NBA roundup: Cavs rout Warriors for 10-0 start to season
Sat Nov 9 3:08am ET
Field Level Media
Darius Garland put up 27 points as one of six Cavaliers to score in double figures and host Cleveland pummeled the Golden State Warriors 136-117 on Friday night for its 10th straight win to open the season.
With the victory, Cleveland matched the 12th-best start to a season in NBA history. Golden State holds the league record, going 24-0 to kick off the 2015-16 campaign. All five Cavaliers starters supplied at least 12 points, including Evan Mobley's 23. Jarrett Allen had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Cleveland outshot the visitors 54.1 percent to 48 percent overall.
Reserve Jonathan Kuminga racked up a team-high 21 points for the Warriors, who saw a five-game winning streak come to an end. Brandin Podziemski chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, but Golden State star Stephen Curry was held to 12 points.
Celtics 108, Nets 104 (OT)
Jayson Tatum racked up 33 points, nine rebounds and six assists to propel Boston to a come-from-behind overtime victory against visiting Brooklyn.
Payton Pritchard added 20 points, Jrue Holiday 17 and Derrick White 14 and six assists for the Celtics, who trailed by 14 in the first quarter and never led until the fourth quarter.
Cam Thomas had 31 points, Dennis Schroder 20 and Cameron Johnson 18 for the Nets, who took their second loss in three games. Boston has won four of its past five.
Clippers 107, Kings 98
Norman Powell scored 31 points amid his hot start to the season, James Harden added 22 points and Los Angeles remained unbeaten on the road with a win over Sacramento.
Powell completed his first career double-double with a career-high 12 rebounds. Ivica Zubac also notched a double-double with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds, helping the Clippers lead almost the entire game en route to a third straight win. James Harden had a game-high eight assists.
De'Aaron Fox matched Powell with 31 points for Sacramento. He made two of his five 3-point attempts, while his teammates combined to miss 20 of their 21 tries.
Knicks 116, Bucks 94
Karl-Anthony Towns piled up 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, and New York returned home from a four-game road trip to rout Milwaukee.
All five New York starters scored in double figures, including Mikal Bridges with 17 points and Jalen Brunson with 15. Brunson also dished nine assists. Josh Hart and OG Anunoby had strong all-around performances. Hart scored 11 points, grabbed nine rebounds and passed for seven assists. Anunoby chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. New York had assists on 35 of their 43 field goals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 24 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and blocked two shots for the Bucks. Damian Lillard finished with 19 points.
Thunder 126, Rockets 107
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren scored 29 points each to lift Oklahoma City over visiting Houston for its seventh win in eight games.
The Thunder were coming off their first loss of the season Wednesday in Denver, while the Rockets had a two-game winning streak end. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 11 of 16 from the floor. Holmgren was 8 of 14, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, as Oklahoma City hit 51.1 percent from the floor.
Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 17 points. Amen Thompson and Jalen Green each scored 14 points.
Pistons 122, Hawks 121
Cade Cunningham made a running hook shot with nine seconds left and Detroit eked out a win over visiting Atlanta.
Cunningham recorded his third straight triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. His clutch basket bailed out the Pistons after they squandered a 24-point lead. Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris also scored 22 points apiece, while Jaden Ivey added 18.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points and 13 assists. Jalen Johnson had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Dyson Daniels supplied 18 points and seven steals. Zaccharie Risacher was held to seven points after the top pick of the draft scored 33 in the Hawks' previous game.
Suns 114, Mavericks 113
Jusuf Nurkic hit the go-ahead free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining as Phoenix slipped past host Dallas.
Nurkic was fouled by Daniel Gafford with the score tied at 113 and made the second free throw after missing the first. The Phoenix big man finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Kevin Durant scored 26 points for the Suns, who have won seven straight games. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points on 11-of-25 shooting, while Kyrie Irving added 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Nuggets 135, Heat 122
Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, Jamal Murray returned to the lineup and scored a season-high 28 points, and host Denver beat Miami.
Murray missed the previous three games while in concussion protocol. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun contributed 21 points each for the Nuggets, who have won four in a row.
The Heat took their third defeat in a row, and Jimmy Butler left with a right ankle injury midway through the first quarter. Seven Heat players scored double figures, led by Tyler Herro, who had 24 points and 11 assists.
Lakers 116, 76ers 106
Anthony Davis produced 31 points and nine rebounds and LeBron James scored 21 points in his second triple-double of the season as Los Angeles returned home from a rough road trip and beat Philadelphia.
