NBA roundup: Cavs prevail in showdown with Thunder
Thu Jan 9 2:28am ET
Field Level Media
Jarrett Allen collected 25 points and 11 rebounds to lift the host Cleveland Cavaliers to a 129-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday in a battle of the NBA's top two teams.
Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Cavaliers, who have won 11 in a row overall and improved to 11-0 against Western Conference opponents. Oklahoma City rode a franchise-record 15-game winning streak into the Wednesday matchup.
Cleveland's Darius Garland scored 18 points and Max Strus sank five 3-pointers to highlight his 17-point performance off the bench.
Oklahoma City superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points and Jalen Williams added 25 points and nine assists. Isaiah Hartenstein notched 18 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder, who fell to 11-1 vs. Eastern Conference foes.
Bucks 121, Spurs 105
Damian Lillard scored 26 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points as Milwaukee beat visiting San Antonio.
Lillard also had eight assists, while Antetokounmpo added 16 rebounds and eight dimes for his 432nd career double-double, moving past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot in Bucks history. Brook Lopez posted 22 points for Milwaukee, which set up its clinical win with a commanding 34-19 second quarter.
Keldon Johnson combined 24 points with 11 boards in 25 minutes off the bench for San Antonio, while Chris Paul contributed 18 points and seven assists. Victor Wembanyama had 10 points, 10 rebounds and a game-high three blocked shots.
Nuggets 126, Clippers 103
Jamal Murray had 21 points and nine assists, Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. scored 19 points each and host Denver beat Los Angeles.
Julian Strawther contributed 16 points for the Nuggets, who lost to the visiting Boston Celtics on Tuesday but improved to 8-0 in the second game of back-to-backs. Denver center Nikola Jokic (illness) missed his second straight game.
Norman Powell scored 30 points for the Clippers, who have lost four of their past five games. Kawhi Leonard was absent after returning to Los Angeles to be with his family because of the wildfires burning in Southern California.
Knicks 112, Raptors 98
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart each posted double-doubles for host New York, which snapped a three-game losing streak by gradually pulling away from Toronto.
Towns, who was listed as questionable after sitting out Monday with a knee injury, finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds for his 31st double-double of the season. Hart had 21 points and 11 rebounds while adding seven assists.
Immanuel Quickley scored 22 points while Scottie Barnes had 18 and RJ Barrett finished with 16 for the Raptors, who have lost 14 of 15.
76ers 109, Wizards 103
Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points, including the go-ahead basket with 24 seconds remaining, to elevate undermanned Philadelphia past visiting Washington.
Maxey's driving finger roll to break a 103-103 stalemate made up for the previous possession when the game's high scorer missed a contested fadeaway jumper. The basket was part of a game-ending 8-0 run for the 76ers.
Washington took its first lead since the game's opening minutes earlier in the period on the strength of a 20-5 run, fueled by reserves Jared Butler and Corey Kispert. The two each scored eight points in the burst, part of Butler's career-high 26 and Kispert's season-high-tying 23.
Pistons 113, Nets 98
Malik Beasley scored 23 points as Detroit moved over .500 and pushed its winning streak to five games by defeating depleted Brooklyn in New York.
The Pistons led most of the way in winning for the eighth time in nine games and improved to 19-18. Beasley, who made 9 of 17 shots and sank four 3-pointers overall, and scored 16 of his points in the opening half.
Noah Clowney scored a career-best 29 points for the Nets, who dropped their seventh straight home game and lost for the 14th time in 18 games. Brooklyn was missing 10 players.
Trail Blazers 119, Pelicans 100
Deni Avdija scored 26 points to lead a balanced scoring effort and hot-shooting Portland routed host New Orleans.
Shaedon Sharpe added 21 points as six Blazers scored in double figures. Portland shot 54.5 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from beyond the arc.
CJ McCollum scored 23 points and Dejounte Murray added 20 for the Pelicans, who played without forward Zion Williamson (rest). Williamson returned from a 27-game absence prompted by a strained hamstring to score 22 points Tuesday.
Pacers 129, Bulls 113
Pascal Siakam scored 26 points as Indiana beat Chicago in Indianapolis.
