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NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic pours in 55 in Nuggets' win over Clippers

Thu Nov 13 2:32am ET
Field Level Media

Nikola Jokic scored 25 of his season-high 55 points in the first quarter and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to six games with a 130-116 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at Inglewood, Calif.

Jokic added 12 rebounds with six assists while going 18 of 23 from the floor and 5 of 6 from 3-point range. His 25 first-quarter points were a high for any quarter in his career. The 55 points tied the highest total in the NBA this season. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a 55-point effort against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 23.

Aaron Gordon scored 18 points, Jamal Murray had 15 and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 12 for Denver, which is 2-0 on a three-game road trip after opening the season 1-2 away from home.

James Harden scored 23 points and Jordan Miller added a career-high 22 in his first game of the season for the Clippers, who saw their losing streak reach six games. Ivica Zubac had 18 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles.


Magic 124, Knicks 107

Franz Wagner scored 13 of his 28 points during a decisive second-quarter run by Orlando, which overcame an injury to Paolo Banchero to hand New York its first home loss of the season.

Banchero departed in the middle of the second quarter with a strained left groin. Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and eight assists for the Magic, who have won five of seven following a four-game losing streak.

Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 31 points while Karl-Anthony Towns posted 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, whose five-game winning streak ended. Brunson exited in the fourth quarter due to a right ankle injury and left the arena on crutches.

Warriors 125, Spurs 120

Stephen Curry scored 46 points, nearly half of them in a pivotal run in the third quarter, to help visiting Golden State earn a win over San Antonio in the first of two games between the teams in three days in the Alamo City.

The squads will battle again Friday in an NBA Cup clash. The Spurs led by as many as 16 in the first half and by seven at the break before Golden State leapfrogged to the lead with a dominating third in which Curry scored 22 of the Warriors' 43 points Jimmy Butler III finished with 28 points and Moses Moody had 19.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 31 points while taking 15 rebounds and distributing 10 assists. Stephon Castle also posted a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, with Devin Vassel hitting for 15 points.

Thunder 121, Lakers 92

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and nine assists in just three quarters of action to lead Oklahoma City to a home win over Los Angeles.

Playing the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder certainly didn't look fatigued, reeling off a 23-7 run that started just more than two minutes into the game to take control. Oklahoma City has won four consecutive games and 12 of 13 to start the season. Isaiah Joe scored 21 for the Thunder, who had seven players score in double-figures.

Luka Doncic never found an offensive rhythm, finishing with a team-high 19 points but going just 7 of 20 from the field and 1 of 7 on 3-pointers with four turnovers. Doncic was minus-31 in nearly 33 minutes. Austin Reaves was just 4 of 12 from the field and missed all five of his shots from beyond the arc as the Lakers finished just 40.3% from the field -- a season low.

Celtics 131, Grizzlies 95

Payton Pritchard made five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points to propel Boston past visiting Memphis.

Ten players made at least one 3-pointer for the Celtics, who shot 21 of 51 (41.2%) from behind the arc. Derrick White (20), Jaylen Brown (19), Luka Garza (14) and Neemias Queta (13) were the other Boston players who scored in double figures.

Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 18 points for the Grizzlies, who never led and lost for the seventh time in its past eight games. Ja Morant (ankle) didn't play.

Cavaliers 130, Heat 116

Jarrett Allen scored a game-high 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the short-handed Cleveland won at Miami.

The Heat, who beat visiting the visiting Cavaliers on Monday, slipped to 5-1 at home despite 27 points from Norman Powell.

Cleveland, which has won five of six, got 21 points from De'Andre Hunter. The Cavaliers were missing Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who both rested, and Jaylon Tyson (concussion) and Darius Garland (toe), who got hurt on Monday.

Rockets 135, Wizards 112

Kevin Durant scored 23 points, Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard combined for 41 off the bench and host Houston claimed a victory over Washington.

Durant tallied 16 first-quarter points to get the Rockets rolling while Eason (20 points, 4-for-6 3-pointers) and Sheppard (21 points, 5-for-8 3-pointers) teamed to extend the margin to 28 in the second quarter before helping fend off the plucky Wizards into the final period.

