NBA roundup: Kon Knueppel, Hornets hold off Cooper Flagg (49), Mavs
Fri Jan 30 2:42am ET
Field Level Media
Kon Knueppel set career highs with eight 3-pointers and 34 points as the visiting Charlotte Hornets withstood a career-high 49 points from fellow rookie Cooper Flagg to beat the Dallas Mavericks 123-121 on Thursday.
The matchup between the top Rookie of the Year candidates -- former Duke teammates -- lived up to expectations, with the Hornets emerging with their fifth straight win after Flagg's 20-foot jumper hit the back rim at the buzzer.
Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 draft, shot 10-for-16 overall and 8-for-12 from 3-point range. Brandon Miller scored 23 points for Charlotte, while LaMelo Ball added 22.
Flagg, the first overall pick in last June's NBA Draft, scored 25 points in the first half and finished 20 of 29 from the field with 10 rebounds. Klay Thompson had 16 points for Dallas.
76ers 113, Kings 111
Tyrese Maxey made the decisive layup with 1.3 seconds left, guiding Philadelphia to a victory over visiting Sacramento.
Maxey finished with 40 points, while Joel Embiid added 37, and each of them chipped in with eight assists. Paul George notched 15 points for the 76ers, who overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit. They have won two in a row for the first time in more than two weeks.
Dennis Schroder scored 27 points and DeMar DeRozan added 25 to pace Sacramento, which lost its seventh straight game and fell to 0-4 on its six-game road trip. The Kings are 3-21 away from home this season.
Timberwolves 123, Thunder 111
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points as Minnesota jumped on Oklahoma City early and rolled to a home win. Playing their fourth game in five nights, the Timberwolves built a 14-point first-quarter lead and led the whole way.
Jaden McDaniels added 21 points, going 5-for-5 on 3-point attempts, while Naz Reid added 18 points off the Minnesota bench. Rudy Gobert had 14 rebounds and 11 rebounds.
Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced 30 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein returned from a calf injury that kept him out since Dec. 28, and he finished with 11 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes.
Nuggets 107, Nets 103
Jamal Murray scored 27 points, Jonas Valanciunas hit two free throws with 2.6 seconds left, and host Denver beat Brooklyn in Michael Porter Jr.'s return to the Mile High City.
Tim Hardaway Jr. had 25 points and tied his season with seven 3-pointers while Peyton Watson scored 19 points for the Nuggets, who earned their third win in four games.
Porter scored a season-high 38 points but missed his final four 3-point attempts after Brooklyn rallied to tie it. Terance Mann had 12 points for the Nets, who have lost seven straight.
Wizards 109, Bucks 99
Kyshawn George tallied 23 points, five rebounds and five assists and Alex Sarr recorded 16 points and a career-high 17 rebounds as Washington beat Milwaukee to earn a rare set of back-to-back wins.
Myles Turner led the way for the Bucks with 21 points, a season-high 14 rebounds and six blocks. Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis each scored 19 points. Milwaukee fell to 3-13 without star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) in the lineup.
The Wizards led by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, but a Turner 3-pointer cut the lead to 101-99 with 1:30 remaining. Washington, however, responded by scoring the final eight points.
Rockets 104, Hawks 86
Kevin Durant scored 31 points to spark Houston to a strong second half and a win in Atlanta.
Durant was 12-for-22 from the floor, hitting three 3-pointers. Atlanta native Jabari Smith Jr. added 14 points and eight rebounds for Houston, and Reed Sheppard scored 13. Josh Okogie had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Atlanta was led by CJ McCollum with 23 points, including five treys,. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 20 and Corey Kispert added 17 points. The loss ended the Hawks' four-game winning streak.
Heat 116, Bulls 113
Jaime Jaquez Jr. capped a standout performance with a key assist and a rebound, to help Miami escape with a win at Chicago.
Jaquez finished with 19 points and closed out a double-double with his 10th rebound in the closing seconds, as Chicago's Coby White missed a would-be game-tying 3-point attempt. Norman Powell put up 21 points as the Heat won for the third time in four games.
The Bulls' offensive woes included White shooting just 2-of-11 from the floor, with much of his 14 points coming on 8-of-10 production at the foul line. Ayo Dosunmu led all scorers with 23 points off the Chicago bench.
Suns 114, Pistons 96
Dillon Brooks scored a career-high 40 points and made four 3-pointers, Grayson Allen had 24 points, and host Phoenix topped Detroit.