Austin Reaves added 20 points for the Lakers, while James delivered a season-high 13 assists to go with 12 rebounds. The Lakers went 1-4 on a road trip that ended Wednesday.
Jared McCain scored 18 points while Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele added 14 apiece for the 76ers, who lost their fifth consecutive game and fell to 1-7 on the season without star Joel Embiid.
Timberwolves 127, Trail Blazers 102
Anthony Edwards scored 37 points and made nine 3-pointers as Minnesota cruised to a win over Portland in Minneapolis.
Julius Randle added 22 points and six rebounds for the Timberwolves, who won their second game in as many nights and their third in a row overall.
Scoot Henderson scored 16 points off the bench to lead Portland, which also played on short rest and lost its second contest in as many nights.
Hornets 103, Pacers 83
LaMelo Ball scored 31 points and Brandon Miller poured in 29 points in sparking Charlotte to a comeback victory against visiting Indiana.
Cody Martin notched 15 points off the bench to help the Hornets bounce back from a 13-point third-quarter deficit to win their second game in a row. Tre Mann had 14 points off the bench as well. Miller finished the night 10-of-17 from the field, including 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. Ball made 10 of 29 shots from the floor, including five 3-pointers.
Pascal Siakam's 27 points led the Pacers, who were denied their first three-game winning streak of the season. Bennedict Mathurin added 22 points and Myles Turner had 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Guard Tyrese Haliburton was held to six points on 2-for-11 shooting.
Grizzlies 128, Wizards 104
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a season-high 39 points to lead Memphis -- minus injured two-time All-Star guard Ja Morant -- past visiting Washington.
Jackson made 14 of 28 field goal attempts, including 5 of 12 from beyond the arc. Scotty Pippen Jr., starting in place of Morant, finished with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his first career triple-double. Zach Edey added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Memphis won its third straight home game, while the Wizards dropped their seventh straight game at FedExForum. Washington was led by rookie reserve Kyshawn George, who scored 17 points. Former Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points.
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- Pelicans G Jordan Hawkins (back) out 1-2 weeks
- Bronny James expected to make G League debut on Saturday
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- 76ers G Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) out weeks
- NBA roundup: Cavs set franchise mark with 9-0 start
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- No hard feelings for 76ers' Paul George as he plays against Clippers
- Jazz F Taylor Hendricks (leg) undergoes season-ending surgery
- 76ers star Joel Embiid suspended 3 games for shoving writer
- Nuggets F Aaron Gordon (calf) expected to miss multiple weeks
- NBA continues tradition of Election Day pause
- NBA roundup: Cavs nip Bucks, remain undefeated
- Nuggets F Aaron Gordon (calf) ruled out vs. Raptors
- Knicks agree to new deal with C Ariel Hukporti
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (illness) out indefinitely
- NBA roundup: Luka Doncic powers Mavs past Magic
- Paul George (knee) to make 76ers debut vs. Suns
- NBA roundup: Cavs edge Bucks, improve to 7-0
Los Angeles Lakers' F LeBron James recorded a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 116-106 win over the 76ers on Friday, Nov. 8.
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 135-122 win over the Heat on Friday, Nov. 8.
Memphis' G Scotty Pippen Jr. recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 128-104 win over the Wizards on Friday, Nov. 8.
Detroit Pistons' G Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 122-121 win over the Hawks on Friday, Nov. 8.
San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (foot) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid season, averaging a career-high in 68 games. Unfortunately, he suffered a stress fracture late in March and has been working his way back since. Without question, Vassell has untapped potential. While there's an excellent chance he'll be even more productive during the 2024-25 campaign, it could take him a few weeks to get back up to speed. With that said, It's unknown if Vassell will come off the bench or start in his first game back, whenever that will be. But he will likely see limited minutes, meaning Stephon Castle, coming off a 14-point, six-assist showing, could see at least a few more starts.
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (adductor) is questionable for Saturday's game in Atlanta. The 29-year-old last played in the win over Brooklyn on November 1, scoring 21 points while going 5-for-9 from behind the arc. However, he's missed the Bulls' previous three contests because of a right adductor strain. If LaVine can't return for Saturday's contest, Ayo Dosunmu, averaging 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in three starts this season, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (pelvis) is questionable for Saturday's game versus the Clippers. He hasn't played since the opener and has been on the shelf since because of a pelvic contusion. Fortunately, there's optimism the former Knick will be back soon, potentially as early as Saturday's game. It's unknown if Quickley will see limited minutes in his first game back, assuming he plays. But if he's not back on the floor, Davion Mitchell, averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in eight starts this season, could continue to directly benefit.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Spurs. The 21-year-old has played well this season, averaging a career-high 15.6 points and 6.4 assists. But he's in danger of missing the meeting with San Antonio because of foot soreness. If George can't get on the floor, Jordan Clarkson would presumably take over his spot in the rotation, increasing his fantasy potential. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen could also benefit from a production standpoint without George in the equation.
