NBA roundup: Two Celtics score over 40 in win over Blazers
Thu Mar 6 3:37am ET
Field Level Media
Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 43 points and Derrick White tossed in a career-high 41 to lead the short-handed Boston Celtics to a 128-118 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
It was the first time in franchise history that two Boston players scored 40-plus points in the same game.
Pritchard was 14 of 20 from the field, including 10 of 16 from 3-point territory. He also had 10 rebounds and five rebounds. White was 14 of 26 from the field and made 9 of 17 3-point attempts for Boston, which was without Jrue Holiday (finger), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Jayson Tatum (shoulder).
Anfernee Simons led Portland with 30 points. Shaedon Sharpe added 25 points and six rebounds and Jabari Walker contributed 22 points and six rebounds. Walker made each of his six 3-point attempts.
Clippers 123, Pistons 115
James Harden scored a season-high 50 points and Ivica Zubac added 22 points and 11 rebounds as Los Angeles beat Detroit in Inglewood, Calif.
Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 23 points in his third start and 10th game for the Clippers, who were playing their first home game since Feb. 12. Los Angeles was without Kawhi Leonard (rest), Derrick Jones Jr. (groin) and Norman Powell (hamstring).
Cade Cunningham scored 37 points and dished 10 assists and Dennis Schroder added 21 points as the Pistons lost for just the second time in their past 12 games.
Cavaliers 112, Heat 107
Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points, Evan Mobley added 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Cleveland closed on a 12-2 run to beat visiting Miami for its 12th straight victory.
De'Andre Hunter also had 16 points for the NBA-best Cavaliers, who became the first team to clinch a playoff berth. Darius Garland had 15 points and 10 assists, Ty Jerome scored 12 points, and Max Strus had 11.
Bam Adebayo put up a season-high 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for Miami. Robinson scored 14 points, Haywood Highsmith added 13, Terry Rozier had 12 and Kevin Love chipped in 10 against his former team.
Nuggets 116, Kings 110
Russell Westbrook scored 25 points, Nikola Jokic added 22 points and 15 rebounds and host Denver rallied to beat Sacramento.
Denver outscored Sacramento 32-17 in the fourth quarter to pull away. Jamal Murray produced 24 points and eight assists, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds, Christian Braun finished with 15 points and seven assists and Zeke Nnaji scored 10 points for Denver.
DeMar DeRozan scored 35 points, Zach LaVine had 20 points, Jonas Valanciunas finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds, Jake LaRavia added 15 points and Keon Ellis contributed 11 for the Kings, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.
Bucks 137, Mavericks 107
Damian Lillard scored 34 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 32 to lead host Milwaukee to a win over short-handed Dallas.
The Bucks, who have won four straight games and eight of nine, also got 10 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists from reserve Kevin Porter Jr. Antetokounmpo grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.
Dallas lost its third straight game and fifth in its last six. With nine players ruled out of this game and just eight available, Klay Thompson led the way with 28 points, while Naji Marshall added 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Thunder 120, Grizzlies 103
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 41 points to lead visiting Oklahoma City over Memphis, which lost its season-high fourth straight game.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who had 51 points in the Thunder's home victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday, posted his 10th 40-point game of the season. Jalen Williams added 20 points and nine assists for the Thunder, who won their fifth straight game.
Ja Morant, back in the lineup for Memphis after a two-game absence caused by a shoulder contusion, finished with 24 points and six assists. Desmond Bane contributed 15 points as the Grizzlies finished a 1-4 homestand.
Timberwolves 125, Hornets 110
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels pumped in 29 points apiece, and Minnesota rolled to a victory at Charlotte.
Julius Randle contributed 25 points and joined McDaniels and teammate Naz Reid with 10 rebounds apiece. Donte DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Reid notched 13 points and Randle added nine assists as the Timberwolves won their third game in a row.
LaMelo Ball poured in 28 points and Miles Bridges had 23, but the Hornets' losing streak reached eight games.
Wizards 125, Jazz 122
Kyshawn George had 23 points and seven rebounds, helping Washington beat visiting Utah.
Alexandre Sarr added 21 points, while Justin Champagnie scored 17 as the Wizards won their second game in three tries.