On a night when the Suns distributed "Dillon the Villain" T-shirts to fans, Brooks was 13 of 22 from the field and added eight rebounds and four assists. Phoenix's Collin Gillespie scored 16 points.
Cade Cunningham put up 26 points, Jaren Duren had 23 points and 13 rebounds and Tobias Harris had 13 points for the Pistons, who had won six of seven.
- NBA roundup: Kon Knueppel, Hornets hold off Cooper Flagg (49), Mavs
- Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes, Spurs’ Carter Bryant chosen for dunk contest
- Hawks F/C Onyeka Okongwu (dental fracture) out at least 2 games
- NBA moves 4 games to reschedule 2 weather-postponed matchups
- Thunder's Luguentz Dort, Pelicans' Jeremiah Fears fined
- NBA roundup: Cavaliers honor LeBron James, then pound Lakers
- Cavaliers' video tribute leaves LeBron James in tears
- Rockets C Steven Adams has season-ending ankle surgery
- Giannis Antetokounmpo bracing for Bucks exit
- NBA roundup: Wizards edge Blazers, halt 9-game skid
- Caitlin Clark to join NBC studio team for ‘Sunday Night Basketball’ launch
- Spurs' Wembanyama 'horrified' by Minneapolis reaction 'like murder of civilians is acceptable'
- NBA roundup: Luka Doncic, Lakers end Bulls' winning streak
- Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper headline Rising Stars selections
- Hawks' Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis nearing return
- NBA roundup: Zion Williamson, Pelicans win at San Antonio in a stunner
- Suns G Devin Booker (ankle sprain) to miss at least 1 week
- Bucks-Mavs game postponed due to winter-weather storm affecting travel
- Weather causes postponement of Nuggets-Grizzlies game
- Raptors C Jakob Poeltl remains without timeline to return
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (toe) will miss Friday's game against Phoenix as he continues to recover from a right toe sprain, with his status for the upcoming road trip still uncertain. His absence has elevated Jaylon Tyson into a steady starting role, and he has responded with 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across his last five games, making him a strong short-term add. Sam Merrill is still ramping up but profiles as a viable standard-league option as his minutes stabilize, especially with Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined for multiple weeks. Garland remains a clear hold.
Atlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis after undergoing a dental procedure and has already been ruled out for Thursday against Houston, with Saturday's game in Indiana also off the table. His next chance to return comes Tuesday in Miami. Atlanta unexpectedly turned to Christian Koloko as a starter, and he logged 26 minutes with six points, seven rebounds, one steal, and one block, while Mouhamed Gueye played 21 minutes off the bench with two points, three rebounds, and two assists. Both Koloko and Gueye remain difficult to trust, given the small sample and fluctuating roles, keeping Okongwu as the clear hold.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) is hopeful to be cleared before the All-Star break after missing time since late December with a right knee bone bruise. While no firm date is set, the update tightens the window and puts his return on the near-term radar. Johnson is averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 28 starts, a modest fantasy profile. His return would squeeze Jalen Pickett and Spencer Jones, who have handled spot starts but remain volatile. Johnson profiles as a cautious hold, with limited upside unless his minutes climb quickly.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (rest) will sit out Friday against Brooklyn after appearing in two straight games, giving Utah a scheduled night off for its leading scorer. His absence creates a short-term rotation adjustment, with Kyle Filipowski expected to step into the starting power forward role. The second-year big has shown efficiency in limited minutes, including 12 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes Wednesday. Brice Sensabaugh should see a usage bump after scoring 22 points in 26 minutes last game, while Kyle Anderson and Taylor Hendricks remain situational pieces.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun (ankle) is aiming to return before the All-Star break after missing time with a left ankle sprain and sitting out Thursday against Brooklyn. The update provides a general target without a defined timetable, leaving his status fluid. The fourth-year guard has yet to find traction this season, averaging 9.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 28.9 minutes across 14 games. Denver has turned to Jalen Pickett during Braun's absence, though his recent production has dipped. Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. have each taken turns filling the rotation, with fluctuating minutes and output.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against Miami due to right calf tightness after exiting at halftime. Smith finished with 11 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes, leaving Chicago thin up front behind Nikola Vucevic. Patrick Williams is the next man up, but remains difficult to trust after posting zero points in 12 minutes and averaging minimal production across his last five games. If the Bulls lean small, Ayo Dosunmu stands to benefit after delivering 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Smith is a short-term hold pending updates.
