NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder top Pistons in OT
Tue Mar 31 3:02am ET
Field Level Media
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 47 points to lift the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a 114-110 overtime win over the short-handed Detroit Pistons on Monday in a matchup of conference leaders.
Gilgeous-Alexander opened overtime with a step-back jumper, found Alex Caruso for a corner 3-pointer with just more than a minute remaining and then hit six free throws in the final minute. Oklahoma City won for the 15th time in 16 games.
Detroit was short-handed, playing without its top five scorers, but the Pistons stayed in the game in large part due to a 16-4 advantage in second-chance points.
The Pistons, who got 21 points and 10 rebounds from Paul Reed, had their two-game winning streak snapped.
Spurs 129, Bulls 114
Victor Wembanyama continued his brilliant play by racking up 41 points and 16 rebounds while helping host San Antonio to a victory over Chicago in a late-season interconference clash.
The Spurs won for a league-leading ninth straight outing and kept pace with Oklahoma City in the hunt for the best record in both the Western Conference and the NBA as a whole. It was Wembanyama's third game with 40 or more points this season. Stephon Castle added 21 points for San Antonio while Keldon Johnson scored 15.
Tre Jones led Chicago with 23 points. Leonard Miller added 21 off the bench, Collin Sexton had 20, Guerschon Yabusele hit for 15 points and Matas Buzelis finished with 12 for the Bulls, who have already been eliminated from the postseason.
Heat 119, 76ers 109
Tyler Herro hit two key 3-pointers, Bam Adebayo recorded a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double in a head-to-head with Joel Embiid, and Miami came on strong down the stretch to turn back visiting Philadelphia.
Herro finished with a game-high 30 points and Pelle Larsson added 20 for the Heat, who moved into a virtual eighth-place tie in the Eastern Conference with Orlando.
Embiid had a team-high 26 points and Tyrese Maxey 23 for the 76ers, who remained in seventh place in the East but saw their lead over the Heat and Magic cut to 1 1/2 games.
Hawks 112, Celtics 102
Jalen Johnson collected 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists as Atlanta extended its home winning streak to 13 games with a victory over Boston.
Atlanta received 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists from Onyeka Okongwu, plus 18 points from Dyson Daniels. The Hawks have won 16 of their past 18 games.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, but he shot 9 of 29 from the field and committed six turnovers. Luka Garza added 20 points and nine boards for the Celtics, and Payton Pritchard finished with 16 points.
Suns 131, Grizzlies 105
Devin Booker scored 36 points while playing just three quarters and Jalen Green added 21 points and six boards as visiting Phoenix trounced Memphis.
The Suns won their second straight by closing strong, outscoring the Grizzlies 40-16 in the final quarter. The Suns were dominant in the paint, where they scored 68 points.
Memphis got 17 points off the bench from Tyler Burton but lost for the 14th time in 16 games. Cam Spencer scored 16 on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 success from long range.
Lakers 120, Wizards 101
LeBron James posted the 125th triple-double of his career while leading Los Angeles to a comprehensive win over visiting Washington.
James compiled 21 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to become, at 41 years, 90 days, the oldest player to notch a triple-double, surpassing his own record of 41 years, 79 days. It was his third triple-double of the season. Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes and Luke Kennard contributed 19 points apiece for the Lakers, who have won 15 of their past 17 games.
Will Riley scored 20 points, Justin Champagnie added 18 and Tristan Vukcevic had 14 for Washington, which has lost 19 of its past 20 outings.
Cavaliers 122, Jazz 113
Evan Mobley scored a season-high 34 points, collected a season-high 17 rebounds and blocked three shots to lead Cleveland past Utah in Salt Lake City.
Donovan Mitchell added 34 points to help the Cavaliers win their fifth consecutive road game. James Harden dished out a game-high 14 assists to go along with 13 points, and The Cavaliers outscored the Jazz 82-40 in the paint.
Kyle Filipowski tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals to lead Utah. Cody Williams added a team-high 26 points for the Jazz, who have lost six straight games and 10 of their past 11 contests.
Timberwolves 124, Mavericks 94
Ayo Dosunmu recorded his second career triple-double, finishing with 18 points, a career-high 15 rebounds and 12 assists to lead Minnesota to a road rout of Dallas.
