NBA roundup: Tyrese Maxey's clutch shots push 76ers past Rockets in OT
Fri Jan 23 1:56am ET
Field Level Media
Tyrese Maxey scored 36 points, including clutch plays late in regulation and at the end of overtime, lifting the Philadelphia 76ers to a 128-122 home win over the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
Maxey added 10 assists for Philadelphia, while Joel Embiid put up some impressive stats of his own with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 26 points on 10-of-14 shooting for the Sixers.
Kevin Durant fueled Houston's offense with 36 points, although he also committed eight of the team's 17 turnovers. Amen Thompson pitched in with 17 points and nine assists for the Rockets, who had their three-game winning streak halted.
Houston led 107-101 before Maxey scored 11 points in the final four minutes of regulation to draw Philadelphia even at 115-115 with 40.1 seconds left.
Nuggets 107, Wizards 97
Peyton Watson scored a career-high 35 points to go along with eight rebounds, fueling visiting Denver to a victory over Washington.
Watson made 10 of 16 shots from the floor -- including 6 of 8 from 3-point range -- and added four blocks. Denver's Jamal Murray scored 24 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 16 to go along with nine rebounds in his return from an 11-game absence due to a right calf strain.
Kyshawn George collected 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and rookie Tre Johnson scored 19 points for the reeling Wizards, who have lost eight in a row.
Mavericks 123, Warriors 115
Naji Marshall posted 30 points and nine assists as Dallas extended its winning streak to four with a victory over visiting Golden State.
Cooper Flagg paired 21 points with 11 rebounds, Max Christie added 21 -- including 5-of-12 shooting from deep -- and Brandon Williams had 19 off the bench.
Stephen Curry scored 38 points, shooting 8-of-15 from 3-point range, while De'Anthony Melton contributed 22 for the Warriors, who lost Jonathan Kuminga with 3:52 remaining in the second quarter with left knee soreness when he landed awkwardly on a dunk attempt.
Trail Blazers 127, Heat 110
Shaedon Sharpe scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half to help Portland post a victory over visiting Miami.
Caleb Love scored 20 points off the bench as the Trail Blazers won their fourth consecutive game and moved above .500. Portland standout Deni Avdija had 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 17-plus minutes before exiting with back soreness early in the third quarter. Avdija recently returned from a three-game absence due to lower-back issues.
Bam Adebayo had 32 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who are 1-2 on a five-game road trip. Miami's Norman Powell had 18 points but missed all seven of his 3-point attempts, Simone Fontecchio scored 17 points off the bench and Andrew Wiggins had 14 for the Heat.
Clippers 112, Lakers 104
Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, Ivica Zubac added 18 points with 19 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers continued their red-hot run with a victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers at Inglewood, Calif.
James Harden scored 18 points with 10 assists, Jordan Miller had 14 points and John Collins added 13 as the Clippers improved to 14-3 since Dec. 20 in a run that started with a home victory against the Lakers.
Luka Doncic scored 32 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists, while LeBron James added 23 points as the Lakers dropped to 3-6 since Jan. 7. Rui Hachimura scored 12 points for the Lakers, who are 1-1 to start an eight-game road trip.
Spurs 126, Jazz 109
De'Aaron Fox hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and had a game-high 31 points as San Antonio overcame a triple-double by Jusuf Nurkic and defeated Utah in Salt Lake City.
Ace Bailey, a rookie out of Rutgers, had a career-high 25 points for Utah, while Nurkic posted 17 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds. Nurkic became the first player in franchise history with consecutive triple-doubles since Pete Maravich with the New Orleans Jazz in 1975.
Victor Wembanyama had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Spurs, who have won four of five and hold the second-best record in the Western Conference. Utah has lost five of its last six.
Bulls 120, Timberwolves 115
Coby White scored a team-high 22 points and Chicago finished with a 9-0 run to post a victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Josh Giddey added 21 points after missing the last 11 games with a left hamstring strain. Jalen Smith scored 17 points, and Matas Buzelis and Tre Jones each had 12. Isaac Okoro and Nikola Vucevic finished with 10 points apiece for the Bulls, who have won four of their last five.
Julius Randle's 30 points paced Minnesota, while Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid scored 20 apiece. Jaden McDaniels chipped in 16 points for the Timberwolves, who dropped their fourth straight game. Rudy Gobert collected 10 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Hornets 124, Magic 97
Brandon Miller scored 20 points to lead eight players in double figures as visiting Charlotte beat Orlando.