San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's contest versus the Utah Jazz. The 2022 No. 20 overall pick recorded a season-high 17 points in Thursday's win over the Portland Trail Blazers. But he tweaked his ankle late in the game and is now questionable against a Jazz team with only one victory during the 2024-25 campaign. Branham has played relatively well this season. However, he's not a consistent fantasy producer, and even if he plays, his outlook won't be as favorable if Devin Vassell (foot) is back on the floor.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (concussion) is expected to play versus the Miami Heat on Friday. Murray has missed three straight games after being placed in concussion protocol on November 1st after suffering a concussion versus the Timberwolves. If the 27-year-old's time on the court is limited on Friday, expect Christian BraunandPeyton Watsonto grab some of the minutes that could be potentially available.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) will play on Friday versus the Dallas Mavericks. The sharpshooter was a late addition to the injury report because of an illness. However, he's good to go. Bradley Beal (elbow) is also cleared to suit up, meaning fewer minutes and scoring opportunities will be available for guys like Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and Tyus Jones.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Bradley Beal (elbow) will play on Friday versus the Mavericks. The elbow injury isn't anything new, so most were aware that there was a good chance he'd be out there on Friday night. With Devin Booker (illness) also cleared to suit up, it should mean fewer minutes and scoring opportunities for Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones.
Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (back) will take the court against the Pacers on Friday despite dealing with some lower back soreness earlier in the day. He was initially listed as probable after sustaining the injury during Wednesday's win over the Pistons. With Miles Bridges (knee) out, the 25-year-old is expected to be part of the starting lineup. Across eight contests, Williams is averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 26.0 minutes per game.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (back) won't play in Friday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 25-year-old began the season in the starting lineup. However, he's struggled this season, resulting in a demotion to the bench in favor of Andre Jackson Jr., who had seven points, four assists, and four steals in Thursday's win over the Utah Jazz. With that said, Trent wouldn't have been featured in most fantasy lineups, so his absence on Friday won't be much of a blow to managers.
According to Orlando Magic beat writer Adam Koffler, New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green announced that power forward Zion Williamson will not play in Friday's game against Orlando because of tightness in his left hamstring. The 24-year-old attempted to participate in the game on Wednesday but temporarily left due to an unspecified injury; however, he managed to complete the game. With Williamson unavailable, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Daniel Theis are expected to receive more minutes on the court.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with the Hornets. The veteran was listed as questionable. But an illness will keep him off the floor against Charlotte. McConnell isn't a consistent fantasy producer, considering he has averaged 9.8 points and 4.1 assists this season. However, his absence could mean more work for Ben Sheppard, who will likely draw value attention from DFS managers on Friday evening.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (illness) is now questionable for Friday's game against the Mavericks. He's not feeling well, so fantasy managers will anxiously await an update regarding his availability. If Booker can't play, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (elbow) are the favorites to pick up the slack on the scoring end. At the same time, Royce O'Neale, Grayson Allen, and Tyus Jones could exceed expectations if Booker can't get on the floor.
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (hamstring) won't play on Friday versus the Nets. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) sidelined, Kornet has been getting some work from off the bench for the C's. However, he injured his hamstring in Wednesday's matchup with the Warriors and will now miss his first contest of the 2024-25 campaign. Al Horford will handle things in the middle. But there's room for Xavier Tillman Sr. to get more involved, although fantasy managers will be taking a risk by putting him in the starting lineup.
Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze will start in Friday's game versus the Pelicans. With Wendell Carter Jr. (foot) out again, Bitadze will remain with the first five. The 25-year-old has played well in his two starts this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals. While Bitadze's free-throw shooting could use some work, he remains a practical streaming option for fantasy managers against a New Orleans team plagued by injuries.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play in Friday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. He tweaked his ankle in Wednesday's one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets, limiting him to just eight minutes of work. Isaiah Stewart got more involved, finishing with seven boards, six assists, one steal, and one block. Duren's next chance to get on the floor will be on Sunday versus Houston. In the meantime, Stewart is worth streaming in any fantasy format, and he'll likely draw value attention from DFS participants. In addition, Paul Reed, who had 13 points in 12 minutes versus Charlotte, should be viewed as a risky, high-upside option.