With All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards coming off the bench and limited to 22:37 of playing time in his return from a knee injury, Dosunmu stepped up to shoulder some of the offensive load. Rudy Gobert posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Julius Randle netted a game-high 24 points.
Daniel Gafford led Dallas with 21 points on 9-of-11 field-goal shooting, while Rookie of the Year hopeful Cooper Flagg was held more than eight points below his season-long scoring average with 12 points on 5-of-19 shooting from the floor.
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Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. After Stewart injured his left calf in mid-March, he was initially expected to miss one week, but he hasn't been able to make a quick return. Saturday's game will mark his 12th consecutive absence. Paul Reed will continue to fill in for Stewart as Jalen Duren's backup. The former G League MVP has averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks over his last five outings.
According to The Athletic's Eric Nehm, Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) told reporters before Friday's game against Boston that he's healthy and ready to play, but the team is keeping him out against his wishes. "I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? ... I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup. I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it." The NBA is investigating the situation and has reportedly interviewed Antetokounmpo, the Bucks, and team doctors. Antetokounmpo has been out of action with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise since March 15. Following Antetokounmpo's explosive comments, it seems his departure from Milwaukee will only be a matter of time this offseason.
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (ankle) hasn't been included on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. With San Antonio playing its second game in as many nights, Wembanyama sat out Thursday's matchup with the Clippers. Wembanyama has been a beast lately, posting 41 points in each of his last two appearances, while racking up rebounds and defensive stats for fun. Saturday's game will be Wembanyama's first matchup of the season against fellow MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. Luke Kornet, who tallied eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in a spot start on Thursday, will move back to the bench against Denver.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (back) didn't finish Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. He missed the final few minutes of the game, with the team announcing that Siakam won't return due to a bruised lower back. Before exiting with 3:48 remaining in the fourth quarter, Siakam had an excellent performance. He finished with a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 34 minutes. Siakam's early exit on Friday night leaves him questionable for Sunday's meeting with Cleveland. Obi Toppin, Micah Potter, and Jarace Walker (back) would all be candidates for larger roles if Siakam misses time, although the latter has been out of the lineup for the last few games due to a back issue of his own.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (ankle) is available for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings after recently returning from a three-game absence. Murphy posted 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game and has averaged 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across his last five appearances. He should remain locked into fantasy lineups without a minute limit. Murphy should continue to play a major scoring role alongside Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (hamstring) will miss a second straight game on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He suffered a right hamstring strain last week and could be sidelined for the rest of the regular season, as muscle injuries usually take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to heal. The Nuggets have also lost Peyton Watson (hamstring) from the rotation, so Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee), Bruce Brown, and Julian Strawther could see more time on the floor during the final few regular-season games.
Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji (hip) will remain in street clothes on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs. He injured his left hip last weekend against Golden State and exited the lineup on Wednesday night versus Utah. His next chance to suit up will come on Monday against Portland. Nnaji plays only a limited role with the Nuggets, and his absence doesn't affect how the team operates. Jonas Valanciunas will continue to be the primary frontcourt option off the bench.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (knee) is probable for Saturday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. The 13-year veteran couldn't finish Wednesday's matchup with Utah due to a sore left knee, but it looks like the issue won't keep Hardaway Jr. off the court this weekend. He practiced fully on Friday. Hardaway Jr. has produced good numbers off the bench this season and might have a slightly larger workload during the final week of the regular season, with Peyton Watson (hamstring) on the shelf. Since the All-Star break, Hardaway Jr. has nailed 41.4 percent of his three-point attempts, averaging 12.6 points per game.
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (illness) will not play in Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards, extending his absence to four straight contests. Pelle Larsson should remain in the starting group after posting 18 points, six assists, three steals, three rebounds, and two three-pointers in 38 minutes last game. Larsson looks like a solid short-term streaming option while Powell remains out, especially for managers needing points, steals, and assists. Tyler Herro should continue to carry more of the scoring load, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. could also see steady minutes off the bench.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (foot) is probable for Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards and is expected to handle his usual workload. The 26-year-old has averaged 21.6 points, 3.4 three-pointers, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over his last five games and finished with 18 points, seven assists, four three-pointers, and one block in 40 minutes last game. Herro should continue to see extra touches with Norman Powell (illness) sidelined, keeping him locked into most fantasy lineups.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers after exiting early Thursday due to a knee bruise. Kevin Huerter could see more run after posting 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two three-pointers in 22 minutes, while Javonte Green contributed eight points, six rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers in 27 minutes. Ron Holland II also added eight points and a steal in 16 minutes. Huerter looks like a viable short-term streamer if Harris sits, with Green and Holland also candidates for larger roles.
