NBA roundup: Kawhi Leonard nets 45 as hot Clippers win, move over .500
Thu Mar 12 2:47am ET
Field Level Media
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers remained red-hot in March with a 153-128 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Inglewood, Calif.
Darius Garland scored 21 points and Jordan Miller had 14 as the play-in-tournament eligible Clippers improved to 6-1 this month. Los Angeles (33-32) became the first team in NBA history to move over .500 after they were 15 games under in the same season. Leonard delivered his fifth game with at least 40 points this season and his second against the Timberwolves.
The Clippers set a season high in points scored and are 15-5 at home since Dec. 20, while avenging a 94-88 loss to the Timberwolves at home on Feb. 26.
Anthony Edwards scored 36 points and Naz Reid added 18 as Minnesota lost its third consecutive game. Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Jaylen Clark each had 11 points for the Timberwolves, who have dropped from third to fifth place in the Western Conference during the current skid.
Pelicans 122, Raptors 111
Trey Murphy III produced a game-high 28 points to lead New Orleans past visiting Toronto, giving the Pelicans their seventh win in the past 10 games.
Dejounte Murray had a season-high 27 points and Zion Williamson added 19 for New Orleans, which shot 51.5% from the floor.
The victory spoiled the return of former Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, in his first season with Toronto after spending the previous six in New Orleans. Ingram scored 22 points, while Immanuel Quickley put up 25 as Toronto lost for the fourth time in five games.
Magic 128, Cavaliers 122
Desmond Bane scored 35 points, including five in the final 18 seconds, as Orlando beat visiting Cleveland for the Magic's fifth straight win.
Paulo Banchero had 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and Tristan da Silva added 23 points for the surging Magic, who moved into a tie for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors. Cleveland is fourth, three games ahead of both.
James Harden finished with 30 points, his most since joining the Cavaliers in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, along with five rebounds and eight assists Donovan Mitchell had 25 points and Keon Ellis scored 20 off the bench for Cleveland.
Knicks 134, Jazz 117
Jordan Clarkson scored 17 of his season-high 27 points during a decisive surge over the final 16 minutes for New York, which overcame an 18-point first-half deficit to beat Utah in Salt Lake City.
Jalen Brunson scored 28 points for the Knicks and converted a three-point play that put New York ahead for good at 96-94 with 1.6 seconds left in the third. OG Anunoby had 22 points and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points while Mohamed Diawara added 10 points off the bench.
Brice Sensabaugh scored 29 points to lead five players in double figures for the Jazz, who made 14 of their first 18 3-point attempts -- including eight in a row in the first quarter -- before cooling off and losing for the 17th time in 22 games.
Nuggets 129, Rockets 93
Nikola Jokic had 16 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, Jamal Murray scored a game-high 30 points, and host Denver beat Houston to close the gap in the Western Conference standings.
Houston entered the night in third place in the West, 1 1/2 games ahead of sixth-place Denver. Four teams are within a game of the third seed in the West. Christian Braun scored 19 points, Cameron Johnson added 17 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 14 for the Nuggets, which won the season series 3-1.
Amen Thompson scored 16 points, Josh Okogie had 12, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. had 11 each and Alperen Sengun finished with 10 for the Rockets, who beat the Raptors at home on Tuesday night.
Hornets 117, Kings 109
Miles Bridges had nine of his 26 points in a key third-quarter run, LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel combined for 11 3-pointers and 54 points, and Charlotte rallied from a halftime deficit to win in Sacramento.
In a contest matching teams that had won 24 hours earlier, Ball finished with a team-high 30 points, Knueppel chipped in with 24 and Brandon Miller added 20 for Charlotte, which won for the eighth time in its last 10 games.
DeMar DeRozan poured in a season-high 39 points for the Kings, who saw a rare two-game winning streak come to an end. Down by five at the half then tied at 73-all in the sixth minute of the third period, the Hornets took the lead for good with an 11-2 burst.
