

Sun Oct 26 12:59am ET
Field Level Media
Jamal Murray had 23 points, Nikola Jokic notched his second straight triple-double to start the season and the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 133-111 on Saturday night in Denver's home opener.
Christian Braun scored 20 points and Aaron Gordon had 17 points two nights after posting a career-high 50 for Denver, which had seven players score in double figures and shot 51.2% (43 of 84) from the field.
Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds. He took just eight shots, making five, and didn't attempt a field goal until a goaltending call on Phoenix with 2:26 left in the second quarter. His first shot attempt was a free throw with 4:18 left in the first half.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, Grayson Allen scored 17 and Dillon Brooks had 15. Phoenix shot just 43.2% (38 of 88) from the field.
Thunder 117, Hawks 100
Chet Holmgren overcame back soreness that almost kept him out to produce a double-double and help Oklahoma City remain unbeaten with a win in Atlanta.
Holmgren was listed as questionable on the pregame injury report and spent time rubbing his back during dead-ball situations. But he played through discomfort to score a season-high 31 points and grab 11 rebounds. He was 8-for-12 shooting from the floor (6-for-8 on 3-pointers).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 of his 30 points in the third quarter. Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the team with 17 points. Trae Young scored 15 points and had 10 assists, his league-best 22nd straight game with at least 15 points and five assists.
Bulls 110, Magic 98
Josh Giddey scored a team-high 21 points, five reserves combined for 58 more and Chicago held off host Orlando to win back-to-back games to start the season.
Jalen Smith and Ayo Dosunmu led the Bulls bench crew with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Starters Nikola Vucevic (15 points) and Tre Jones (13), and reserves Patrick Williams (12) and Kevin Huerter (11) made it seven players -- including four backups -- in double figures.
Despite 7-for-21 shooting, Paolo Banchero was the game's leading scorer with 24 points for the Magic, who lost at home for the second consecutive night. Orlando went just 3-for-24 from beyond the arc.
76ers 125, Hornets 121
Quentin Grimes had 24 points off the bench and drilled a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 15 seconds left to lift host Philadelphia over Charlotte for the 76ers' second straight win to open the season.
After trailing by 10 points with less than six minutes left, the 76ers finished the game on a 23-9 run. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points and nine assists, while Joel Embiid added 20 points.
LaMelo Ball had 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Charlotte, while Collin Sexton added 21 points. Rookies Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel scored 14 points apiece, while Sion James had 10 points off the bench for the Hornets.
Grizzlies 128, Pacers 103
Rookie Cedric Coward erupted for 27 points behind a torrid 3-point shooting effort as Memphis rolled past visiting Indiana.
In just his third NBA game, Coward knocked down all six of his 3-point attempts off the bench. Ja Morant added 19 points and eight assists, anchoring a clean offensive game which saw the Grizzlies commit just four turnovers.
The Pacers got little consistent offense outside of Bennedict Mathurin, who finished with 26 points before exiting with a sore right foot. Aaron Nesmith added 15 while Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin each scored 13.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) won't play on Sunday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He suffered a strained left shoulder in the double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old will miss his second-straight contest, so fantasy managers are now left wondering if he'll be cleared to suit up on Wednesday in Dallas. The Pacers also won't have T.J. McConnell (hamstring) and Bennedict Mathurin (toe). As a result, fantasy managers could see enhanced roles for Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, and Aaron Nesmith. Of course, Pascal Siakam is expected to lead the way offensively.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (toe) is listed as probable heading into Sunday's Central Division meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's a new season. However, as has been the norm in previous years, The Freak is back on the injury report. With that said, that will likely be the theme moving forward, so fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed. Antetokounmpo has averaged 34.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this season. He's also shot 60.0% from behind the arc. Of course, fantasy managers should monitor his status, especially since there's still a chance he could get ruled out. If he's out there, he must be featured in any fantasy lineup. His ceiling will rise even higher if Kyle Kuzma (ankle) and Cole Anthony (Illness) aren't on the floor.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (wrist) will play on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons. The 31-year-old has played well despite the C's sitting winless after two games, averaging 20.0 points, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. He's struggled from deep, going 29.2% from downtown. However, White should get out of his shooting funk at some point down the road. Jaylen Brown (hamstring) might not play on Sunday afternoon. If that's the case, White may be in line for more scoring opportunities. Fantasy managers will likely see White make appearances on the injury report due to the wrist sprain moving ahead, although it shouldn't keep him off the floor unless he suffers a setback.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (finger) is questionable to play in Sunday's game in Sacramento. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick has been on a roll, most recently amassing 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in Friday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He sustained a sprained finger in that one. Fortunately, it's on his non-shooting hand. Of course, with Doncic's injury history, the Lakers will presumably play it safe in an attempt to keep him healthy for the bulk of the 2025 campaign, so there's a chance he won't be out there on Sunday night. If that's the case, Gabe Vincent may spend more time at the one, with Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart entering the starting lineup. However, it will likely be Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton benefiting the most on the scoring end if Doncic doesn't suit up.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds in a 133-111 win over the Suns on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (knee, injury management) won't play on Saturday versus Denver. The 23-year-old hasn't played well this season, averaging only 4.0 points, 8.5 boards, and 1.0 blocks. As expected, he'll get the night off to rest after logging 14 minutes in Friday's loss to the Clippers. Oso Ighodaro is in line to remain in the starting lineup, with Nick Richards on tap to see increased minutes from off the bench. However, neither player can be trusted from a fantasy standpoint. Williams is expected to return to the lineup on Monday versus the Utah Jazz. Still, until he starts producing, which could happen at some point down the line, he's not worth rostering.
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) won't play on Saturday versus OKC. The 20-year-old tweaked his ankle in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on opening night. As a result, he didn't suit up for Friday's win over the Orlando Magic. Nickeil Alexander-Walker got the start in that one, scoring 19 points despite going 1-for-10 from behind the arc. It's reasonable to assume Alexander-Walker will shoot better this time around, so he may be even more productive for fantasy managers, especially if Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jalen Johnson (ankle), who are both questionable, can't play. Risacher's next chance to get on the floor will be on Monday night in Chicago.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game versus OKC. Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) has already been ruled out. To make matters worse, Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is also questionable because of Flu-like symptoms. While Nickeil Alexander-Walker is already in line for more scoring opportunities, his fantasy ceiling will increase even more if Johnson and Porzingis are sidelined. Luke Kennard, who had six points, two assists, and one steal in Friday's win over the Orlando Magic, could also see extra work, depending on who ends up getting ruled out. The same can be said for Mohamed Gueye, who is coming off a 13-point, eight-rebound showing.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) is sidelined for Saturday's clash with the Memphis Grizzlies. He recorded four points and four assists in Thursday's double-overtime loss to OKC. Unfortunately, Nembhard's night came to an abrupt end after only 17 minutes of work due to a sprained shoulder. The Pacers will play again on Sunday in Minnesota, although it's realistic to assume he won't consider suiting back up until Wednesday's game in Dallas. Either way, Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin should pick up more of the scoring load while Nembhard is sidelined. Ben Sheppard and Obi Toppin, combining for 35 points and 13 boards on Thursday, should also be in line for more minutes and scoring opportunities.
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with OKC. The 30-year-old had 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 26 minutes in the loss to the Raptors on opening night. However, he's now dealing with Flu-like symptoms, which caused him to miss Friday's win over the Orlando Magic. If he can't get out there, Onyeka Okongwu, who had 17 points, four boards, and three swats against the Magic, will presumably handle things at the five spot to begin the contest, making him a must-start in any fantasy format. Mouhamed Gueye also played well in the meeting with Orlando, posting a 13-point, eight-rebound effort, giving him streaming potential if Porzingis stays on the shelf.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee, injury management) won't play on Saturday versus Chicago. The 24-year-old logged 19 minutes in Friday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Still, he's coming off knee surgery, so he'll take the night off to rest before presumably suiting back up on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Without him, the Magic may roll with Tyus Jones at the one to begin the game. However, Tristan da Silva, who had 15 points in 24 minutes on Friday, and Anthony Black may also be in the equation. There's also a chance da Silva or Black may start over Jones.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (back) is available for Saturday's meeting with the Atlanta Hawks. The 23-year-old popped up on the injury report because of back soreness. However, that's not surprising, considering OKC went into double-overtime in both games to begin the 2025 campaign. He is currently averaging 21.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this season. While Holmgren's statistical contributions are somewhat inflated due to the extra quarters played in the Thunder's first two contests, he is an All-Star caliber performer regardless. Of course, Holmgren should be starting in all fantasy formats. Although category managers haven't appreciated his 18.2% shooting from deep, he's made up for it by sinking 91.7% of his tries from behind the charity stripe. Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is also back on the injury report after missing Friday's win over the Orlando Magic due to Flu-like symptoms. If Porzingis remains on the shelf, Holmgren's ceiling will increase even more.