Johnny Juzang scored a season-high 27 points while Kyle Filipowski collected 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Jazz dropped their third straight. Utah had a chance to tie the game on the final possession, but Brice Sensabaugh's 3-point attempt missed with one second remaining.
- NBA roundup: Two Celtics score over 40 in win over Blazers
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- NBA roundup: Lakers win as LeBron James hits milestone
- LeBron James reaches point-scoring milestone
- Grizzlies standout Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) out week-to-week
- Magic G Jalen Suggs has knee surgery, out for season
- Mavericks G Kyrie Irving has torn ACL, out for season
- NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (51), Thunder win 50th game
- Mavericks G Kyrie Irving (knee sprain) exits vs. Kings
- Mavs raise ticket costs, citing 'ongoing investments' in team, fans
- Kings C Domantas Sabonis out indefinitely with hamstring strain
- NBA roundup: Cavs edge Blazers with late 3 in OT
- Knicks waive Matt Ryan, Jacob Toppin
- Jazz sign G Jaden Springer to multi-year contract
- Thunder's Chet Holmgren (ankle) out vs. Spurs
- Wizards' Justin Champagnie signing 4-year deal
- Magic G Jalen Suggs to have surgery, out indefinitely
- Warriors' Jimmy Butler faces lawsuit over unpaid rent, property damages
- Bulls G Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) out for season
- NBA roundup: Quentin Grimes scores 44, Sixers top Warriors to snap losing skid
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (illness) is on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Friday's encounter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Miami's leading scorer is battling an illness and might have to miss a second straight game. Terry Rozier may remain in the starting lineup if Herro can't return on Friday. The former Hornet has played a larger role recently, but he's had a pair of rough outings. Rozier has shot 2-for-15 from outside over the past two games, averaging 13.5 points and 3.5 assists.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (ankle) is in danger of missing Friday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the team lists him as questionable. The former Minnesota man has sat out four games due to a right ankle sprain. With Wiggins on the shelf, Haywood Highsmith has returned to the rotation, with Kyle Anderson also having a bigger role in Erik Spoelstra's plans. Highsmith has averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over the past five games.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) will suit up for Thursday's clash against the New York Knicks. He's back in the fold after sitting out a couple of games due to a calf strain. Reaves' return is unfortunate for Gabe Vincent, who will once again have to settle for a bench role, even though he didn't do a lot in the two spot starts he had. Before getting hurt in a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers last week, Reaves had been on a tear, averaging 23.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 steals over an 11-game stretch.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot) is good to go for Thursday's fascinating battle against the New York Knicks. While the team continues to have him on the injury report, James has skipped only one game in 2025. He's coming off a big 34-point outing against the New Orleans Pelicans and has looked very impressive since the All-Star break. James has averaged 28.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals across eight games coming out of the break.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (groin) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. It appears Jones will be back in the mix after missing each of the last three games due to a groin issue. Jones has been playing a bigger role in the rotation lately with Norman Powell (hamstring) being sidelined. The expectation is that he'll continue playing 20-plus minutes until Powell returns. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kris Dunn could lose some playing time with Jones getting back in the mix on Friday.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (knee) will be active on Thursday against the New York Knicks. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available. Doncic is good to go despite dealing with a knee contusion. The Lakers' newest superstar will make his 10th appearance for his new team. After a slow start in L.A., we have seen the best version of Doncic lately, as the five-time All-Star has averaged 26.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists over his past five outings.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Ben Simmons (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Simmons will now miss his fourth game in a row due to a left knee injury. Simmons was actually a decent streaming option when he was healthy, but now it's unclear when he'll get back on the floor. His next chance to play will be against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Both Amir Coffey and Derrick Jones Jr. should see increased roles in the rotation until Simmons returns. Jones is the better streaming choice between the two forwards right now.
