebounds, and 11 assists in 31 minutes, and Denver was already in control. The team expressed optimism about his status, but any missed time would create a major fantasy ripple. Bruce Brown profiles as the primary beneficiary after logging 31 minutes with 10 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. Jalen Pickett has fallen out of the rotation but could resurface as a deep-league assists flier if Murray sits.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (ankle) exited Saturday's loss to Orlando late in the second quarter and did not return after rolling his ankle, finishing with five points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes. George had just returned from a left ankle issue, putting his short-term availability in question again. Isaiah Collier stepped into a larger role and is the clear fantasy winner, coming off a four-game stretch averaging 20.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 12.5 assists, and 2.5 steals while logging heavy minutes. Collier profiles as a strong assist streamer, while Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. could absorb modest usage bumps.
Kings' G Nique Clifford scored 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting in a 126-132 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday, Feb. 7. Clifford is owned in only 10.5% leagues.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds in a 136-120 win over Chicago on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Spurs' G Stephon Castle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 40 points, 12 assists and 12 rebounds in a 138-125 win over the Mavericks on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Rockets' C Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds in a 112-106 win over Oklahoma City on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) is available to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Jokic is available to play after tweaking his ankle during Wednesday's contest. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to cause Jokic to miss any game action. He figures to operate in his normal role in the starting five during Saturday's game. The Nuggets could monitor him, but fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Jokic in their lineups ahead of tip-off. The superstar big man has too much upside to bench even with a banged-up ankle.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (ankle) is upgraded to available ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. As expected, Braun has been cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. He has played in two straight games since returning from a 12-game absence due to injury. He finished with six points, six assists, and seven rebounds across 43 minutes of action during Wednesday's game. It doesn't sound like Braun is going to have a minutes limit anymore, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go for Saturday's game.
Atlanta Hawks guard Buddy Hield is set to make his team debut versus the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Hield and Jonathan Kuminga (knee) were part of a trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Hield is ready to make his debut, but doesn't have a clear path to consistent playing time. He'll likely compete with CJ McCollum and Gabe Vincent for backup guard minutes. Before the trade, Hield was averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17.5 minutes per game this season. He might see an uptick in value with the Hawks, but not enough to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) is available to suit up ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Johnson is back after being sidelined since December 23 due to a right knee bone bruise. Given he has missed over a month of action, Johnson figures to operate under a minutes limit on Saturday. His return to the rotation should mean fewer minutes for Julian Strawther and Bruce Brown. This season, Johnson is averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes per game. His fantasy value will be capped until he gets back up to full speed. Once he's fully healthy, Johnson should be worth rostering in deep leagues at the minimum.