Collin Sexton had 19 points, LaMelo Ball added 16 and Kon Knueppel had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets, who led by as many as 33 and shot 54.4% from the field and 47.2% (17 of 36) from 3-point range.
Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and Desmond Bane added 21 to lead the Magic, who took a 3-0 lead on a Bane 3-pointer and never led again. Moritz Wagner had 14 points, Noah Penda scored 13 and Jett Howard had 10.
- NBA roundup: Tyrese Maxey's clutch shots push 76ers past Rockets in OT
- Trail Blazers F Deni Avdija (back) ruled out vs. Heat
- NBA roundup: Knicks pummel Nets for historic 54-point win
- Bucks G Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) out indefinitely
- Gambler sentenced to 2 years in prison for NBA betting scandal
- Raptors rule out F Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) vs. Kings
- NBA roundup: Raptors blow out Jimmy Butler-less Warriors
- Warriors F Jimmy Butler III undergoes MRI on injured knee
- NBA roundup: Pistons barely hold on to beat Celtics
- Thunder to shelve Jalen Williams (hamstring) 2 weeks
- Pau Gasol could play key role in NBA Europe league
- NBA reveals 10 starters for new All-Star Game format
- Hawks' Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher out another week
- Kevin Durant passes Dirk Nowitzki, moves into sixth on scoring list
- Thunder F Jalen Williams (hamstring) out vs. Cavs
- Clippers F Kawhi Leonard (knee) to miss remainder of road trip
- Grizzlies star G Ja Morant to return vs. Magic in London
- NBA roundup: Spurs hold off Anthony Edwards (55 points), Timberwolves
- NBA roundup: Clippers rally past Raptors in OT for 5th straight win
- Clippers owner Steve Ballmer files motion to dismiss Aspiration lawsuit
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) is probable for Friday's matchup against Houston while managing a lower back sprain. His availability is important for a Detroit rotation that remains fluid, especially with Cade Cunningham (illness) questionable. Robinson's role has stayed stable through the shuffle, as he has averaged 17.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.4 three-pointers in 27.7 minutes over his last five games. He logged 29 minutes with 15 points and four triples in his most recent outing, keeping him locked in as a standard-league source of points and perimeter shooting if active.
Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) will miss Friday's game against Portland, extending his absence to seven straight contests as he works back from a right hip contusion. Walter's absence has sustained Jamal Shead's expanded role, with production holding despite efficiency concerns. Shead is averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes over his last five games while shooting 34.8 percent from the field. His role could expand further if RJ Barrett (ankle) remains sidelined, giving Shead short-term standard-league value. Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji see marginal bumps but remain fringe options.
Toronto Raptors forward Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is questionable for Friday's matchup against Portland as he works through a left thumb sprain and risks missing a third straight game. His availability matters for Toronto's frontcourt rotation, where Sandro Mamukelashvili has stepped into a larger role. Mamukelashvili erupted for 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three three-pointers in 32 minutes last game, making him a strong short-term add if Murray-Boyles remains out. Murray-Boyles is a hold in deeper formats, but any absence continues to funnel minutes and usage toward Mamukelashvili.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game in Portland, a step forward as he works toward a potential return. Barrett's availability directly impacts the backcourt rotation, as Jamal Shead would likely slide back to the second unit if Barrett plays. Shead has been productive lately, averaging 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 31.8 minutes over his last five, though on a shaky 34.8 percent from the field. Fantasy managers should view Shead as a short-term standard-league option only if Barrett remains sidelined.
Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (ankle) is probable to play Friday against Denver after missing one game. His return would tighten Milwaukee's frontcourt rotation, cutting into Bobby Portis' upside after the veteran big delivered 15 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in 37 minutes Wednesday. Turner's recent play has been uneven, averaging 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds over his last five, which keeps expectations modest. Fantasy managers should view Turner as a low-end hold, while Portis slides from short-term standard-league value back to a capped bench role when Turner is active.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hand) will miss Friday's game against Sacramento, marking his fourth straight absence as he continues to manage a right-hand sprain. With Merrill and Darius Garland (toe) sidelined, Cleveland is again leaning on Jaylon Tyson for secondary scoring and playmaking. Tyson delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 31 minutes last game, giving him short-term value in standard formats. Craig Porter Jr. also continues to see an expanded role, though his seven points, one rebound, and two assists in 18 minutes keep him capped as a low-end option.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Alex Caruso (adductor) will sit out Friday against Indiana, extending his absence as the Thunder continue to manage his workload. With Caruso and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) sidelined and Aaron Wiggins (groin) carrying a questionable tag, Oklahoma City's wing rotation thins again. That creates a short-term opportunity for Isaiah Joe, who logged five points in 25 minutes last game and offers situational three-point streaming value in deeper leagues. Caruso remains a defensive-category specialist when active, but his limited scoring profile keeps his fantasy ceiling capped.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) will miss Friday against Oklahoma City as he continues to recover from a right thumb sprain and has now missed 10 straight games. Indiana will keep leaning on Aaron Nesmith and second-year wing Johnny Furphy, though results have been uneven. Nesmith is mired in a slump, shooting 23.1 percent from the field over his last five starts. Furphy has shown flashes with 7.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over that stretch, though the production has been volatile and is best left for deeper formats.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) will miss Friday's game against Indiana after exiting early Wednesday, sidelined by an abdominal strain. His absence opens short-term backcourt minutes, pushing Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Joe into larger roles. Wallace logged nine points, two rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 31 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streamer for defensive stats. Dort adds scoring stability after scoring 13 points with three three-pointers, while Joe remains a low-usage specialist. Mitchell remains a hold in deeper formats, with a return possible Sunday.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Friday against Indiana and remains sidelined by a lingering soleus strain that has kept him out since late December. With no clear timetable, fantasy managers should treat Hartenstein as a stash only in deeper formats. His continued absence opens frontcourt minutes for Kenrich Williams, who logged 18 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes last game, while Branden Carlson added nine points and six rebounds in 16 minutes. Jaylin Williams' (glut) questionable status further boosts Kenrich's streaming appeal in deeper leagues, with fringe standard-league value if minutes hold.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against Dallas after exiting early with left knee soreness and is scheduled for an MRI on Friday. Kuminga logged 10 points on 3-3 shooting, one rebound, two assists, and two steals in nine minutes before being shut down as a precaution. Recently back in the rotation following Jimmy Butler III's (knee) season-ending injury, Kuminga remains a hold if cleared quickly. Any absence would boost minutes for De'Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski, while Draymond Green's usage could tick up in smaller lineups.
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija (back) exited Thursday's game against Miami early after feeling discomfort, but is expected to suit up Friday versus Toronto, according to coach Tiago Splitter. Avdija was productive before leaving, posting 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 18 minutes, and has been on a heater lately, averaging 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals in 32.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers should treat him as a confident hold, though any late scratch would funnel extra usage to Shaedon Sharpe and Jrue Holiday.
Utah Jazz's C Jusuf Nurkic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 109-126 loss to the Spurs on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Philadelphia's C Joel Embiid recorded a triple-double, finishing with 32 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds in a 128-122 win over the Rockets on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (back) will play in Thursday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the team downgraded Powell from probable to questionable earlier in the day, he is now listed as available. Powell is dealing with lower back tightness, which may affect his performance against Portland. Recently, the 32-year-old has been in excellent form, shooting 42.1 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across the last five games.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat. He was unavailable for the last game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings when Portland concluded a back-to-back set. Thursday's game kicks off another back-to-back for the team, making it likely that Williams III will sit out Friday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. With Williams III returning, Duop Reath and Yang Hansen will slide down the depth chart on Thursday.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will return from a three-game absence on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The Clippers initially listed Leonard as questionable on the injury report. With Leonard back, Kobe Sanders is likely to return to the second unit. Leonard has been a man on a mission since the turn of the year, averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals, while shooting 42.5 percent from three-point range.
Portland Trail Blazers forwards Jerami Grant (Achilles) and Sidy Cissoko (illness) will be active against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Both were listed as questionable on the injury report. A couple of hours before tip-off, Portland upgraded Grant and Cissoko to probable, and they have now been listed as available. Grant will rejoin the action after missing the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Cissoko has started seven consecutive games, but with Grant and Jrue Holiday back from lengthy injury absences, he may soon lose his spot in the first unit.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will play on Thursday against the Miami Heat, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports. The veteran will be back in action after skipping the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Holiday recently returned from a right calf injury, averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19.3 minutes. He has been productive since returning, but the team has understandably limited Holiday's workload following his two-month injury layoff.
Miami Heat point guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) won't play Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has been trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, and the team has downgraded Mitchell from doubtful to out before tip-off. Last week, Mitchell injured his left shoulder. He returned to the lineup on Monday and played in both games of a back-to-back set, but it appears his shoulder still hasn't fully healed. Kasparas Jakucionis saw an increased workload with Mitchell out of the rotation last week and is likely to see significant minutes again, especially with Tyler Herro (ribs) also sidelined.
