NBA roundup: Hawks win 10th straight, halt Magic's winning streak
Tue Mar 17 2:11am ET
Field Level Media
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a career-high 41 points and the Atlanta Hawks won their 10th consecutive game, a 124-112 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic on Monday.
Atlanta owns the longest active winning streak in the NBA and the club's longest winning streak since its franchise-record 19-game run in the 2014-15 season. The result ended Orlando's seven-game winning streak.
Atlanta, 11-1 since the All-Star break, moved into a tie for eighth with the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference.
Alexander-Walker shot 12-for-22 from the floor, sinking a career-high nine 3-pointers (on 15 attempts), for his 36th 20-point game of the season. He also had seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Jalen Johnson earned his 13th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists.
Orlando got 18 points and 10 rebounds from Paolo Banchero, 18 points from Desmond Bane and 17 points from Wendell Carter Jr.
Lakers 100, Rockets 92
Luka Doncic scored a game-high 36 points as visiting Los Angeles claimed a victory over Houston.
The Lakers evened the season series with the Rockets ahead of the third and final meeting between the teams on Wednesday in Houston. Los Angeles also extended its lead over Houston for the third seed in the Western Conference to 1 1/2 games. LeBron James added 18 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Lakers.
Jabari Smith Jr. (22 points, eight rebounds) pushed the Rockets to an 88-85 lead before Houston came undone. The Lakers aggressively double-teamed Kevin Durant (18 points, seven turnovers), and the Rockets could not adjust. Houston scored only 12 points in the fourth period.
Spurs 119, Clippers 115
Victor Wembanyama scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, Stephon Castle added 23 points and eight assists and San Antonio continued its late-season surge with a victory over Los Angeles at Inglewood, Calif.
Devin Vassell put up 20 points and De'Aaron Fox added 18 as the Spurs improved to an NBA-best 18-2 since the start of February. San Antonio took charge in the second quarter, when it outscored Los Angeles 37-15.
Darius Garland totaled 25 points and 10 assists as the Clippers played without leading scorer Kawhi Leonard, who sprained his left ankle in a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Jordan Miller added a career-high-tying 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds.
Trail Blazers 114, Nets 95
Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara scored 18 points apiece as Portland never trailed in a victory over Brooklyn in New York.
Camara made 7 of 9 shots after shooting 5 of 20 in his previous two games. Scoot Henderson added 16 off the bench while Donovan Clingan collected 14 and 11 rebounds for his 29th double-double this season. Kris Murray contributed 14 points while Jerami Grant had 12 points for the Blazers.
With top scorer Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) and others out, rookie Chaney Johnson led the Nets with 17 points. Tyson Etienne and rookie Ben Saraf added 15 apiece as the Nets continued playing younger players in the fourth.
Bulls 132, Grizzlies 107
Matas Buzelis scored 18 of his 29 points in the third quarter and Josh Giddey contributed 16 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists to boost host Chicago to a victory against Memphis.
Giddey has a triple-double in five of the seven games in which he has played in March. Tre Jones (17 points), Rob Dillingham (15), Jalen Smith (13), Guerschon Yabusele (13) and Leonard Miller (10) also scored in double figures for Chicago.
Memphis lost for a season-high eighth straight time. Cedric Coward led the Grizzlies with 17 points. Taylor Hendricks and Jaylen Wells scored 16 points apiece.
Celtics 120, Suns 112
Jaylen Brown had 41 points, seven rebounds and six assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Phoenix.
Brown finished 19 of 21 from the free-throw line, with the makes and attempts both career-best figures. The Celtics received 21 points from both Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, while Payton Pritchard added 19.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 40 points, and Jalen Green added 21. Phoenix had a 110-106 lead with 4:46 to play but didn't make another field goal.
Warriors 125, Wizards 117
Kristaps Porzingis returned to one of his former homes to score 30 points in 26 minutes, De'Anthony Melton chipped in with 27 and Golden State handed host Washington its 12th consecutive loss.