Thomas Bryant added 22 points and eight rebounds while Tyrese Haliburton collected 16 points and 13 assists as the Pacers won their fourth straight game.
Zach LaVine led Chicago with 31 points. Coby White had 19 for the Bulls, who had their two-game winning streak snapped.
- NBA roundup: Cavs prevail in showdown with Thunder
- Pelicans to rest Zion Williamson (hamstring) vs. Trail Blazers
- Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard stepping away from team
- Magic's Paolo Banchero returning from torn oblique
- NBA roundup: Trae Young, Hawks stun Jazz on half-court shot
- Nikola Jokic, Derrick White out for Celtics-Nuggets matchup
- Raptors waive journeyman C Bruno Fernando
- NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo cuts hand, nets triple-double
- G Kyrie Irving could miss 2 weeks with back injury
- Suns to use Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic off bench
- Bucks F Khris Middleton (ankle) out vs. Raptors
- NBA roundup: Thunder take down Celtics, win 15th straight
- Warriors F Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) out indefinitely
- NBA roundup: Kawhi Leonard debuts as Clippers tackle Hawks
- Bulls to retire Derrick Rose's No. 1 jersey
- Clippers' Kawhi Leonard set for season debut vs. Hawks
- NBA roundup: OKC ties franchise mark with 14th straight win
- Magic G Jalen Suggs exits vs. Raptors with back spasms
- Rockets F Jabari Smith Jr. out 4-8 weeks with hand fracture
- Hawks F Larry Nance Jr. undergoes surgery for fractured hand
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. As expected, Antetokounmpo is cleared to play despite dealing with a right knee issue. The superstar forward has missed a few games due to his knee problems this season, but the Bucks have done a nice job at managing the issue. The assumption is that Antetokounmpo is going to have a full workload during this game. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Antetokounmpo active in their lineups.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. Middleton will make his way back to the court after sitting out Monday's contest for rest purposes. The Bucks have decided to shake up their lineups and will move Taurean Prince into their starting five for now. Middleton has been a decent fantasy contributor with a three-game stretch of 20 points or more in late December. His fantasy value and playing time are certainly going to take a hit coming off the bench. Price is a low-end streaming option due to his defensive ability.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The superstar guard was a late addition to the injury report due to a left calf contusion. Despite that, Lillard is available, but he might be on a minutes limit. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucks pull out Lillard early if the game gets out of hand. Fantasy managers in season-long formats should feel comfortable getting Lillard back in their lineups.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The superstar center will now miss his second game in a row due to an illness. The Nuggets are likely going to use a committee approach to fill help the void. Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan should both see more minutes during Wednesday's game. Neither of them brought much to the table on Tuesday, so fantasy managers should probably be able to find better streaming options for Wednesday's slate.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The superstar center is back in action after sitting out of Monday's contest due to right knee tendinitis. There is no word of Towns being limited after a one-game absence, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload. Jericho Sims played 29 minutes on Monday, so he's expected to fall in the rotation with Towns available. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Towns back in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. This marks the fourth game in a row that McBride has missed due to a left hamstring issue. His absence should mean increased playing time for Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet. Both players are only playing minutes in the teens and aren't contributing enough to be considered streaming options for Wednesday's slate.
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (back) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The rookie guard is dealing with a lower back issue, but that won't stop him from suiting up here. There is no word on Carrington being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to be a full-go here. The 19-year-old has finished with double digit points in each of his last two games. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable getting Carrington back in their lineups on Wednesday.
Philadelphia 76ers centerAndre Drummond(toe) is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards, according to Ky Carlin of USA Today. Drummond's absence was expected as he was deemed doubtful earlier in the day. Joel Embiid(foot) is also out, so Guerschon Yabusele will likely see plenty of action and get the start at center going up against the Wizards. Dummond's next opportunity to suit up will be versus New Orleans on Friday.
Despite practicing Wednesday, Orlando Magic guardJalen Suggs(back) will not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday due to a back strain. His next opportunity to get back on the floor comes on Friday against Milwaukee which is the second half of a back-to-back set. While the 23-year-old is sidelined, Cole Anthonyshould continue to start. Jett HowardandTrevelin Queenwill get some scoring opportunities coming off the bench as well.
