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Fantasy Week 7 | NBA Week 7

NBA roundup: Cavs set franchise mark with 9-0 start

Thu Nov 7 1:56am ET
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Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points and the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers set the record for the best start in franchise history at 9-0 with a 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Mitchell led a balanced attack as six players scored in double digits -- including Jarrett Allen (16 points and 14 rebounds) and Caris LeVert (16 points off the bench).

The 1976-77 Cavaliers started their season 8-0.

Zion Williamson scored 29 points to lead the Pelicans, while Jose Alvarado scored 27 and Brandon Ingram had 20.


Nuggets 124, Thunder 122

Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 20 rebounds and 16 assists, Peyton Watson made a game-sealing block with one second left, and host Denver handed Oklahoma its first loss of the season.

Russell Westbrook scored 29 points and Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun had 24 each as Denver ended a four-game head-to-head losing streak against Oklahoma City. Jokic logged his fourth triple-double of the season.

Jalen Williams had 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Thunder, who had opened with seven straight wins. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points.

Warriors 118, Celtics 112

Stephen Curry amassed 27 points, nine assists and seven rebounds to help visiting Golden State stretch its winning streak to five games with a victory over Boston.

The Warriors trailed by seven in the middle of the fourth quarter but used an 16-4 run to take a 104-99 lead with 2:30 to play on a Curry layup. Boston pulled within 115-112 when Payton Prichard made three free throws with 16 seconds remaining, but the Warriors closed out the win by making 3 of 4 at the foul line the rest of the way.

Golden State, which improved to 5-0 on the road, made 12 of its 13 free-throw attempts in the final quarter. Buddy Hield and Andrew Wiggins each added 16 points for Golden State. Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 32 points for the Celtics, whose three-game winning streak ended. Derrick White made seven 3-pointers and added 26 points.

Clippers 110, 76ers 98

Norman Powell scored 26 points and James Harden added 18 as Los Angeles spoiled Paul George's return with a victory over visiting Philadelphia in Inglewood, Calif.

Ivica Zubac scored 15 points with nine rebounds and Derrick Jones Jr. added 14 points as the Clippers won their second consecutive home game after losing the first four at their new $2 billion arena, Intuit Dome.

George scored 18 points for the 76ers in his second game of the season and first against his former team after leaving as a free agent in the offseason. The 76ers activated Joel Embiid (knee) for the first time this season, but the 2022-23 MVP remained out as he started to serve a three-game suspension for an altercation with a newspaper columnist Saturday.

Suns 115, Heat 112

Kevin Durant recorded 32 points and eight rebounds and host Phoenix topped Miami to increase its winning streak to six games.

Devin Booker added 22 points and nine assists and Jusuf Nurkic collected 20 points and 18 rebounds as Phoenix won for the seventh time in eight games this season.

Tyler Herro registered 28 points and six assists and Haywood Highsmith added 19 points for the Heat. Miami had possession with a chance to tie but didn't get a shot off in the final seconds.

Hornets 108, Pistons 107

Brandon Miller's putback at the buzzer off a missed 3-point shot gave Charlotte a dramatic victory against visiting Detroit.

Miles Bridges pumped in 27 points and LaMelo Ball scored five of his 25 points in the final minute to help the Hornets end a three-game losing streak.

Miller, who missed time earlier this season with an injury, finished with 19 points by rebounding Grant Williams' missed 3-pointer and scoring just in time. Cade Cunningham posted a triple-double in the loss (20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists).

Pacers 118, Magic 111

Indiana's Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner each recorded double-doubles, and Tyrese Haliburton capped his 17-point performance with a late 3-pointer as Indiana held off Orlando in Indianapolis.

Orlando played without injured star Paolo Banchero -- who scored 50 points when these two teams met last week -- and the Magic lost their fifth straight.

Indiana raced to an early, 18-point lead. The Magic, however, chipped away behind Franz Wagner's game-high 28 points, and made the game competitive throughout the second half until Haliburton hit a 3-pointer to give the Pacers a five-point lead with 33 seconds left.

Mavericks 119, Bulls 99

Luka Doncic had 27 points and 13 assists to lead host Dallas past cold-shooting Chicago, handing the Bulls their third straight loss.

The Mavericks feasted on poor Chicago transition defense, scoring 21 fastbreak points, and led by as much as 30.

The Bulls, playing without All-Star Zach LaVine (adductor strain), shot just 41.9 percent from the floor and were 12-of-42 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range. Nikola Vucevic led Chicago with 14 points in 25 minutes.

Kings 122, Raptors 107

DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points, including 11 in a commanding fourth quarter, to lead Sacramento past visiting Toronto.

Keegan Murray combined 22 points with 12 rebounds, De'Aaron Fox contributed 21 points, and Domantas Sabonis notched his 61st career triple-double -- and second in five days -- with 17 points, 11 boards and 13 assists.

RJ Barrett scored 23 points and Davion Mitchell added 20 for the Raptors, who led by four points after three quarters before the were outscored 33-14 in the fourth.