Gui Santos added 18 points for the Warriors, who used 50.5% shooting from the field as the driving force in erasing a five-game losing streak in coach Steve Kerr's 600th regular-season win.
Trae Young had 21 points and five assists in 21 minutes for the Wizards before sustaining a bruised right quad in the third quarter. He did not return. Washington's Bilal Coulibaly and Will Riley each added 21 points.
Pelicans 129, Mavericks 111
Zion Williamson scored 27 points and Saddiq Bey added 23 as New Orleans beat visiting Dallas for its third win in four games.
Trey Murphy III and Jeremiah Fears contributed 17 points each for the Pelicans. New Orleans' Yves Missi pulled in 10 boards and tied his career high with five blocks as he returned to the starting lineup. He took the spot of Dejounte Murray, who sat out due to illness.
Naji Marshall posted 32 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Dallas, which took its 10th loss in 12 games. Cooper Flagg had 21 points, eight assists and seven boards, and P.J. Washington added 18 points.
- NBA roundup: Hawks win 10th straight, halt Magic's winning streak
- Expansion plans in Seattle, Vegas reportedly on NBA docket this month
- NBA roundup: Knicks come back from 21 down to top Warriors
- NBA roundup: Lakers top Nuggets on Luka Doncic's last-second OT winner
- Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo out with ankle sprain
- NBA roundup: Jalen Brunson, Knicks hand Pacers 12th straight loss
- Glen 'Big Baby' Davis released from prison following fraud conviction
- NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Wilt's mark in Thunder win
- 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
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) is questionable to play on Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. He may remain sidelined for a fourth consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain. With Monk out of the picture, Daeqwon Plowden has secured a regular role in the rotation, logging at least 30 minutes in five consecutive contests. He has offered steady production over that stretch, averaging 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. Veteran Doug McDermott has also carved out a spot in the rotation, though his deployment as a three-point gunner has largely failed to pay off.
Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The athletic big man is nursing a right calf strain and could miss his first game since Feb. 20. Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is also considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup, so the trio of Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, and Pete Nance may need to carry Milwaukee's frontcourt. While Sims is likely to take Turner's spot in the starting lineup, Portis has more fantasy upside. The last time Milwaukee was missing both Antetokounmpo and Turner, Portis finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (shoulder) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's encounter with the Phoenix Suns. Reid sustained a right shoulder contusion during Sunday's loss to Oklahoma City, leaving his status uncertain for Tuesday's game. It's the first game of a back-to-back for Minnesota, and the team will want to avoid risking a more serious injury to Reid. If he doesn't play Tuesday night, more minutes will likely go to Kyle Anderson and Joan Beringer, although neither player has much fantasy appeal.
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) has been tagged as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the New York Knicks. After recovering from an ankle injury, Zubac has suited up for three straight games, but he might miss Tuesday's contest because it's part of a back-to-back. If Indiana decides to sit Zubac, Jay Huff and Micah Potter (triceps) would move up on the depth chart, though the latter is also considered questionable for Tuesday's game. Both backup bigs performed well for the Pacers during Zubac's five-week absence.
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is considered questionable for Tuesday's visit to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks. Nesmith has produced a couple of big performances lately, including a 32-point effort in Sunday's loss to Milwaukee, but he's managing an ankle injury. The team will want to be cautious with Nesmith during its upcoming back-to-back set. At MSG, the Pacers may mainly rely on their reserves, with Pascal Siakam (knee), Ivica Zubac (ankle), and Andrew Nembhard (calf) also listed on the injury report.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (calf) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the New York Knicks. After dealing with back and neck injuries, Nembhard has sustained a right calf contusion, which could keep him sidelined for a second consecutive game. T.J. McConnell (hamstring) started in Nembhard's absence on Sunday against Milwaukee, but he is also on the injury report with a questionable tag. Quenton Jackson (calf) isn't fully healthy either, meaning Kam Jones could have a very heavy workload in Tuesday's game, along with Ethan Thompson.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) won't play on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets. He has been ruled out for a sixth consecutive game due to a toe injury. Over the last couple of games, the Heat have used Kel'el Ware as Wiggins' replacement in the first unit. On Tuesday, there might be another change in the lineup depending on Bam Adebayo's (calf) status. Ware averages 12.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks as a starter this season. Jaime Jaquez Jr. also has a chance to make a bigger impact without Wiggins.