Lakers' G Luka Doncic recorded a double-double, scoring 49 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 128-110 win over the Timberwolves on Friday, Oct. 24.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (back) will play on Friday versus the Boston Celtics. He didn't suit up for the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on opening night. Fortunately, after riding a questionable designation, Hart will be on the floor. The 30-year-old averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals in 37.6 minutes per contest last season. However, it's reasonable to assume he'll see less work in his first game of the 2025 campaign, lowering his ceiling for fantasy managers in all formats.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (knee) won't play on Friday versus the Brooklyn Nets. The 27-year-old is battling a knee contusion. Although he's moving in the right direction, he'll now miss his second contest of the 2025 campaign. Hunter was reportedly "moving around pretty well" at practice on Thursday. However, it's anyone's guess if he'll be able to get on the floor when the Cavs meet the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. With Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) also sidelined, Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson are the favorites to move into the starting lineup. Merrill had 19 points versus the Knicks on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, Tyson wasn't nearly as productive, amassing only five points.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) will play on Friday versus the Boston Celtics. KAT popped up on the injury report because of a nagging quad strain heading into this contest, just like he did leading up to the Knicks opener versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fortunately, he's good to go. New York will also have OG Anunoby (ankle) and Josh Hart (back), which is excellent news. Towns had a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double in 31 minutes of action against the Cavs, so it's apparent the ailment isn't impacting his play. Keep him starting in all formats.
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) won't play on Friday versus the Orlando Magic. The veteran had 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in the loss to the Raptors on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, he isn't feeling well, developing Flu-like symptoms. It's unknown if he'll be good to go when the Hawks meet OKC on Saturday night in the second of back-to-back contests for Atlanta. However, while Porzingis is sidelined, Onyeka Okongwu, coming off an 18-point, six-rebound effort on Wednesday, is the favorite to slide into the starting lineup.
Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Vince Williams Jr. (heel) will miss Friday's matchup with the Heat as he continues to recover. Williams also missed the team's opening day 128-122 win over the Pelicans. The former second-round pick averaged 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 18.5 minutes per game last season. Williams will likely operate this season as a glue-guy off the bench who is capable of chipping in rebounds and assists despite shooting just 40.1% from the field last season. Williams can be left on waivers throughout the early portion of the season, until we see if his role grows throughout the season.
Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (ankle) is questionable to return on Friday after missing opening night. Tate played a limited role last season, averaging just 11.3 minutes per game with 3.6 points, and 2.3 rebounds. While he won't likely see a heavy minute share, Tate could provide valuable depth in the absence of Dorian Finney-Smith on Friday. The Rockets dropped their double overtime opener to the Thunder, and will look to bounce back against the Pistons on Friday. Tate should be monitored closely, but will need to garner an increased minute load to be rostered in most fantasy formats.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's contest against the Houston Rockets. LeVert is carrying a sore right knee and was also considered probable for Wednesday's season opener against the Chicago Bulls. In the end, he was cleared for the game, and LeVert logged 21 minutes off the bench, scoring eight points. While it seems likely that LeVert will remain in the lineup for Friday's contest, he doesn't look like a strong fantasy option at this time. Ronald Holland II led Detroit's second unit on Wednesday, and Isaiah Stewart also received more playing time than LeVert.
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