Hawks 121, Knicks 116

No. 1 overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher tallied career highs with 33 points and seven rebounds to lead Atlanta past visiting New York.

Risacher was 11-for-18 from the field, including 6-for-10 on 3-pointers, with three assists, three steals and two blocks to help the Hawks end a three-game home-court losing streak to the Knicks.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 34 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and Miles McBride came off the bench to add 16 points and seven assists.

Grizzlies 131, Lakers 114

Ja Morant scored 20 points before leaving the game late in the third quarter with an injury and Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells also contributed 20 to lead Memphis to a victory over visiting Los Angeles.

LeBron James had 39 points to lead the Lakers, who played without injured big man Anthony Davis, the NBA's leading scorer at 32.6 points per game. Austin Reaves added 19 for Los Angeles, which lost for the fourth time in five games.

Memphis was aided by its strong long-range shooting. The Grizzlies made 17- of 34 3-pointers, including 12 of 16 in the second half. Morant took a hard fall with 3:45 left in the third quarter while attempting a left-handed dunk. He walked to the locker room and did not return. He was later diagnosed with a right hamstring injury.

Rockets 127, Spurs 100

Fred VanVleet recorded his first double-double of the season while Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun combined for 37 points as Houston cruised to a victory over visiting San Antonio.

VanVleet paired 21 points with 10 assists and also grabbed seven rebounds while enjoying a remarkable shooting night. He finished 10 of 11 from the floor, including 9 for 9 from inside the arc. Houston finished 44 for 69 (63.7 percent) on 2-pointers. Green (21 points, four 3-pointers) and Sengun (16 points) totaled 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The Spurs were undone by their 20 turnovers, which Houston converted into 20 points. Victor Wembanyama scored 15 points but missed 5 of 6 3-pointers, including his first five. Chris Paul, Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham and Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 10 points each for San Antonio.

Player Notes
Gradey Dick Tue Dec 3 5:20pm

According to Aaron Rose of SI.com, Toronto Raptors guardGradey Dick(calf)will not suit up against the Pacers on Tuesday. Before suffering a left calf contusion, the 21-year-old averaged 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per contest. In Dick's absence, Ja'Kobe Walterwill likely start once again, as he's made an impression by posting 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes against Miami on Sunday.

Nikola Jovic Tue Dec 3 5:10pm

Miami Heat have ruled out forward Nikola Jovic (ankle) and center Kel'el Ware (G-League assignment) for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Key players Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back), and Josh Richardson (illness) are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to Miami's rotation. Jovic, who averages 7.7 points per game, will be a notable absence, for Miami Heat's offense and dealing a blow to fantasy managers. Butler's potential return would provide a significant boost to Miami's offense, while the statuses of Love and Richardson could open the door for other players to make an impact.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Tue Dec 3 4:40pm

According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks forwardGiannis Antetokounmpo(knee) remains probable and will likely play against the Pistons on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo participated in the team's morning shootaround, which is a good sign he will be on the court this evening. The 29-year-old has been playing exceptionally well recently, averaging 38.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists during his last four appearances. He's also been on fire from the field, shooting 63 percent.

Marjon Beauchamp Tue Dec 3 4:20pm

The Milwaukee Bucks announced guard MarJon Beauchamp (neck) has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday's contest with the Detroit Pistons due to neck spasms. Beauchamp has also been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that has caused him to only suit for nine of the 18 Bucks games this season. The 24-year-old averages 1.6 points while playing under five minutes per contest, making him not a strong option for fantasy managers.

Bradley Beal Tue Dec 3 3:50pm

On Tuesday, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is available to play against the San Antonio Spurs. He's been dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss Saturday's game against Golden State. The 31-year-old has performed well when available this season, averaging 18.2 points per game. With the Suns' top players healthy, Beal is expected to make a significant impact in fantasy this evening.

Draymond Green Tue Dec 3 3:40pm

Golden State Warriors forwardDraymond Green(calf) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Nuggets in the Mile High City. Green hasn't been able to practice this week due to calf tightness. With the 34-year-old sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga andKyle Anderson will likely see an uptick in minutes on the court. However, neither player has been a viable fantasy option so far this season.

Scoot Henderson Tue Dec 3 9:00am

Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Clippers. He has played in only one of the Trail Blazers' last six games. Dalano Banton looks set to get extended action again if Henderson doesn't return on Tuesday. He has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals across the past five games. However, Banton has been very inconsistent in the scoring department, reaching double figures only twice during the stretch.

Robert Williams Tue Dec 3 9:00am

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (concussion) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday versus the Clippers. He hasn't traveled to Los Angeles as Williams III remains in concussion protocol. Donovan Clingan (knee) is also currently out, giving Deandre Ayton a big workload. During the team's frontcourt injury crisis, Deni Avdija has also logged some minutes as a center. The Portland centers should be in for a good night on Tuesday, as the Clippers give up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing fives.