Alperen Sengun (16 points, 13 rebounds) posted a double-double while Amen Thompson (18 points, eight assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (15 points, eight rebounds) contributed to another balanced offensive attack for the Rockets, who entered play leading the NBA in offensive rating.

Suns 123, Mavericks 114

Devin Booker scored 26 points and Phoenix topped host Dallas for its fourth straight victory.

Grayson Allen added 23 points for the Suns, and Dillon Brooks contributed 18. Jordan Goodwin scored all of his season-high 13 before halftime.

Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with a season-high 19 points. Rookie Cooper Flagg had 16 points and appeared to tweak his left shoulder in the first quarter. P.J. Washington left with a shoulder strain midway through the first quarter and did not return for Dallas, which has lost six of its past seven games.

Hornets 111, Bucks 100

Miles Bridges scored 20 points and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner made all eight of his shots from the field as Charlotte defeated visiting Milwaukee to snap a three-game losing streak.

Kalkbrenner finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, Collin Sexton provided 16 points and eight assists and Kon Knueppel bagged three 3-pointers on the way to 16 points for the Hornets.

Ryan Rollins pumped in 25 points, Myles Turner had 21 points and Bobby Portis added 14 points for Milwaukee, which has alternated wins and losses for eight games. The Bucks were playing without scoring leader Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has a knee ailment.

Pistons 124, Bulls 113

Paul Reed piled up 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals as depleted Detroit won its eighth straight game, knocking off visiting Chicago.

Duncan Robinson contributed 23 points for Detroit, while Daniss Jenkins supplied 18 points and 12 assists. Caris LeVert added 17 points.

Matas Buzelis led Chicago, which has lost four straight, with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Kevin Huerter amassed 20 points, Isaac Okoro had 15 points, and Ayo Dosunmu added 12.

Trail Blazers 125, Pelicans 117

Shaedon Sharpe scored a season-best 35 points and Deni Avdija had 32 as visiting Portland defeated New Orleans.

Jrue Holiday paired 17 points with 12 assists for the Blazers, who snapped a two-game losing streak on the third leg of a five-game road swing.

Rookie Derik Queen posted 26 points for the Pelicans, Saddiq Bey added 25 and Trey Murphy III tallied 22. The second quarter featured nine lead changes and the ejections of New Orleans' Yves Missi and Portland's Jerami Grant.

Hawks 133, Kings 100

Jalen Johnson recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to help visiting Atlanta steamroll Sacramento.

Johnson made 9 of 10 field-goal attempts in just 24 minutes as the Hawks improved to 2-0 to start a four-game road trip. Atlanta reserve Onyeka Okongwu hit 6 of 7 shots and scored 21 points.

Keon Ellis made six 3-pointers and scored 20 points off the bench for the Kings, who lost for the fifth time in six games. Zach LaVine (thigh) and Malik Monk (ankle) sat out on the second night of a back-to-back.

Player Notes
Christian Braun Wed Nov 12 11:20pm

Denver Nuggets shooting guard Christian Braun (ankle) left the team's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and will not return. The fourth-year guard appeared in just 16 minutes of action before leaving with what the team is labeling a left ankle injury. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown are will likely see increased usage is Braun's injury lingers. The 24-year-old was averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game heading into Wednesday's matchup. Braun should be considered questionable when the Nuggets travel to Minnesota to play the Timberwolves on Saturday.

Jalen Brunson Wed Nov 12 11:10pm

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle) was seen leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot Wednesday night. The team is yet to release an official statement, but head coach Mike Brown told reporters Brunson "rolled his right ankle". The team is set to face the Miami Heat at home on Friday. Brunson leads the team with 27.7 points and 6.6 assists per game. If Brunson misses time, Mikal Bridges could be called upon to shoulder the playmaking duties for the team. Bridges currently ranks second on the team with 5.2 assists per game.

Jonathan Kuminga Wed Nov 12 8:50pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) won't return to Wednesday's game against the Spurs. The 2021 No. 7 overall pick was listed as questionable heading into this one. While he ended up suiting up, he wasn't in the starting lineup. Kuminga would be held scoreless before exiting after only 12 minutes of work. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game all season, averaging 14.9 points. He's also logged career-highs in rebounds (6.8) and assists (3.1). With that said, it's unknown if Kuminga will be available for Friday's rematch between the Spurs and Warriors, but if he's not out there, Will Richard and Buddy Hield may see more work.