- NBA roundup: Kawhi Leonard nets 45 as hot Clippers win, move over .500
- Warriors' Stephen Curry (knee) out at least 10 more days
- NBA roundup: Bam Adebayo's 83-point effort ranks 2nd all time
- 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon) out at least 3 weeks
- Lakers' Luka Doncic fined $50K for gesture toward refs
- NBA roundup: James Harden scores 29,000th point in Cavs' win over 76ers
- NBA cancels Hawks' controversial strip club promotion
- NBA roundup: Suns halt Hornets' 10-game road winning streak
- 76ers All-Star G Tyrese Maxey (finger) to miss at least 2 games
- Bucks star PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sitting out vs. Magic
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks
- NBA roundup: Down 23, Nets stun Pistons to halt 10-game skid
- Mavericks F Khris Middleton fined $25K for mouthpiece incident
- Celtics C Nikola Vucevic (finger) sidelined 3-4 weeks
- NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum thrives in return as Celtics beat Mavs
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow) sitting out vs. Pacers
- Suns F Dillon Brooks arrested on suspicion of DUI
- NBA roundup: LeBron James sets record, gets hurt in Lakers' loss to Nuggets
- Lakers' LeBron James hurts elbow in loss to Nuggets
- Lakers' Deandre Ayton (knee) leaves game against Nuggets
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (knee) is likely to miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. The star forward is nursing a right knee sprain. With Siakam out, Obi Toppin jumped into the starting lineup on Monday against the Sacramento Kings, but he's carrying a minutes restriction and was limited to 14:42 of action. Still, Toppin collected 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Even with a limited workload, Toppin can make an impact, but there's no guarantee it will happen again on Thursday night.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (toe) is carrying a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. He has sprained his left big toe and could be absent for only his fourth game of the season. If Daniels can't play on Thursday night, CJ McCollum will pick up a few extra minutes. Meanwhile, Gabe Vincent and Corey Kispert could contribute more off the bench. Brooklyn will roll out a weakened lineup and is a 14.5-point underdog for this game, making this a very attractive fantasy matchup for Atlanta's second unit, which is likely to see more playing time in a blowout situation.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's clash against the Atlanta Hawks. Brooklyn's leading scorer has sustained a right ankle sprain. Porter Jr.'s earlier absences this season have given Danny Wolf an opportunity to join the starting lineup. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks as a starter. Jalen Wilson and Chaney Johnson are also players who could have increased roles due to Porter Jr.'s absence. Additionally, players like Noah Clowney, Nicholas Claxton, and Drake Powell may receive more offensive touches.
Milwaukee Bucks point guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Thursday's contest against the Miami Heat. Porter Jr. has missed four games due to right knee synovitis, and the team has immediately ruled him out each time. The fact that he's listed as questionable on the initial injury report for Thursday is a sign that Porter Jr. has made progress and might be ready to return to the court. With Porter Jr.'s return, Ryan Rollins is in danger of landing back on the bench. However, Rollins will continue to have a significant role in the rotation. When it comes to playing time, Porter Jr.'s addition to the lineup could affect Ousmane Dieng the most.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (quadriceps) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. After shaking off a rib injury, Herro is dealing with a sore left quadriceps and exited the lineup for Monday's game against the Washington Wizards. In his absence, Kasparas Jakucionis received the starting nod, contributing five points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. With Andrew Wiggins (toe) and Norman Powell (groin) also out, Miami's offense centered around Bam Adebayo, who had a historic 83-point outing. Due to the injury situation, players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson are also positioned to play larger roles on the offensive end.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) might miss Thursday's showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the team listed him as questionable for the game. White has been part of the Celtics lineup in all but two games this season, but a right knee contusion might force him to sit out Thursday. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) also questionable, Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard (neck) may have a very heavy offensive workload. At the same time, Baylor Scheierman, Huge Gonzalez, and Sam Hauser will be candidates for more playing time.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After recovering from a torn Achilles, Tatum made his season debut last week and has played in three consecutive games. While Thursday's matchup isn't part of a back-to-back, it seems Boston could sit Tatum to manage his workload. In each of his first three appearances, Tatum has logged 27 minutes, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez could have larger roles without Tatum, especially if Derrick White (knee) also misses Thursday's game.
Clippers' F Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points on 15-of-20 shooting in a 153-128 win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday, Mar. 11.