Kevin Huerter Tue Dec 3 8:50am

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Kevin Huerter (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Tuesday's battle against Houston. He has just missed his third game of the season due to an ankle sprain. With Huerter absent on Sunday versus San Antonio, Malik Monk made his first start of the season. He provided a full line in 37 minutes of action, scoring 19 points with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. Huerter practiced fully on Monday, which signals that there's a good chance he will return against the Rockets. However, Kings head coach Mike Brown suggested on Sunday that Monk may continue to roll with the starters, which will be a big blow to Huerter's fantasy value.

Jeremy Sochan Tue Dec 3 8:40am

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) appears ready to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against Phoenix. He has been listed as probable on the injury report. A fractured thumb has robbed Sochan of 13 games. He looked good before the injury happened, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Stephon Castle has run with the starters during Sochan's absence, although Julian Champagnie might be the one who has to make way in the first unit for Sochan.

Zach Edey Tue Dec 3 8:30am

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against Dallas, marking an eighth consecutive absence for him. The rookie giant is recovering from a left ankle sprain. Brandon Clarke will likely receive another start on Tuesday. It's a good matchup for him, as the Mavericks have struggled to stop big men this season, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points in the league to opposing fives.

Ty Jerome Tue Dec 3 8:20am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) is considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with Washington. He's in the midst of a bout with an illness and may miss his first game of the campaign. After being a third-stringer on the Cavaliers team last season, Jerome has emerged as a big part of the rotation in 2024-25. He's fifth in scoring on the team with 11.8 points and has averaged 3.6 assists with 1.4 steals in 18.8 minutes. Caris LeVert and Sam Merrill are in a position to get more action without Jerome, while Craig Porter Jr. might be back in the rotation to take care of some of the backup point guard minutes.

Gary Harris Tue Dec 3 8:20am

Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) will not be available for a fourth straight game on Tuesday against the Knicks. The veteran nurses a left hamstring strain. Harris had just made his second start of the year when he got hurt. However, he's not been a big part of the Magic rotation, averaging 4.1 points in 16.6 minutes. Tristan Da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jett Howard have been more involved in the action without Harris, but the three don't provide consistent fantasy value.

Josh Giddey Mon Dec 2 11:00pm

Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists and 13 rebounds in a 128-102 win over the Nets on Monday, Dec. 2.

Peyton Watson Mon Dec 2 8:20pm

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hip) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Watson is dealing with an adductor issue but it hasn't forced him to miss any time. Watson has been seeing additional minutes while filling in for Aaron Gordon, who's been dealing with calf issues, but with Gordon's return on Sunday night Watson will be at risk of losing minutes going forward. In Gordon's return on Sunday Watson was still able to play 28 minutes in a start, but if Gordon is back in the starting lineup then the 22-year-old will be at risk of losing minutes. Fantasy managers should keep their eyes open for any news about the Nuggets' starting lineup on Tuesday before making any decisions about starting or sitting Watson.

Kyle Filipowski Mon Dec 2 8:10pm

Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (leg) has been ruled out of Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Filipowski will now miss his sixth straight game as he deals with a lower leg issue. The rookie has been okay in limited minutes, averaging 7.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 19 minutes per game this season. With Filipowski continuing to miss time, expect more minutes overall from Jazz big men Walker Kessler and John Collins. Off the bench, expect Drew Eubanks to get some minutes but he likely won't have a big impact overall. Kessler and Collins will make much stronger fantasy options for those in need.

Aaron Gordon Mon Dec 2 8:10pm

Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Gordon had missed 10 games dealing with a calf issue but was able to return on Sunday night against the Clippers. Gordon put up 10 points in nearly 24 minutes of action in his first game back as he came off the bench for the Nuggets. If he's feeling better it won't be a surprise to see him return to the starting lineup given Denver's defensive struggles this season. The 29-year-old also excelled against the Warriors last season, averaging 19.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should keep an eye out for any news on an expected start for Gordon as it would greatly increase his value in both formats.

Jordan Clarkson Mon Dec 2 8:00pm

Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will miss his fifth straight game on Tuesday as he continues to battle plantar fasciitis in his left foot. While Clarkson has been sidelined, Keyonte George and Collin Sexton have carried more work in the backcourt while rookie Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang have been able to get expanded time off the bench. Juzang had 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in his 16 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, and he'll remain an interesting punt play for DFS contests.

Alex Caruso Mon Dec 2 8:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Caruso has been dealing with a hip strain that's caused him to miss five straight games now. The 30-year-old has brought value to the Thunder, though it hasn't translated much into fantasy value. His continued absence won't mean much to fantasy managers. Expect Aaron Wiggins to continue getting minutes off the bench for OKC. Wiggins has averaged 9.4 PPG and is a better fantasy option than Caruso, but neither will be a great option in the long run.

Gradey Dick Mon Dec 2 7:50pm

Raptors guard Gradey Dick (calf) was able to participate in practice on Monday and could be ready to return from a four-game absence on Tuesday as the Raptors welcome in Indiana in an NBA Emirates Cup matchup that will have no impact since both teams have already been eliminated from advancing. Dick is averaging 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per game so far this season. Ja'Kobe Walter has started the last three games in his place and made a great impression. Dick will likely return to the lineup when healthy, but Walter could remain involved off the bench.


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