NBA roundup: Pistons top Hornets at Fight Night in Charlotte
Tue Feb 10 3:12am ET
Field Level Media
Cade Cunningham led everyone with 33 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the visiting Detroit Pistons held on for a 110-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets Monday night in a game marred by a massive third-quarter brawl.
The fighting resulted in four ejections prior to the Pistons winning for the seventh time in their last nine games and the Hornets seeing an end to their nine-game winning streak.
It began with a confrontation when Charlotte's Moussa Diabate fouled Detroit's Jalen Duren across the arms while trying to stop a shot attempt in the paint. Duren turned to square up with Diabate and issued a slap that set Diabate off. When that scrap wound down, another broke out near midcourt with the main participants being Charlotte's Miles Bridges and Detroit's Isaiah Stewart, who came off the bench.
By the end of the fighting, the mayhem spread across most of the court. Diabate, Bridges, Duren and Stewart were ejected at the 7:09 mark of the third quarter -- at which point the Pistons owned a 70-62 lead. Duncan Robinson provided 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting, Duren had 15 points in 20 minutes and Paul Reed added 12 points for the Pistons.
Cavaliers 119, Nuggets 117
Donovan Mitchell hit two free throws with less than a second left and Cleveland rallied from down seven late in the fourth quarter to beat host Denver for the Cavaliers' ninth win in 10 games.
Mitchell finished with 32 points and 10 assists, James Harden added 22 points and 10 rebounds in his second game with the Cavaliers, and Jarrett Allen had 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Nikola Jokic put up 22 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, but the Nuggets lost for the fourth time in five games when he missed a 3-point attempt at the horn. Jamal Murray amassed 17 points and 11 assists.
Thunder 119, Lakers 110
Jalen Williams scored 23 points and Isaiah Joe added 19 as Oklahoma City ended a two-game losing streak with a win in Los Angeles in a game where both teams were missing an All-Star.
Alex Caruso put up 17 points and Chet Holmgren totaled 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdominal strain) for the third consecutive game. Gilgeous-Alexander will be replaced in the All-Star Game on Sunday by the Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun.
LeBron James scored 22 points and dished 10 assists while Marcus Smart added 19 points for the Lakers, who saw a three-game winning streak come to an end. Los Angeles was without Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) for the second consecutive game. Doncic (32.8 points per game) and Gilgeous-Alexander (31.8 ppg) are the NBA's top two scorers.
Trail Blazers 135, 76ers 118
Toumani Camara established career highs of 30 points and eight 3-pointers as Portland routed visiting Philadelphia, which was playing the final game of a five-game trip.
Deni Avdija returned from a four-game absence caused by a back injury to produce 26 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Portland, which outscored the 76ers 49-22 in the decisive third quarter. Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan added 15 points apiece for the Trail Blazers, who won their third straight game.
Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid (knee) while concluding the 3-2 road trip. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 points while Trendon Watford and backup Justin Edwards each scored 12 for Philadelphia, which lost for the second time in their past eight games.
Warriors 114, Grizzlies 113
Gui Santos turned a scramble under the hoop into a go-ahead layup with 19.4 seconds remaining and Golden State rallied from 17 points down in the second half to stun Memphis in San Francisco.
Pat Spencer had 17 points and seven assists to lead the Warriors, who were without injured Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III as they await the debut of Kristaps Porzingis. Memphis was missing Ja Morant, Santi Aldama and Zach Edey.
Ty Jerome was the game's leading scorer with 19 points to complement seven assists for the Grizzlies, who lost their third game in a row. Rookie Jahmai Mashack chipped in with a career-high 17 points but missed a shot in the final seconds.
Jazz 115, Heat 111
Reserve Brice Sensabaugh knocked in a go-ahead 3-pointer with 46.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter as visiting Utah shocked Miami.
Utah, which entered Monday with 18 losses in its 22 previous games, led 85-82 after three quarters. However, for the second straight game, the Jazz benched multiple starters for the entire fourth quarter.
Still, the Jazz prevailed despite the late absence of Jaren Jackson Jr. (22 points), Markkanen (17 points) and Jusuf Nurkic (10 points, game-high 16 rebounds). The Heat were led by Andrew Wiggins, who scored 11 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter. Bam Adebayo added 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Pelicans 120, Kings 94
Trey Murphy III produced 21 points and seven assists, Zion Williamson added 18 points, six assists and five rebounds, and New Orleans knocked off visiting Sacramento, handing the Kings a record-setting defeat.
The Kings took their 13th defeat in a row, setting a club record since the team moved to Sacramento ahead of the 1985-86 season. The franchise-worst skid is 14 games, recorded by the Cincinnati Royals in both 1959-60 and 1971-72.
Jeremiah Fears added 20 points off the bench for the Pelicans, who won their second straight game while posting their biggest win of the season in terms of margin of victory. Rookie Maxime Reynaud totaled 21 points and a career-high 19 rebounds to lead Sacramento.
Nets 123, Bulls 115
Nic Claxton collected a career-high 28 points and 10 rebounds and Brooklyn came back from blowing a 15-point lead in the third quarter to beat Chicago in New York.