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (calf) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Kuzma exited early on Tuesday due to a right calf contusion, but it doesn't look like it's going to cost him any time. He was listed as questionable coming into the game, but he'll ultimately suit up on Wednesday. He has been playing better lately with a 28-point performance last week. Fantasy managers who have Kuzma rostered can get him back in there on Wednesday. Kuzma has been inconsistent this season, but he's still worth rostering in most fantasy formats.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced forward Zion Williamson (injury maintenance) is unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. As expected, Williamson will sit out the second half of back-to-back contests after returning on Tuesday in a 104-97 loss to the Timberwolves. In his return the 24-year-old posted 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes after missing 30 games this season after dealing with a right hamstring strain. Javonte Green will likely gain some extra playing time during Williamson's absence.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) won't play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. Gordon will miss his eighth consecutive contest due to a calf strain. The 29-year-old participated in most of practice on Monday, likely leading to his returning soon. His next opportunity to suit up comes on Friday against the Nets. Former Clipper Russell Westbrook will continue to get the nod to start in place of Gordon until his return.
Denver Nuggets centerNikola Jokic(illness) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. Jokic is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to an illness. A decision on his game availability will likely be made closer to warmups. If the big man is unavailable, Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan will take on expanded roles in the team rotation. However, Saric and Jordan are not viable fantasy options at center for Wednesday.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Orlando Magic forwardPaolo Banchero (oblique) is set to return against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Banchero returned to practice Wednesday after not playing since October 30th due to a torn right oblique. Fantasy managers should prepare to have the 22-year-old back in their lineup, as he had an excellent start to the season before his injury. He's posted averages of 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists during 36.4 minutes in five contests.
Los Angeles Clippers forwardKawhi Leonard(personal) will not suit up against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, per NBA reporter Chris Haynes. Leonard is temporarily stepping away from the Clippers to help family members who were forced to evacuate during the current wildfires in Los Angeles County.While the 33-year-old is out, James Harden and Norman Powell will see an uptick in minutes. Terrance Mann, who recently recovered from a finger injury, may also take on more playing time versus the Nuggets.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (wrist) may sit out his first game of the season on Wednesday against New Orleans, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Avdija, who has recently been a starter due to Jerami Grant's (face) absence, has suffered a right wrist sprain. Kris Murray has already started to play more because of Grant's injury, and Avdija's exit from the lineup would further boost his fantasy stock. Rayan Rupert and Dalano Banton might also receive more playing time Wednesday night.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (face) will remain on the shelf for a fifth consecutive game on Wednesday against New Orleans. He has yet to recover from a facial contusion. Deni Avdija (wrist) has joined the starting five during Grant's absence but might also exit the lineup on Wednesday, as Portland has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Murray has received an uptick in minutes with Grant missing, and he may now find himself as a starter if Avdija also can't play on Wednesday. The 24-year-old finished his rookie campaign as a starter in Portland last season, averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the first unit.
Brooklyn Nets guard/center Ben Simmons (back) has been listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Detroit. Simmons is managing a lower back problem and might be absent for a fourth consecutive game. Reece Beekman has entered the rotation following Simmons' exit from the lineup, with Keon Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin also benefiting from the situation. If he's cleared for action, Simmons himself will have additional fantasy value on Wednesday due to D'Angelo Russell's (shin) injury.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against Toronto. The four-time All-Star may have to sit out a second consecutive game due to a problem with his right knee. Jericho Sims took over the starting role from Towns on Monday versus Orlando. He gobbled up 10 rebounds in 29 minutes but didn't do much else. Precious Achiuwa also has a chance to log additional minutes without Towns and finished Monday's contest with 10 points and two rebounds in 22 minutes.
Brooklyn Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell (shin) will remain out on Wednesday against Detroit. He suffered a right shin contusion against Philadelphia last weekend, ending his promising start in Brooklyn. The former Laker averaged a double-double through his first couple of outings with the Nets. Russell's absence has given a further boost to Keon Johnson, Ziaire Williams, and Tyrese Martin. The three have moved to the starting unit, with Cam Thomas (hamstring) and Cameron Johnson (ankle) also recently dropping out of the lineup.