Celtics' F Jaylen Brown scored 41 points on 10-of-20 shooting in a 120-112 win over the Suns on Monday, Mar. 16.
Phoenix's G Devin Booker scored 40 points on 15-of-24 shooting in a 112-120 loss to Boston on Monday, Mar. 16.
Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 13 assists and 15 rebounds in a 132-107 win over the Grizzlies on Monday, Mar. 16.
Mavericks' F Naji Marshall scored 32 points on 12-of-24 shooting in a 111-129 loss to New Orleans on Monday, Mar. 16. Marshall is owned in only 68.4% leagues.
Golden State's F Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points on 8-of-13 shooting in a 125-117 win over Washington on Monday, Mar. 16. Porzingis is owned in only 70.7% leagues.
Hawks' F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 13 assists and 15 rebounds in a 124-112 win over the Magic on Monday, Mar. 16.
Atlanta's G Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 41 points on 12-of-21 shooting in a 124-112 win over the Magic on Monday, Mar. 16.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (knee) has been tagged as doubtful on the injury report for Tuesday's clash against the New York Knicks, indicating he is unlikely to return to the lineup. The Cameroonian has been out of action for four games due to a right knee sprain. Indiana has almost the entire team on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's contest, making it impossible to project how the rotation will look. That said, Jarace Walker is healthy and has been a bigger part of the offense in the games Siakam has missed. Additionally, Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson are poised to receive increased opportunities because the team lacks options at the No. 4 spot.
Milwaukee Bucks point guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He skipped the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday versus Indiana to manage a knee issue. Earlier this month, Porter Jr. missed four games due to right knee synovitis. In his last appearance, Porter Jr. made an impact all over the court, finishing a 122-99 loss to Atlanta with 18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block. On Tuesday night, Porter Jr. could be the primary offensive option for the Bucks, as Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) is hurt and may miss the game.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (oblique) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets. He will miss a 10th consecutive game due to a right oblique strain. According to 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, Embiid has resumed basketball activities. This suggests that the former MVP shouldn't be too far from returning. However, he still needs a bit more time to recover, giving Andre Drummond and Adem Bona a chance to impress against Nikola Jokic. Drummond had a big 17-rebound performance on Sunday against Portland when he returned from a three-game absence. The veteran outperformed Bona and may have earned himself a starting spot for Tuesday.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson (ankle, neck) is questionable for Tuesday's meeting with the Indiana Pacers. Brunson produced 29 points and nine assists against the Pacers on Friday night, but he may have to sit out Tuesday's rematch due to ankle and neck injuries. Brunson's absence would create additional playing opportunities for Jose Alvarado, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns will be expected to be much more active on the offensive end. Towns has averaged 28.2 points and 14.0 rebounds in five games without Brunson this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss the team's upcoming three-game road trip, P.J. Ziegler of FOX 8 reports. Due to right knee tendonitis, he will sit out a sixth consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. In Allen's absence, Thomas Bryant's workload has slightly increased, while Keon Ellis has made back-to-back starts. After impressing in his season debut on Sunday against Dallas, Max Strus is also a candidate to see some action in the starting unit until Allen returns.
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center John Collins will be a starter in Monday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. Law Murray of The Athletic reports. He will replace Kawhi Leonard (ankle), who was injured in Saturday's loss to Sacramento. Collins has also faced health issues lately, returning from a seven-game absence on Saturday. He was a regular starter before exiting the lineup and has posted 13.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as a member of the first unit. Leonard's absence is also likely to increase the offensive usage of Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin.