Washington Wizards guard/forward Tre Johnson (foot) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat due to a right foot sprain. Bub Carrington could take on more ballhandling duties after finishing with 13 points, seven assists, and three three-pointers in 31 minutes last game. Jamir Watkins added seven points, five rebounds, and two assists in 19 minutes, while Jaden Hardy chipped in seven points with a three-pointer and a steal across 25 minutes. Carrington looks like the safest streaming option if Johnson sits, while Watkins and Hardy could also see expanded roles.
Washington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (heel) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Miami Heat as he continues to manage soreness. Will Riley could again benefit after producing 18 points, three assists, and two three-pointers in 32 minutes last game, while Justin Champagnie added 17 points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block in 21 minutes off the bench. Riley looks like a solid short-term streaming option if Coulibaly is ruled out, while Champagnie and Jaden Hardy could also see increased opportunities in the rotation.
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Olivier-Maxence Prosper (back) will not play in Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors due to lower-back soreness. Taylor Hendricks could step into a larger role and is worth a look in deeper leagues after starting a recent game against Phoenix and finishing with five points, two rebounds, and one three-pointer in 18 minutes. Memphis remains thin in the frontcourt, which could also mean stable minutes for GG Jackson II. Hendricks is a possible deep league pickup if you need forward help, while Prosper can be considered day to day.
Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (heel) is back on the court ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Ingram is back in the starting five after sitting out Wednesday's game due to left heel inflammation. As expected, Ingram will return from his one-game absence and figures to play his regular role in the rotation. The normally elite Ingram has hit a cold streak recently with 15.6 points on 44 percent shooting over the last five games. Despite his lackluster play, Ingram is a must-start in season-long formats, but might not be the best DFS choice right now.
Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin (foot) will not play in Friday's game against the Orlando Magic due to a right plantar fascia strain, extending his absence to nine games. His continued absence should allow Max Christie, Khris Middleton, and Klay Thompson to absorb extra wing minutes. Middleton remains the most interesting fantasy option after finishing with eight points, five rebounds, and two assists in 22 minutes last game. Christie posted three points and three rebounds in 26 minutes, limiting his appeal. Middleton looks like the safest deep-league streamer, while Thompson remains a situational three-point option.
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Marvin Bagley III (shoulder) will not play in Friday's game against the Orlando Magic, marking his third straight absence. Dwight Powell should continue to handle backup center minutes behind Daniel Gafford, though his fantasy appeal remains limited after posting three points, three rebounds, and one steal in 15 minutes last game. Gafford is the clearer beneficiary for managers needing efficient big-man production. Powell is only a desperation option in very deep leagues.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, according to head coach Jordi Fernandez. Porter has missed the last 11 games and hasn't suited up for a game since March 10. The Nets are sitting at 18-58 on the season with six games remaining on their schedule. There's little incentive for the Nets to push the 27-year-old back to the court this season. He'll finish the season averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 32.5 minutes in 52 games. Ziaire Williams should play a larger role in the rotation over the final six games.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) will not play in Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls, with center Mitchell Robinson moving into the starting lineup. Robinson becomes a strong rebounding streamer after recording 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 31 minutes in his last start. His value comes from boards and defensive stats. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges could see slight usage increases, while Josh Hart may help on the glass. Robinson fits as a category specialist in standard leagues for managers targeting rebounds and blocks.
Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (Achilles) has been removed from the injury report and is back in action ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Mann sat out of Tuesday's game loss to the Charlotte Hornets due to an Achilles issue. He'll move back into the starting five on Friday. Over the last seven games, Mann is averaging 5.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 20.5 minutes per game. The 29-year-old could offer some deep league appeal, but isn't an ideal option right now.