Paolo Banchero Wed Nov 12 8:30pm

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) won't return to Wednesday's meeting with the New York Knicks. The 23-year-old logged only 12 minutes before exiting with a groin strain, finishing with four points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Orlando won't play again until Friday against the visiting Brooklyn Nets. Hopefully, Banchero will be out there. Of course, fantasy managers will be anxiously awaiting an update. If he can't suit up versus the Nets, Franz Wagner will handle even more of the scoring load, with Desmond Bane, Anthony Black, and Jalen Suggs in line to produce above-average fantasy production.

Bilal Coulibaly Wed Nov 12 7:20pm

Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (calf) is still without a timetable for his return, according to head coach Brian Keefe. Keefe noted that the third-year man was doing limited work during the team's shootaround on Wednesday. Coulibaly has been limited to just four games so far this season, all starts, due to injury. The Frenchman is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one block, and one steal in his limited action. The Wizards, who haven't won a game since October 24th, continue to tinker with the starting lineup. Kyshawn George and Khris Middleton picked up starts at the forward positions for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Wed Nov 12 7:10pm

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) has been upgraded to probable, putting him in line to return to the lineup on Wednesday night. Alexander-Walker has missed the last two games with his back issue. Before that, the Hawks' offseason acquisition was starting at point guard for the injured Trae Young (knee). NAW is averaging a career-best 17.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 stocks per game, while getting to the free throw at his most efficient clip. The Hawks swept the Los Angeles teams without Alexander-Walker. He and the Hawks continue their West Coast trip with a matchup against the Kings.

Jonathan Kuminga Wed Nov 12 6:50pm

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will play against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, despite the questionable tag earlier in the day. However, Kuminga won't be in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Following Tuesday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, forward Draymond Green publicly questioned some of the team. Today, head coach Steve Kerr announced there was an "obvious" need for lineup changes. Rookie second-round pick Will Richard will pick up his second start of the season, alongside Stephen Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Green.

Ja Morant Wed Nov 12 6:20pm

Memphis Grizzlies point guardJa Morant will be sidelined for Wednesday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. Morant is dealing with soreness in his left ankle after tweaking it during Tuesday's 133-120 loss to the Knicks. Morant has averaged 18.9 points, 8.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.8 minutes per contest across 11 games this season. Cam Spencer will likely start while the 26-year-old star point guard is out, while Jaren Jackson Jr. could see extra scoring opportunities during tonight's tilt.

Jalen Duren Wed Nov 12 5:50pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (ankle) won't play on Wednesday against the Bulls. The 21-year-old has played extremely well during the 2025 campaign, averaging 19.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals. He was listed as probable on Tuesday night. However, Duren was downgraded to questionable before ultimately getting ruled out. With Isaiah Stewart (ankle) sidelined, the Pistons will likely start Paul Reed at the five. Reed is coming off an eight-point, nine-rebound effort in Monday's overtime win over the Washington Wizards, although it's safe to assume he'll be much more productive for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.

Isaiah Stewart Wed Nov 12 5:50pm

Detroit Pistons forward/centerIsaiah Stewart(ankle) is out for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Stewart will be out of action for a third consecutive contest due to a left ankle sprain. WithAusar Thompson(ankle) also unavailable,Ron Holland II will likely be in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, Holland has averaged only 7.0 points as a starter, so he has some work to do before landing on fantasy managers' radar.

Ryan Kalkbrenner Wed Nov 12 5:40pm

Charlotte Hornets centerRyan Kalkbrenner(personal) is available for Wednesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was listed as questionable due to personal reasons. In the first 10 games of his NBA rookie campaign, Kalkbrenner has averaged 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 26.6 minutes per contest. The 23-year-old big man has four blocks in his last five appearances. However, he is not a strong fantasy option for this evening.

Cade Cunningham Wed Nov 12 5:40pm

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (hip) won't play on Wednesday versus the Bulls. The 24-year-old was listed as probable on Tuesday night, but he was quickly downgraded to questionable. He's now ruled out, so his next chance to get on the floor will be on Friday against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. With Isaiah Stewart (ankle), Ausar Thompson (ankle) and Jalen Duren (ankle) ruled out, the Pistons will need more production from Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, Ron Holland II, and Paul Reed.