Denver Nuggets center Zeke Nnaji (ankle) is listed as probable ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The 24-year-old is dealing with a minor ankle injury that shouldn't sideline him for this contest. His playing time has been inconsistent lately, but he could see a bigger role if Aaron Gordon (ankle) or Nikola Jokic (ankle) are unable to play on Friday. Nnaji is really only worth a look as a streaming option if Gordon or Jokic are unable to play.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (back) remains listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Miami Heat. He has been out for eight games with a back issue. One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity, and Naz Reid has enjoyed the limelight during Gobert's absence. He has recently been a regular 20-point scorer while racking up double-doubles for fun. Reid's overall numbers as a starter this season stand at an impressive 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. The superstar forward appears to be ready for action again after sitting out the second leg of the back-to-back set on Wednesday. The Clippers are going to continue resting the oft-injured forward, especially with the playoffs getting closer. Fantasy managers should expect Leonard to have his normal workload during Friday's game. When healthy, Leonard has been an excellent fantasy option, so make sure to plug him back into lineups ahead of Friday's contest.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The superstar big man has been playing through an ankle issue lately. Despite that, Jokic has still registered a double-double in four straight games. It doesn't seem that the ankle issue is impacting Jokic on the court, but maybe the Nuggets will take the cautious approach on Friday. If they do, Zeke Nnaji (ankle) and DeAndre Jordan figure to see more run in the rotation.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Gordon has missed the last three games and is in danger of sitting out another contest. When healthy, Gordon has been playing better lately, but has been an inconsistent fantasy option this season. If he misses more time, Zeke Nnaji (ankle) and Peyton Watson figure to see bigger roles in the rotation. Between the two, Nnaji is the better streaming choice right now.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley (rest) has not been included on the injury report for Friday's game against the Miami Heat. The veteran seems ready to return to the lineup after missing the tail end of a back-to-back on Wednesday against the Charlotte Hornets. Conley has not been a good fantasy asset in 2024-25, and the return of Donte DiVincenzo has further diminished his value. The 37-year-old is averaging a career-low 24.9 minutes and 8.1 points.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. He was only able to get through 14 minutes of action on Tuesday before he re-aggravated his calf injury. Beal was able to practice on Thursday without any issues, which is a good sign heading into Friday's contest. If he sits, Tyus Jones figures to get the starting nod, which would make him a more appealing fantasy option. Jones finished with 15 points and 12 assists during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans last week. He'd be worth a look as a streaming option if Beal is unable to play.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's clash against the Los Angeles Lakers. He is set to return to action after missing one game for personal reasons. Now that Towns is available again, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will likely head back to the second unit. Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) may fall out of the rotation entirely if he is cleared for action. Both he and Robinson are carrying questionable tags ahead of Thursday's game.
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) will remain on the shelf for Thursday's tilt against the Houston Rockets. He is struggling to shake off a left ankle sprain, missing an 11th consecutive contest. Boston Jr.'s next opportunity to return will come on Saturday in a rematch with the Rockets. In Thursday's matchup, Jordan Hawkins and Bruce Brown will continue to lead New Orleans' second unit. Hawkins is looking like a solid fantasy pickup at present, as he has averaged 12.3 points and 3.9 rebounds since the All-Star break.
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. He will be sidelined for only the second time this season. The Pacers also remain without Bennedict Mathurin (wrist), resulting in Jarace Walker joining the starting lineup on Thursday. Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and T.J. McConnell should be in line for additional work as well.
According to John Karalis of BostonSportsJournal.com, Boston Celtics forwardSam Hauser(ankle) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers due to an ankle injury. The 27-year-old will be sidelined after finishing with five points, six rebounds, and one steal across 32 minutes in a win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Having Hauser out won't make much impact on the Celtics rotation, especially with the return of superstar forwardJayson Tatum(shoulder) after a one-game absence.
John Karalis of BostonSportsJournal.comreports that Boston Celtics forwardJayson Tatum (shoulder) is available to suit up against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. The superstar forward was dealing with a right shoulder impingement that kept him out of action on Wednesday against Portland. Whenever Tatum is on the floor, he significantly impacts fantasy. He is a must-start for fantasy managers across the board, especially going into Thursday's showdown with the injury-stricken 76ers.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (calf) will not return to action on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. He has expressed hopes of rejoining the lineup this week but will miss a sixth consecutive contest due to a right calf strain. Vucevic's next chance to return will be on Saturday against the Miami Heat. On Thursday, Zach Collins looks set to remain in a starting role, where he has averaged a double-double as Vucevic's replacement.