Denver's C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a 129-93 win over the Rockets on Wednesday, Mar. 11.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (hip) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago after missing the past three contests. If the 41-year-old returns, Rui Hachimura would likely shift back to a reserve role, while Jake LaRavia could see his minutes trimmed. Hachimura logged nine points in 25 minutes as a starter last game, while LaRavia produced eight points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a similar workload off the bench. James remains a must-start if active, while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves would continue to anchor the offense regardless.
Charlotte Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner (illness) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against Sacramento after being added late to the injury report. The rookie big man continues to operate as a backup behind Moussa Diabate, which limits his fantasy ceiling despite flashes of efficiency. Kalkbrenner posted 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 17 minutes during his last appearance and remains a blocks streamer in deeper formats. His role remains capped off the bench, while Diabate should continue to control most center minutes.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Lakers after appearing on the injury report with a right ankle sprain. The second-year forward is expected to play after erupting for a career-high 41 points with five three-pointers, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks across 45 minutes in his last outing. Buzelis should continue to see strong usage if active, especially with Isaac Okoro (knee) and Patrick Williams (ankle) questionable. He profiles as a strong hold, while Josh Giddey (ankle) and Tre Jones remain key facilitators in Chicago's offense.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers and is expected to play through a minor right ankle sprain. The 23-year-old has been rolling lately, averaging 17.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers across his last five games while logging 34 minutes per contest. As long as he is active, Giddey remains a must-start player in all formats due to his triple-double upside. Tre Jones, Matas Buzelis (ankle), if active, and Collin Sexton (lower leg), if available, could see more playmaking chances if any setback occurs, though Giddey should continue to handle primary creation duties.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Boston, marking his third straight absence due to a left calf contusion. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday versus Minnesota. Jaylin Williams should continue to see meaningful minutes in the frontcourt, though his upside may be slightly capped with Chet Holmgren back. Williams erupted for 29 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks across 40 minutes in his last outing and remains a viable deep-league streamer. Kenrich Williams may also see a modest run, but Holmgren remains the biggest beneficiary.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (illness) is off the injury report and expected to return Thursday against Boston after missing two games. Holmgren has been productive when available, averaging 16.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 blocks over his last five appearances while playing about 31 minutes. His return should push Jaylin Williams back into a reserve role and reduce the minutes available for Kenrich Williams. Jaylin Williams could still have some deep-league value with Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) sidelined, but Holmgren resumes must-start status in all fantasy formats.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Utah after initially being listed as doubtful due to left knee soreness. His absence should open extra wing minutes, with Landry Shamet logging nine points and three three-pointers in 23 minutes last game, while Mohamed Diawara added five points, four rebounds, and two assists in 18 minutes. Jose Alvarado and Jordan Clarkson may also see situational run, though their roles remain unclear. Shamet profiles as a possible deep-league streamer for threes, while the rest remain risky fringe options due to uncertain minutes.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (illness) is available for Wednesday's matchup against the Knicks and is expected to remain in the starting lineup. The second-year guard played through the same issue Monday, finishing with 15 points, two assists, and one three-pointer in 24 minutes, and could again see a slightly managed workload. If his minutes stay in check, Isaiah Collier could continue seeing meaningful run off the bench. George still carries standard-league value for his scoring and usage, while Collier remains a viable deeper-league option for assists and guard depth.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets due to right ankle soreness. The 22-year-old has been a fixture in the lineup since January, so any absence would be notable for fantasy managers. If he sits, Luke Kornet could move into a larger role after logging 11 minutes with 4 points, three rebounds, and two assists in the last game. Wembanyama remains a must-start if active, while Kornet would profile as a deep-league streamer for blocks and rebounds. De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle could also see slight usage bumps if Wembanyama is ruled out.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans after missing Tuesday's contest. The 30-year-old is expected to return to the starting lineup, which should push Sandro Mamukelashvili back into a reserve role. Poeltl has been providing steady category production, averaging 13.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals across his last five games while playing 28.6 minutes. Poeltl's return reinforces Toronto's frontcourt, while Mamukelashvili's streaming value takes a hit.
According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (elbow) will miss at least two weeks. Oubre is dealing with a sprain of the lateral collateral ligament in his left elbow. The 30-year-old was already out of action for nearly two months with a knee sprain. With Oubre on the shelf and so many 76ers injuries, Justin Edwards could see an expanded role and is a sneaky streaming option as he finished with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes during Monday's loss to the Cavs.