The Nets won consecutive games for the third time this season thanks to Claxton, who made 12 of 15 shots and surpassed his previous career high of 27 set against the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 26, 2023. He recorded his 10th double-double and added four assists.
Claxton's big night helped the Nets improve to 2-9 this season when Michael Porter Jr. is held out. Porter sat due to right knee tendinitis and rookie Egor Demin was rested. The Bulls dropped their fifth straight and fell for the eighth time in nine games.
Timberwolves 138, Hawks 116
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points on 11-for-21 shooting and Minnesota pulled away for a win over Atlanta in Minneapolis.
Julius Randle notched 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for the Timberwolves, who bounced back from a 19-point loss one day earlier against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ayo Dosunmu recorded 21 points off the bench.
CJ McCollum put up 38 points to lead Atlanta, which lost its second game in a row. Nickeil Alexander-Walker registered 23 points and 12 rebounds against his former team.
Magic 118, Bucks 99
Franz Wagner scored 14 points in 17 minutes in his return to action for Orlando and was a catalyst in a game-changing third-quarter run as the Magic downed visiting Milwaukee.
Anthony Black amassed 26 points and Desmond Bane added 25 for the Magic, who have now won three in a row, matching their best runs of the season.
Milwaukee's modest three-game winning streak -- its longest of the season -- was snapped. The Bucks, still without star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), got 28 points and seven assists from Kevin Porter Jr. plus 15 points from AJ Green.
- NBA roundup: Pistons top Hornets at Fight Night in Charlotte
- Stephen Curry (knee) to miss All-Star Game
- Brawl between Pistons, Hornets results in four ejections
- Suns take aim at recent home woes against retooled Mavs
- Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles) cleared to return to practice
- Pacers F Johnny Furphy out for season with torn ACL
- Bucks sign former Nets G Cam Thomas
- NBA roundup: Knicks forge standings tie with Celtics in head-to-head win
- Two-time champ Damian Lillard to participate in 3-point contest
- Rockets' Alperen Sengun replaces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in ASG
- Knicks' OG Anunoby out, Karl-Anthony Towns to play vs. Celtics
- Lakers signing former first-round pick Kobe Bufkin to 2-year deal
- NBA roundup: James Harden makes triumphant debut as Cavs down Kings
- Rockets C Alperen Sengun apologizes for sexist remark
- Warriors upgrade G Pat Spencer to NBA deal for rest of season
- NBA finalizes competitors for Slam Dunk, Shooting Stars competitions
- Wizards' Anthony Davis expected to sit out rest of season
- NBA roundup: Stunning comeback lifts Celtics over Heat
- Luka Doncic (hamstring) out vs. Warriors but reportedly isn't badly hurt
- Nuggets' Peyton Watson (hamstring) out at least 4 weeks
Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists and 14 rebounds in a 117-119 loss to the Cavaliers on Monday, Feb. 9.
Timberwolves' F Julius Randle recorded a triple-double, finishing with 18 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 138-116 win over the Hawks on Monday, Feb. 9.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This is the front end of a back-to-back set, so the Knicks will take the cautious approach here. Robinson will sit out for rest purposes before suiting up for Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are a much more competitive team, so it makes sense that they'd rest Robinson against the Pacers. The absence of Robinson should mean more minutes for Ariel Hukporti as the backup center. He'll offer low-end streaming value, but doesn't have a ton of upside with Karl-Anthony Towns healthy.
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the New York Knicks, as he continues to work back from a left ankle sprain that has delayed his Pacers debut. Zubac closed his Clippers tenure strong with consistent double-double production, but his availability remains uncertain. If he sits again, Jay Huff is a strong short-term stream after starting Sunday and posting 15 points, two 3-pointers, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Huff offers immediate value in points, blocks, and threes, while Zubac remains a stash with upside once cleared.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) is listed as questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. He has missed each of the last two games due to a lingering toe injury. His absence has led to increased playing time for Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara in the rotation. Shamet finished with three points, three assists, and four rebounds in 28 minutes of action on Sunday. Neither player has offered viable fantasy value while Anunoby is sidelined. Diawara is the slightly better option, but fantasy managers should be able to find better streaming options if Anunoby misses a third game in a row.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) participated in select portions of practice with the Maine Celtics on Monday before being recalled to Boston to continue his rehabilitation. The controlled work marks another step forward after he was recently cleared for limited five-on-five action in team settings. While there is no firm return timetable, the progression is notable. Fantasy managers in deeper formats can consider a speculative IL stash, as Tatum's upside remains elite once cleared, though patience and roster flexibility are required.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (ankle) will sit out Monday against Minnesota due to right ankle inflammation, removing a key perimeter defender and secondary playmaker. Daniels had averaged 7.2 points, 5.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across his last five games, so his absence consolidates usage. C.J. McCollum is set to start and becomes a viable stream after logging 12 points, three assists, and one steal on 62.5 percent shooting in his last outing. Nickeil Alexander-Walker should shoulder heavier playmaking.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (knee) will sit out Monday against Minnesota after being added to the injury report earlier in the day and ruled inactive with left knee inflammation. His absence creates a short-term opening across Atlanta's frontcourt. Onyeka Okongwu is positioned for a heavier workload and remains the primary fantasy beneficiary after posting 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes in his last outing. Zaccharie Risacher and Corey Kispert should also see steadier minutes, while Johnson remains a firm hold once healthy.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) will miss Monday's game against Brooklyn, marking his second straight absence as he continues to recover from a right calf strain. With Nikola Vucevic traded, Smith still carries long-term hold value, even as his injury shuffles Chicago's center short-term. Guerschon Yabusele is the primary beneficiary and profiles as a viable streamer. He started Saturday against Denver and logged 26 minutes with 12 points, four 3-pointers, two rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. Nick Richards remains a deeper option, while Yabusele offers short-term value in points, triples, and defensive stats.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) is available to play ahead of Monday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Carter will shed a questionable tag and will suit up despite dealing with left ankle soreness. There is no word of a minutes limit, so fantasy managers should expect Carter to be a full-go for Monday's contest. Carter has been struggling lately, with 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.3 minutes over his last four games. Fantasy managers should hold him through his struggles and hope he bounces out of his slump soon.