Zach LaVine Wed Nov 12 5:30pm

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (thigh) won't suit up on Wednesday versus the visiting Hawks. It's unknown how severe the thigh contusion is, although it's apparently bad enough to force the 30-year-old to miss his second game of the 2025 campaign. Under normal circumstances, Domantas Sabonis (rib) and Malik Monk (ankle) would see a few more scoring opportunities. However, both are questionable, meaning Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schroder might have above-average fantasy showings. Nique Clifford, averaging 7.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in two starts this season, can be considered for streaming purposes for those participating in deeper fantasy formats. LaVine's next chance to play will be on Friday in Minnesota.

Josh Giddey Wed Nov 12 5:20pm

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) will be out for Wednesday's road tilt against the Detroit Pistons due to a right-ankle sprain. This evening's matchup will be the second game in a row he will miss. Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones are expected to see additional minutes in his place. Giddey has been excellent this season, averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 34.0 minutes per contest. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday against the Jazz.

Paul George Wed Nov 12 4:40pm

Shams Charania of ESPN reports that Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (knee) is in the final stage of his return process and will be re-evaluated later this week. George is moving closer to making his season debut, but team doctors want him to build additional strength in his left quadriceps before granting full clearance, per Charania. The veteran forward is coming off an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, during which he averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in 32.0 minutes per contest.

Joel Embiid Wed Nov 12 4:30pm

According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia 76ers centerJoel Embiid(knee) doesn't have structural issues in his right knee and is considered day-to-day. Embiid was out of action during Tuesday's win versus the Celtics due to right knee soreness. However, Wednesday's good news for the big man could lead him to play on Friday against the Pistons. If Embiid is unable to suit up, Andre Drummond will likely continue to start at center.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Wed Nov 12 4:00pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) will be unavailable for Wednesday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets due to left knee patellar tendinopathy. The 30-year-old has missed only one game this season but will sit out tonight for maintenance purposes. Through 10 outings, Antetokounmpo has averaged 33.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 32.9 minutes per contest. With Giannis sidelined, Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis could all gain a bump in DFS value.

Bradley Beal Wed Nov 12 3:30pm

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (hip) has sustained a fracture in his left hip and will undergo season-ending surgery. The injury occurred during Saturday's 114-103 loss to the Suns. Beal was unavailable for Monday's 105-102 loss to the Hawks and further imaging confirmed the fracture. In his shortened first campaign with the Clippers, the 32-year-old struggled to make much of a fantasy impact, averaging 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.0 minutes per game. With Beal now sidelined for the remainder of the season, veteran guards James Harden and Kris Dunn are expected to shoulder increased backcourt responsibilities for Los Angeles.

Bradley Beal Wed Nov 12 10:10am

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (hip) will remain out Wednesday against the Nuggets, marking his second straight absence. Head coach Tyronn Lue admitted there's concern Beal could miss additional time. Even when healthy, Beal has struggled to make a fantasy impact, averaging just 8.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 threes in 20 minutes per game on 37.5 percent shooting. With both Beal and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) sidelined, James Harden should continue to dominate the offense, fresh off a stellar 35-point, 11-assist outing. Kris Dunn is a sneaky short-term add for assists and steals, as his defensive activity and secondary playmaking fit well in the current rotation. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Derrick Jones Jr. should also see bumps in usage. Beal remains a big name but is over-rostered at this point, especially in standard leagues where his floor has been far too low.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Wed Nov 12 8:40am

Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Kings after missing the last two games. Before the injury, he was thriving in an expanded role without Trae Young, averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 threes in just over thirty minutes per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 85.0 percent from the line. If cleared, Alexander-Walker should reclaim his starting spot and continue as one of Atlanta's top scoring options. If he remains out, Keaton Wallace will likely stay at point guard, offering assists and energy when given steady minutes, while Dyson Daniels shifts to shooting guard with added playmaking responsibility. Vit Krejci and Luke Kennard can also provide three-point help in deeper formats. Alexander-Walker remains a hold across most leagues due to his scoring consistency and opportunity.


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