NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic (triple-double) lifts Nuggets in OT
Sun Dec 22 11:12pm ET
Field Level Media
Nikola Jokic overcame a slow start to finish with a triple-double and the visiting Denver Nuggets rebounded from a 17-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 132-129 in overtime Sunday night.
Jokic was scoreless until late in the second quarter but finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, his NBA-best 11th triple-double of the season. He scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half and overtime. Jamal Murray also scored 27 while Russell Westbrook had 21.
Reserve Jordan Hawkins scored a season-high 25 points and CJ McCollum had 24 to pace the Pelicans.
Jokic scored the Nuggets' first three baskets of overtime then assisted on Gordon's tiebreaking basket before Jamal Murray added a layup. New Orleans got within two points twice after that but could get no closer.
Rockets 114, Raptors 110
Dillon Brooks scored 27 points, Jalen Green added 22 and Houston rallied past host Toronto, sending the Raptors to their seventh straight loss.
Alperen Sengun contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Rockets, who have won two straight. Toronto's Ja'Kobe Walter scored 14 of his career-best 27 points in the first quarter before fouling out with 2:40 left in the game.
Houston outscored Toronto by 18 at the free-throw line, making 27 of 33 attempts compared to 9 of 13 for the Raptors, as well as in the paint (62-50) and in second-chance points (21-10).
Pacers 122, Kings 95
Pascal Siakam led a balanced attack with 19 points, Tyrese Haliburton enjoyed his first triumphant homecoming and visiting Indiana rolled past struggling Sacramento.
Playing in Sacramento for just the second time since being dealt from the Kings to the Pacers in February 2022, Haliburton contributed 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds to Indiana's fourth consecutive win. Siakam complemented his team-high point total with a team-high 10 rebounds, giving him his second consecutive double-double and fourth of the season. Myles Turner (15 points), Ben Sheppard (14), Nembhard (12), T.J. McConnell (12) and Obi Toppin (11) also scored in double figures.
De'Aaron Fox was the game's top scorer with 23 points for the Kings, who shot just 36.5 percent. He added seven assists. Domantas Sabonis, who went from Indiana to Sacramento in the six-player Haliburton trade, snatched a game-high 21 rebounds to go with 17 points.
- NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic (triple-double) lifts Nuggets in OT
- G Alex Caruso lands contract extension from Thunder
- Magic’s Mo Wagner (torn ACL) out for season
- NBA roundup: Magic stun Heat after franchise-record rally
- Suns G Devin Booker to miss two games with groin soreness
- NBA fines Nets C Nic Claxton $25K for throwing ball into stands
- NBA fines Celtics' Joe Mazzulla $35K for actions toward official
- NBA roundup: Cup champion Bucks no match for Cavs
- Suns standout G Devin Booker (groin) out vs. Pistons
- Bucks standout G Damian Lillard (calf) out vs. Cavaliers
- NBA roundup: Grizzlies hand Warriors 51-point loss
- Suns' Devin Booker exits in third quarter vs. Pacers
- Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird among first-time Hall of Fame nominees
- Cavs F Isaac Okoro (shoulder) out at least two weeks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines All-NBA Cup team
- Warriors lead way as NBA team values hit $4.6B average
- Adam Silver: NBA examining increase in 3-point shooting
- Hawks G Kobe Bufkin (shoulder) done for season
- 76ers rookie G Jared McCain (knee) undergoes surgery
- Bucks F Khris Middleton (illness) out for NBA Cup final vs. Thunder
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (oblique) remains out for Monday's game against the Boston Celtics. The 22-year-old was having an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. However, he suffered a torn oblique in the October 30 matchup with the Chicago Bulls and has missed the last 25 games. Fortunately, he's moving in the right direction, with Banchero spotted at shootaround on Monday and doing some "spot shooting." With that in mind, he could be back sometime in the next few weeks. It could take him a few games to get back to his pre-injury workload. But with Franz Wagner (oblique) sidelined, Banchero could be even more productive once he's back on the floor.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (ankle) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the visiting Celtics. Suggs has had a productive 2024-25 campaign, averaging career-highs in points (16.0), rebounds (4.2), assists (3.9), and steals (1.5). He suffered an ankle injury in Thursday's loss to OKC and wasn't on the floor for Saturday's win over the Miami Heat. With Franz Wagner (oblique), Paolo Banchero (oblique), and Moritz Wagner (knee) sidelined, the team needs Suggs back in the lineup. But if he's not out there on Monday night, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Goga Bitadze should continue to benefit, making them the safest fantasy options. However, Cole Anthony, who had 35 points against Miami, will be a popular streaming option if Suggs remains out.
Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 27 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds in a 132-129 win over New Orleans on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (face) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Embiid recently suffered a sinus fracture which forced him to the bench for Saturday's game. However, it appears to only be a one-game absence for Embiid who will be back in the mix on Monday. That being said, Andre Drummond will go back to his reserve role which means less streaming appeal for him. Also, Guerschon Yabusele will lose some playing time as well with Embiid getting back on the court on Monday.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) is available ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Murray was tagged as questionable coming into this game due to left ankle soreness. However, Murray has now been cleared and will suit up for this game. He posted a dud on Saturday, but fantasy managers in season-long formats should feel comfortable getting Murray back in their lineups here. Fellow big man Domantas Sabonis (ankle) remains questionable for this game, so Murray could play a larger role if Sabonis sits out.
Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (calf) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The veteran forward was active for the first time in almost a month during Saturday's game. He finished with three points and three rebounds across 17 minutes of action. The expectation is that the Kings are going to ease Lyles back into action. Fellow big man Domantas Sabonis (ankle) remains questionable for this game, so Lyles could see a larger role if Sabonis sits out. Otherwise, Lyles is probably avoidable for Sunday's slate.
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Sabonis was on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game, but he managed to suit up. He didn't seem too banged up as he recorded 19 points and 19 rebounds in the loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The expectation is that Sabonis will be out there unless he suffers a setback before tip-off. Alex Len, Trey Lyles (calf), Isaac Jones are candidates to see increased playing time if Sabonis is unable to go. None of them have great streaming appeal, but could be low-end streaming options in deep leagues.
Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (knee) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Wagner left with a left knee injury that is now being revealed as a season-ending ACL tear. The injuries continue to pile up for the Magic roster. The Magic will now be forced to lean on Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze with the team low on depth at the center spot. Both players should have strong fantasy value considering they both should see heavy minutes going forward.
Suns' F Kevin Durant scored 43 points on 14-of-26 shooting in a 125-133 loss to the Pistons on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Celtics' F Jayson Tatum recorded a triple-double, finishing with 43 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds in a 123-98 win over Chicago on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Orlando's G Cole Anthony scored 35 points on 13-of-25 shooting in a 121-114 win over the Heat on Saturday, Dec. 21. Anthony is owned in only 5.6% leagues.
Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Miami Heat. Wagner was only able to play a few minutes before suffering a left knee injury. The Magic are getting blown out at halftime, so they've decided to take the cautious approach and hold out Wagner. This comes at a bad time with fellow big man Wendell Carter Jr. being ejected from this contest. Goga Bitadze is likely going to play heavy minutes on Saturday and could see more playing time coming his way if Wagner misses time.
Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale will shift into the starting five ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Pistons. This was the expected move with Devin Booker (groin) unavailable for this game. It was either between O'Neale or Grayson Allen, but head coach Mike Budenholzer has decided to go with the veteran forward. O'Neale has been playing well lately, so a move to the starting five should only boost his fantasy value. Fantasy managers looking for help on Saturday should take a look at O'Neale. His value figures to stay boosted until Booker is able to get back on the court.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Banton was listed as questionable coming into this game, but he will now miss his second game in a row due to a lingering hip issue. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation considering Banton is only averaging 16 minutes per game. The expectation is that Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe will absorb a few more minutes which should give them an uptick in value for Saturday's game.
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (knee) is available ahead of Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Ivey will make his return to the court after missing each of the last two games due to knee inflammation. His return figures to push Ausar Thompson back to the bench where he won't have as great of streaming appeal. Also, Malik Beasley figures to lose some minutes as well with Ivey back in the picture. Ivey has been on a cold streak lately, but hopefully can turn it around on Saturday. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should feel safe about plugging him back into their lineups.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) won't play against the Washington Wizards. The veteran is no stranger to the league's official injury report. However, instead of his usual knee issue, back spasms will keep him off the floor on Saturday night. With Damian Lillard (calf) also out, the team will look to Khris Middleton (ankles), Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez to lead things offensively. There's also streaming potential for Ryan Rollins and Andre Jackson Jr. with both men entering the starting lineup versus Washington.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) will play against the Cavs on Saturday. The veteran was listed as questionable due to his nagging knee injury. Fortunately, he'll be out there. As usual, George is a must-start fantasy option in any format. But with Joel Embiid (rest) getting the night off, George could see a surge in production versus arguably the best team in the National Basketball Association.
According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forwardDraymond Green (ankle)is expected to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Green was added to the injury list early on Saturday due to a sore left ankle. The 34-year-old hopes to recover after a rough outing on Thursday against Memphis, where he was unable to score a point, grab any rebounds, or log any assists in 19 minutes of playing time.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (rest) won't play on Saturday versus Cleveland. The multi-time All-Star missed more time recently due to a sinus fracture. However, he returned for Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets and had a monster performance, finishing with a game-high 34 points with nine assists, five boards, two steals, and two blocks. He'll likely be back for Monday's game against the Spurs. In the meantime, Andre Drummond, averaging 8.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 13 starts this season, should be featured in all fantasy lineups. Tyrese Maxey could also see an uptick in scoring with Embiid out, even more so if Paul George (knee) is sidelined.
According to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Golden State Warriors forward/guard Moses Moody will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday due to soreness in his left knee. Head coach Steve Kerr said Moody felt "a little sore" after a scrimmage on Friday. The 22-year-old hasn't impacted fantasy basketball much, as he's averaged 7.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.6 minutes across 23 games this season. Look for Jonathan KumingaandBuddy Hieldto receive extra time and scoring opportunities coming off the bench while Moody is out.