Washington Wizards guard/forward Tre Johnson (ankle) was ruled out for the rest of Thursday's game against Milwaukee after turning his left ankle on a jump shot late in the second quarter. The rookie logged just 11 minutes and finished with eight points and two assists before heading to the locker room, putting his short-term availability in question. Bub Carrington saw a noticeable minutes bump after halftime and posted 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 29 minutes, putting him on the streaming radar. Bilal Coulibaly and Justin Champagnie should see steadier roles if Johnson misses time, while Johnson himself shapes up as a cautious hold until more clarity arrives.
Phoenix's G Dillon Brooks scored 40 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a 114-96 win over the Pistons on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Dallas' F Cooper Flagg recorded a double-double, scoring 49 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 121-123 loss to the Hornets on Thursday, Jan. 29.
76ers' G Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points on 12-of-18 shooting in a 113-111 win over the Kings on Thursday, Jan. 29.
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley (back) will sit out the second leg of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The veteran logged 23 minutes of action off the bench in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, but will rest his back on Thursday night. With Anthony Edwards returning to action, Bones Hyland was limited to 12 minutes against Dallas. On Thursday, Hyland is likely to have a larger workload, but this is an uncomfortable matchup against a Thunder team that boasts a league-best 105.3 defensive rating.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace (hip) will return from a one-game absence on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He recently hurt his left hip and didn't play in Tuesday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. With Alex Caruso (adductor) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) out of the lineup, Wallace is a welcome addition to the rotation. His return will likely bump Aaron Wiggins to the second unit, but both players should have a similar workload. Across January, Wallace has averaged 23.0 minutes per game, contributing 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (ankle) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The French giant played 21 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks and was initially listed as questionable for the second leg of a back-to-back. Gobert was quiet on Wednesday with six points and six rebounds, but he's had a strong month overall. Still, it won't be easy for Gobert to meet fantasy expectations on Thursday, as the Thunder give up the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to centers,
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has officially been cleared for Thursday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially listed as probable as Denver kicks off a back-to-back. Valanciunas has racked up 16.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game since returning from a calf injury. He's in line for another solid outing on Thursday, as centers have been productive against Brooklyn all season. It's unlikely Valanciunas plays in both games of the back-to-back set, making Zeke Nnaji an appealing fantasy option for Friday.
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (hand) will return to action on Thursday night against the Detroit Pistons. He has shaken off a right-hand sprain, which kept Gillespie out on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Gillespie's return will be huge for a Suns backcourt that's without Devin Booker (ankle) and Jalen Green (hamstring). On Thursday, Gillespie faces a difficult matchup against the NBA's second-best defense, but he has been among Phoenix's best performers all season. In January, the Villanova product has posted 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (hamstring, hip) will suit up on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has upgraded Murray from probable to available, and the Canadian star will continue to lead Denver's offense, with Nikola Jokic (knee) still out. Murray has averaged 28.5 points and 8.8 assists in January, shooting 50.5 percent from the floor. That said, Murray faces a potential banana skin on Thursday, as Brooklyn has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to point guards in 2025-26.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (knee) will return to the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The former All-Star sat out the first game of a back-to-back set on Wednesday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Thompson out, Jaden Hardy returned to the rotation and logged 24 minutes against Minnesota. His minutes will take a hit on Thursday night. After enjoying a brief hot streak earlier this month, Thompson has scored only 12 points across his last two outings, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from him against Charlotte.
Dallas Mavericks point guard Brandon Williams (ankle) will play on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. He was initially listed as questionable for the game following a 24-minute outing in Wednesday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams has been among Dallas' main offensive threats in 2026, averaging 17.4 points over his last seven appearances. On Thursday, Williams may see even more scoring opportunities than usual with Naji Marshall (rest) out of the lineup.
Charlotte Hornets forward/center Grant Williams (knee) will sit out Thursday's meeting with his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets conclude a back-to-back set, and, understandably, Williams won't feature on Thursday after returning from a serious knee injury only a few weeks ago. Across his first eight outings of the campaign, Williams has contributed 4.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 17.4 minutes. His numbers should pick up soon once Williams gets more comfortable on the court, as he is currently making under 32 percent of his field-goal attempts. With Williams out on Thursday, Tidjane Salaun could re-enter the rotation.
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (ankle) has been upgraded from probable to available on the injury report ahead of Thursday's tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks. Miller has heated up recently, averaging 24.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last eight games, while shooting 45.3 percent from deep. Thursday's matchup will be challenging for Miller, as Dallas is among the NBA's top teams at limiting three-point shooting and boasts a top-10 defensive rating.