Chicago Bulls guards Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Tre Jones (hamstring) will both sit out Monday against Brooklyn, keeping Chicago's backcourt thin heading into the final week before the All-Star break. Giddey is set to miss a seventh straight game, while Jones remains unavailable as his absence stretches toward double digits. Their continued absence locks in expanded roles for Anfernee Simons, Jaden Ivey, and Collin Sexton. In Saturday's loss to Denver, Simons played 33 minutes with 15 points, three triples, four rebounds, and six assists, while Sexton scored 17 points in 29 minutes. Simons is the safest short-term stream, with Ivey offering upside in steals.
According to Farbod Esnaashari of Sports Illustrated, guard Bennedict Mathurin will make his Los Angeles Clippers debut against Houston on Tuesday. The 23-year-old was acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline. Mathurin is expected to have a significant role with his new club, playing alongside Kawhi Leonard. He's averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.8 minutes across 28 outings so far this season.
On Monday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports that Indiana Pacers forward/guard Johnny Furphy (knee) will miss the remainder of the season due to sustaining a torn right ACL. Across 31 outings, the 21-year-old averaged 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes per game. Now that Furphy is out for the forseeable future, Ben Sheppard and Quenton Jackson will be relied upon to take on expanded roles.
Orlando Magic Franz Wagner (ankle) is set to suit up Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 29-year-old has missed nine consecutive contests due to a sprained left ankle. In his return, Wagner will probably play less than the 32.8 minutes he's averaged this campaign. Anthony Black could continue to see an expanded role this evening, giving fantasy managers a solid option until Wagner is ready to take on his regular workload.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is available for Monday's matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ayton missed Saturday's 105-99 win over Golden State due to a sore right knee. However, he has been cleared to play against the defending champions. With Ayton back in action, big men Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber's minutes could be significantly reduced during tonight's contest.
Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (shoulder) is active for Monday's matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans. McDermott will play through right shoulder soreness and will come off the bench. The 34-year-old veteran forward has seen action in just nine games this season while averaging 9.3 minutes per contest. Still, during tonight's tilt, he could get extended minutes as Zach LaVine (finger) and Malik Monk (illness) are both sidelined.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (back) will not play against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, marking his third consecutive missed contest due to a back injury. With Sabonis sidelined, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell are expected to take on expanded roles. Raynaud should continue to serve as Sabonis' replacement in the starting lineup, while Cardwell is coming off a strong showing, posting a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double against Cleveland on Saturday. Given New Orleans' bottom-six ranking in fantasy points allowed to centers, both rookie big men are in a favorable spot to deliver streaming value Monday night.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday against Philadelphia after sitting out Saturday due to injury management. The matchup is not part of a back-to-back, improving his chances to return, though availability remains uncertain. Williams has been productive when active, averaging 9.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks across 19.3 minutes over his last five games while shooting 91.7 percent from the field. If he sits, Donovan Clingan should see heavier minutes, with Yang Hansen next in line. Williams is a high-upside hold despite the risk.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Jaylon Tyson (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game in Denver after suffering a left ankle sprain, putting his Ironman stretch since mid-November at risk. If Tyson sits, Cleveland would likely redistribute wing minutes to Sam Merrill and Keon Ellis, though neither projects for a major usage spike. The bulk of the offensive load should continue to funnel through Donovan Mitchell and newly acquired veteran James Harden. Tyson logged 10 points and six rebounds in his last outing and remains a hold in deeper formats, but his short-term value hinges on availability.
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (shoulder) is not listed on the injury report for Monday against Golden State after missing Saturday, indicating he has been cleared to return. His availability likely sends Jahmai Mashack back to a reserve role after Mashack logged 30 minutes with 8 points, two three-pointers, one rebound, one assist, and six steals. Coward had been trending up before the injury and now looks like a long-term hold, especially with Memphis' season tilting toward development and Ja Morant (elbow) still sidelined. Usage and minutes should remain stable.
